FUTURE CAREER PREFERENCES OF GENERATION Z

STUDENTS IN BARANGAY PINAGSABANGAN II

A Research

Presented to the Faculty of Education Department

Naujan Municipal Highschool

Andres Ylagan Naujan

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements

For the Subject Practical Research 1

By

GARIBAY, Chesca Camille V.

ACEDILLO, Alexis

DE GUZMAN, Airon Paul

MAGSISI, Alex

REGALA, James Mar

APOC, Angelica

MORTEL, Charmlet
 CHAPTER I

The Problem and Its Setting

INTRODUCTION

Career preference refers to the type of career or job that an individual is interested in pursuing. It is

often determined by an individual's skills, interests, values, personality, and experiences. It is a decision

making in a confusing situation that frequently occurs during the senior year of high school level. If according

to Webster, career preference is a free opportunity to select a desired career. Making a career choice is a

defining phase in every student’s life. Students have to consider a several factors before arriving at a decision.

The preferences and career aspirations of Gen Z students have been a topic of interest for many

researchers in recent years. Generation Z is generally considered to be the cohort of individuals born between

1997 and 2012, which means that they are currently between the ages of 11 and 26. As the first generation to

grow up entirely in the digital age, Gen Z students have a unique set of skills and perspectives that shape their

views on work and career. Understanding their preferences and aspirations is essential for educators,

policymakers, and employers who want to attract and retain the best talent in the workforce. Thus, this only

proves that the influence of career choice has a lasting impact to each individual.

In today's world, students have access to a wider range of career options than ever before. Career

choice is one of the biggest dilemma and challenge in any student life. Selection of the desired career can be

stated as the topmost priority of every student in the world. This, having the significant influence in the global

setting as it impacts the choices of students regarding on their education, training, and employment

opportunities. The effects of these factors on Gen Z students' career preferences can vary depending on the

individual. It is that in January 2013, the Philippines has 7.1% unemployment rate, the highest in the countries

from the Southeast Asian nations and from which, 16.9 % of which are college graduates. Misfit graduates are

one of the considered reasons why the country has high unemployment and underemployment rate. The

reasons could be either that the produced course of graduate misfit the demand of the present economy, or the

graduates do not possess the characteristics required by the industries in need. This could be due to the wrong

choice of course taken by most of the college students brought about by unguided decision making in choosing

courses.
 This is one of the reasons why the government implemented the K-12 program in the educational

system. In order to provide students with proper direction in pursuing future tertiary education, the Department

of Education (DepEd) has also institutionalized a career and guidance counseling program for students in all

public and private secondary schools nationwide. The CGP aims to guide secondary level students in choosing

career tracks that they intend to pursue through informed career choices towards becoming productive and

contributing individuals as stated in Republic Act 10533 otherwise known as the Basic Education Act of 2013.

This also aims to guide each student in making informed decisions regarding their choice of SHS track in view

of the fact that this can lead them to the right career preferences in the near future.

Factors that influence the career preferences of Generation Z students incudes their education,

personal values, and exposure to different career paths. In Pinagsabangan II, local factors such as the

availability of jobs and industries, the level of education and offered training in the area, and the socio-

economic status of the community may also play a role in shaping the career preferences of Generation Z

students.

Therefore, to make a more specific local setting of the career preferences of Generation Z students in

Pinagsabanagan II, it would be helpful to conduct a survey or study to gather data on their interests and

aspirations. This could involve talking to students and their families to get a better understanding of the job

market and the skills and qualifications that are in demand in the area.

RESEARCH GAP

Sad to say but very few studies are made to investigate success of career path used in the students of

the Philippines, even the factors that affect the career choice of Filipino students. This provides us with limited

information on how to help our students identify the proper career options and course choice they have to

pursue in the future. Students are not properly oriented as to what course to choose out of their interest and

skills but because of the thought that these courses will provide jobs in the future. More so, students choose

the career they think will give better paying job in the future. The researchers prompted study, would contribute

to the growing body of knowledge on this topic and may inform the development of programs and policies

aimed at promoting career exploration and development among students.

In this research, we will explore the career preferences of Gen Z students and analyze the factors that

influence their decision-making process. It will provide insights into how to create an attractive work

environment and job opportunities that align with the values and aspirations of this generation.

RESEARCH LOCALE

Pinagsabangan II is a barangay in the municipality of Naujan, in the province of Oriental Mindoro. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 2,748. This represented 2.51% of the total population of

Naujan. The household population of Pinagsabangan II in the 2015 Census was 2,419 broken down into 580

households or an average of 4.17 members per household. According to the 2015 Census, the age group with

the highest population in Pinagsabangan II is 5 to 9, with 266 individuals. Combining age groups together,

those aged 14 and below, consisting of the young dependent population which include infants/babies, children

and young adolescents/teenagers, make up an aggregate of 31.25% (756). Those aged 15 up to 64, roughly,

the economically active population and actual or potential members of the work force, constitute a total of

63.95% (1,547). Finally, old dependent population consisting of the senior citizens, those aged 65 and over,

total 4.80% (116) in all.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The researcher used the following theory to support this study. There are several theories about why

individuals may have certain career preferences. One popular theory is the Holland Code. The Holland Code

Theory is a widely used career theory that categorizes individuals into six different personality types and

proposes that individuals are more likely to be satisfied and successful in careers that match their personality

type. The six personality types are realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional (also

known as RIASEC).
 When studying the career preferences of Gen Z students, the Holland Code Theory can be a useful tool

to understand which careers and job roles may be more attractive to them based on their personality type. By

identifying their Holland Code, educators and career counselors can help Gen Z students make informed

decisions about their education and career paths. This theory can provide valuable insights into the career

preferences of Gen Z students and help guide them towards careers that are a good fit for their personality

type, increasing their job satisfaction and success.

RESEARCH PARADIGM

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Factors Influencing
Career Preferences of
College Students

Interview Provide career

Factors Influencing
Career Preferences of
Gen Z residents in
Barangay
Pinagsabangan II

The figure shows the variables of the study, which are the factors affecting the students in

choosing their preferred career orientation, and how does these factors influence them. The output of the study

would be a basis to provide a career planning orientation program for Gen Z students.

RESEARCH QUESTONS

The study assesses the factors affecting the career preferences of Gen Z residents in Baranggay

Pinagsabangan II. Specifically, the study will answer the following questions:

1. What are the career preferences and factors influencing the career choice of Gen Z residents in

Barangay Pinagsabangan II?

2. What are the most popular career paths among Gen Z students?
 3. How do Gen Z students prioritize environmental concerns in their career choices?

4. What skills do they consider essential for their choices?

ASSUMPTIONS

Gen Z students are more likely to pursue careers that align with their personal values, such as social

responsibility, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. The study may also study may uncover differences in

career preferences based on educational background, such as whether students attend vocational schools,

community colleges, or four-year universities.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Gen Z Students. They would make more informed decisions about their education and career paths. In

addition, they would be also encouraged to understand and clarify their career goals and identify the types of

jobs and industries that align with their interests and skills.

Education Department. They would be able to use this study to better understand the factors that

influence students' career choices and provide guidance and support to help students make informed decisions

about their preferences.

Educators. They would be able to use this study to design educational programs that prepare students

for the jobs of the future, by understanding the skills and knowledge that will be in demand in the coming years,

educators can ensure that their students are well-equipped to succeed in the workforce.

Future researchers. They would be able to use the study as reference in determining other factors

affecting the students in choosing their career preferences.

The respondents of the study are selected the selected Gen Z residents in Barangay Pinagsabangan II.

This study is limited only to factors affecting the career preferences of the respondents.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms are operationally and conceptually defined as used in the study:

Career Preference - According to Webster, this refers to a free opportunity to select a desired career.

Factors - a circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result or outcome.

Gen Z - the group of people who were born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s, who are

regarded as being very familiar with the internet. (Oxford Dictionaries)

Orientation – is basic information and training that is given to people who are starting.

Decision - a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.