Analysing the Determinants of Job Selection Preferences among Quantitative Science Students in Malaysia using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM)

Abstract

Selecting a job is a crucial decision for university students, particularly those in quantitative science disciplines, given its profound impact on their future careers. However, students often face challenges in navigating job options, necessitating a deeper understanding of their preferences and decision-making processes. The factors influencing their job preferences are multifaceted and require thorough examination to support informed career planning. Understanding these determinants is important for both students and stakeholders, such as educators and employers, to develop effective strategies and programs that align with students' career aspirations. This study aims to identify and analyse the determinants of job preferences among undergraduate students in quantitative science disciplines. Specifically, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology is employed to rank job alternatives and evaluate the consistency of the AHP model in capturing students' preferences accurately. Data for this study were collected through online questionnaires distributed to undergraduate quantitative science students in their seventh semester at Universiti Utara Malaysia. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology was utilised to assess the significance of various research criteria and rank available job alternatives based on students' preferences and priorities. The findings reveal that local job opportunities are preferred over other alternatives. The local job alternative received the highest weightage of 0.3504, closely followed by foreign jobs with a weightage of 0.3468 and jobs in hometown with a weightage of 0.3028. These results emphasise the significance of prioritising local job opportunities in students' career planning processes. They underscore the need for universities and industry employers to consider local job opportunities as a priority when designing career-related programs and initiatives to better align with students' preferences and needs.