Public vs. private job dilemma: Influencing factors in career selection for university graduates

Abstract

The unprecedented growth of educated workforce following the economic development and diversity in workplace has widened the career choices of young people in Bangladesh. However, it intensifies a dilemma among the job seekers about determining their career goals, because career goals are often influenced by certain socio-demographic and cultural aspects. Hence, this cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the career choices of university students in Bangladesh and to identify its determinants. Administering a self-administered questionnaire (SAQ), data were collected from 422 students at a public university using the multistage stratified sampling. Data were analyzed by bivariate (chi-square) and multivariate (exploratory factor analysis and binary logistic regression) analyses. Findings suggest that the career choices of students vary regarding their gender, religion, and academic track. For example, female (AOR: 0.281; 95% CI: 0.144 to 0.547) and Muslim (AOR: 3.648; 95% CI: 1.765 to 7.542) students preferred public jobs, whereas students of commerce (AOR: 0.344; 95% CI: 0.144 to 0.820) went for private ones. Among socioeconomic issues, only the father’s occupation had a substantial effect on career decisions (AOR: 0.347; 95% CI: 0.144 to 0.820). The career choice was also determined by the job prospects (AOR: 1.251; 95% CI: 1.161 to 1.347), preference of family (AOR: 1.238; 95% CI: 1.099 to 1.394), as well as job diversity (AOR: 0.879; 95% CI: 0.795 to 0.972). Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the government should address the trends and patterns of career choices of students through empirical research when formulating future educational and career-related policies in Bangladesh.

Factors Affecting Social Science Students’ Career Choices: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Bangladesh

“…Women often choose culturally approved feminine professions, such as teaching and similar jobs, which assure a secure future, a steady wage, and a flexible schedule that allows extra time with family [20,31]. In contrast, men are advised to pursue high-paying jobs related to medicine, technology, and other challenging work, and are discouraged from teaching-which is considered "women's work" [7,11]. It was found by some studies that junior students were serious about their career choices [3], while senior students showed less concern about payment; they were more interested in working in the public sector [11,18].…”

“…In contrast, men are advised to pursue high-paying jobs related to medicine, technology, and other challenging work, and are discouraged from teaching-which is considered "women's work" [7,11]. It was found by some studies that junior students were serious about their career choices [3], while senior students showed less concern about payment; they were more interested in working in the public sector [11,18]. Aside from age, sex, and level of education, students' experience in profession-related academic and technical fields substantially influences their career choices.…”

“…Likewise, the in uence of teachers and peer groups on career decisions cannot be ignored [4,9]. e same can be said for age; generally, older students are more likely to consider practical issues and credentials when choosing careers, while younger students rely on imagination [10,11]. Likewise, students from a uent backgrounds are more motivated to nd decent careers than students from economically indigent families [12].…”

“…For example, some medical students, especially men, are more interested in cardiothoracic surgery [15][16][17], while others, women, in particular, prefer primary care specialties and nursing [18,19]. In contrast, students from business studies backgrounds prefer private jobs to public/government jobs [11]. Although there are a few studies on university students' career choices in Bangladesh [4,11,20], there has been no empirical study on the career choice of university students from social science backgrounds.…”

“…In contrast, students from business studies backgrounds prefer private jobs to public/government jobs [11]. Although there are a few studies on university students' career choices in Bangladesh [4,11,20], there has been no empirical study on the career choice of university students from social science backgrounds.…”