Factors Influencing Grade 10 Students’ Career Choice in Mauritius

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine factors influencing career choice among students of the fourth year of secondary education (also known as Grade 10) in Mauritius. Based on primary data which were sourced through survey among 400 students across the Island in 2016, both qualitative and quantitative analysis were done. There was evidence of parents influences on children’s career choice. Most of students considered their academic performance and spent 1 to 3 months to decide what to study. Our results highlighted that students are happy with their present subject combination which is providing them with the necessary skills and training that they will need in the future to achieve their career goals. The findings also showed that many schools do not provide career guidance services. The key findings of the factor analysis showed that factors affecting students career choice can be grouped under three categories. The first group encompasses environment factors, followed by personality factors and lastly opportunity factors. Thus, from the findings, some recommendations were made to enable students to make informed decisions