Factors Influencing Career Choices of Students in Public Secondary Schools in Mwatate Sub County, Taita Taveta County Kenya

Abstract

Majority of young people chose wrong careers because of lack of knowledge and influence from peers, parents and teachers advice or due to luxury associated with particular jobs without enough guidance and career counseling. The study aimed at determining factors influencing career choices of students in public secondary schools in Mwatate sub county, Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The objectives were to determine the influence of family factors, role models, peers and gender factors on students’ career choices. The researcher used descriptive survey research design where the target population was 25 principals, 375 teachers, 507 students, the sub-county director of education Mwatate Sub County. Simple random sampling was adopted to select 8 principals, 112 teachers and 152 students. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Data was presented using tables and bar graphs. Findings established that family factors significantly influences students career choices as indicated by 56.3 % of the respondents, role models influence students’ career choice as indicated by 66.7%, peers do not significantly influence students’ career choice and there was a positive relationship between gender factors and students career choices. From the study, it was concluded that Parents also dictated career choices for their children and some students were inspired by their family business to pursue some careers, peer mentorship greatly influenced career choices, Career of the role model and teachers’ advice greatly influenced career choice and that society anticipates women to prefer caring for their family instead of advancing their career. The recommendations are that: it is necessary to train parents in career guidance, it is vital that peers are trained on career guidance, the ministry of education should modify its strategy from just information and education to information, education and exposure and Secondary schools should be encouraged to conduct events such as careers’ day or career’s week in schools