THE IMPACT OF INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS ON LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN HOSPITALITY EDUCATION

Abstract

Internship programs have long been a cornerstone of hospitality education, offering students the opportunity to translate academic knowledge into real-world skills. However, a crucial dimension of internship programs that has garnered attention in recent years is their role in fostering leadership development. This theoretical paper explores how internship programs in hospitality education contribute to the development of leadership qualities in students. It posits that internships serve as a vital component for nurturing essential leadership skills such as decision-making, communication, team management, and problem-solving, and suggests that academic institutions should continue to refine and enhance these programs to align with the evolving demands of the hospitality industry.