Career Decision-Making Competence, Self-Knowledge, and Occupational Exploration: A Model for University Students

Abstract

Confirmatory Factor Analysis AMOS was used to obtain the best-fit measurement models from the variables. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings show that there are significant relationships between self-knowledge (SK) and career decision-making (CDM), and occupational exploration (OE) and career decision-making (CDM). The result for testing invariance of a structural model for multi-group analysis showed a validation model of self-knowledge (SK), occupational exploration (OE) and career decision making (CDM). Based on this finding, it is imperative for graduating university students to enhance their self-knowledge, occupational exploration, and self-confidence in order to portray a positive attitude that will lead to work-related engagement.

Relationship between Career Decision, Self Efficacy and Vocational Identity among UiTM Shah Alam Generation Z

“…This research also determines that the relationship between CDSE and Vocational Identity surpasses the socio-cultural aspect because self-belief is important for humans regardless of their races. The study of Abdullah et al (2018) shows that it is important to have self-efficacy in order for them to know about their vocational identity. This self-efficacy is important for students to make important decision in deciding on their vocational identity.…”

“…Past research conducted in Malaysia found that Malaysian students are generally good in terms of academic achievements, but seem to be lacking in other skills, such as survival and critical thinking as well as frequently showing much insecurities about their abilities. A research conducted by Abdullah et al (2018) identified important associations between self-knowledge and work-related search with career decision-makings. Another research by Sumari et al (2019) focuses mostly on the role of family functioning on career decision-making self-efficacy.…”

The Relation of Human Capital and Competitiveness Factor towards Graduate Competencies

“…The findings of the study by Abdullah et al (2018) & Makki et al (2015 found that most Malaysian graduates lack self-assurance, pessimistic, and lack of sufficient skills to enter for employment. Besides, graduates are considered less committed to exploring real-world work.…”

“…Moreover, through competition, an individual will be able to demonstrate their ability to others. In this case, a study by Abdullah et al (2018) also indicated that when student builds up self-knowledge like feel proud of themselves and believe can do things better than others, they can create more confident to compete well in making a career decision. Thus, competitiveness is one of the positive motivational factors that can enhance individual self-esteem towards goal achievement.…”

“…However, there is a need for critical skills, resilience and high innovation value in the ever-changing global economic landscape (Jung & Lee, 2016;Van der Heijden, 2002). In this regard, many complaints made by current employers from various industries are that most new graduates do not have the required job-specific skills such as weak in English language skills, a reluctance to be self-reliant and not having sufficient readiness for the current job market (Abdullah et al, 2018;Ismail, 2012;Yusof et al, 2013;Wickramasinghe & Perera, 2010;Mohd Adnan et al, 2012, p. 3). Moreover, some of these young job seekers also expect higher wages and are unrealistic even when they realize that their experience is lacking (Abdullah et al, 2018).…”