FACTORS INFULENCING THE RECRUITMENT OF GRADUATES INTO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: A CASE STUDY OF THE COLLEGE OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, NAKHON PHANOM UNIVERSITY

Abstract

            This research aimed to investigate the factors influencing the employment of graduates in the tourism industry in the 21st century, with a specific focus on the College of Tourism and Hospitality Industry at Nakhon Phanom University. The sample group consisted of 120 individuals, including entrepreneurs, managers, assistant managers, supervisors, and mentors or consultants in tourism businesses where students from the College had worked or undertaken Cooperative Education program. The sample was selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used for data analysis. 

               The results revealed that the majority of respondents were female, aged 31-40 years old, held bachelor's degrees, and had 1-5 years of work experience. Most respondents were employed in hotels or resorts, primarily in human resources departments, and were from the northeastern region of Thailand. Regarding opinions on the factors influencing the employment of graduates in the tourism industry in the 21st century, the overall mean score was high (Mean=4.34, SD=0.04). When considering specific factors, personality and interpersonal skills received the highest overall mean score (Mean=4.64, SD=0.03). The most highly rated attributes included neat and clean appearance, a friendly and cheerful demeanor, responsibility, punctuality, diligence, perseverance, enthusiasm, agility, good health, strong interpersonal skills, confidence, enjoyment in meeting new people, the ability to get along with others, and a commitment to continuous learning for self-improvement.