Empowering Young Professionals and University Students in Career Decision-Making and Preparedness Through the Use of SCCT and CMI

Abstract

The study aimed to apply the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and the Career Maturity Inventory (CMI) to promote and facilitate career decision making career and preparedness among university learners as well as young professionals. The research provides an optimal theoretical framework for career counseling by integrating SCCT's emphasis on self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and personal goals with CMI's rigorous examination of the attitudinal and cognitive dimensions of career maturity. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing surveys as the quantitative instrument, while interviews and focus groups contributed qualitative insights. There were observed effects between self-efficacy and career maturity, influenced by moderating variables such as gender and academic discipline. The findings supported the linkage between self-efficacy and career maturity and moderated by gender and academic disciplines. Challenges include cultural and social conventions regarding the constitutes of readiness were emphasized, along with the role of career knowledge and mentorship empower self-efficacy. The study highlights the need for culturally appropriate career development that is oriented to employ cognitive and attitudinal approaches to increase the self-ability of clients dealing with current career issues. The study emphasized the need for culturally relevant career development that employs cognitive and attitudinal strategies to enhance clients' self-efficacy in addressing contemporary job challenges.