Introduction
Choosing a career path is one of the most important decisions undergraduate students face. However, many students experience confusion, uncertainty, and pressure when deciding their future careers. Although universities provide career coaching and counseling services, a significant number of students do not fully utilize these opportunities. Understanding the factors that influence students’ willingness to seek career guidance is therefore essential.
The Problem in Career Guidance
Many undergraduate students struggle with career decision-making due to several challenges. Limited awareness about career counseling services, lack of institutional support, socio-cultural expectations, and low personal motivation often prevent students from seeking professional guidance.
In many cases, students rely on advice from family members or peers rather than professional career counselors. As a result, they may make career decisions without fully understanding their strengths, interests, and available opportunities.
Key Findings from the Study
Research shows that several factors significantly influence students’ engagement with career coaching and counseling services. These include:
- Institutional Support – Availability and encouragement of career services within universities
- Awareness – Students’ knowledge about career counseling opportunities
- Socio-Cultural Influences – Family expectations and social norms
- Motivation – Students’ personal drive to explore career opportunities
An important insight from the study is the role of Career Decision Self-Efficacy, which refers to a student’s confidence in making effective career decisions. Students who feel confident in evaluating career options, gathering information, and making decisions are more likely to seek career coaching and counseling services. The findings suggest that strengthening students’ confidence in their career decision-making significantly increases their engagement with professional career guidance.
Implications for Universities and Career Coaches
The findings highlight the importance of strengthening career guidance systems in higher education institutions. Universities and career development organizations can improve students’ career outcomes by:
- Increasing awareness of career counseling services
- Providing stronger institutional support for career development
- Encouraging students to explore career options early
- Building students’ confidence in career decision-making
By creating supportive environments and accessible guidance services, institutions can empower students to make informed and confident career choices.
Conclusion
Career coaching and counseling play a crucial role in helping undergraduate students navigate complex career decisions. Strengthening students’ confidence in their ability to make career decisions can significantly increase their use of career guidance services. Universities, educators, and career development organizations must therefore focus on building supportive systems that encourage students to actively engage in career planning.
About the Research
This blog is based on the research study:
Adhikari, P., & Thapa, R. (2025). Determining factors affecting career coaching and counseling among undergraduates: The mediating role of career decision self-efficacy. Nepal Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 8(2), 14–28. https://doi.org/10.3126/njmr.v8i2.77590
Read the full article:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391233766_Determining_Factors_Affecting_Career_Coaching_and_Counseling_Among_Undergraduates_The_Mediating_Role_of_Career_Decision_Self-Efficacy