The Impact of Work Quality and Quantity on the Development of Career Decision Status

Abstract

A study is reported that investigates the relationship between career decision status, quantity and quality of work experience obtained by university students. Career decision status is the term used to capture an individual's level of decidedness and comfort with their career decisions and the reasons underlying this state (Jones & Lohmann, 1998). Measures of career decision status were collected from students enrolled in the third year of a Computer Science and Engineering degree over two phases: at the beginning of their third year (Time I); and at the beginning of fourth year (Time II). In between phases, some students completed paid intensive training placements as part of their course requirements, others gained non-degree relevant work experience and others did not work at all. Information was collected on the quantity of work undertaken and quality of work in terms of satisfaction, met expectations and relevance to course of study. Decidedness about career choice was a function of satisfaction and met expectations at work, rather than the number of hours worked. Decisiveness was a function of relevance of work to university degree, rather than the number of hours worked.