International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VIII, August 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Demetrius Benedict Njiku1*, Dr Elijah Macharia Ndung’u2, Dr Wilkister Shanyisa3
1Student, Department of Counselling Psychology, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
2Lecturer, Department of Counselling Psychology, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
3Lecturers, Department of Center for Social Justice and Peace, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
Corresponding Author
Abstract: The study aimed to assess the relationship between self-efficacy and career choice among undergraduate students of Ruaha Catholic University in Iringa region, Tanzania. The study adopted mixed method approach, specifically convergent parallel research design for data collection. The study consisted of 223 respondents from third year and second year students. Instrument developed by Schwarzer and Jerusalem (1995) for self-efficacy was used to collect data. Third year students were given questionnaires while second year data were collected through focus group discussion. The validity of qualitative data (open-ended questions and focus group discussion interviews) was obtained through triangulation, rich or thick description and clarifying researcher biases (reflexivity or bracketing). Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive analysis- correlation analysis by SPSS version 23. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis by data managing, transcribing data into segments, coding and categorizing into themes and interpreting data, the results were presented into direct quotations and narratives. Findings revealed that students were confident in their personal skills and believed that they were capable in their career choice. The findings also showed that self-efficacy influenced career choice among undergraduate students.
Keywords: Self-efficacy, Career, choice, interest, undergraduate students
I. INTRODUCTION
In the modern world, developed countries focus on outcome-based education. Thus, it is believed that students’ individual thoughts and their self-beliefs play a significant role in their learning and academic gains (Deeba, 2021). Students have several self-beliefs which are like self- esteem, ideal-self and self-efficacy and among them, self-efficacy is the key element in enhancing personal judgment of a student regarding his competencies (Dinther, Dochy & Segers, 2011) and is a fundamental concept describing one’s basic capacity to achieve (Lent and Brown, 2008). Self-efficacy is the ability of an individual in his or her skills to be effective and efficiently perform tasks one is responsible for (Cantos, Sauna, Ramos, Dimaano, Lingon & Pulhin, 2019). Bandura (2002) defined self-efficacy as one’s belief in ability to accomplish a task in particular perspectives.