Analysis of students perceptions towards their future careers
Abstract
Career choice is a process rather than a specific event in students’ life. It’s is one of the many important choices’ students will make in determining future plans. This study aimed at to assessing the students’ perception on their future careers. The study was a cross sectional study and used primary data collected from school of statistics students. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel.
Some of the study found out that majority of the students believed that it is important for undergraduate students to utilize career preparation programs or services provided by the university and a large number of them were utilizing class room lectures (62%) and internship (57%) as their future career preparation. Also, majority of the students knew some of the skills that employers look for when they hire new employees. Computer skills (40%) were the most known by students followed by communication skills (25%). In assessing the extent of preparedness by the university, majority of the students reported that they had been well prepared, adequately prepared and somewhat prepared in oral communication, teamwork/collaboration, problem solving, initiative, knowledge with core courses, technical skills, professionalism, work ethic, critical thing, responsibility, project management, customer service and adaptability.
Arising out of the study findings and conclusions drawn, the study recommends the following; Individuals considering to make career choice decisions should carefully evaluate available career opportunities against their interests. Skills development should be matched with individual interest as well as self-efficacy. Interest and self-efficacy can be identified through employment of psychological which should be administered to every student joining institutions of higher learning. Before students are counselled on what careers they are suitable, career guidance and counselling staff should have endeavor to procure as much data as possible on a student’s interests and self-efficacy. To improve productivity, employers should match skills and interest. This is seeming to be key to unlocking the potential imprisoned in a human being. The study recommends a triangulation of data by mounting a longitudinal study where the same participants are surveyed at first, second and fourth years in university. The purpose will be to measure if by gaining experience, one’s attitudes change. The study looked at limited factors, whereas there are many factors that influence career choice decisions. It is therefore recommended that a similar study be conducted in which many factors affecting career choice decisions can be explored.