WHY FRESH GRADUATES STAY: FACTORS SUSTAINING CAREERS IN MALAYSIA’S FOOD SERVICE SECTOR

Abstract

The Malaysian food service sector relies heavily on fresh graduates to meet industry growth demands, yet high turnover rates threaten its sustainability and service quality. Retaining skilled graduates is critical, but limited research has explored why some choose to build long-term careers in the sector. This study explored the factors sustaining the careers of fresh graduates who remain in Malaysia’s food service industry. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews with purposively selected graduates from Malaysian public universities who had completed their bachelor’s degree within the past two years and worked in the food service sector for at least six months. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo 14. Six themes emerged: personal interest, growth opportunities, work environment, psychological and mindset well-being, employee benefits, and location. The findings offer practical implications for employers to design retention strategies that integrate professional development with supportive work environments, and for educational institutions to strengthen career preparation and industry engagement. Enhancing graduate retention in the food service sector can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 on quality education and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.