ERIC Number: EJ1277826
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Apr
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1038-4162
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Career Choice Status among Undergraduates and the Influence of Work-Integrated Learning
Jackson, Denise
Australian Journal of Career Development, v24 n1 p3-14 Apr 2015
This study examines how work-integrated learning (WIL) influences career choice status among undergraduates (N = 91). Career choice status has documented effects on well-being, career satisfaction, career success and, more broadly, organisational performance. Quantitative ratings gauge undergraduate satisfaction with their career choices and structured reflections explore how WIL influenced choices. Findings indicate career choice status is relatively strong among those who have completed WIL as part of their academic studies, more specifically a work placement in their degree specialisation. The placement experience influenced career choice status in four ways: provision of professional networking and expanded career choice opportunities; information and insight into one's intended career; assistance with the decision-making process on precisely which career to pursue; and identification of strategies to pursue one's targeted profession. The study develops our understanding of WIL's contribution to career management and how educators and professional practitioners can encourage informed career choice among undergraduates on work placement.
Descriptors: Career Choice, Undergraduate Students, Experiential Learning, Work Experience Programs, Foreign Countries, Student Attitudes, Social Networks, Skill Development, Career Development, Decision Making
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A