Employer Feedback on ESSU Hospitality and Tourism Interns Amidst Pandemic and Work Performance

Abstract

This study examined employers’ feedback on the work performance of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHRM) and Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) interns from Eastern Samar State University–Main Campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a descriptive research design, the study gathered responses from 191 interns and their respective workplace supervisors to determine the interns’ demographic profile, assess employer feedback, and analyze whether demographic factors were significantly related to work performance. Results showed that most interns were female, aged 22–23, academically performing well, and deployed mainly in hotels and restaurants through face-to-face, hybrid, or virtual modalities. Employers rated the interns’ overall performance as excellent, particularly in professionalism, adaptability, communication, teamwork, and customer service. Soft skills and technical skills were both rated very satisfactorily, although competencies in sales, marketing, and human resource management were slightly lower. Chi-square analysis indicated no significant relationship between demographic variables and employer feedback, suggesting that performance was consistent regardless of personal or academic background. The study concludes that ESSU interns demonstrated strong employability and resilience despite pandemic challenges and recommends enhancing curriculum components related to managerial and administrative competencies to further improve industry readiness.