Student’s Perceptions about their Career Choices

Abstract

This research project aims to explore the views of the students of pedagogical departments regarding their studies and career. It examines the active choice of the subject and the expected course of their vocational future. More specifically, it explores the criteria for selecting their studies, the factors contributing to their vocational development, the degree of satisfaction with their studies, the decision time for their career and their preferred field of future employment. The sample of the survey consisted of 445 students of the pedagogical departments of the University of the Aegean. A questionnaire was designed to collect the survey data. According to the research data, the participants stated that the subject of their studies is their first choice, they are quite satisfied with the quality of their studies, the predominant criterion of choice of studies is the nature of the subject, and the preferred field of employment is the public sector. According to their views the factors that contribute to their vocational development are the effort, acquaintances and associates, and less meritocracy and luck. The results of the survey are indicative of the views of the students of pedagogical departments in the light of modern social, economic and cultural changes as well as the characteristics of the labor market.