FACTORS INFLUENCING CAREER CHOICE AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN COVENANT UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA

The study aimed at investigating the factors influencing the choice of career of undergraduates in Covenant University. The study was conducted using descriptive survey research design. A sample of 400 first to third year students was randomly selected from the four colleges of the University. The data for this study was collected using questionnaire titled Career Choice Questionnaire (CCQ) which explored the psycho-social factors that influenced students’ career choices. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result shows that parents greatly influence their children’s choices of career and that students’ academic attainments/performances at secondary school level influenced their choices of career. The secondary school environment was another factor that influences students’ choices of career. Other factors are personal interest and advancement of science and technology. However, gender was found not to have a significant influence on the students’ career choices. The study concludes that students’ choice of career is influenced by parents/guardians, their school environment, academic performance among others. Based on the findings, it was recommended that parents/guardians should be properly oriented on the extent they should be involved in the career choices and decision of their wards. In addition, secondary school teachers, principals, school counsellors and other stakeholders in the educational system should provide students with appropriate experiences that expand their exploration processes and a wide range of career information on all the available careers to enable them explore, and make informed career choices