Factors influencing career choice of tertiary students in Ghana: A comparison of science and business majors

Godfred M.Y. Owusu, Anthony Essel-Anderson, Teddy Ossei Kwakye, Rita Amoah Bekoe, Charles Gyamfi Ofori

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence Ghanaian tertiary students’ career choices. The paper explores the dimensionality of the career choice factors within the Ghanaian context and also ascertains their degree of influence on students’ career choices. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs survey method of research and a set of questionnaire was used to examine the factors that influence students’ career choices. A total of 354 undergraduate students from the Ashesi University College in Ghana participated in the study. Factor analysis was conducted on the career choice factors and differences in response between science and business students were ascertained by means of independent sample t-test. Findings: The findings of this study indicate that university students in Ghana place much premium on intrinsic value and employability/financial prospect in their career choice decisions than such factors as prestige and desired working conditions. Research limitations/implications: The findings of this study are relevant for policymakers and tertiary education providers interested in making the study of science an attractive option for university students in Ghana. Originality/value: The findings of this paper highlight some of the underlining reasons for the unpopularity of the study of sciences among university students in Ghana.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)992-1008
Number of pages17
JournalEducation and Training
Volume60
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Oct 2018

Keywords

  • Academic major
  • Ashesi university college
  • Career choice
  • Factor analysis
  • Ghana
  • Tertiary education

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