Hospitality students around the world are eager for international career opportunities, and many are considering working in China after graduation.
The survey was conducted at the as part of the two-day ‘Generation Y Conference’ in Shanghai, by Hilton Worldwide and Les Roches Jin Jiang International Hotel Management College (LRJJ), in China.
David Osborne, senior vice president, Human Resource Operations and Development at Hilton Worldwide, said; “China is witnessing an unprecedented growth in the hospitality sector, which presents huge opportunities for young people who have a passion for working in the industry.”
Attracted to the industry by the plentiful career opportunities, 65% of students form five countries – China, Switzerland, Australia, Spain and the United States – are considering working in China after graduation.
Hilton has an ambitious goal to extend and deepen its presence in China by expanding from the current 28 to over 100 hotels in the market by 2015, and is investing heavily in human resources to support this growth.
“Talent is the most critical resource in the hospitality sector as it is the people who ultimately deliver the guest experience,” said Lawrence Lee, vice president of Human Resources in Greater China & Mongolia.
“Hilton Worldwide has invested heavily in talent development as we believe the company that is able to best attract and groom talent will gain a huge competitive edge in the rapidly expanding Chinese market.”
The hotel group works closely with LRJJ and other hospitality schools in HR development, offering internships to top student and organising guest lectures. Fortunately, Hilton should have no shortage of applicants given that this survey found 57% of students rate it as one of the top three hotel groups they would consider working for.