Self‐Concept, Attitudes Toward Career Counseling, and Work Readiness of Malaysian Vocational Students

Abstract

The authors examined the relationship between self‐concept, attitudes toward career counseling, and work readiness among 574 Malaysian vocational students. Attitudes toward career counseling have been studied in Western cultures; however, little is known about how career counseling is perceived in Eastern cultures. Attitudes toward career counseling were examined as a potential mediator of the relationship between self‐concept and work readiness. The authors applied structural equation modeling to explain these relationships. Value of career counseling was found to significantly mediate the link between self‐concept and work readiness. Results supported a direct relationship between positive self‐concept and work readiness skills. This may be due, in part, to a heightened value of career counseling among vocational students that increases career awareness and thus enhances work readiness. Future research could include samples with more female participants and additional constructs, such as self‐efficacy and career adaptability.

Evaluate the Vocational School Graduate's Work-readiness in Indonesia from the Perspectives of Soft skills, Roles of Teacher, and Roles of Employer

“…Characteristics of soft skills include creativity, self-control, self-concept, and resilience affect students' career readiness (Lau et al, 2019;Yu & Kelly, 2019). Soft skills are closely related to personal character, including personal skills, behavior, and interpersonal skills (Herbert et al, 2020).…”

“…Soft skills activities include discipline and self-control in completing assignments (Haenggli & Hirschi, 2020;Lau et al, 2019;Šverko & Babarović, 2019;Yu & Kelly, 2019;Zhou et al, 2016), self-confident (Guan et al, 2013;Mahmud et al, 2019;Šverko & Babarović, 2019), critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity (Chan et al, 2015;Sojow et al, 2018;Šverko & Babarović, 2019). Soft skills cover many aspects of work, namely communication, teamwork, public speaking, problem-solving, conflict management, lifelong learning, creativity, and professionalism (Debnath et al, 2012).…”

Psychological Applications and Trends 2022

“…Although structured surveys have yielded useful information on the public's attitudes towards and understanding of career guidance and career counsellors as mental health specialists (e.g., Lau et al, 2020;Ludwikowski et al, 2009) whereby less frequently qualitative research methodologies have employed with using metaphoric drawings for career statuses and values (Chong et al, 2021) among undergraduates. The use of drawings as representations of images is one qualitative method for analyzing personal beliefs and imagines.…”

Exploring Perceived Barriers in Career Planning And Counseling Among Students

“…Most of the studies in the field of career management are focused on factors that bring in success in careers (Furnham, 1997), various successful professions (Newton, Grayson, & Thompson, 2005), career exploration and the impact of career selection on the larger policies (Issa, & Nwalo 2008). Career counselling plays a significant role in work readiness by enhancing self-concept (Lau, Anctil, Ee, Jaafar, & Kin, 2020). A framework of career counselling intervention is designed to help people direct themselves towards relevant careers and attain a work-nonwork balance (Hirschi, 2020).…”