Career Planning and Career Preparation of First-generation Learners who are Currently Pursuing their Studies in Shillong, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya

Abstract

Present study was planned to determine career planning and career preparation of the students who are first generation learners in Shillong, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. The research design adopted for this study is a descriptive study design using quantitative and qualitative research design. Under non-probability sample, purposive sampling design was adopted to facilitate a smooth selection of the target respondents. A total of 537 respondents were taken and the respondents selected for the study are the students who took Admission in the 2019 – 2020 Academic Year. Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. Results revealed that about sixty two percent of the respondent’s parents (father) are not directly involved in any kind of professional engagement with regard to their occupation. 76% of the respondent’s parents (mother) are involved in different kinds of occupations such as business, traditional occupations, farming and other kinds of livelihoods. 80% of the respondent’s local guardians are involved in similar occupations as those of the respondent’s parents. The above data suggest that such parents / local guardians are not able to provide relevant informational career insights and support for their children career preparation and planning. The highest medium through which the students came to know about the Programs offered by the University is through friends which is 39%. 23% others came to know about the University through references, seniors, relatives and others. It is concluded that educational institutions have a very big role to play in providing career guidance and support to the first generation learners right from the time they join the University till they graduate. The follow up of such students should be constant and their progress needs to be tracked in terms of their potentials, interest, family background, financial ability and academic growth. This has to be done sequentially as they progress from one semester to the other.