Career Path, Relevance of Specialization, and Factors Influencing Career Decisions of Senior High School Graduates: Basis for Program Enhancement

This study is titled Career Path, Relevance of Specialization, Influence of Factors and Challenges of the Senior High School Graduates: Basis for Program Enhancement and the factors influencing their career decisions. Specifically, it examined the respondents’ profile, career paths, relevance of Senior High School specialization, and the factors affecting career development. Using a quantitative-descriptive research design, data were collected from 258 graduates from Batch 2024–2025 in a public senior high school in Negros Occidental through a validated questionnaire with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.975. Findings revealed that most respondents were 17–20 years old, single, held NC I and NC II certification. The majority pursued higher education, while employment was characterized by predominantly part-time work, TESDA participation was moderate, and entrepreneurship was least preferred. SHS specialization was perceived as very highly relevant, particularly in personal life. Psychological self-efficacy emerged as the strongest influence on career decisions, whereas economic factors had the least influence. The findings provide a basis for strengthening career guidance, curriculum alignment, and industry partnerships.

Social Science

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