Factor's Influencing a Graduates Choice of Occupation

Abstract

This thesis is an investigation into the factors which influenced the occupational choice of a sample of 900 men and women who graduated in the summer of 1965. Data was collected by questionnaire (all) and interview (9%), and a measure of occupational interests was obtained. The time gap between questionnaire and interview provided a longitudinal dimension to the research and introduced the topics of utilization and job satisfaction. Graduate norms for the Connolly Occupational Interests questionnaire (C.O.I.Q) were produced. Some limitations of the inventory were investigated. In addition to the socio-economic implications of using job-titles, there were differences indirection of preference for items by sex. Mean profiles for occupational groups were compared and the statistical implications of the paired-comparison construction of the C.O.I.Q. were discussed. Data from these mean profiles supported Super's theory of the implementation of a self-concept in occupational choice Patterns of timing of decisions about jobs differ by faculty and sex; overall, about 20% of graduates came to university with a firm choice, another 20% choose by the end of their second year. Many respondents reported a lack of help and information at school, dissatisfaction with employers' literature and interviews. Appointments services were seen as helpful sources of information and introduction but not as providing guidance. The relationship between class of degree and extra-curricular activities was examined, as was the effect of vacation work on choice. The interview sample revealed a degree of underutilization and dissatisfaction which supports recent research into this field. People are the main influence, from schooldays, on choice of occupation, subject master is ranked high, At university ‘people' and 'personal' factors together account for over 60% of influence on choice, 'institutional' about 30%, 'information' 10%. The pattern of results suggests a situation of lack of preparation at school, late contact with, but useful information from, the appointments service. The desire for self-expression (self-concept)is also evident. It is recommended that appointments services develop a research function, particularly in the areas of graduate utilization and job-satisfaction, and also consider offering occupational counselling to their clients.