Factors influencing career choice among students at the University of Zululand

Abstract

This study examined the factors influencing career choice. The objectives of this study were to determine factors influencing career choice among the University of Zululand students. Secondly, to find out whether there are any relations between career choice and the following variables; gender, age and race and, finally, to determine the agreement among ranks assigned by students to social institutions. The methodology of the study comprised of field and case study research design. SPSS was used to analyse data which consisted of 200 participants who correctly responded to the questionnaires. The sample was selected from the first year students at the University Of Zululand (UNIZULU). The findings indicated that mothers and the media played a role in influencing students in their career choice. Students agreed that the home played the greatest role in choosing their careers. Most students had a positive perception of their chosen career. Finally, variables such as age, gender and race did not play a significant role in choosing a career amongst this particular group of students.