Factors influencing graduating college students' career choices: Evidences from selected social science programs in Metro Manila

This study explained the factors that affected career choice of graduating students from University of the Philippines-Diliman, Ateneo De Manila University, and De La Salle University-Manila who are taking up social science degrees namely, Behavioral Science-Sociology, Communication Arts, Development Studies, International Studies, Political Science and Psychology. There are three main factors that the researchers focused on: psychological factors, social factors, and economic factors. According to the review of related literature, these factors are related to each other in terms of its influence on the career choice of individuals. Qualitative and quantitative methods, specifically survey questionnaires and interviews, were utilized for data gathering. A total of 155 respondents, with an age range of 18 to 23 years old, completed the sample of the study. There was a total of 95 female respondents and 60 male respondents. For data analysis, multiple regression was used to determine the relationship of the variables. Results showed that perceived career growth and peers are significant predictors of career choice. Results also showed that compensation and benefits and parents are not significant predictors of career choice.