Career Choice Research Articles

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 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.

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.

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.

Finding the Career Path: Career Well-being of Vocational High School Students in Major Selection

Abstract: This study aims to analyze how students at SMK Negeri 1 Bantaeng explore their major or career choices and how these choices relate to their future career well-being. The research employs a descriptive quantitative design. The sample consists of 198 active students from vocational high schools (SMK) in Bantaeng District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The scale used to assess career well-being is based on the development of Coetzee's (2021) Career Well-Being Inventory. The Career Well-Being Scale uses a Likert-type scale with response criteria ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Based on the research findings, students at SMK Negeri 1 Bantaeng demonstrate high overall career well-being, with aspects of affective career planning, career meaningfulness, and social support all falling within the high category. This reflects that students feel comfortable and supported in selecting their majors and planning their careers. The recommendations of this study include enhancing career planning support through strengthened guidance and counseling programs, as well as fostering partnerships with the industry to expand students' career networks. Keywords: career well-being, students; career path, vocational high school.

Implementation of the RIASEC Model Career Guidance Guide through Career Information Services for Junior High School Students

Abstract: Junior high school education is an important phase in student development, especially in exploring interests, talents and career choices. Students need appropriate and structured career information to help them make better decisions regarding their future. However, the existing media is often uninteresting or irrelevant, which cannot support students in recognizing various career options. This study aims to implement the RIASEC Model Career Guidance Guide through career information services at SMPN 2 Pallangga. With a descriptive qualitative approach and narrative method, data were collected through direct interviews with counseling teachers and documentation. The research subjects were 10 9th grade students. The results showed that the implementation of career information services with the assistance of counseling teachers as facilitators. The implementation process focuses on four main aspects: service delivery strategies, stages of implementation, RIASEC-based career guidance content, and media utilization in the form of booklets. This implementation has a positive impact on increasing students' understanding of career planning and helping them recognize their interests and talents. The RIASEC-based guide proved to be relevant as an effective medium to support career information services in schools. Keywords: information services, career guidance, RIASEC model, guide implementation.

Implementation of the RIASEC Model Career Guidance Guide through Career Information Services for Junior High School Students

Abstract: Junior high school education is an important phase in student development, especially in exploring interests, talents and career choices. Students need appropriate and structured career information to help them make better decisions regarding their future. However, the existing media is often uninteresting or irrelevant, which cannot support students in recognizing various career options. This study aims to implement the RIASEC Model Career Guidance Guide through career information services at SMPN 2 Pallangga. With a descriptive qualitative approach and narrative method, data were collected through direct interviews with counseling teachers and documentation. The research subjects were 10 9th grade students. The results showed that the implementation of career information services with the assistance of counseling teachers as facilitators. The implementation process focuses on four main aspects: service delivery strategies, stages of implementation, RIASEC-based career guidance content, and media utilization in the form of booklets. This implementation has a positive impact on increasing students' understanding of career planning and helping them recognize their interests and talents. The RIASEC-based guide proved to be relevant as an effective medium to support career information services in schools.Keywords: information services, career guidance, RIASEC model, guide implementation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.61436/bsscd/v3i1.pp55-64

How gender shapes practice choices among family medicine residents and early career family physicians: a Canadian qualitative study.

The practice choices of family medicine residents and early career family physicians shape access to primary care. A growing proportion of family physicians are women. This study examined how gender operates in shaping family physician practice choices and subsequent practice patterns. Qualitative interview data were analyzed. Family medicine residents and early-career family physicians from three Canadian provinces (Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia) participated in interviews. Qualitative interview data was collected as part of a larger mixed methods study. Eighty-eight interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded into several node reports including one on gender. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes related to how gender impacts physician practice choices. Many participants described multiple intersecting pathways through which it was apparent that gender shaped their career and practice choices. Others did not identify the impact of gender in this regard. Parenthood and caregiving were commonly discussed, as were clinical interests specific to women's health, however, gendered expectations of patients and colleagues were also seen to shape choices. In this way, gender shaped choices directly, but also indirectly in response to gendered experiences and expectations. Findings support the need for structural reforms including: increased availability of collaborative team based models, flexible work schedules, closure of gendered wage gaps, and integration of gender awareness training through academic and healthcare institutions. Consideration of how primary care policies differentially impact across clinician gender is key to future planning to support a changing workforce that meets patient needs.

Barriers and Motivators: Investigating the Impact of Personal and Perceptual Factors on Media Career Choices in Bangladesh

This research examines the individual and societal factors influencing students’ decisions to pursue careers in the media sector in Bangladesh. While media has evolved significantly since the 1990s, the nation faces a shortage of competent journalists, with traditional journalism increasingly replaced by social media. This study delves into understanding the motivations and barriers faced by journalism students at 16 universities across Bangladesh, using a sample of 340 respondents. Factor and regression analyses revealed that students’ enjoyment of their major and past media experiences significantly predicted their likelihood of pursuing a media career. Perceptions of media fairness and accuracy positively influenced career interest, while distrust in media had a negative effect. The importance of media for democracy did not significantly impact career choice. This highlights the critical role of personal interest and media perceptions in shaping students’ career decisions.

Equity in School Principal Selection and Its Influence on Teachers’ Motivation to Pursue the Role

ABSTRACT The first of the critical components of selecting a qualified principal is related to the principal selection process and the second is related to the motivation of teachers to become principals. In the research, these two critical components were discussed together within the framework of Rawl’s theory of socıal justıce. According to the theory, the organization of public resources and services in a way that provides fair and equal opportunities for each individual is important for the development of a sense of justice and trust in individuals. Hermeneutic phenomenological design was used in the research. The focus was on the meanings that participants who experienced the principal selection process created about their experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five teachers, five vice principals and 10 school principals. The research results showed that injustice in the selection of principals in Türkiye is considered a common problem, and that equity-based problems in the selection of school principals are reflected in teachers’ motivation to become principals. It has been suggested that selection policies based on equity should be developed by ensuring the participation of teachers and school administrators in decisions that affect the career choices of school leaders and by taking into account master-apprentice relationships in the selection of principals.

The impact of university students' career management on employability: The mediating role of professional decision self-efficacy

This research investigates the relationships between employability, career decision-making self-efficacy and career management among university students in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. The objective of this study is to comprehend how these elements interact and have an impact on one another regarding students' professional growth. A systematic questionnaire survey was conducted using validated measures created by experts to guarantee validity and reliability. Information was gathered from 631 university students in the Greater Bay Area. The study used a quantitative research approach to assess the correlations among the important variables—individual career management, employability and self-efficacy in making career decisions by statistically analyzing the data obtained. The data suggest that career management greatly improves students' employability. Furthermore, employability is greatly impacted by individual career management which also has a favourable effect on professional decision-making self-efficacy. Notably, employability and personal career management are mediated by self-efficacy in professional decision-making. Education departments, institutions and students should collaborate to emphasize the importance of individual career management. Providing tools and support can enhance students' employability and self-efficacy in making informed career choices.

Career Choices for Graduates of Combined Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Programs: A Multi-year Survey.

Combined medicine-pediatrics training was formally established in 1967 by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Internal Medicine. More than 8000 physicians have completed dual training. Their career choices are not well-described. To describe career choices among graduates of combined medicine-pediatrics training programs. Nationally representative research surveys conducted each winter from 2017 to 2023 of combined medicine-pediatrics (Med-Peds) residency program directors (PDs), whose programs were (1) of continued accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (N = 77 to 80) and (2) members of the Medicine Pediatrics Program Directors Association. One of the recurring sections collected data on medicine-pediatrics residency program graduates from the previous academic year (AY), including career choices. From 2020 to 2023, the survey also collected data on the percentage of programs with fifth-year post-graduate year (PGY) chief medical residents who graduated during the previous AY, and PD-reported career choices for those chief residents. The survey response rates ranged from 70.9% (56/79) to 85.7% (66/77; mean response rate: 81.3%). Over the seven survey years, there was little variability in the mean percentage of medicine-pediatrics graduates (n = 2191) by PD-reported career field (p > 0.001 for all multi-year comparisons). Aggregated over all years, the top four reported career fields were internal medicine fellowship (16.9%), private ambulatory/outpatient practice (16.2%), medicine-pediatrics hospitalist (14.6%), and academic practice (10.2%). Medicine-pediatrics physicians pursue diverse career paths and make important contributions to the healthcare workforce.

The Social Construction of Gender in the Experience of Vocational School Adolescents. A Critical Approach

In the context of vocational high schools, gender role divisions and stereotypes are often reinforced by the educational environment and social practices, which have an impact on career choices, social interactions, and future opportunities for adolescents, so this research aims to analyze how gender norms and stereotypes are formed and maintained in vocational high schools, identifies the social dynamics that influence adolescents' experiences of gender roles, presenting a critical approach to understanding and challenging the social construction of gender in educational institutions. It is also hoped that this research can provide important insight into how vocational education institutions become dynamic spaces in shaping adolescent gender identity. These findings also open a discussion regarding the importance of educational reform that is more inclusive and gender equal, so that it can encourage students to explore their potential without the limitations of gender stereotypes.Through a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews and participant observation, this research explores how patriarchal values, traditional gender norms, and educational policies implicitly shape adolescents' gender identity. This research concludes that the education system in vocational high schools is not gender neutral, but rather reproduces gender-based social injustice. Therefore, efforts are needed to deconstruct gender norms that exist in the curriculum and educational practices, in order to create a more inclusive and fair learning environment for all teenagers, regardless of their gender identity.

Unveiling Gender Dynamics in Career Decision-making: Insights from students of University of Technology and Applied Sciences, (UTAS) Sultanate of Oman

This study explores gender differences in career decision-making among students at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in the Sultanate of Oman. A sample of 380 students, selected using stratified random sampling from a total student population of 35,037, participated in the study with 179 responses received, reflecting a response rate of 47.1%. The sample was proportionally distributed based on the number of students enrolled at each campus, ensuring representation from all university branches, including Muscat (13,000 students), Nizwa (4,697 students), Salalah (3,528 students), Ibra (3,267 students), Ibri (2,682 students), Shinas (3,202 students), and Musannah (4,661 students). Data was collected through a structured 40-item questionnaire, which included seven subscales: educational, on-the-job training, university, financial, personality, social, industrial (focused on Tourism, manufacturing, and technology), and governmental factors. Participants rated items on a five-point Likert scale. Independent samples t-tests and factor analysis were used to analyze the data. Factor analysis was conducted to identify underlying factors influencing career choice. The factor analysis revealed eight key factors influencing career choices: University factors, Government initiatives in the manufacturing sector, Monetary benefits, Personality traits, Technology sector opportunities, Academic performance, Tourism opportunities, and Student involvement. Independent samples t-tests revealed significant gender differences in perceptions related to career guidance and counseling services, career placement services, personal interests in career decisions, and on-the-job training opportunities, with female students generally expressing more positive views than male students. These findings underline the importance of enhancing career counseling and placement services, increasing on-the-job training opportunities, and integrating personal interests into career counselling to support gender-inclusive career development.

Divided by a common language? The impact of a joint international field trip on student skills

ABSTRACT Fieldwork is often cited as one of the most important and effective parts of geography education, despite increasing scrutiny over its environmental and financial cost. As a result, it is imperative that any overseas fieldwork is as impactful as possible, enabling deep experiential learning. Here, we investigate the success of a joint field trip (Liverpool John Moores University, UK and Southern Connecticut State University, USA) to East Iceland. Such field trips are rare but have the potential to be extremely impactful on both cohorts of students. We outline the origins of the field trip, the considerations taken into account during planning, and the student skills we embedded into teaching. Surveys and interviews demonstrated that the field trip was highly successful, with students reporting excellent development of environmental and global awareness as well as research and leadership skills. Students also developed strong, lasting social networks, including those in the alternate university, and in Iceland. Cohorts responded similarly, suggesting that the trip presents similar opportunities to all students. We demonstrate that undertaking a joint field trip can deliver huge benefits to students, becoming a “perspective changing, and a once in a lifetime opportunity” affecting future study and career choices.