Motivational Factors and Career Choice of Freshman College Students Enrolled in Beed Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Motivation drives a person to behave in a particular way or the general desire of someone to do something. This study was conducted to find out the significant difference on the motivational factors that affect the career choice of the respondents when analyzed according to the gender of freshman college students of Ramon Magsaysay Colleges.

METHODS

The method used was a qualitative approach. It utilized the descriptive-correlative design involving seventy-seven first-year BEED students of Ramon Magsaysay Colleges during the school year 2013-14. A validated survey questionnaire was used to gather the data in determining the correlation motivational factors and career choice of freshmen students enrolled in BEED program.

RESULTS

There were more female students whose age range from 16-17 than male students whose age range from 18-19 enrolled in BEED. Most of the respondents from both groups belonged to the middle child of the ordinal position. The respondents' parents from both groups were mostly high school graduate. 87% belonged to the middle-income group which has a minimum of Php 65, 787 to 805, 582 maximum annual income. The most significant career choice factors of the BEED students in choosing their career were employment and opportunity as revealed in the grand mean (M=3.4). Environmental factors also affect their career choice with a mean of (M=2.78) and personality factors (M=3.11) The general average (M=3.11) of the different motivational factors that affect their career choice indicates that the indicated motivational factors influenced them in choosing degree in college. There was no significant difference in motivational factors that affect the career choice of the respondents when analyzed according to gender with the findings X²=0.051 which is less than the critical value of 5.99 at 0.05 level. The null hypothesis was accepted.

DISCUSSIONS

With the results, it can be deduced that employment and opportunity were the main factors that influenced the first year BEED students in enrolling with the BEED program. They were aware of the course that could offer them after college. The availability of the job and the employment opportunity after finishing college is vital in determining the choice of their career. The personality factor also affected the respondents' choice of career with their interest in an occupation; their grades and academic ability and; motivation to pursue the course they take. Environmental factors such as parents, teachers, and peers must be considered as it was revealed that these also influenced their career choice. Gender has nothing to do with the career choice of freshman BEED students. It can be construed that regardless of gender, students are interested in the field of education as influenced by other factors mentioned.: