Higher education and career development experiences of emerging adults: A focus on university students and graduates in Haiti

Louise M Vital

doi:10.4102/ajcd.v3i1.30

Abstract

Background: There is limited empirical research on student experiences in the Haitian higher education system and less so that examined university-based career counselling and the career trajectory of graduates in Haiti.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the higher education and career development of emerging adults in Haiti.Method: This study emerged from a larger qualitative case study conducted in 2013 of HigherEdOrg (pseudonym); a higher education-centred organization in Haiti. Data collection included semi-structured and focus group interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. First and second cycle coding was applied to interview data.Results: Data analysis revealed two overarching themes: Higher Education and Career Challenges in Haiti and HigherEdOrg Strategies. A combination of country-level opportunity constraints and university-specific academic structures contributed to higher education and career challenges for students. Conversely, university students affiliated with HigherEdOrg found the comprehensive support provided alleviated difficulties surrounding higher education and career experiences. Implications include the possibility of a new model of higher education for Haiti that integrates career counselling as a new area of focus.Conclusion: Though emerging adults in Haiti experience considerable challenges in their higher education and career development experiences, the findings from this study revealed a pipeline between higher education attainment and positive career outcomes for those university students affiliated with HigherEdOrg. Recommendation for future research include an environmental scan of the nature of career guidance offered to university students in Haiti, which will inform the design of targeted and relevant research projects to address this understudied issue.

Highlights

There are positive outcomes associated with educational attainment, with increased schooling resulting in benefits to individuals and society (Akinyemi & Ofem, 2012; Harper, Patton, & Wooden, 2009; Kezar, Chambers, & Burkhardt, 2005; Lewis & Hearn, 2003)
Analysis of the data from the larger case study revealed findings related to perceptions of higher education training and career prospects for university students and graduates in Haiti, and the related implications on their career development and expectations
The challenges conveyed are categorised by the larger Haiti country context, university-specific experiences, and what participants believed to be nepotism and neo-colonial practices embedded in the higher education and career structures in Haiti

Summary

Introduction

There are positive outcomes associated with educational attainment, with increased schooling resulting in benefits to individuals and society (Akinyemi & Ofem, 2012; Harper, Patton, & Wooden, 2009; Kezar, Chambers, & Burkhardt, 2005; Lewis & Hearn, 2003). The benefits of increased education to society are considerable as well. Higher education is important for social equity, mobility and integration (Brennan & Teichler, 2008), resulting in individual participation that in turn benefits the larger society (Belyakov, Cremonini, Mfusi, & Rippner, 2009). Earning a higher education degree leads to income growth, expanded range of choices and increased relevant skills (Ozsoy, 2008). Obtaining higher levels of education leads to better living conditions, better jobs and https://ajcd.africa. There is limited empirical research on students’ experiences in the Haitian higher education system, and even fewer that examined university-based career counselling and the career trajectory of university graduates in Haiti

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion