A poll has found a mismatch between the expectations of the hospitality and tourism industry and that of new entrants to the industry.

Nanyang Polytechnic' School of Business Management surveyed 140 NYP students and alumni of their hospitality and tourism course, as well as 50 industry players from hotels, restaurants and the MICE industry.

The survey found that students prefer companies that provide career paths and job stability while the industry assumes that pay factors as the main attraction for graduates. Students also said that they apply for hospitality and tourism jobs based on information from peers while the industry assumes they use online and social media resources.

"The industry could consider using peer word-of-mouth and existing staff to promote jobs," said senior lecturer Kevin Wee who conducted the poll. Mr Wee was presenting the survey findings at the Nanyang Hospitality and Tourism Industry Seminar 2013, which saw 200 NYP students, 60 industry players and several representatives from the Singapore Tourism Board attending. Separately, NYP also announced a new specialisation in culinary arts parked under its existing diploma in food and beverage business. The specialisation will start next year.