Factors Affecting Career Decision in Study And Work Life in Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract : Career decision is a critical and crucial decision for human life, organizational stability and economic growth of a country. Career decision differs with the time based on several factors which lead to organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Identifying the factors affecting career decision also helps to develop entrepreneurship that can create new employment opportunities of a country. This Study examines the factors affecting career decision among university students and professionals in Bangladesh. After examining 11 dimensions from personal characteristics of decision making, 5 dimensions have been observed significantly influencing career decision making in both of the level of study and work life. Factor analysis has been used to identify the factors that influence career decision and to reduce the unnecessary factor. Correlation is also used to identify the most highly correlated factor. On the other hand, some job related factors also have been justified for influencing career decision making according to their priority. Simple descriptive statistics has been used to measure the degree of influence of job-related factors. General Linear Model is also used to examine the differences of career decision making depending on the job related factors. Non probability random sampling has been taken as a sampling technique for collecting data. Sample size for this study is 212 respondents, 106 respondents from graduate students of universities and 106 respondents from service holders. It is observed that career decision has been significantly influenced by pay, family influence, location, job security. Types of work, personal satisfaction, work environment, opportunities for employment have no significant impact on career decision.