Career Development Trajectories Among University of Ghana Students

ABSTRACT

This study delved into the career trajectories of final year Sociology students of the University of Ghana, with 120 students (main respondents) responding to self-administered questionnaires, and 7 secondary respondents interviewed for the study. The study produces mixed findings. It was evident that whilst all study respondents have certain career choice aspirations and goals, many do not undertake or embark on any career development activities throughout their lives and years of education to prepare for the world of work. It was evident that 47% of the study respondents noted the possibility of changing their current career choice aspirations and goals; and as much as 60.7% of the study respondents indicate that they may engage in careers they do not aspire to or prepare for when the opportunity presents itself. The reasons cited for this response are the possibility of unavailability of jobs in their preferred career choice areas, the lucrativeness of the opportunity, inability to further train for their preferred careers, etc. This notion became the point of rally, as it became evident from respondents interviewed as well as from responses of the main study respondents that career interests and passions do not drive most individuals toward any specific career fields. Thus, there is evidence of much instability and flip-flopping in the career choice of respondents. Meanwhile, 25% of the study respondents indicate that their current career choice aspirations are influenced by passion. It was apparent also that opportunities for career development activities at all educational levels in the country is lacking, with all study respondents advocating for efforts to institute measures and mechanisms that can promote and regulate the practice of career development and training activities and possibly require students to mandatorily undergo such activities. The need for collaboration between industry, educators and governments in the design and implementation of national career development policies became apparent and was recommended by the study.