Dorcas Oluremi Fareo, Ph.D
Abstract
This study examined factors influencing career decisions of students of Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun State, Nigeria. The study covered all the 12 faculties in the university with a population of twenty six thousand, five hundred and sixty students. Sample size of two hundred and forty students was drawn through stratified sampling technique. The instrument was validated by two experts in Test and Measurement and Counselling Psychology, while the test-retest reliability coefficient yielded 0.81. Data were analyzed using mean and Standard Deviation. The study revealed that skills and ability, success stories of friends and family; education and training; quality of life associated with, promotion opportunities; training and education; love for career; availability of employment; chance, luck or circumstances; lack of access to other career options; and prestige of profession were the factors influencing career decisions of students. In conclusion, career choice of students of Obafemi Awolowo University was influenced by certain factors and individuals. It was recommended that the knowledge of the factors that influence students’ career choices can still enable institutions to focus on tailoring their teaching to meet the needs and wants of the students.