Training, Satisfaction with Internship Programs, and Confidence about Future Careers among Hospitality Students: A Case Study of Universities in Taiwan

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors associated with hospitality students' satisfaction with internship programs and the relationships between training, job satisfaction, and confidence about future careers in order to provide schools and industries with suggestions regarding course development and training during internships. A principal component analysis was used to determine the degree of satisfaction with the supervisor, the educational program, the environment, the administration, and relationships. Training classes made a significant difference in satisfaction with the supervisor and educational program. The regression analysis showed that training satisfaction played a positive role as a predictor of participants' job satisfaction and confidence about future careers. The effect of satisfaction with training on participants' confidence about future careers was mediated by their satisfaction with the internship. The administration and learning factors in connection with participants' satisfaction during the internship were found to be significant predicators of their confidence about future careers, but supervision, environment, and interpersonal relations were not.