Abstract:

The main aim of this paper is to analyse the role that internships play in the development and achievement of management competences. Moreover, it is studied whether some variables have any kind of influence over the competences achievement. A quantitative analysis was carried out using questionnaires administered to the supervisors of students on curricular internships. The level of management competences of students on the bachelor degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management IQS was assessed. A descriptive analysis and comparisons of means were carried out to investigate differences in management competences between students undertaking internships, according to different variables. The results of the study indicate that students undertaking internships improve their management competences, however some of the variables do not affect the level of achievement of some competences. The study provides relevant information to the academic world and higher education institutions on different factors that affect management competency development and about some aspects to take into account in order to improve the students’ management competences.

Keywords:

Management competences, internships, higher education.