A Machine-Aided System for Exploration of Occupations by Undergraduates

Abstract

The thesis follows the development and installation of a computer-aided guidance system for students in Higher Education. Two main theories of occupational choice are reviewed with their implications for the activities of graduate careers advisory services. The advantages of computer-aided guidance are outlined and a number of existing computer-aided guidance systems described. These systems were designed for other groups of users: either school leavers or groups in the U.S.A. Various reasons why none of these alternative systems would be suitable for use with undergraduates in the U.K. are listed, and a proposal for an entirely new system is put forward. The aim was to produce a working system based upon an overall consideration of the problems of occupational choice, to use the system, and to improve it as experience proved necessary. The finished system consists of four main components: occupational information, student questionnaire, computer match algorithm, and computer results. The occupational information is based upon careers adviser opinion collected as 1 to 5 ratings and relies upon there being agreement between careers advisers. A method was devised to demonstrate satisfactory agreement and to allocate suitable ratings for each item of occupational information. The considerations affecting the design of the other components are discussed. Emphasis was placed upon showing students how the computer reaches its list of suggestions, so that they are able to better understand the process of decision-making as well as receiving lists of possible occupations. The problems of evaluating the effects of careers advice are discussed. Trials of the completed computerized system showed that the questionnaire and system are regarded as helpful by the majority of students and careers advisers. A revised system has been installed for all students in Higher Education. Careers advisers say the system is helpful for interview discussion, career decision making, and promotes use of information room facilities.