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Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2025
Keywords
Experiential learning, Inspiration, PERMA, Well-being, Event management students
DOI
10.1108/IJEFM-05-2025-0059
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to examine how experiential learning influences event management students’ well-being across positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (PERMA) dimensions and their inspiration for a career in the event industry. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a mixed-methods study to evaluate an experiential learning event for final-year event management students in Hong Kong. Quantitative data from pre- and postevent surveys (n 5 30 valid responses) were analyzed via paired-sample t-tests. Qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis to identify themes on industry and psychological readiness. Findings – Quantitative results showed significant well-being improvements, including enhanced engagement, relationships, positive emotion, accomplishment, and meaning among students. Additionally, qualitative findings revealed personal growth, stronger team dynamics, and clearer career aspirations. Practical implications – The study contributes to understanding how experiential learning fosters event management students’ well-being and inspiration, shaping their resilience and professionalism as graduates. Furthermore, findings guide educators in designing engaging experiential programs to build students’ psychological readiness, resilience, industry skills, and professionalism amid evolving industry needs. Originality/value – Amid scarce research on experiential learning’s psychological impacts in event management education, this study provides a pioneering mixed-methods empirical analysis, integrating Seligman’s PERMA well-being dimensions (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment) with inspiration sources (“inspired by” the experiential learning and “inspired to” pursue careers, based on Thrash et al.’s, 2010 model) among final-year students during their inaugural professional event.
Source Publication
International Journal of Event and Festival Management
ISSN
e-ISSN: 1758-2962 p-ISSN: 1758-2954
Recommended Citation
Lee, M. (2025). From learning to career: how experiential learning shapes event management students’ well-being and inspiration. International Journal of Event and Festival Management. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-05-2025-0059