Job Competencies of Hotel and Restaurant and Restaurant Management Students: Basis for Program Enhancement

This study is aimed to assess the job competencies of hotel and restaurant management (HRM) or hospitality students as basis for instruction or program curriculum enhancement. The study employed descriptive survey method of research. The respondents were identified through simple random sampling composed of hotel and restaurant management or hospitality students and teachers/faculty from 1st to 4th year level of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST). Using a self-prepared but questionnaire-checklist and interview as data gathering tools the following were the findings of the study: HRM or hospitality of NEUST produces graduates capable in performing jobs concerning Housekeeping, Bartending, Food and Beverage, Baking, and Events Management. The competence of concerned students is preserved due to the commitment of the University in bringing up-to-date equipment related to the field, hiring of competent faculty, as well as, continuous faculty development program provided by the University. Also, support of the University played a major role towards endowment of quality education to HRM or hospitality students. Lastly, the curriculum of the program needs never-ending evaluation in order to address possible alignment or opportunities that would fit to the needs of stakeholders, employers, clients, and the like. Hence, by doing so, graduates of the Program would be always ready facing the demands of future employment.