Career maturity, awareness, and planning of honours psychology students : a phenomenological approach

Abstract

Career choice has been identified as one factor influencing an individual’s employability. The ability for individuals to deal with career-related challenges requires career maturity, career awareness and appropriate career planning. The challenge psychology students face is getting into their master’s selection programme. This study explored the career maturity and career awareness of Honours psychology students and how their experiences have contributed to and informed their career planning in psychology. A total number of 10 participants who were currently enrolled for a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours (Psychology) programme at the University of Pretoria were interviewed via the Zoom platform. This study employed qualitative research, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised in analysing the data. The theoretical framework of this study was founded on Donald Super’s career development theory. The results and findings of this study showed what pursuing an Honours degree in psychology means for students and their careers. In addition, the results showed how academic background knowledge and lived experiences in the psychology field informed and contributed to their career planning. The research study discussed the different career choices and options identified by the participants.