The influence of career guidance and open days on first-generation students’ university choices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20856/jnicec.5509Keywords:
career guidance, Careership, open days, first-generation studentsAbstract
This article sets out to investigate the role of career guidance and university open days in shaping the higher education choices of first-generation students. Using the Carriership theoretical framework (Hodkinson, Hodkinson & Sparkes, 1996, Hodkinson & Sparkes, 1996, Hodkinson, 2009), it draws on qualitative data from surveys conducted across three post-16 education providers and semi-structured interviews with students and staff. Thematic analysis reveals that while university is often viewed as a natural next step, opportunities for career guidance to expand a young person’s horizon for action are frequently missed or not recognised. In-person open days emerge as pivotal moments in students’ decision-making journeys, offering critical ‘turning points’ that influence both what and where they choose to study.
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