CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.2 Background
Decision making concerning appropriate choice of career or occupation is the most
critical problem area facing students both young and school leavers. Career choice is
something very hard to decide, especially as an individual life depends on it. Career
therefore is a choose pursuit, life work or success in one’s profession occupied by a
person throughout his/her life.

Parental influence upon their children’scareer choice is a well-established

responsibility across gender and racial lines. Parents although donot necessarily
attempt influencing a particular occupational choice, but are also active agents in
influencing their children in a broad range of areas in career development
processdespite other factors like; schools, peers, and the student‘s community all
have an impact on the young adult‘s self-identity and career [Link] parental
expectations and perceptions have been found to play a key role in shaping their
career choices.

According to Morsel (2009), stated that Influence by parents on career choice for
their children aremotivated by enormous and complex challenges faced by children
and youths of today. Thus, without proper guidance, these children may end up not
fulfilling their goals in life. It is a fact that most young people have challenges of
choosing an occupation and relating personal skills, interests and abilities to
careers. Additionally, a sizeable number of school leavers today end up on the
streets without being aware of their potentials. There is therefore, the need to help
them know themselves in terms of abilities, interests, values, beliefs and potential.
They should also be assisted to acquire skills they need in order to cope with the
different circumstances they may encounter later in life.

Hayes (2003) states that career play a very fundamental and significant role in the
life of the individual not only because they determine the pattern of income but also
because they affect the individual personality and concepts in life.

Clutter and Macmillan (2008) observed that the main purpose of career guidance is
to help learners to choose a career, prepare for it, enter and progress in it as well as
to relate their personal skills, interests and ability to careers. Its functions include;

1
placing talent where it is needed by assisting learners to make their best possible
career choice.

Oladele, (2004), stated that the child is born knowing nothing of his society. The
home provides the biological traits, qualities and natural endowments which direct a
human characteristics upon which all other attributes are built. This highlights the fact
that home and parents occupy the most important position in the child’s education.

Studies have confirmed to a great extent the impact of family on career choice;
therefore, career should not be left to chance or accidents among adolescents who
frantically look for help from parents, teachers, peers and books. If adolescents are
left unguided in the choice of career, some of them may choose wrongly and regret
throughout their lives.

The objective of this study is to determine the influence of parents on career choice
of their children in the light of evidence-based literature.

2
 1.2 Statement of the problem
Despite parents being the first teachers of their children (Jocelyn 2002), how
parents influence career choices of their children in Gusau Metropolis schools was
not known. This study will therefore sought to fill up the knowledge gap by
investigating influence parents have on career choice of their children in Gusau
Metropolis schools.
1.3 Research Questions
i. How do parents influence career choices of their children in Gusau
Metropolis?
ii. What career guidance did parents offer to their children before
admission into schools in Gusau Metropolis?
iii. What other factors influence career choices of children in Gusau
Metropolis schools?
1.4 Purpose of the study
The specific aim of this study is to investigating how parents influences career
choice of their children in Gusau Metropolis Schools, Zamfara State.
1.5 Objectives
This section outlines objectives which guided the study as follows;
i. To determine how parents influence career choices of their children at in
Gusau Metropolis.
ii. To establish career guidance offered by parents to children before
admission to higher institutions.
iii. To examine factors influencing career choices of children in Gusau
Metropolis.
1.6 Significance of the study
A study of this nature is relevant to address the issues of school leavers wondering
on which career to choose. This study will add to the existing literature on
influence of parents on career choice of their children in higher learning
institutions of learning and colleges in Zamfara State and Nigeria at large.
This study may also be useful to the Ministry of Education in strengthening
policies on career guidance and parental involvement in career choices made by
children.
1.7 Scope of the study
The study covered two (2) admitting schools in Gusau metropolis, Zamfara State
which are; school of health and midwifery, College of Islamic [Link]

3
 these areas of coverage, data will be generated from students on how their parents
influence their career.
1.8 Definitions of terms
In order to effectively pass the information as contained in this project, the terms
used in this study are defined as follows;
Parent: A person who begot a child or children or a guardian of a child or
children.
Career: A career is a life pursuit, life work or success in one’s profession
occupied by a person throughout his or her lifetime.
Career guidance: Provision of services and activities to individuals of any age
and at any point throughout their lives to help them make educational, training
and occupational choices.

4
 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Theoretical Framework
Berk, (2007) stated in his work that many researches have shown the importance
of parents in responding sensitively to their children in order to promote higher
motivations in schools and better decisions with regards to careers. In having a
secure attachment with their parents, adolescents identify themselves more with
their parents and by so doing , they will involve their parents more in decisions
and choices. They are also more likely to listen to their parent's opinions. Thus,
teenagers remain attached to parents and seek their advice, and do so in a context
of greater freedom (Berk, 2007).
2.1 Historical Background of Career Choice

The history of career guidance has its roots in the late 1800s and the dawning of
the 20th century. Before the 19th century, little was available inform of career
guidance for those looking to find a job. Back then, career guidance was known as
vocational guidance. It was used as a means to end poverty during the time when
society was uproar over a demising economy. This new profession was described
by historians as a progressive social reform movement aimed at eradicating
poverty and substandard living conditions spawned by the rapid industrialization
and consequent migration of people to major urban centres at the turn of the 20 th
century. This turn, saw a rise migration, resulting in an increased need for a more
organized effort to help people find jobs (Whiteley, 1984).

Moen (1991) pointed out that at the time when career guidance begun, the number
of counsellors was minimal and career counselling programme was still in its
developmental stages such that most work prospects developed from close
community contacts such as family, friends and perhaps churches. Moen confirms
that vocational guidance movement was the precursor to career guidance and it
began in 1907 at a time when Frank Parsons, the founding father of vocational
guidance first created the methodology of career guidance. In 1908, Frank began
the Vocational Guidance Bureau of Boston with a mission of aiding people to
discover what careers were available. Parson’s theories were rooted in first
improving working conditions, then focusing on the individual worker’s needs.
His methodology mainly focused on making people in tune with their skills and
interests, thus leading to a right fit for a career.

5
Swanson, (1995), more women and veterans were in the workforce with higher
education levels with the end of World War one. Technology development
increased, opening new types of jobs and demands for certain skills. As such,
higher emphasis on education and vocational guidance was placed in most
countries. However, even though types of jobs have changed considerably in the
past century, some of the fundamentals of career guidance remain the same in that
the central themes continue to be developing an awareness of personal skills,
interests and learning about career requirements. However, career guidance today
is seen as an on goings process to the extent that age is no longer the driving force
it once was.

2.2 Influence of parents on career choices of children

Parents want their children to be successful in life. They hope to one day see them in
satisfying careers with the promise of growth. The thought of seeing their children in
dead-end jobs may be saddening. Parents wonder, though, if there is anything they
can do to help ensure that the children are successful. According to Taylor et. al 2004,
Families, parents and guardians in particularplay a significant role in the occupational
aspirations and career goal development of their children. Without parental approval
or support, students and young adults are often reluctant to pursue, or even explore
diverse career possibilities.
2.3 Career guidance offered by parents to their children
Constantly changing patterns of work and education worldwide make it essential
that every school student has access to career education and guidance that is
future-focused and personalized. This has long term benefit for individuals and for
the country they live in. Career education and guidance is an inherent element of
every school’s provision of a rich and balanced education. It assists students to
make decisions at key transition points and supports their successful transition
from school to tertiary education or work. It also aims at developing the career
management competencies that will equip students to manage their career path
ways and opportunities throughout their lives.

Clutter and McMillan (2008) suggested that it is useful to understand some of the
basic principles of career guidance, the processes involved in planning and
building a successful career and how they can be harnessed by the parents as they
support and guide their children on career and life journey. Therefore, parents
play a huge role in the choices children make when they start looking for a career.
They influence the level of education or training that their children achieve, the

6
knowledge they have about work and different occupations, the beliefs and
attitudes they have to working and the motivation they have to succeed. However,
most of this is learned unconsciously especially that children and teenagers absorb
the attitudes and expectations of parents as they grow up. Thus, parents’ career
guidance is important since they are primary counsellors, as much as teachers,
peers and consultants do, if not more, parents play a huge role in drawing a study
plan and shaping the career and future of their children. These parents have rich
knowledge and experience and can encourage their children to choose a career or
subjects that they have understood over their life and know the prospects in depth.

Perspectives of this study however, are that parents’ exposure and expertise, may
steer their wards in the right direction of career choice. More obviously, it has
been a wish for every parent and child that efforts in provision of career education
and guidance of young people in school education and homes where children
come from can grow. Thus, the role of parents in their children’s career education
and guidance is being increasingly perceived as very important.

Clutter and Macmillan (2008) in their unpublished paper on seeking a career

guide in London outlined various ways in which parents guide their children
towards career selection. For instance, the attitude of parents matter the most in
such a way that each and every parent has to stay positive when advising children
about which career to select. Bringing up a positive gesture about your work place
despite main changes and challenges involved may help children develop a
positive attitude and learn about varied set of industries. However, it is advisable
that parents give children room for their own views and opinions on such choices
as they keep encouraging them to gather information on various available career
choices and later make informed choices. Parents can also inform their children on
available opportunities through informal discussions about the world of work.
For example, explain to them about the jobs which are well paying and let them
know that as long as they work hard, they too can go for such paths.
2.4 Factors influencing career choice of children
Hewitt (2010) however, argues that factors influencing career choice among
students can either be intrinsic or extrinsic or both. Hewitt further states that most
students are influenced by careers that their parents favour, others follow the
careers that their educational choices have opened for them, some choose to
follow their passion regardless of how much or little it will make them while
others choose the careers that give high income. Student’s perception of being

7
suitable for particular jobs also has been found to be influenced by a number of
factors including ethnic background, year in school, level of achievement, choice
of science subjects, attitudes and differences in job characteristics.
2.5 Summary of literature reviewed and identified gap
This chapterreviewed international and local related literature on how parents
influenced career choices of their children in tertiary institutions. Available
literature revealed that several factors influenced career choices of children. These
include; availability of resources, educational levels of parents, peers and
significant others also contribute to the choices of career as shown in reviewed
literature. On the other hand, parenting style such as authoritarian play a part on
how parents influence children’s career choices such that they promote
independence and that climate where self-confidence is built on. However, it still
remained unknown how parents influenced career choice of their children in
Gusau Metropolis schools in Zamfara State.

8
 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter describes the methodology that was used in this study.
The chapter describes the following themes; research design, study
population, sample size, sampling procedures, research instruments,
data collection procedures and data analysis procedures.
3.1 Area of Study
The study Area, Gusau is located north of a line drawn from Kebbi to
Kano in [Link] has the following coordinates: 12°9′0 north
latitude and 6°40′0 east longitude. Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria, according to
our data the population is — 226,873 residents, which is about 0.1% of
the total population of the country. (Wikipedia)
3.2 Research Design
The research design that was used in this study is the descriptive survey design approach.
According to Orodho (2012), the descriptive survey design is effective and easy to conduct
and it also ensures ease in accessing information. The descriptive survey design allows the
researcher togather information, summarize and interpret data for purposes of clarification.
3.3 Population of the Study
Kasonde (2013) points out that, “a population is a group of individuals,
objects or items from which samples are taken for measurement.”
Therefore, the study population of this study comprises of all students
in the selected schools for study.
3.4 Sample and sampling techniques
The sample size comprises of 60 students, that is;30 students from
each of the 2 admitting schools.
According to Kasonde (2013), sampling technique is a research plan
that explains how the respondents for the study are to be selected
from the population. It is also a process that helps the researcher
select respondents, places or things to study on.
Since there was a pre-determined population of students, simple
random sampling techniques was used. A total of 60 questionnaires
were administered to the randomly selected students for analysis.

9
Table 3.1: Responses to Questionnaire Administered
s/ Location of Questionnai % Questionnai %
n study res res
Administere Returned
d
1 School of
Health and 30 50 30 50
Midwifery
2 College of
30 50 30 50
Islamic Science
TOTAL 60 100 60 10
0
Source: Author’s field survey, 2022
3.5 Instruments for Data Collection
The instrument used for this study wasbe a structured questionnaire entitled “Parental
influence on choice of career of their children in Gusau Metropolis. The instrument is
divided into two (2) sections that is section A and B. The Section A of the instrument
consists of the demographic data of the respondents while section B consists of items that
the respondents responded to.
3.6 Data Collection Procedures
Data collection refers to the gathering of information to serve or prove facts. It involves
collection of views on the attitudes of the people about the state of affairs of the
phenomenon.
Data collection is important in research as it allows for the dissemination of accurate
information and development of meaningful programs (James 2004).
In order to facilitate data collection in this study, introductory letters was obtained from
the Directorate of Professional Diploma (PDE) School to be presented to Deans of each
of the two (2) admitting schools to be sampled for permission to carry out a research in
respective schools.
3.7 Data Analysis and Presentation
According to Broom (2011), data analysis refers to the examining of what has been
collected in a survey or experiment and making deductions and inferences.

10
In order to interpret the findings of the research objectives, the obtained data
wereanalyzed using a qualitative approach. To show meaningful distribution of scores of
frequencies as well as percentage, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS
computer software version 20) was also used. The descriptive tools used in this study
were tables, pie charts, bar charts and percentages.

11
 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter analyzed and discussed the findings of the research work. It examined how
parents influence career choice of their children in Gusau Metropolis; Zamfara State. In
the course of this study, data was gathered from the field through questionnaire
administration.
4.1: Socio-Economic Profile of Respondents

Variables Characteristics Frequency Percentage (%)

Age Group 18-24 years 46 76.7

25-34 years 10 16.7.
35-44 years 4 6.7
45 and above 0 0
Gender Male 21 35.0
Female 39 65.0
Education Level First Year 4 6.7
Second Year 54 90.0
Third year 2 3.3
Fourth year 0 0
Source: Author’s field survey, 2022.

The above table shows the Socio-Economic conditions of the respondents.

 Looking at this age distribution, one can deduce that most admitted students from the two
study areas were mostly the females, 46 respondents (76.7%) falls in between the age group
of 18 – 24 years, 10 respondents (16.7%) falls in between the age group of 25 – 34 years,
while 4 respondents (6.7%) falls in between the age group of 35 – 44 years.
 In that gender category of the respondents, 21 respondents (35.0%) are male while 39
(65.0%) are females.
 Regarding the education level of the respondents, it shows that most of the students are in
their second year which account for 90.0% and those in first and third year account for 6.7%
and 3.3% respectively.

12
4.2: HOW DO PARENTS INFLUENCE CAREER CHOICES OF THEIR
CHILDREN?
Table: 4.1 Response on the rate of knowledge by parents in career choice?

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very good 47 78.3 78.3 78.3
Good 5 8.3 8.3 86.7
Faily good 8 13.3 13.3 100.0
Total 60 100.0 100.0
Source: Author’s field survey, 2022.
Table: 4.1: Show whether any government in any way has tried to take of the respondents
off the street. 19 (17.4%) respondents have said they have been taken off the street by
government officials, while 89 (81.7 %) respondents have said they have not been taken off
the street by any government officials. This shows that the government of that are have not
viewed the consequences of street hawking to the environment.
Table: 4.2: Response on whether Parent’s choices on career choice of children Are
helpful?

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Yes 52 86.7 86.7 86.7
No 8 13.3 13.3 100.0
Total 60 100.0 100.0

Source: Author’s field survey, 2022.

Table: 4.2: Shows whether Parent’s choices on career choice of children are helpful. 86.7%
respondents agreed that parent’s choice on career choice of children is helpful, while 13.3%
respondents disagree with the assertion. This shows that parent’s choice on career of their children
is helpful. This study is consistent with the work done by Jocelyn (2000), who asserts that parents
offered career guidance to their children as they gave them the freedom to make choices and not to
impose their own ideas.

13
Table: 4.3: Responses on whether Parent’s choices on career choice of children Are
helpful?

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
It is helpful 53 88.3 88.3 88.3
It is bad 7 11.7 11.7 100.0
Total 60 100.0 100.0
Source: Author’s field survey, 2022
Table: 4.3: Shows response on whether Parent’s choices on career choice of children are helpful.
88.3% respondents agreed that parent’s choice on career choice of children is helpful, while 11.7%
respondents disagree with the assertion. This shows that parent’s choice on career of their children
is helpful. This study is consistent with the work done by Jocelyn (2000), who asserts that parents
offered career guidance to their children as they gave them the freedom to make choices and not to
impose their own ideas.
Table: 4.4: Response on how do parents influence career choices of their children?

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Support 28 46.7 46.7 46.7
Encouragements 11 18.3 18.3 65.0
Positive interaction 6 10.0 10.0 75.0
All of the above 15 25.0 25.0 100.0
Total 60 100.0 100.0
Source:
Author’s field survey, 2022.
Table: 4.4: Shows response on how do parents influence career choices of their children? 46.7%
respondents agreed that parent’s influenced their career choice through support; financially and
academically, 18.3% agreed that they were encouraged for their choice of career, 10.0% said they
were influenced by positive interaction with parents while 15% of the respondents agreed to have
been influenced with all of the above criteria. This shows that parent’s has really influences the
choice of career of their children is in so many ways in Gusau metropolis. This study is consistent
with the work done by Taylor et. al, (2004), they opined that families, parents and guardians in
particular play a significant role in the occupational aspirations and career goal development of
their children. Without parental approval or support, students and young adults are often reluctant to
pursue, or even explore diverse career possibilities. Clutter and McMillan (2008) in their work also
stated that parents play a huge role in the choices children make when they start looking for a
career. They influence the level of education or training that their children achieve, the knowledge

14
they have about work and different occupations, the beliefs and attitudes they have to working and
the motivation they have to succeed. However, most of this is learned unconsciously especially that
children and teenagers absorb the attitudes and expectations of parents as they grow up.
4.3: WHAT CAREER GUIDANCE DID PARENTS OFFER TO THEIR
CHILDREN?
4.5: Response on whether parents offer any guidance on career choices?

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Yes 37 61.7 61.7 61.7
No 23 38.3 38.3 100.0
Total 60 100.0 100.0
Source: Author’s field survey, 2022.
Table: 4.5: Shows response whether parents offer any guidance on career choices? 61.7%
respondents agreed that parent’s offers guidance on career choice of their children while 38.3%
respondents said parents don’t offer any guidance on career choice of their children. This study
is consistent with the work done by Taylor (2001), he observed that parental involvement in
career related issues of their children is one of a series of factors that leads young people to
engage in more intense and effective information seeking activities. This is from the fact that
career conversations between a parent and a child play a huge role as they shape joint goals and
shared meaning and regulate action in the children as they make decisions in their careers.
Parents are seen to be most commonly consulted as influential sources of career information and
advice among children and are critical in total transition from school to the world of employment
as they have particular influence on the career path of children.
Table 4.6: Response on whether all parents have the skill in guiding children on career choice?

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Yes 33 55.0 55.0 55.0
No 27 45.0 45.0 100.0
Total 60 100.0 100.0
Source: Author’s field survey, 2022.
Table: 4.6: Shows response on whether all parents have the skill in guiding children on career
choice? 55.0% respondents agreed that parent’s have the skills in guiding their children on career
choice while 27% disagree.

15
Table 4.7: Responses on the perceived parental encouragements towards self-direction in career
choice of children?

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Job of own interest 36 60.0 60.0 60.0
Choice within Capabilities 23 38.3 38.3 98.3
All of the above 1 1.7 1.7 100.0
Total 60 100.0 100.0
Source: Author’s field survey, 2022.
Table: 4.7: Shows response on the perceived parental encouragements towards self-direction in
career choice of children? 60.0% respondents reveals that job of interest was perceived by
parents, 38.3% agreed on choice within their capabilities while 1.7% went for all of the
above option.

Table 4.8: Response on the perceived parental barriers to career choices of children?

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Company location 31 51.7 51.7 51.7
Nature of job shifts 29 48.3 48.3 100.0
Total 60 100.0 100.0
Source: Author’s field survey, 2022.
Table: 4.8: Shows response on the perceived parental encouragements towards self-direction in
career choice of children? 60.0% respondents reveals that job of interest was perceived by
parents, 38.3% agreed on choice within their capabilities while 1.7% went for all of the
above option.

Table 4.9: Valid Cumulative Response on

Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
the value of parent's
Yes 45 75.0 75.0 75.0
contribution towards career
No 15 25.0 25.0 100.0
guidance?
Total 60 100.0 100.0

16
 Source: Author’s field survey, 2022.
Table: 4.9: Shows response on the value of parent's contribution towards career guidance?
75.0% respondents affirm the value of parent’s contribution towards career guidance of their
children while 25.0 % disagrees. It can hereby be deduced that parents do contribute greatly on
career guidance for their children.

Table 4.10: Response to the value of parent's contribution towards career guidance?

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
It satisfy my needs 46 76.7 76.7 76.7
It doesn’t matter 14 23.3 23.3 100.0
Total 60 100.0 100.0
Source: Author’s field survey, 2022.
Table: 4.10: Shows response to the value of parent's contribution towards career guidance?
76.7% respondents reveals that parent’s value towards career guidance satisfy their needs while
23.3 % reveals that parent’s value on career guidance doesn’t matter. Looking at the outcome, it
was concluded that parent’s values in the contribution towards career guidance of their children is
enormous.

Table 4.11: Response on how effective parental influence on career choices of their children is.

Valid Cumulative
Variables Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Effective 25 41.7 41.7 41.7
Source:
Very effective 32 53.3 53.3 95.0
Author’s field
survey, Ineffective 3 5.0 5.0 100.0 2022.
Total 60 100.0 100.0

17
4.4: WHAT OTHER FACTORS INFLUENCE CAREER CHOICES OF
CHILDREN?
Figure 4.1: Response on the knowledge about career choice?

18.
3
%

Yes 81.
No 7
%
Figure 4.2: Response to knowledge about career choice?
30

25 40%

33.3%
20

15

10 15%
11.7%

0
Family Community Parent Guidance
Teacher

18
Figure 4.3: Response on how issues of career choice is rated

25
% 1.7%

Excellent
Very good
Good

73.
Figure 4.4: Response how career was chosed. 3%

13.3
11.7 %
%

Parents
Siblings
Teacher
13.3 My choice
%

61.7
Figure 4.5: Response on the factors influencing the choice of
%study?
25
21.7%
20% 23.3%
20
16.7%
15
8.3% 10%
10

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