Effect of career interest on students’ career choice in technical secondary schools in the south west region of Cameroon

Аннотация

This study investigated the ‘effects of career interest on students’ career choice in Technical Secondary Schools in the South West Region of Cameroon’. This study was predicated on the understanding that technical secondary school students face numerous challenges when making a career choice earlier in the academic ladder necessitating specific intervention to enhance a stable career choice. The objective was to examine how much career interest affects students’ career choices in Technical Secondary. Methodologically, the study employed a mixed-method approach with a quasi experimental design, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative elements. The research sample comprised 20 students and 45 guidance counselors selected from the South West Region of Cameroon, with selection criteria based on document analysis for students and the Division with the most populated guidance counselors. Data collection was facilitated through questionnaires, and the analysis incorporated both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The Likelihood ratio test was used in testing the hypotheses from data collected from the guidance counselors. Independent Sample T- test was also used to compare how students in both the control and experimental groups at the pretest and post-test levels differ in their mean scores. The The American Journal of Social Science and Education Innovations 72 https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajssei The American Journal of Social Science and Education Innovations qualitative data derived from open-ended questions alignment (or misalignment) between students' were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach passions and the available educational opportunities with the aid of themes. The research revealed a influences their decision-making process. By examining remarkably strong correlation between students' these dynamics, the article seeks to provide valuable career interests and their ultimate career choices. This insights into how educational institutions can better relationship was substantiated by an overwhelming support students in making informed career choices 90.8% consensus among guidance counselors and that will benefit both their personal growth and the further validated by a robust contingency value of broader economy of Cameroon. 0.825, demonstrating statistical significance with a p- Statement of the Problem value of 0.000, well below the 0.05 threshold. Based on The decision-making process regarding career choice is these compelling results, the researchers proposed one of the most significant milestones in the several actionable recommendations for guidance educational journey of students, particularly those in counselors. These include the development and technical secondary schools. In the South West region of implementation of individualized career interest Cameroon, despite a growing emphasis on technical assessments, the creation of comprehensive exposure education and vocational training, there appears to be a programs featuring hands-on experiences, mentorship gap in understanding the factors that influence opportunities, and industry visits, and the students’ career choices, specifically the role of career establishment of ongoing motivation and monitoring interest. While technical education is designed to equip systems to support students throughout their career students with skills that meet the demands of a rapidly decision-making journey. These recommendations evolving job market, there is limited research on how reflect a holistic approach to career guidance that students' career interests align with the vocational acknowledges the crucial role of sustained pathways available to them. This misalignment may lead engagement and practical experience in shaping to underperformance, lack of motivation, or students effective career choices. opting for career paths that do not align with their true interests or the region's labor market needs. Despite the Keywords: Students’ aptitude, career choice. availability of career guidance programs in many technical schools, there is insufficient evidence to determine how career interest directly brings about Introduction: Career choice is a pivotal decision that stable career choices in technical secondary school shapes the future of students, influencing their students in the South West Region. Factors such as academic trajectory, personal development, and socio-cultural influences, family expectations, and professional aspirations. In Cameroon, as in many regional economic demands may either hinder or other parts of the world, students in technical enhance students' decision-making processes regarding secondary schools are often faced with a unique set of their future careers. This gap in the literature highlights challenges and opportunities when it comes to the need for a comprehensive study to examine the selecting a career path. The South West region, known effects of career interest on students' career c