Factors Affecting Career Preferences and Pathways: Insights from IT Students

  • Murimo Bethel Mutanga Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa
  • Philip Xolisa Piyose Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa
  • Sithembile Ndovela Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa
Keywords: career choices, IT students, computer programming, computer networks, decision-making, motivations, interests, aspirations, employability

Abstract

The selection of an appropriate career path plays a pivotal role in shaping students' futures and can greatly enhance their employability prospects. By making well-informed decisions, students can align their educational pursuits with their professional aspirations, ensuring a seamless transition from academia to the workforce. This study aims to investigate the career choices of IT students within the Department of ICT. Through an analysis of the career choices made by students in these specific areas, the research seeks to uncover the underlying factors that influence their decision-making processes. By examining the career preferences of IT students, this research endeavor seeks to provide valuable insights into the motivations, interests, and aspirations that drive their choice of specialization. Additionally, it aims to explore how external factors, such as industry trends, job market demands, and personal experiences, impact their decision-making. Understanding these factors can offer valuable guidance to educational institutions, curriculum developers, and career advisors, enabling them to provide tailored support and guidance to IT students, thus facilitating more informed career decisions. Ultimately, the findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the career preferences and pathways within the IT field. This knowledge can aid educators and institutions in developing relevant and responsive curricula, fostering an environment that nurtures students' talents and equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their chosen career paths. Additionally, it can assist students in making informed choices that align with their passions and long-term goals, ultimately enhancing their employability and success in the dynamic and ever-evolving IT industry.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

G., Z. Wu, Hu, and J. Zheng, "Role stress, job burnout, and job performance in construction project managers: the moderating role of career calling," International journal of environmental research and public health, vol. 16, no, 13 p. 2394, 2019.

S. N. Jaafar, N. Zakaria, and N. Abd Rasheid. "Career choice and employability skills for vocational college students. in Journal of Physics: Conference Series," IOP Publishing, 2018.

J. Allen and S. Robbins, "Effects of interest–major congruence, motivation, and academic performance on timely degree attainment," Journal of counseling psychology, vol. 57, no. 1, p. 23, 2010.

A. S. Kazi and A. Akhlaq, "Factors affecting students’ career choice," Journal of research and reflections in education, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 187-196, 2017.

ACHAMRAH, M., "Factors influencing Moroccan University students’ choice of academic majors: Mohammed V University, FLHS in Rabat as a case study," World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 185-195, 2022.

S. D. Brown, R. W. Lent, K. Telander, S. Tranayne, "Social cognitive career theory, conscientiousness, and work performance: A meta-analytic path analysis," Journal of Vocational Behavior, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 81-90, 2011.

Lent, R.W. and S.D. Brown, "Social cognitive career theory at 25: Empirical status of the interest, choice, and performance models," Journal of Vocational Behavior, pp. 103316. 2019.

M. R. Siddiky and S. Akter, "The Students' Career Choice and Job Preparedness Strategies: A Social Environmental Perspective," International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 421-431, 2021.

P. Akosah-Twumasi, T. I. Emeto, D. Lindysay, K. Tsey, and B. S. Malau-Aduli, "A systematic review of factors that influence youths career choices—the role of culture," in Frontiers in Education. 2018

E. Mutekwe, M. Modiba, and C. Maphosa, "Factors affecting female students’ career choices and aspirations: A Zimbabwean example," Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 133-141, 2011.

N. A. Yusran, M. H. M. Puad, and M.K. Omar, "Role of Career Exploration in Influencing Career Choice among Pre-University Student," Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, vol. 29, 2021.

H. D. Singaravelu, L. J. White, and T. B. Bringaze, "Factors influencing international students’ career choice: A comparative study," Journal of Career Development, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 46-59, 2005.

R. Stockdale, and T. Keane, "Influencing the influencers: The role of mothers in IT career choices," Journal of Information Technology Education: Innovations in Practice, vol. 15, pp. 181-194, 2016.

Published
2023-09-11
Abstract views: 3491 times
Download PDF: 2123 times
How to Cite
Mutanga, M., Piyose, P., & Ndovela, S. (2023). Factors Affecting Career Preferences and Pathways: Insights from IT Students. Journal of Information Systems and Informatics, 5(3), 1111-1122. https://doi.org/10.51519/journalisi.v5i3.556