A Comparison of Skills Necessary for Successful Careers for American and Russian Hospitality Students Upon Graduation

The purpose of this research study was to determine what skills were necessary for career success for hospitality graduates. It compares the assessments of American and Russian hospitality students, faculty, and industry. The respondents included hospitality students, hospitality faculty, and industry representatives in Texas (USA) and St. Petersburg (Russia). The results of this study indicated that respondents in both countries believe that human relations skills are the most important trait hospitality managers need to possess, followed by conceptual skills and technical skills. Respondents in both countries valued the importance of work experience; however, students and faculty members in Russia had much less actual practical experience than American students and faculty members. Russian universities need to offer additional assistance to students and faculty members to support their acquisition of industry practical experience, analyze the hospitality educational experience of such countries as the United States, and build international partnership.