CAREER GUIDANCE AND STUDENTS’ CAREER CHOICE IN THE KUMBA MUNICIPALITY, MEME DIVISION, CAMEROON

Abstract

This study investigated the extent to which career guidance impacts students’ career choice in the Kumba municipality in Meme Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. The objectives were three fold; to determine the role of career information on students’ career choice, to evaluate the extent to which career fairs impacted students’ career choice and to find out whether career days influenced students’ career choice. The theoretical framework adopted for this study was the Holland’s theory of vocational personalities in work environment which helped to identify each student’s compatible career. The research design used for this study was the descriptive survey method. The sample for this study comprised 100 respondents (secondary school students) selected using the simple random sampling technique. Three secondary schools were purposively selected because they were renowned with established and functional guidance and counselling services. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency distributions tables, charts, and percentages) and inferential statistics. The main findings revealed that career information had a significant effect on students’ career choice; that career fairs had a significant impact on students’ career choices; and that career days had a significant effect on students’ career choices. The study then recommended that career guidance activities should be organized in schools to help students determine career goals, understand the world of work and develop career management skills so as to be able to make appropriate informed choices. Article visualizations: