Factors influencing marketing students' vocational choices - The case in Ho Chi Minh city
Abstract
The study aims to investigate the factors that influence career decisions of students studying marketing major in Ho Chi Minh City. Choosing the wrong career choice is a wastage of students’ energy and resources. Only a small percentage of students have clear career objectives, which forms the statement of problems. Career choice is influenced by different factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, third parties and career exposure in shaping the students’ career decisions. The target population is junior and senior marketing students from a few universities in Ho Chi Minh City. The result reveals vocational choices are positively related to intrinsic motivation and career exposure. Therefore, universities could help their students eliminate uncertainty in their future career by organizing more engaging courses, demonstrating practical implications in the lessons, providing positive feedbacks, getting rid of bias as well as integrating frequent company tours and field trips. Moreover, students should also be encouraged to apply for internship to get acquainted to the future work environment.