EXPLORING CAREER DECISION MAKING DIFFICULTIES AMONG PAST STUDENTS OF THE KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SEFWI

The purpose of this study was to explore career decision making difficulties among past students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Sefwi. The study employed a phenomenological research design. Six (6) past students of the university who were sampled using the snowball technique, responded to a semi-structured interview guide on one-on-one basis. The data were coded and analyzed using the thematic approach. The study found that participants’ (students) environment, as well as their own aspirations and values were the major factors which influenced their career decision making processes. Additionally, the family and societal demands, peer influence as well as the general education, and school counselling on job opportunities available for reading a particular programme also played a critical role in their career decision making. Based on the findings, it was recommended that career choice should be incorporated in the school curriculum so that right from the start at the basic level, students would know what should go into their choice of careers. Also, more career guidance seminars be held for students and their parents at the various institutional levels so as to help the students know the right factors to consider when choosing a career. Again, career consultation services should be made a compulsory thing for every student to do and it should be monitored. Finally, parents should not restrict their wards on their choice of careers, or choose careers for them but allow themselves to look within them and choose a career that is best in their interest.