Correlates of Students' Career Preference, Senior High School Track Previously Taken, and College Programs Currently Enrolled In

Abstract

Choosing a college program may be the most important decision for every Senior High School (SHS) student. This study determined the SHS students' career preferences and the SHS track about the college program they enrolled in. The study used a descriptive-correlational design and utilized 150 students to serve as respondents. Profile Survey Questionnaire, Contributory Factors Affecting Students' Career Preference, and Questionnaire in College Program Enrolled in were the instruments used in the study. Frequency, Percentage, Mean, Standard Deviation, Chi-Square Test, and One-Way ANOVA were used in analyzing the data. Results showed the availability of work after finishing the degree, the taken program that is in demand, their future workplace, and the family's financial status were considered a basis for their career choices. The majority came from Academic Track in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand in SHS. Most of them enrolled in the programs aligned to the strand in Senior High School, such as the Civil Engineering and Nursing Programs. Their career preference greatly influenced the college courses they enrolled in. The Senior High School tracks that they enrolled in SHS were highly related to their choice of courses or programs they enrolled in college. Adequate guidance to SHS students is very important to ensure they align their SHS education to the future college courses they will take to prepare them for their college education best. Keywords : college education, education alignment, work availability, future workplace, family's financial status