Career Decision-Making among High School Graduates in South-Kivu: Influencing Factors.

Abstract

High school graduates often make unintended career choices due to inadequate career education, personal factors, social networks, family background, and parental guidance. This situation underscores the need for career guidance and counseling interventions. Guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory and Holland’s Theory, this study investigated factors influencing career decision-making among high school graduates in South-Kivu. The objectives were to examine the effects of personal factors, social networks and peer influences, family background and parental guidance, as well as socio-economic factors on career decision-making. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative designs. A random sampling was used to select 32 schools in the region and 382 high school graduates for the survey questionnaire, whereas purposive sampling was applied to select 8 teachers and career counselors for the case studies, as well as 16 high school graduates for in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings were presented using tables and narrative descriptions. The findings revealed that peers significantly influenced graduates’ career decisions, as indicated by 55% of the respondents, while 62% acknowledged the influence of non-family members or mentors. Regarding socio-economic factors, 67% of participants did not perceive employment opportunities as influencing their career choices. Notably, only 11% of participants considered access to quality career education as an important factor in their career decision-making. The study concluded that personal factors remain underdeveloped among high school graduates in South-Kivu. Parental involvement was found to have a multifaceted, and at times controlling, role in students’ career decision-making. Social networks emerged as powerful forces shaping career choices, whereas socio-economic factors and the quality of education had varied but generally limited influence. The study recommends that schools integrate personal development programs into their curricula to help students identify their interests, values, talents, and professional goals. Parents and guardians should recognize the importance of supporting their children’s individual career interests. Furthermore, schools should strengthen career guidance programs and encourage peer-led clubs and mentorship initiatives where students can share experiences and explore opportunities.