Integration of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) in Career Guidance: Enhancing Vocational Clarity and Adaptive Career Behaviours among Students

Description

Page: 464-469

Reginald Mulalo Ndwamai (Department of Human Resource Management and Labour Relations, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa)

Career guidance plays a crucial role in equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex career landscapes. This paper investigated the impact of career guidance on fostering vocational clarity among Human Resource Management (HRM) students. Vocational clarity refers to the ability to articulate career aspirations and understand the pathways to achieve them. Using Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a framework, the research examines how structured career guidance initiatives influence students’ career decision-making, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations. A quantitative methodology was employed, collecting data via self-administered online surveys from HRM students. Statistical analysis using SPSS version 29.0 revealed a significant positive relationship between career guidance and vocational clarity. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored career counseling, interactive workshops, and mentorship programs in bridging academic training and career readiness. The paper contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance employability through targeted career interventions and offers practical recommendations for higher education institutions to implement proactive and student-centered career services.