ERIC Number: EJ1163289
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Nov
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0256-0100
EISSN: N/A
Structural Determinants of Students' Employability: Influence of Career Guidance Activities
South African Journal of Education, v37 n4 Article 1424 Nov 2017
At a time of continuous economic uncertainty and a highly competitive labour market, it is crucial for undergraduates to be more pro-active about their future careers. This study investigates the structural influence of career guidance activities on university students' employability in Nigeria. Data was collected from 600 final-year undergraduates from four universities in the South-West geopolitical zone, with the use of an adapted questionnaire. The quantitative data were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to ensure factorial validity of the research instrument, and subsequently structural equation modelling (SEM). SEM was performed by means of Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS Graphics, version 24) in testing the DOTS model in Nigeria. Results confirm the positive influence of career guidance activities on students' employability. On the dimensions of career guidance activities, self-awareness and opportunity awareness have the greatest influence on students' employability, followed by decision-making skills, and then transition learning skills. To enhance undergraduates' employability upon graduation, universities should strengthen their efforts in developing appropriate strategies so as to engage undergraduates with the four dimensions of career guidance activities depicted in the DOTS model.
Descriptors: Employment Potential, Career Guidance, Guidance Programs, Questionnaires, College Seniors, Structural Equation Models, Program Effectiveness, Student Surveys, Likert Scales, Decision Making Skills, Metacognition, Transitional Programs, Student Satisfaction, Foreign Countries, Factor Analysis, Statistical Analysis
Education Association of South Africa. University of Pretoria, Centre for the Study of Resilience, Level 3, Groenkloof Student Centre, Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, George Storrar Road and Lleyds Street, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. Web site: http://www.sajournalofeducation.co.za/index.php/saje/index
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nigeria
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A