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Turizm ve Seyahat Hizmetleri Programı Öğrencilerinin Staj Sürecindeki İlk Sektör Deneyimlerinin Nitel Bir Analizi

Year 2026, Issue: 89 , 367 - 377 , 30.04.2026
https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG

Abstract

Turizm eğitimi, teori ile hizmet sektörünün gerçekleri arasında önemli bir bağ kurmakta; staj uygulamaları ise öğrencilerin profesyonel yaşamla ilk gerçek karşılaşmalarını sağlayan önemli bir unsur olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Bu çalışma, turizm ve seyahat hizmetleri öğrencilerinin ilk staj deneyimlerinin sektör hakkındaki algılarını, motivasyon düzeylerini ve gelişen kariyer yönelimlerini nasıl etkilediğini araştırmaktadır. Yapılandırılmamış araştırma günlüklerinin tematik analizi kullanılarak, staj süreci; duygusal, bilişsel ve sosyal gelişimi teşvik eden çok boyutlu bir öğrenme biçimi olarak yorumlanmaktadır. Analiz sonucunda, motivasyon ve psikolojik durum; yönetim ve işyeri ilişkileri; eğitim ve mesleki gelişim; müşteri etkileşimi ile geleceğe yönelik kariyer algılarını kapsayan beş temel tema belirlenmiştir. Bulgular motivasyonun; yönetim davranışları, algılanan adalet ve iş yükü dağılımından derin bir şekilde etkilendiğini göstermektedir. Stajların, öğrencilerin öz yeterlilik, uyum sağlama ve mesleki kimlik duygusu geliştirmelerine yardımcı olan dönüştürücü deneyimler olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Stajları sadece mesleki yükümlülükler olarak değil, kimlik oluşturma süreçleri olarak ele alan bu çalışma, turizm eğitimi ile sektör gerçekleri arasındaki bağı güçlendiren mentorluk temelli ve eşitlik odaklı yaklaşımların değerini vurgulamaktadır.

References

  • Adams, J. S. (1965). Inequity in social exchange. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 2, 267-299.
  • Alaszewski, A. (2006). Diaries as a source of suffering narratives: A critical commentary. Health, Risk & Society, 8(1), 43-58.
  • Aksu, A. A., & Köksal, C. D. (2005). Perceptions and attitudes of tourism students in Turkey. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 17(5), 436-447.
  • Barron, P., & Maxwell, G. (1993). Hospitality management students’ image of the hospitality industry. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 5(5), 5-8.
  • Barron, P., Maxwell, G., Broadbridge, A., & Ogden, S. (2007). Careers in hospitality management: Generation Y’s experiences and perceptions. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 14(2), 119-128.
  • Bartlett, R., & Milligan, C. (2015). Engaging with diary techniques. What is Diary Method, 13-28.
  • Baum, T. (2007). Human resources in tourism: Still waiting for change. Tourism Management, 28(6), 1383-1399.
  • Bolger, N., Davis, A., & Rafaeli, E. (2003). Diary methods: Capturing life as it is lived. Annual Review of Psychology, 54(1), 579-616.
  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589-597.
  • Brown, E. A., Arendt, S. W., & Bosselman, R. H. (2014). Hospitality management graduates’ perceptions of career factor importance and career factor experience. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 13(2), 176-196.
  • Busby, G., Brunt, P., & Baber, S. (1997). Tourism sandwich placements: An appraisal. Tourism Management, 18(2), 105-110.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative inquiry & research design: choosing among five approaches. SAGE Publications.
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
  • Emir, O., Arslan, S., & Kılıçkaya, Ş. (2008). Turizm işletmeciliği ve otelcilik programi öğrencilerinin staj uygulamaları hakkındakı görüşlerinin değerlendirilmesi: Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Örneği. Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, 10(2), 273-291.
  • Emir, O., Pelit, E., & Arslan, S. (2010). Turizm alaninda önlisans eğitimi alan öğrencilerin staj öncesi ve sonrasi görüşlerinin karşilaştirilmasi: Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi örneği. Elektronik Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 9(33), 141-165.
  • Fereday, J., & Muir-Cochrane, E. (2006). Demonstrating rigor using thematic analysis: A hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and theme development. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 5(1), 80-92.
  • Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods, 18(1), 59-82.
  • Gursoy, D., Rahman, I., & Swanger, N. (2012). Industry’s expectations from hospitality schools: What has changed? Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 24(4), 32-42.
  • Kay, C., & Moncarz, E. (2004). Knowledge, skills, and abilities for lodging management. Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 45(3), 285-298.
  • Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall.
  • Kusluvan, S., & Kusluvan, Z. (2000). Perceptions and attitudes of undergraduate tourism students towards working in the tourism industry in Turkey. Tourism Management, 21(3), 251-269.
  • Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage.
  • Malterud, K., Siersma, V. D., & Guassora, A. D. (2016). Sample size in qualitative interview studies: guided by information power. Qualitative Health Research, 26(13), 1753-1760.
  • Merriam, S.B., & Tisdell, E.J. (2016). Qualitative Research: A guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
  • Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1609406917733847.
  • O’Brien, B. C., Harris, I. B., Beckman, T. J., Reed, D. A., & Cook, D. A. (2014). Standards for reporting qualitative research: a synthesis of recommendations. Academic Medicine, 89(9), 1245-1251.
  • Olcay, A., & Düzgün, M. (2015). Turizm sektörünün istihdam niteliğinin öğrencilerin kariyer planları üzerindeki etkisi. Seyahat ve Otel İşletmeciliği Dergisi, 12(3), 49-72.
  • Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration And Policy In Mental Health And Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533-544.
  • Patton, M.Q. (2015). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods (4th Ed.). United States: Sage Publications
  • Richardson, S. (2008). Undergraduate tourism and hospitality students’ attitudes toward a career in the industry: A preliminary investigation. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 8(1), 23-46.
  • Ruhanen, L., Robinson, R., & Breakey, N. (2013). A tourism immersion internship: Student expectations, experiences, and satisfaction. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 12(1), 44-54.
  • Saunders, B., Sim, J., Kingstone, T., Baker, S., Waterfield, J., Bartlam, B., ... & Jinks, C. (2018). Saturation in qualitative research: Exploring its conceptualization and operationalization. Quality & Quantity, 52(4), 1893-1907.
  • Siow, M. L., Lockstone-Binney, L., Fraser, B., Cheung, C., Shin, J., Lam, R., ... & Baum, T. (2021). Re-building students’ post-COVID-19 confidence in courses, curriculum and careers for tourism, hospitality, and events. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 33(4), 270-287.
  • Smith, K., Clegg, S., Lawrence, E., & Todd, M. J. (2007). The challenges of reflection: students learning from work placements. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 44(2), 131-141.
  • Stansbie, P., Nash, R., & Chang, S. (2016). Linking internships and classroom learning: A case study examination of hospitality and tourism management students. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 19, 19-29.
  • Wan, Y. K. P., Gao, H. Y., Eddy U, M. E., & Ng, Y. N. (2023). Expectations and perceptions of the internship program: A case study of tourism retail and marketing students in Macao. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 35(1), 30-43.
  • Waryszak, R. (1999). Students’ expectations from their cooperative education placements in the hospitality industry: An international perspective. Education + Training, 41(1), 33-40.
  • Wong, C. S., & Law, K. S. (2002). The effects of leader and follower emotional intelligence on performance and attitude: An exploratory study. The Leadership Quarterly, 13(3), 243-274.
  • Xu, J., Tavitiyaman, P., Kim, H. J., & Lo, S. K. J. (2022). Hospitality and tourism higher education in the post-COVID era: Is it time to change?. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 34(4), 278-290.
  • Zimmerman, D. H., & Wieder, D. L. (1977). The diary: diary-interview method. Urban Life, 5(4), 479-498.

A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period

Year 2026, Issue: 89 , 367 - 377 , 30.04.2026
https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG

Abstract

Tourism education establishes an important link between theory and the realities of the service sector; internship programs are considered a crucial element in providing students with their first authentic encounters with professional life. This study explores how tourism and travel services students’ initial internship experiences influence their perceptions of the industry, motivation levels, and evolving career orientations. Using thematic analysis of unstructured research diaries, the internship process is interpreted as a multidimensional form of learning that promotes emotional, cognitive, and social growth. The analysis identified five key themes: motivation and psychological state; work environment and managerial relations; education and professional development; customer relations; career perceptions and future planning. The findings indicate that motivation is significantly influenced by managerial behavior, perceived fairness, and workload distribution. Internships are revealed to be transformative experiences that help students develop self-efficacy, adaptability, and a sense of professional identity. Framing internships as identity-building processes rather than mere vocational obligations, this study highlights the value of mentorship-based and equity-oriented approaches that strengthen the link between tourism education and industry realities.

References

  • Adams, J. S. (1965). Inequity in social exchange. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 2, 267-299.
  • Alaszewski, A. (2006). Diaries as a source of suffering narratives: A critical commentary. Health, Risk & Society, 8(1), 43-58.
  • Aksu, A. A., & Köksal, C. D. (2005). Perceptions and attitudes of tourism students in Turkey. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 17(5), 436-447.
  • Barron, P., & Maxwell, G. (1993). Hospitality management students’ image of the hospitality industry. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 5(5), 5-8.
  • Barron, P., Maxwell, G., Broadbridge, A., & Ogden, S. (2007). Careers in hospitality management: Generation Y’s experiences and perceptions. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 14(2), 119-128.
  • Bartlett, R., & Milligan, C. (2015). Engaging with diary techniques. What is Diary Method, 13-28.
  • Baum, T. (2007). Human resources in tourism: Still waiting for change. Tourism Management, 28(6), 1383-1399.
  • Bolger, N., Davis, A., & Rafaeli, E. (2003). Diary methods: Capturing life as it is lived. Annual Review of Psychology, 54(1), 579-616.
  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589-597.
  • Brown, E. A., Arendt, S. W., & Bosselman, R. H. (2014). Hospitality management graduates’ perceptions of career factor importance and career factor experience. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 13(2), 176-196.
  • Busby, G., Brunt, P., & Baber, S. (1997). Tourism sandwich placements: An appraisal. Tourism Management, 18(2), 105-110.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative inquiry & research design: choosing among five approaches. SAGE Publications.
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
  • Emir, O., Arslan, S., & Kılıçkaya, Ş. (2008). Turizm işletmeciliği ve otelcilik programi öğrencilerinin staj uygulamaları hakkındakı görüşlerinin değerlendirilmesi: Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Örneği. Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, 10(2), 273-291.
  • Emir, O., Pelit, E., & Arslan, S. (2010). Turizm alaninda önlisans eğitimi alan öğrencilerin staj öncesi ve sonrasi görüşlerinin karşilaştirilmasi: Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi örneği. Elektronik Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 9(33), 141-165.
  • Fereday, J., & Muir-Cochrane, E. (2006). Demonstrating rigor using thematic analysis: A hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and theme development. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 5(1), 80-92.
  • Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods, 18(1), 59-82.
  • Gursoy, D., Rahman, I., & Swanger, N. (2012). Industry’s expectations from hospitality schools: What has changed? Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 24(4), 32-42.
  • Kay, C., & Moncarz, E. (2004). Knowledge, skills, and abilities for lodging management. Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 45(3), 285-298.
  • Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall.
  • Kusluvan, S., & Kusluvan, Z. (2000). Perceptions and attitudes of undergraduate tourism students towards working in the tourism industry in Turkey. Tourism Management, 21(3), 251-269.
  • Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage.
  • Malterud, K., Siersma, V. D., & Guassora, A. D. (2016). Sample size in qualitative interview studies: guided by information power. Qualitative Health Research, 26(13), 1753-1760.
  • Merriam, S.B., & Tisdell, E.J. (2016). Qualitative Research: A guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
  • Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1609406917733847.
  • O’Brien, B. C., Harris, I. B., Beckman, T. J., Reed, D. A., & Cook, D. A. (2014). Standards for reporting qualitative research: a synthesis of recommendations. Academic Medicine, 89(9), 1245-1251.
  • Olcay, A., & Düzgün, M. (2015). Turizm sektörünün istihdam niteliğinin öğrencilerin kariyer planları üzerindeki etkisi. Seyahat ve Otel İşletmeciliği Dergisi, 12(3), 49-72.
  • Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration And Policy In Mental Health And Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533-544.
  • Patton, M.Q. (2015). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods (4th Ed.). United States: Sage Publications
  • Richardson, S. (2008). Undergraduate tourism and hospitality students’ attitudes toward a career in the industry: A preliminary investigation. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 8(1), 23-46.
  • Ruhanen, L., Robinson, R., & Breakey, N. (2013). A tourism immersion internship: Student expectations, experiences, and satisfaction. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 12(1), 44-54.
  • Saunders, B., Sim, J., Kingstone, T., Baker, S., Waterfield, J., Bartlam, B., ... & Jinks, C. (2018). Saturation in qualitative research: Exploring its conceptualization and operationalization. Quality & Quantity, 52(4), 1893-1907.
  • Siow, M. L., Lockstone-Binney, L., Fraser, B., Cheung, C., Shin, J., Lam, R., ... & Baum, T. (2021). Re-building students’ post-COVID-19 confidence in courses, curriculum and careers for tourism, hospitality, and events. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 33(4), 270-287.
  • Smith, K., Clegg, S., Lawrence, E., & Todd, M. J. (2007). The challenges of reflection: students learning from work placements. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 44(2), 131-141.
  • Stansbie, P., Nash, R., & Chang, S. (2016). Linking internships and classroom learning: A case study examination of hospitality and tourism management students. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 19, 19-29.
  • Wan, Y. K. P., Gao, H. Y., Eddy U, M. E., & Ng, Y. N. (2023). Expectations and perceptions of the internship program: A case study of tourism retail and marketing students in Macao. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 35(1), 30-43.
  • Waryszak, R. (1999). Students’ expectations from their cooperative education placements in the hospitality industry: An international perspective. Education + Training, 41(1), 33-40.
  • Wong, C. S., & Law, K. S. (2002). The effects of leader and follower emotional intelligence on performance and attitude: An exploratory study. The Leadership Quarterly, 13(3), 243-274.
  • Xu, J., Tavitiyaman, P., Kim, H. J., & Lo, S. K. J. (2022). Hospitality and tourism higher education in the post-COVID era: Is it time to change?. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 34(4), 278-290.
  • Zimmerman, D. H., & Wieder, D. L. (1977). The diary: diary-interview method. Urban Life, 5(4), 479-498.
There are 40 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Human Resources Management, Workforce Planning, Employment Equity and Diversity, Workplace Wellbeing and Quality of Working Life
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Eren Gönül 0000-0003-4668-5490

Mehtap Türkan 0000-0003-2243-0063

Submission Date February 1, 2026
Acceptance Date April 29, 2026
Publication Date April 30, 2026
IZ https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG
Published in Issue Year 2026 Issue: 89

Cite

APA Gönül, E., & Türkan, M. (2026). A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 89, 367-377. https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG
AMA 1.Gönül E, Türkan M. A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi. 2026;(89):367-377. https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG
Chicago Gönül, Eren, and Mehtap Türkan. 2026. “A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period”. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, nos. 89: 367-77. https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG.
EndNote Gönül E, Türkan M (April 1, 2026) A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi 89 367–377.
IEEE [1]E. Gönül and M. Türkan, “A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period”, Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, no. 89, pp. 367–377, Apr. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG
ISNAD Gönül, Eren - Türkan, Mehtap. “A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period”. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi. 89 (April 1, 2026): 367-377. https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG.
JAMA 1.Gönül E, Türkan M. A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi. 2026;:367–377.
MLA Gönül, Eren, and Mehtap Türkan. “A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period”. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, no. 89, Apr. 2026, pp. 367-7, https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG.
Vancouver 1.Eren Gönül, Mehtap Türkan. A Qualitative Analysis of Tourism and Travel Services Students’ Initial Industry Experiences During Internship Period. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 1;(89):367-7. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA28UM44LG