Strengthening career readiness through structured career guidance services of grade 11 students

Abstract

Career indecision remains a prevalent challenge among senior high school students, often hindering their educational progress and long-term career development. Despite the availability of school-based guidance programs, inconsistencies in content delivery and effectiveness contribute to varying levels of career readiness. This study addressed this gap by assessing the relationship between students’ career readiness and the quality of the guidance program in a senior high school context. The study involved senior high school students who completed the GATI PIC (Prescreen, In-depth, and Choice) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using correlational techniques to examine the associations between program content, delivery, and students’ readiness for career decision-making. Findings revealed that while students demonstrated a generally high level of career readiness, variations existed across academic strands due to differences in exposure, household background, and extracurricular participation. The study also found a strong alignment between program content and its implementation, indicating that the guidance framework effectively supports career preparedness. The results underscore the need for the standardization of school guidance programs to ensure consistency and equity in career support across disciplines. Strengthening program structure and delivery can enhance students’ confidence, self-awareness, and informed career decision-making.

Keywords: Career guidance; career readiness; decision-making; educational support; senior high school