A Systematic Analysis of Factors Influencing Career Choices of Urban Youth of Pakistan

Author(s) : Nasim Khan Mahsud

Abstract:

Pakistan is a country with a population of more than 100 million young people. The insightful channelization of the enormous energy owed by this young segment of society through the development of the right skills can effectively contribute to the rapid economic development of the country. An understanding of desires, aspirations, and motivations as well as the knowledge of challenges and limitations faced by these young people while planning for their career path is very important to create a conducive environment and facilitate the formulation of the right policies for these youngsters. The study is an effort to systematically explore various aspects involved in the decision-making process of urban youth in our society. The investigation of the role and effect of personnel, social, cultural, and economic factors as well as popular concepts in society about privileged professions is part of the research. By using a simple random sampling technique 05 universities out of 23 universities in Islamabad were selected and then by using a purposive sampling technique 400 respondents were accessed, however, the final responses got back from 270 accompanied by 67.5% response rate for the current study. A quantitative approach was applied to meet the study objectives by using a questionnaire as a study tool for university students in Islamabad-Pakistan. The findings of the study are likely to contribute to a better understanding of youth policymaking and support students to optimize career decisions in line with their personal motivations and societal goals.

Keywords: Career choices, Career planning, Urban youth, Counseling, Financial support, Peers Encouragement, Job market.