Self-directed learning and career decision-making

Abstract

This article explores the relationships between self-directed learning and aspects of career decision-making. First-year students in access programmes at a South African university participated in the study. Having entered higher education via an alternative route, it was expected that these students would find it difficult to make career decisions. Students who measure high on self-directed learning find it easier to make career decisions. The results indicate that self-directed learning has significant correlations with career decision self-efficacy, career decision certainty and indecision. Multiple regression analyses showed that self-directed learning explained approximately 4% of the variance in career decision certainty besides what is explained by career decision self-efficacy.