Career Choice Research Articles

Association Between Colleague Violence and the Professional Image of Nursing and Career Decisions Among Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To examine how colleague violence affects professional image and career decisions among nursing students. This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to March 1, 2023, at two public universities in Turkey. All nursing students who met the inclusion criteria and voluntarily agreed to participate were included without any special sample calculation, and a final sample of 357 students was obtained. Data were collected between February 1 and March 1, 2023. Data were collected using a survey form that included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, as well as three scales: the Exposure to Colleague Violence Scale (ECVS) scale, the Image of Nursing Profession Scale (INPS) scale, and the Career Decision Scale (CDS). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analyses. The mean ECVS score was 45.43 (20.80), the mean INPS score was 147.15 (13.51), and the mean CDS score was 79.67 (17.34). A weak negative correlation was found between colleague violence and nursing image, a weak positive correlation between colleague violence and career decision, and a moderate negative correlation between nursing image and career decision. This study highlights the negative impact of exposure to colleague violence on nursing students, affecting both their professional image and career decision-making. Greater exposure to colleague violence correlates with more negative perceptions of the nursing profession and increased uncertainty in career choices. Implementing targeted interventions to reduce and prevent colleague violence, especially in clinical practice settings, is essential for promoting a positive professional image and supporting informed career decisions among nursing students. Addressing and reducing colleague violence among nursing students can enhance their professional image and decision-making regarding their careers, which, in turn, may lead to improved patient care and more significant long-term commitment to the nursing profession. This study adhered to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines for cross-sectional studies. There was no patient or public involvement in this study.

Influence of Gender Roles on Career Choices in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of gender roles on career choices in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Traditional gender roles in Kenya steer men toward fields like engineering and leadership, while women gravitate toward caregiving roles such as teaching. Societal norms and limited access to education, especially in rural areas, reinforce these stereotypes. A 2021 study found 70% of participants felt gender expectations shaped their career paths. Efforts like STEM programs for girls are challenging these norms, but progress is slow. Achieving equitable career opportunities requires breaking these stereotypes and promoting choice based on ability and interest. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social role theory, gender schema theory & expectancy-value theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the influence of gender roles on career choices in Kenya. Practically, educational institutions must implement gender-neutral career counseling programs that provide all students with equal opportunities to explore a wide range of career options, irrespective of their gender. Policy interventions should focus on addressing systemic gender inequalities in the workforce

ColombiaTuitionSET: Labeled dataset for exploring socioeconomic status, career selection, and tuition fees at a Colombian public university.

This dataset examines the interplay between socioeconomic status and educational outcomes among students at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Collected from publicly available data in collaboration with the National Directorate of Information, the dataset includes anonymized records of 3361 students from multiple university campuses during the first semester of 2021. It captures a diverse array of socioeconomic and academic variables, such as family income, residence type, tuition fee, and career choice, providing a unique basis for studying educational access in Colombia. Following authorization from the National Directorate of Information, the dataset underwent a rigorous anonymization and validation process, ensuring data integrity and reproducibility. The data was systematically cleaned and organized to highlight key demographic and socioeconomic variables relevant to student accessibility, persistence, and financial sustainability in higher education. With its detailed structure, this dataset is a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers focused on reducing educational inequalities. It supports analyses that reveal how socioeconomic conditions impact educational pathways, enabling the design of targeted interventions to enhance equity in university access and retention. This dataset contributes significantly to the understanding of educational challenges in Colombian public universities, providing a comprehensive basis for the investigation of the socioeconomic factors that influence students' access to and success in higher education.

The Role of Personality Traits and Decision-Making Styles in Career Decision-Making Difficulties

Career decisions are one of the most important decisions individuals make in their lives. These decisions are multifaceted and complex, making them a challenging process, particularly for students. This creates obstacles for students navigating the career choice process. The aim of this study is to examine career decision-making difficulties within the framework of personality traits and decision-making styles. The target group of this study is undergraduate students studying at a public university. For this research, we collected data through online questionnaire forms. The questionnaire comprised demographic questions and three scales: career decision-making difficulties, personality traits, and decision-making styles. A total of 505 students (63.2% female) participated in the questionnaire. The research model was tested using path analysis. We also conducted network analysis in order to better understand and visualize the relationships between the sub-dimensions of the scales. The findings showed significant direct relationships between career decision-making difficulties and personality traits (conscientiousness, openness, neuroticism, and agreeableness) and decision-making styles (rational, dependent, avoidant, and spontaneous). According to the path analysis result, neurotic personality traits were positively correlated with career decision-making difficulties, while openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were negatively correlated with them. The relationship between dependent, avoidant, and spontaneous decision-making styles and career decision-making difficulties was positive. These results provide valuable insights into the factors that shape career decisions, helping students make more informed choices and manage their career paths effectively.

THE INFLUENCE OF PERCEPTION OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION ON THE INTEREST IN BECOMING A TEACHER: A CASE STUDY OF PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS

This study examines how teachers' perceptions influence individuals' interest in choosing a profession as a teacher. The aim is to uncover the impact of these perceptions on the interest in becoming a teacher, with the expectation that the findings will provide new insights for teacher recruitment strategies in the future and enhance the quality of education. The results are expected to offer recommendations for designing teacher professional development programs and serve as a reference for future researchers in exploring other factors influencing interest in becoming a teacher. The research type used is quantitative research with the dependent variable being the interest in becoming a teacher, and the independent variable being teachers' perceptions. The population in this study consists of students from the Economic Education Department, Faculty of Economics, Universitas Negeri Medan, class of 2021. The sample in this study is 70 students. Due to the relatively small population size, a saturated sampling technique was used. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire, and data analysis was performed using simple regression. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into how teachers' perceptions impact students' career choices. By understanding these perceptions, education stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to improve teacher recruitment and retention. Moreover, the results could guide the creation of policies and programs aimed at improving the image of the teaching profession, thereby attracting more individuals to consider teaching as a viable and rewarding career. The study also has the potential to influence educational institutions and policymakers in designing more effective teacher professional development initiatives.

INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL BACKGROUND ON THE CAREER CHOICE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Career choice of students with hearing impairment in secondary is important to their overall future achievement. There are various factors that have been found to affect the career choice of students with hearing impairment. This paper investigated the influence of parental background on the career choice of secondary school students with hearing impairment in South west Nigeria. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. This study employed descriptive survey design and was carried out in all the six states in South west Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of 1,657 (873 male and 784 female) senior secondary three (SS3) students of public and private secondary schools for the deaf. The sample for the study was 831(460 male and 371 female) SS3 students selected using proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for the study was a self-structured questionnaire tilled “Parental Background and Career Choice Questionnaire (PBCQ)”. Z-Test statistical method was used to analyse the research hypotheses. The findings showed that there is no significant difference in the mean response of male and female students with hearing impairment regarding the influence of parental attitude, parents’ level of education, and parents’ occupation on their career choice in secondary schools for the deaf in South west Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was recommended that guidance counsellors should be used in secondary schools for the deaf to help pupils make career decisions, parents should be made aware of the variety of occupations available for their deaf children through career talks and seminars organised by the deaf school, and that, parents ought to be active in their children's educational pursuits.

Membangun Minat dan Jiwa Kewirausahaan Pada Siswa SMK Kartini Surabaya

Building interest and entrepreneurial spirit in the younger generation is not easy, the perception that entrepreneurship is not an attractive or profitable career choice is one of the obstacles in building interest and developing an entrepreneurial spirit among young people, this perception causes young people's interest in entrepreneurship to still be very low. This service aims to provide entrepreneurship training in order to build economic independence for students at Vocational High School SMK Kartini 7 Surabaya. Generation Z is a generation that is expected to be able to contribute to participating in encouraging economic development and improving welfare, improving welfare starts for themselves, family, friends and the surrounding community. Inability to see business opportunities, lack of ideas or concepts, lack of knowledge and skills, fear of failure, inability to manage and face risks, lack of self-confidence, lack of support from people around them, all of these are factors that hinder the growth of interest and entrepreneurial spirit among the younger generation. For this reason, efforts are needed to overcome these obstacles, through entrepreneurship training. Entrepreneurship training aims to foster interest and build an entrepreneurial spirit among vocational school students and build awareness that entrepreneurship is very important to increase potential and self-development, build an independent, creative and innovative spirit, a tough generation that does not give up easily.

Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Career Path and How to Navigate Career Decisions

Choosing a career is one of the most significant decisions in a person’s life, yet it is often fraught with uncertainty and external pressures. This paper explores the consequences of choosing the wrong career path and provides actionable insights for students and professionals alike. By analysing survey data, presenting case studies, and interpreting graphs, the paper addresses the factors influencing career decisions and strategies to align career choices with personal and market demands. Key questions focus on the role of confidence, doubt, external pressures, and adaptability in career decision-making.

Unlocking Potential: Addressing Societal and Economic Barriers for Qatari Youth in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector

This quantitative research examines the factors discouraging Qatari youth from pursuing careers in the tourism and hospitality sector. It explores socio-cultural and industry-specific barriers, evaluates the effectiveness of government and private initiatives supporting local employment in the field, and proposes strategies to enhance the sector's appeal to Qatari youth. The findings reveal that societal attitudes play a significant role in shaping career choices, with 31% of respondents perceived a lack of community acceptance and 30.3% expressing uncertainty about societal openness to such roles. Many participants also have associated hospitality jobs with a negative impact on self-esteem. Additionally, 17% cited religious concerns, believing that Islam does not endorse such professions. Beyond societal influences, financial and occupational factors contribute to the reluctance of Qatari youth to enter the hospitality industry. Low financial incentives and demanding working conditions—such as long hours and high-pressure environments—were key deterrents. Compared to lucrative sectors like oil, gas, and banking, hospitality careers offer fewer financial benefits and limited opportunities for professional advancement, making alternative industries more attractive to Qatari job seekers.

Parents who interfere with their children’s career choices: a path analysis model investigating risk and protective factors for students’ burnout and depression

ABSTRACT Parental interference in career choices can expose adolescents to the risk of school burnout and depressive symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between career-related parental interference, school burnout, depressive symptoms, career decision self-efficacy, and school anxiety. Participants were 134 Italian high school students (M age = 18.14 years, SD = 0.651; 75.4% females). Path analysis found a positive total effect in the associations of career-related parental interference with school burnout and depressive symptoms. Parental interference was also negatively associated with career decision self-efficacy and positively with school anxiety, which was, in turn, associated with school burnout and depressive symptoms. Parental interference influences depressive symptoms both directly and indirectly, while burnout is only directly through the total mediation of school anxiety. Findings from the present study can provide helpful information for career counselling interventions to address school burnout and students’ depressive symptoms due to parental interference in their children’s career choices.

The influence of gender-based perceptions on females joining a bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery in Rwanda

Through progressive policies, Rwanda has made significant strides in promoting girls’ education and empowerment. However, female enrollment in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programs remains disproportionately low. This cross-sectional study investigates the influence of gender stereotypes and girls’ self-perceptions on female engagement in MBBS programs in Rwanda. The data analyzed for this study has been used and published in BMC Medical Education in a study with a different but clearly related focus, under the title “Gender-based support systems influencing female students to pursue a bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery (MBBS) in Rwanda” (Neil KL, BMC Med Educ 24:641,2024). While the previous analysis focused on the presence and gaps in gender-based support systems, the current research has a new focus on gender based self-perceptions influence in girls interest in pursuing medical school training. Conducted across 13 secondary schools and 3 universities offering MBBS degrees, the study engaged 8–12 students, parents/guardians, and teachers in each focus group discussion in a total of thirty-four focus group discussions and sixteen semi-structured interviews. Twenty-eight discussions took place at the secondary school level, and six were conducted at the MBBS level. Data analysis utilized inductive coding to identify recurring themes. The study identified three overarching themes: society’s role in shaping gendered expectations about domestic and professional roles, girls’ self-perceptions regarding their ability to pursue sciences and MBBS within these norms, and internalized stereotypes affecting girls’ career aspirations. Drawing on gender schema and social cognitive theory, the research underscores how societal expectations and stereotypes shape and constrain girls’ career choices. The findings highlight the necessity of dismantling gender-based perceptions that hinder girls’ participation in scientific disciplines, including MBBS.

Entering finance: justifying career choices in a stigmatized industry

Entering finance: justifying career choices in a stigmatized industry

Is the police service still a long-term career choice? Perspectives of new recruits

PurposeThis article is timely due to the current high attrition of officers (National Police Chiefs Council, 2023) and will explore the literature surrounding retention and attrition of officers, the impact of this on trust and confidence, and the need to understand the reasons why officers join the service coupled with their expectations of the police as a long-term career (>10 years).Design/methodology/approachThis research will describe a study using a survey that examined views of 120 new recruits from 3 UK police forces on why they joined the service.FindingsIt notes that many still see the police service as a long-term career and indicate little intention of leaving, raising further questions surrounding the reasons for the current high attrition rates. It concludes with where police forces could focus to improve retention, suggesting some reasons for the attrition such as low job satisfaction, poor welfare and organisation culture, and some practical suggestions as to where police forces could focus to improve retention.Research limitations/implicationsAlbeit this research was sent to a small sample (n = 127) and did not address shift work issues or welfare support, it will serve as a foundational pilot. The research initial findings can inform future studies with more detailed analyses and targeted strategies to enhance officer retention and public trust in the police force.Practical implicationsThe research aims to provide insights into how recruitment motivations and job satisfaction impact long-term retention.Social implicationsThis research highlights the significance of examining the reasons for new recruits joining the service, and of implementing retention strategies prioritising stability, officer support, and community engagement to cultivate a trusting relationship between the police and the public.Originality/valueThis study was designed to examine if current new police officers still view the police as a long-term career choice and to identify if their reasons for joining the service have changed with the current political climate of policing in the UK.

The Influence of Students’ Aptitude on Students’ Career Choice in Technical Secondary Schools in the South West Region of Cameroon

The Influence of Students’ Aptitude on Students’ Career Choice in Technical Secondary Schools in the South West Region of Cameroon

Entrepreneurial intention and education among high school and technical students from federal institutes in Brazil

ABSTRACT This study investigates entrepreneurial intentions and education among high school and technical institute students at federal institutes in Brazil. Data were collected through a digital survey distributed to 127 students and analysed using SPSS software, with the theoretical framework grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The findings indicate a predominant preference for career choices that enhance quality of life. Additionally, it was found that engagement in technical education positively correlates with entrepreneurial intentions. Students in their later academic years, as well as older students, display a heightened interest in entrepreneurship. Factors such as attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control were also significant predictors of entrepreneurial intentions within this cohort. The study underscores the need for a more robust integration of entrepreneurship education within the curricula of high schools and technical institutes.

The Relationship between Entrepreneurial Attitude, Entrepreneurial Education, and Entrepreneurial Intentions of Millennial College Students, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy as a Mediator

Due to the development and reform of the social economy, entrepreneurship has become a career choice for many college graduates. The study aims to examine the factors that influence entrepreneurial intentions among millennial college students in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. A total of 405 valid questionnaires were collected as the sample, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 to assess correlations and effects. In addition to the primary data, secondary sources, including research articles and online resources, were consulted for further insights. The results indicated that entrepreneurial attitude, entrepreneurial education, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy have a positive impact on entrepreneurial intention, with entrepreneurial self-efficacy being the most significant factor. The value of the research lies in providing insights for educational institutions, policymakers, and support organizations to foster entrepreneurship among millennials. Future research should consider larger samples, diverse data collection methods such as offline research and interviews, and longitudinal studies for deeper understanding of and guidance for entrepreneurial development.

What Women Intercollegiate Coaches Say

To address misconceptions about the lack of women in sport coaching, factors influencing intercollegiate women coaches' career decisions, including their choices to leave positions, apply for new ones, and accept or deny job offers were explored. Utilizing a multi-level analysis underpinned by critical feminist theory, a comprehensive understanding of the systemic and structural barriers women coaches faced, as well as the strategies they employed to navigate their careers were illuminated. Key findings revealed that unequal pay, lack of administrative support, insufficient resources, and pervasive gender biases significantly impacted women's career choices. The importance of supportive workplace environments, flexible working conditions, professional development opportunities, and organizational commitments to diversity and inclusion emerged as crucial for attracting and retaining women coaches. By gathering women coach’s perspectives (n = 118, NCAA Division I, II, and III), data refuted common ‘blame the women’ narratives and emphasized the need for systemic change within intercollegiate sports. This research contributed to the ongoing dialogue on gender equity and practical strategies for athletic departments to create more inclusive and supportive environments, thereby enhancing the recruitment and retention of women coaches are offered.

A REVIEW OF ACTORS AFFECTING COLLEGE STUDENTS’ EMPLOYMENT QUALITY: PERSPECTIVES FROM CAREER CHOICE VALUES AND BEHAVIORAL DECISION-MAKING

This research systematically reviews the literature on the impact of career choice and employment behavior decision-making on the employment quality of college students. First, the article reviews the current research on college students' career choices and finds that contemporary college students pay more attention to career economic returns and prefer employment in coastal areas and large and medium-sized cities. At the same time, considerations of the ownership form of the unit tend to fade. Second, the article discusses the factors affecting employment quality from the perspective of multiple theories, encompassing four dimensions: individual characteristics, family background, educational experience, and social environment. In In terms of employment behavior decision-making, the article deeply analyzes key factors, such as individual level (gender, age, education), intergenerational influence, reservation salary, and job search methods, from a phenomenological perspective. study found that gender discrimination is still a prominent problem in the employment market. The intergenerational effect significantly affects employment decisions through education investment and information acquisition. The reservation salary serves as a crucial psychological threshold for employment decisions. Finally, the article systematically reviews the existing research, highlighting the shift from theoretical discussion to empirical analysis, and the diversification of research methods, which serves as a significant source of inspiration for future research.

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Decision to Select Thai Nguyen University of Information Technology and Communication

This article presents a study that aims to examine and analyze the factors that influence students' decisions in choosing the Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology. The research intends to assist universities in gaining a deeper understanding of the crucial factors that students consider when selecting a university. Consequently, this will lead to the development of more effective admission policies and strategies. The study involved collecting data from a random sample of first-year students at Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology during 2022. Data was gathered using questionnaires and both qualitative and quantitative research methods, utilizing SPSS 20 software. The findings from factor analysis indicated that a multiple regression model was suitable for assessing the factors that influence decisions to enroll in the Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology. Variables such as CSVC1 (Adequate classrooms meeting to learning needs), CSCV4 (Modern and well-equipped library with ample study materials), HP3 (Generous scholarships for various groups), VL3 (Supportive policies for employment during studies), DT2 (Curriculum aligned with social needs), DT4 (High-earning graduates), and DNGV1 (Highly qualified and standardized faculty) showed significant correlations with the dependent variable - students' career choices. The results demonstrated that the proposed model was well-fitted, with favorable levels of compatibility indices (CFI, TLI) and accuracy (GFI, RMSEA). Additionally, the outcomes of the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) supported the appropriateness of the proposed model and its capability to explain the relationships between variables in the study. Based on these research findings, the article provides recommendations, including enhancing faculty quality, improving infrastructure and facilities, diversifying programs, and enhancing university information dissemination to elevate the quality and quantity of future admissions.

Gender Stereotypes and Bias as Depicted in STEM Textbooks of School Education

STEM education is vital for fostering creativity and critical thinking among students. Researching gender bias in STEM textbooks is crucial as these materials significantly influence students’ perceptions of gender roles, career aspirations, and cultural beliefs, potentially perpetuating inequalities in STEM fields. This review paper examines five aspects of gender portrayal in STEM textbooks: (i) language and terminology, (ii) visual representation, (iii) professional and occupational roles, (iv) games and leisure activities, and (v) cultural and regional differences. Employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, the study analyzed 39 selected papers from databases like Web of Science, Scopus, Springer Link, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and ERIC, spanning 2004 to 2024. The findings highlight a dominant male presence in leadership roles and adventurous activities, while females are underrepresented or confined to passive and domestic settings. Female achievements are often minimized across cultures and regions. These insights offer valuable guidance for textbook developers, authors, and educators to design gender-sensitive curricula and educational materials. Future research could explore the long-term impact of such biases on students’ career choices and societal attitudes.