Study reveals causes of freshmen career indecision

MANILA, Philippines - Ask a freshman university student about his career plans and the answer will not always be so clear-cut or confident. Although often viewed as normal, new research reveals that such indecision can be symptomatic of deeper psychological blocks.

In her paper entitled “Career Counseling Program for the Psychological Well-Being of Freshmen University Students,” Dr. Sheila Marie Hocson, director of Far Eastern University-Manila’s University Counseling and Career Office (FEU-UCCO), outlines several factors that hinder college freshmen from choosing a well-defined professional path. Utilizing 386 students from different programs, the study was recently presented at the 33rd International Conference on Neurodynamics and Psychology organized by the World Academy of Science Engineering & Technology (WASET) in Paris, France.

Negativity causes confusion

According to the research, majority of the respondents experience confusion with regards to their career choices as a result of irrational thoughts brought about by their childhood, adverse experiences from the past, disabling emotions and their environment. These factors also contribute to the students’ development of a negative outlook in life, including the perception that all occupational information are biased and the tendency to be upset when asked about their future career plans. 

Disabling emotions as well as a lack of understanding of the decision-making process itself also contribute to the inability of freshman students to initiate or sustain the process of choosing a suitable profession. Moreover, the study noted the anxiety that accompanies the incapacity to commit to an occupational choice further perpetuates their indecision.

The paper also indicated that most career undecided students have a low vocational identity, suggesting that they are unaware of their own personalities, abilities and talents that matched their respective career choices.

From research to action

Hocson, who is also an active member of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) and the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA), said the research will be used for the improvement and further development of the guidance and placement programs offered by FEU-UCCO, the university’s counseling and career unit.

Specifically, she shares that the findings will be used to develop a comprehensive career counseling program to help freshman students at the Far Eastern University make informed and effective career choices.

“Anchored with the FEU vision/mission of producing principled and competent graduates, we want to nurture the holistic development of the students, thereby helping them prepare for their future roles as productive members of society,” she says. Moreover, she also shares that the FEU-UCCO actively conducts researches to determine the effectiveness of its offerings through UCCO Research Digest. “We also aim to help them grow in their academic, career, social and personal lives through resolute efforts of quality and supportive services.”

With this study, Hocson also hopes to influence other universities in formulating similar comprehensive career guidance programs which she says will not only address career indecision, but also help students gain better self-understanding and a positive attitude for their total well-being.