AN EXAMINATION OF GINZBERG’S THEORY OF CAREER CHOICE DEVELOPMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background to the Study

Man, having been formed in a mortal state, is exposed to a variety of illnesses that might quickly send him to his death. The only way for man to generate comfort and improve his prospects of survival is for him to put in the effort necessary to provide for his fundamental requirements, which include food, shelter, and clothes.

What exactly is work?

Using physical strength and mental force in order to perform or achieve anything, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is considered to be "work."

Individuals from all across the globe have varying attitudes about and preferences for employment. We can't all do the same thing at the same time. Each of us has a unique set of interests, abilities, personalities, and aptitudes that allow us to pick the career that is the greatest match for us. This is referred to as "career choice" in our society (Okorodudu, 2006). The purpose of this research is to evaluate the validity of Ginzberg's theory of career development among freshmen at a federal university.

Ginbergs hypothesis of career growth and choice was the result of a research conducted in 1962 by a group of four speculators, led by Eli Ginzbergs, that was published in 1962.

They looked at the process of job development for every person from infancy to their early twenties and came up with a variety of conclusions and recommendations (Detail in Chapter two). This research is very relevant since the majority of people nowadays have no known selected vocation, and some of those who are perceived to have options, particularly in terms of educational attainment, have made the incorrect one. This issue is having a negative impact on the economic and technical development of the nation. Examples of issues that may develop as a consequence of making the wrong profession choice include the following:

1. Unemployment and jobs that are not stable.

2. A lack of job-searching abilities, as well as simple access to information about available positions.

3. A failure to deal with realistic workplace demands as well as inappropriate workplace conduct such as: refusal to accept supervision, inability to get along with coworkers, and a lack of good work habits.

4. Retrenchments as a result of ineptitude and unproductivity on the part of employees

5. A lack of career advancement and opportunity may also be a contributing factor to certain professionals' refusal to practice their professions and, instead, migration to other sectors of the economy, particularly politics, to take positions that are beyond their area of study (Okorodudu, 2006).

It is general known that graduates of physics or agricultural science who work in financial institutions are a rare sight.

Lawyers are appointed to positions as commissioners of education, finance, and power, among other things. People are moving up and down the vocational ladder at an increasing rate. Some people have lost their sense of control over their lives and careers.

Many people choose to live a dishonest life in order to make ends meet.

A number of incidents, including as armed robbery and abduction, young militancy and restiveness, religious intolerance, and prostitution, are being investigated. Many more were forced to survive from hand to mouth by taking up menial tasks such as street hawking, truck pushing, and other non-traditional vocations.

There are many more who are skilled at asking for arms, while others who lack common sense and begging abilities walk the streets, subsisting only on scraps that fall from people's tables and into trash cans.

Many students in the academic setting are dealing with uncertainties about their future careers.

The issue is not a lack of options, but rather an overabundance of those options. There are so many options, so many chances, so many routes to choose from that it may be confusing and distracting for young people. They are urged to pursue a life profession in this or that field no sooner than they demonstrate a passive interest in one or more of them. Many young people nowadays make decisions that are not in line with their personal qualities and objectives as a result of a lack of proper orientation. The young people in this study, according to Egbochukwu (2008), come from a variety of religious backgrounds and have a variety of personality characteristics, qualities, and requirements. Others who are in the school system to study and get a credential that would help them to ensure their future are separated from those who are there to socialize and are not aware of their true purpose for being there. Some students arrive at the university with no idea what course or topic to chose or study, nor do they know how to arrange their time or acquire the necessary abilities. Many people pick their professions as a result of the influence of their parents, friends, and peer groups. It was proposed by Sanra (1995) that, if society is not to be plagued by a group of disgruntled, frustrated and unrealistic individuals, it is desirable that careers information be provided to enable the youths to arrive at a realistic choice with due realization of the limits of their respective potentials, the opportunities available, and the social expectations in the community.

On the other hand, according to Okorodudu (2006), a counselor will now work with children with the assistance of parents and teachers in order to foster the development of a variety of occupational skills in children. They will be able to match such abilities with the aptitude, attitude, interest, and ability of children in the educational system. As a result, children will have the chance to mature while also learning occupational and technology skills that are compatible with their personality features.

1.2     Statement of Problems

We cannot all do the same thing at the same time. Each of us has a unique set of interests, abilities, personalities, and aptitudes that allow us to pick the career that is the greatest match for us. This is referred to as "career choice" in the industry. The majority of the time, university freshmen are confronted with issues of job choice (Okorodudu, 2006). Their educational and vocational aspirations are being hampered by issues such as career uncertainty, a lack of adequate orientation towards choosing a suitable career, parental influence, as well as socio-economic status, which are all factors that are working against their educational and vocational ambitions. As a result, the purpose of this study is to investigate Ginzberg's hypothesis of career choice development among students in federal universities in the United States.

1.3     Objective of the Study

The general objective of the study is to examination of ginzberg’s theory of career choice development among federal university students. Specifically, the study will be guided under the following:

i.          To examine students reason for choosing a career path.

ii.        To find out if the career interest stage occurs in students at an early age range than that specified by Ginzberq theory.

iii.      To investigate factors that contributes to students career choice development.

1.4       Research questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

i.          What are  students reason for choosing a career path?

ii.        Does the career interest stage occurs in students at an early age range than that specified by Ginzberq theory?

iii.      What are factors that contributes to students career choice development?

1.5     Significance of the Study

The study is essentially to evaluate ginzberg’s theory of career choice development among federal university students. The result of this study will serve as career guidance to students, parents, and educators.  It will also minimized the problems of poor career choice among the would be labour force.

The study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6     The Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study will examine students reason for choosing a career path. The study will also find out if the career interest stage occurs in students at an early age range than that specified by Ginzberq theory. Lastly, the study will investigate factors that contributes to students career choice development. Hence this study is delimited to federal University Oye- Ekiti. Ekiti State.

1.7       Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8     Definition of Terms

Evaluation : To investigate or to measure the truthfulness and usefulness of an instrument.

Ginzbergs:  Ginzbergs is the leader of a group of four speculators and proponents of a theory – Explaining stages of career development in an individual.  For further elaboration, see chapter two.

Career: Career is a life long occupation which an individual chooses for him/herself, plan for it, enter into it and progress in it.

Theory: A theory is a set of assumptions designed to explain and predict a phenomenon; opens for further investigation and the results can be used to develop knowledge and provide basis for making decisions (Onoyase, 2007).

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