Abstract:

Introduction:
Higher education students often need to make decisions about their educational journeys leading to impactful and meaningful future careers. At the same time, making such decisions has proven to be a challenge regardless of whether one attends a contact or distance higher education institution. Not only is a career an aspect of life that one lives with for a lifetime, but it is also a choice that might affect one’s psychological, physical and socioeconomic well-being in future. Understanding staff perspectives on factors that influence/impact decision-making and career choice among students and the reasons for the differences is necessary, especially in the context of Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institutions.

Aim:
This study aimed to determine staff observations on career choice aspirations among Students in a Distance Higher Education Institution in South Africa.

Methods:
This qualitative study used an exploratory, descriptive design involving in-depth interviews with five purposely selected career guidance and counseling staff in an Open Distance e-Learning institution. The interviewees were conducted online with the directors, deputy directors and senior/student councillors in the regions. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach which involved familiarisation with data, descriptive coding, code categorisation according to similarities, and developing overarching themes for the study.

Results:
Two themes emerged from the study reflecting aspects that influence career choice. These included 1) gendered career choices reflecting male-oriented career choices, female-oriented career choices and male-oriented service provision; 2) Interpersonal, institutional and personal career choice reasons. These primarily included peer influences; social status and societal expectations; economic challenges; assessment outcomes; subject availability, and lack of career maturity.

Conclusion:
Gendered views about career choices require further interrogation as it limits the potential to explore other career choices by students in distance higher education institutions. While various factors influence educational and career aspirations among students in distance education, institutions of higher learning are challenged to continue supporting students in realising their capabilities through the training they provide.

Keywords:

Career choice, students, higher education, open distance education.