Skill Variety, Supervisor Support, and Role Models Key to Value-Adding Internships

A new study by researchers at the Penn State School of Hospitality Management reveals that the value of internships in the hospitality industry can be significantly enhanced by incorporating experiences that foster meaningful socialization among coworkers and the development of professional relationships.

Research Overview

The study, led by Associate Professor Michael Tews, discovered that including a diverse range of skills, supportive supervision, and the availability of role models contribute significantly to a valuable and impactful internship experience. The study’s findings were published in the International Hospitality Review.

Tews and his team gathered data from 253 students who had each completed two five-month internships. The survey questions revolved around the students’ experiences during their internships, including the nature of their tasks, the support they received, and their perceptions about the value of their internships.

Key Findings

Tews explained that the study found a significant correlation between the variety of advanced or complex skills students utilize and how they perceive the value of their internships. In contrast, the variety of tasks was not a significant factor. This suggests that intern assignments need to be challenging and developmental.

In particular, the variety of skills interns acquire, especially in operational internships, indicates they are growing professionally, strengthening their commitment to the hospitality industry.

The Role of Supervisors and Role Models

According to the study, supportive supervisors and the presence of role models played a crucial role in shaping a meaningful and motivating internship experience. Interns who felt valued and cared for by their supervisors showed increased engagement, confidence, and perceived value from their internships. Role models, whether senior leaders or mid-level professionals, provided interns with a vision of their potential future in the industry, helping them develop a stronger connection to their work.

Transitions and Challenges

Tews noted that transitioning from school to work can be a significant challenge for recent graduates, especially in industries like hospitality that demand high levels of social interaction, resilience, and adaptability.

Improving Internship Experiences

Hospitality companies can use these findings to redesign internships to attract, engage and retain young talent better. Companies should provide challenging assignments that allow interns to apply and expand their skills and ensure supervisors are trained to support and mentor interns. Additionally, intentional efforts should be made to connect interns with role models through shadowing, mentorship programs, or leadership talks.

Tews concluded that a workplace culture emphasizing peer relationships, meaningful work, and strong mentorship matters more than superficial efforts to inject fun into the experience. Organizations that align their internship design with these insights are more likely to leave interns with a positive impression of the industry and increase the likelihood that interns pursue long-term careers in hospitality.

This research was a collaboration between Sydney Pons, a Penn State doctoral student, and Ankie Hoefnagels and Fanny Beaumont-Perez of the Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.

Read the study here.