FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE CAREER CHOICES OF UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST STUDENTS

ABSTRACT This study focused on the factors that influence the career choices of University of Cape Coast students. The study investigated the educational, social, inherent and economic factors that influence the career choices of the University of Cape Coast students. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Purposive, stratified, quota and simple random sampling techniques were used to sample 471 respondents for the study. The study also sought to know the best predictor of career choices of the University of Cape Coast students. Five research questions were formulated to keep the study in focus. Three likert scale type of questionnaire was used in collecting responses from the students. Z for proportion test of significance was used to analyse the first four research questions. Regression was used to analyse research question five. The findings show that, educational factors, social factors and inherent factors were the best predictors of career choices of University of Cape Coast students with the equation Y = -1.259 + 0.841 Inherent factors + 3.528 Educational factors + -2.432 Social factors. A recommendation for the study is that more career guidance seminars be held for students in the universities so as to help the university student know the right factors to consider when choosing a career. Another recommendation was also that career choice be inculcated into the curriculum so that right from the start, students would know what should go into their choices of career.