Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Dr. Jessica Jefferis:

Jessica Jefferis is an adjunct instructor and dissertation advisor at Gwynedd Mercy University. She has an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University, a M.Ed. from Holy Family University and a B.A. from Boston College. Jessica is a Learning Specialist for high school students with documented learning differences.

Dr. Horace D. Hutchinson:

Horace Hutchinson is an adjunct hospitality management instructor at New York City College of Technology, and Monroe College. He received his Ed.D. in Education Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University, a M.S. in Industrial Labor Relations from Baruch College, and a B.T. in Hospitality Management from New York City College of Technology.

Abstract (150 Words)

The importance of soft skills in hospitality management students’ skill set in terms of providing excellent client service cannot be underestimated. Soft skills can be acquired via specific practices in the real world: through a course tailored to giving students the soft skills they need, on-site training centers, and a proposed index to measure their readiness for the hospitality industry. This article notes the responses of hotel general managers and the corresponding responses of hospitality industry students regarding their aptitude, and readiness for, the hospitality management industry. The collected data measures students’ perceptions of the soft skills they believe they will need compared to those that general managers say are important for the hospitality Industry. The social and psychological advantages as to why students’ need such skills, and the affect upon them, the service industry, and guests of hotels are also discussed.

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A new perspective on the soft skills hospitality management students need to be successful in the hospitality industry: Meeting the gold standard and the Soft Skills Index

The importance of soft skills in hospitality management students’ skill set in terms of providing excellent client service cannot be underestimated. Soft skills can be acquired via specific practices in the real world: through a course tailored to giving students the soft skills they need, on-site training centers, and a proposed index to measure their readiness for the hospitality industry. This article notes the responses of hotel general managers and the corresponding responses of hospitality industry students regarding their aptitude, and readiness for, the hospitality management industry. The collected data measures students’ perceptions of the soft skills they believe they will need compared to those that general managers say are important for the hospitality Industry. The social and psychological advantages as to why students’ need such skills, and the affect upon them, the service industry, and guests of hotels are also discussed.