The Effect of Self-Efficacy on Career Choices of 11th Grade Students

Abstract

Career choice represents an important developmental task for senior high school students, as it is closely associated with decisions regarding further education and preparation for entry into the workforce. However, many students experience uncertainty when making career decisions, partly due to limited confidence in their own abilities. This study aimed to examine the effect of self-efficacy on the career choices of Grade 11 students. A quantitative approach employing an ex-post facto design was used. A sample of 77 students was selected through simple random sampling from a population of 125 Grade 11 students. Data were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire with a Likert scale, with self-efficacy measured based on Bandura’s theory and career choice assessed according to Parsons’ concept. The instruments were established to have adequate validity and reliability. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, prerequisite testing, and simple linear regression using IBM SPSS Statistics 29. The findings revealed that self-efficacy had a positive and significant effect on students’ career choices, as indicated by a regression coefficient of 0.746, and an R² value of 0.531. Thus, self-efficacy accounted for 53.1% of the variance in students’ career choices. These findings suggest that students with higher levels of self-efficacy tend to demonstrate greater ability and confidence in making appropriate career choices. The findings further highlight the importance of career guidance and counseling programs that focus on strengthening students’ self-efficacy to support more informed decisions regarding further education and future career pathways.