Paving the Way: Exploring Influential Factors that Shape Career Preferences among Students in Higher Education Institutions - Insights from Selected Arts and Science Colleges in Kerala

Abstract

The aim of the research was to examine the elements that influence the career choices of university students. It is a selected study conducted across ten Kerala arts and science colleges ranked in the 2022 ranking of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). A sample of 375 students was selected from the selected higher education institutions. The results show that gender is significantly related to career choice. In addition, except for family factors like parents ‘education and family support, all other factors examined show weak, negative correlation with career choice. Family members’ profession and parental pressure prove to have significant negative association with the career path choice of students. Among the financial factors examined, future job opportunities, knowledge of high-paying jobs, job security, salary increases and perks, and opportunities for promotion and growth show a significant association with students' career choices. All of the personality factors examined correlate significantly with the career choice of the students. Among social factors, with the exception of teacher advice, college career guidance services, and alumni/friend success stories, all other variables studied show a significant association with career choice. Investigating on the factors that impact the career decisions of students, the results show that parental pressure, support from family members, future career opportunities, personal interest, social recognition related to a career, campus placements, influence of social media, and graduate/friend success stories have a significant impact on the students' choice of career. Among these predictor variables, the variables that have the greatest influence on career choices are parental pressure, future job opportunities, personal interest and campus placement. The study recommends universities to have an active careers advice center with a team consisting of a full-time placement officer and a student advisor. Recommendations for conducting psychometric tests to assess skills and conducting parent awareness programs to avoid parental pressure on students' career choices are recommended. Key Words: Career choice, career guidance, family factors, financial factors, personal factors, social factors.