Investigating the U.S. Job Market for Hospitality Educators Before, During, and After a Period of Economic Downturn: An Overview of 2006–2010

This study analyzes hospitality faculty position announcements that were published in the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Communique during the period of spring 2006 to spring 2010. It also considers the impact of the economic downturn on the job market for hospitality educators in the United States during this period and further examines available data beyond the downturn. In comparison with past trends, the results indicate that the period of economic downturn and its aftermath possibly had a major identifiable impact on the quantity of hospitality faculty position announcements. Regardless, the findings show a pattern of growing demands on faculty selection criteria. An increasing number of jobs announced during this period required a terminal degree (Ph.D.), teaching experience in two or more subject areas, and relevant industry experience. The emphasis on research experience emerged as a relatively new criterion when compared with the findings of past similar studies.