ACADEMIC CHOICES IN UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS AND VOCATIONAL SUCCESS: THE PAKISTANI PERSPECTIVE

The purpose of this research is to study the different aspects of the academic choices adolescents make at the undergraduate level and how these choices affect their accomplishment in the professional arena after graduation. The factors, such as the aptitude of the student, peer pressure, the availability of diverse curriculum in various disciplines, the accessibility of relevant institutions, the parental influence, cultural factors, and financial constraints that may affect this selection, will be discussed and evaluated in this study. These factors may differ from the factors that may influence such choices in the academic and corporate sectors in developed countries. This research will focus on a developing country, namely; Pakistan. These educational choices determine the profession the student will eventually choose. This investigation also aims to probe the success of these choices visible when a student enters the professional world and secures a job. The significance of the enhanced ability of an individual to adapt in his work place due to the right field selection and academic training in his student life will also be delved into. For this purpose the hiring criteria in the corporate sector will also be determined. Suggestions to make sure the students’ academic choices match their aptitude and the demands of the market will also be given in the conclusion. The outcome of this research will promote better academic counseling at the undergraduate level and will guide the students to make better academic choices focused towards vocational success.