Pixel International Conferences

The tourism industry is one of the most rapidly growing sectors globally and effective management of this industry means that for many developed and developing countries guaranties the economic growth, stable incomes, jobs. However, studies, conducted in tourism employment field says that the tourism industry has a lack of skilled workforce, including managers. The reason is both - low salaries, long working hours, work on holidays and weekends, lack of career opportunities as well as unsatisfied expectations of tourism industry employers related to new employee career competence. Analysing the factors that determine the successful professional activity of managers in tourism industry it was establishet that it is undoubtedly interlinked with person‘s career competency. It is person's self-management of his or her working and learning experiences in order to achieve desired career progress. The responsibility for the young professional career competence lies with both - the person, as well as institutions of higher education. It became obvious that in order to eliminate the lack of high-skilled workers in the tourism industry institutions of higher education must train professionals who demonstrate career competence corresponding to the expectations of employees. Also it shows the need for research about the approach of employers, students and institutions of higher education to career competence and its components.

The aim of this research is to evaluate importance of career competence areas of future tourism managers for successful career in the tourism industry.

The research results proved that career competence is one of the vital factor for employment and for a successful career in the tourism industry. Acording to students‘ opininion realizing their career in tourism important are initiative, self respect and respect to others, self presentation, the ability to communicate and cooperate, work in team or group, think critically, social responsibility, the planning ability and ability to set goals and manage projects.

Keywords: career, career competency, students, tourism industry