Influences on Educational and Career Choice: Examining Career Guidance Exposure among Indian Science and Technology Students

Abstract

Indian students increasingly enroll in STEM courses after senior secondary education, both within India and abroad. But the reasons behind such enrolment decisions are unfortunately not always clear. At the same time, students’ ideas about Arts and Humanities disciplines are unclear and not well defined. The present study examines the factors influencing students’ educational and career choices, with particular attention to the role of social agents. The core objectives are to identify the elements shaping students’ decisions, evaluate their exposure to various academic streams and career counselling sessions, and assess their awareness of opportunities within the arts, humanities, and social sciences. To address these objectives, a quantitative research design was employed, involving a sample of 525 participants currently enrolled in science and technology programs. The majority of the participants had completed their education in private senior secondary schools in Tamil Nadu, India. The findings reveal that social agents play a significant role in directing students’ educational and career trajectories. Moreover, the participants underscored the limited availability of career guidance programs that could have supported more informed decision-making. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for well-structured educational and career guidance initiatives extending beyond STEM disciplines to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, as envisioned under Sustainable Development Goal 4.