Gendered Perceptions’ regarding Career Guidance Needs at Higher Education Level

Abstract

Career guidance had been a strong variable for consideration in democratic societies at global level. Individual autonomy and choice making is imperative for indulging in better market economy. Career guidance programs, if introduced at university level are very helpful for students in overcoming hesitation in career choices and selecting desirable study paths. The study compared career guidance needs among students at higher education level in Pakistan with reference to gender. Mix method design was adopted to extract data from graduating students enrolled in Management Sciences through questionnaire and semi structured interviews (male=100, female=100). Findings illuminated that male students (μ=4.1) have a clear idea about career guidance through internship programs whereas female students (μ=3.1) differed in their views about it. Male students suggested that career planning strategies, if implemented in their course may help designing lifelong careers whereas female students’ focus was towards development of effective career skills only. It is suggested that career guidance is on the brink of coming a national reality at all of the educational levels, so it may be included as a vital part in curriculum. Furthermore, as female students in our society are given less projection so they may be provided with more chances of exposure towards their future careers.

Keywords: Perceptions, career guidance, career skills, career planning