Career Development Information Seeking Behavior of Undergraduate Students at the University of Zambia: The Case of School of Education Students

Abstract

This paper derives from an in-depth case study of the University of Zambia School of education students. It mainly aims to evaluate the career development information seeking behaviour of undergraduate students at the university. Despite the utmost importance of career development information seeking behaviour, it was not known where students at the university seek this information, their needs and the challenges faced in acquiring this information. The study was significant in assisting curriculum developers mainly lecturers in developing rich academic content necessary for the career development of undergraduate students. Methodology used in this paper was qualitative case study design, further the research was conducted at the University of Zambia School of education with a sample size of 40 students who were selected via purposive sampling. The data was analysed thematically and analysed via frequencies, graphs and bar charts. The research findings show that the respondents seek information that can; help them get a job, and course selection especially at master’s degree level. The internet, lecturers, colleague’s newspaper and TV were some of the information sources utilised by students. Some of the challenges that students faced are lack of adequate support and guidance from the lecturers, others are information illiterate making it difficult for them to identify authentic information from sources such as the internet and lack of networking between senior students and their juniors. The following were recommended in line with the findings of the study; sensitising students on career development prospects, to encourage lecturers to guide students on career development and to maintain a fruitful communication between the organisations where students are sent for attachment and the school.