Examining Career Adaptability and Positive Future Expectations among Tourism Students as a Future Workforce

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between career adaptability and positive future expectations among associate and undergraduate students receiving tourism education. Additionally, the study investigates whether these variables differ significantly according to demographic characteristics (age and gender), education level (associate degree/bachelor’s degree), and the intention to pursue a career in the tourism sector.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research design was employed. Data were collected from 450 students studying in tourism-related departments at universities located in the Antalya region of Turkey through an online survey. The Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (Savickas & Porfeli, 2012; Turkish version: Kanten, 2012) and the Positive Future Expectations Scale (İmamoğlu, 2001) were used as measurement tools. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis, regression, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA.
Results – The results revealed no significant effect of age or gender on career adaptability and positive future expectations. However, significant differences were found based on the type of institution students attended. Students from associate degree demonstrated higher levels of both career adaptability and positive future expectations compared to those from bachelor’s degree. Moreover, a positive and significant relationship was observed between the intention to pursue a career in the tourism sector and the studied variables. Overall, students’ levels of career adaptability—specifically in the subdimensions of concern, control, curiosity, and confidence—along with positive future expectations, were found to be moderate to high.
Discussion – The findings indicate that students’ career adaptability skills and future expectations are largely influenced by their educational experiences. This, in turn, results in higher levels of career adaptability and more positive future expectations among associate degree students compared to their bachelor’s counterparts. The results highlight the necessity for educational institutions to function not only as providers of vocational knowledge but also as guidance centers that actively support students’ career development. Furthermore, in order to make the tourism industry more attractive to the younger workforce, structural reforms and the establishment of career support mechanisms within the sector are needed.