Career choice: A challenge for high school students
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Date
2004
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This thesis investigates career choice from an industrial-psychological perspective in Namibia. The research question aimed to investigate whether Namibian youth are aware of the need to make career choice and whether they do make conscious career decisions. To assess career development and choice of students, Super’s Career Development Theory was employed as the theoretical framework for this study. Only students in Grade 12 from two previous disadvantaged schools in Windhoek were selected by means of the convenience sampling method (total sample was N = 101). The study employed a quantitative research approach. Findings revealed that respondents who would like to study further were ready to choose a career. The findings showed a significant correlation (r = 0.40; p 0. 001) between respondents who would like to study further in order to obtain their future goals and the readiness to make a career choice. However, respondents felt that they needed more information about themselves, their abilities and capabilities, weaknesses and strengths, as well as information about who they are in order to make conscious career decisions. Findings also revealed that there is a correlation (r = 0.31; p 0.04) between age and how the respondents carry out their responsibilities at present. The younger respondents felt less sure about their capability in carrying out their responsibilities. The study also found a correlation (r = 0.40; p 0.001) between satisfaction in carrying out responsibilities and having confidence in carrying out future career related tasks. Findings also revealed that there is a correlation (r = 0.30; p = 0.35) between self-awareness and awareness of own strength and weakness. The findings of the study indicated that career guidance should be deemed as a necessity and not as a luxury for the benefit of the youth. Schools, students, parents, government, public and private sectors should recognise the importance of career guidance and education, if change in our working environment is desired, in order to reduce unemployment in the country and promote expectation of high quality of life for every individual and as a nation. Only then will our people’s potential be useful to the development of Namibia.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Industrial Psychology)
Keywords
Career choice