Career Guidance and Its Implications for Students’ Career Choices: The Case of Public Senior High Schools in Ghana

Abstract

As an individual goes through Senior High School education, s/he encounters situations which require them to take appropriate educational, vocational and social decisions. This highlights the need for guidance and counselling services in learning institutions. Its importance cannot be overstated. Research has shown that young people think about careers within the context of life more than in terms of qualifications and training. This study explored the knowledge of senior high school students in the Agona East district, about career counselling and how career guidance has been of benefit to them. The qualitative approach of descriptive survey using the purposive sampling technique was adopted. The data gathered was analysed using two main themes consisting of several sub-themes. It emerged from the study that for each occupation, different interests, abilities, personality traits and professional values are required. The findings also revealed that career counselling helps students to link what they learn to their interests, capacities, aspirations, and match these with existing opportunities. Going forward, the study recommends that schools                    assist students to identify their interests and make them aware of the importance of academic qualifications in making career choices. It further recommends to policy makers; especially the government of Ghana, to reinforce Guidance and Counselling programmes in senior high                       schools.