Abstract:

Introduction:
Individual future plans and decisions, available education resources and funding models have influence on societal and national development trajectories. The National Development Plan (NDP) in South Africa has, amongst others, set the target of increasing the graduation rate to more than 25% to increase the total number of graduates from the current 167 469 to 425 000 by 2030 (NDP 2030). This target is based on the established understanding of the relationship between education background and employable competencies as in critical thinking, creativity, complex problem solving capacity, numeracy, interpersonal and interactive skills (Khalid and Ahmad 2021). This study sought to understand the students’ career choice and employability status and their views on the country's economic development.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to examine the students’ career interests in alignment with their employability status in one comprehensive and open distance e’learning institution in South Africa.

Methods:
Using a census approach, this study sought to access the entire student population through a link and student e-mails. These included students at different qualification levels pursuing formal and informal studies and full-time and part-time studies. The study was conducted online using Qualtrics software. Students were invited to complete an online survey instrument with both closed and open-ended questions. Those who completed the survey constituted the sample, a total of 9 904 participants. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, explorative and analytical techniques were employed in analysing the survey data. A thematic analysis was undertaken for the responses to the open-ended questions in the survey instrument. The study obtained formal ethical clearance and the research permission from the universities Research Ethics and Research Permission Committees.

Results:
The study outcomes were two-pronged: reflecting the views of career choice ratings of students participants who were single and unemployed as well as students who were married and employed. Career choice ratings highlighted perceptions of individual and societal/communal benefits in relation to employment/unemployment status. Participants demographic profile provide further context to the study findings.

Conclusion:
The study revealed an understanding of students’ demographic profile, living environment and employment status and influence on career choice. Furthermore, participants were aware of the importance of decision making about one’s future career plans in relation to societal and national economic circumstances.

Keywords:

Career choice, employability, distance education, South Africa.