Generation Z career perceptions from Queenstown: a two-cohort study on the impact of a major global event

This study investigated whether COVID-19 had a negative impact on the future Gen Z workforce and their perception of a career in the tourism and hospitality industry. Participants rated both the importance of, and the extent to which the industry offers 20 different career factors. Participants included final-year high school, hospitality management, and adventure tourism management students, before and after extended full-time work experience, prior and subsequent to COVID-19. That is, included participants who chose to study for a tourism and hospitality qualification after a global pandemic was declared and having directly experienced periods of lockdown. The most unexpected finding was that COVID-19 did not have a negative impact on their perception of a career in tourism and hospitality. The study did, however, reveal key gaps in what students’ value in a career, and what the industry is seen to offer. As competition for Gen Z workers grows, it could be crucial to better align the industry’s offerings with these important factors. Interestingly, in contrast to earlier generations, Gen Z students are not seen to be adversely impacted by their work integrated learning experience of the industry by internship. They are generally more positive toward the industry than Gen Y.