AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE SYNERGY BETWEEN VOCATIONAL SKILLS, VALUE ORIENTATION, AND CAREER CHOICES AMONG UNIVERSITY BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the interplay between vocational skills, value orientation, and career choices among business education students currently enrolled in universities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study explored how vocational skills contribute to career choices, the role of value orientation in influencing career choices, and the combined effect of these factors. The population comprised 203 students (97 males and 106 females) from two public universities in the state, with the entire population used for the study. Data were collected using a structured validated questionnaire, with an internal consistency reliability coefficient of 0.82 established using Cronbach's alpha. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0, with mean and standard deviation employed to answer the research questions, and correlation and regression analyses used to test the hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The findings indicated a significant positive relationship between vocational skills, value orientation, and career choices. Gender was found to play a moderating role, with female students reporting stronger career choices and a more significant influence of value orientation. The study recommends revising university curricula to include more practical vocational training, enhancing value-based education, and adopting gender-sensitive strategies to improve students' career choices while still in school.