Factors Influencing Career Uncertainty Among Pre-Service Undergraduate Student-Teachers In Tanzania: A Case Of The University Of Dodoma

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing career uncertainty among pre-service undergraduate student teachers in the College of Education at the University of Dodoma. This study specifically was guided by three objectives. First, to assess the level of career uncertainty among pre-service undergraduate student teachers. Second, to examine factors that influence career uncertainty among preservice, undergraduate student teachers, and third; to determine the consequences of career uncertainty among pre-service undergraduate student-teachers. This study applied cross-sectional research design. The cross-sectional design was selected because of its strengths in dealing with categorical data such as the level of uncertainty, factors and consequences of career uncertainty among students drawn from the population. The study used purposive sampling in selecting heads of department and the college warden. In contrast, random sampling was used to select students. The sample size composed of 306 respondents where data were collected by using both questionnaire and interview. Data collected through questionnaire were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) as a tool and descriptive method was employed to analyse quantitative data. The qualitative data were analysed by using content analysis. The findings showed that the level of career uncertainty was high in the first stage of the programme compared to admission and after the first semester because the majority of pre-service undergraduate were not satisfied with the career programme they were undertaking. The career selection process was not driven by the internal locus of desire rather it were external factors such as employment search, lack of parental guidance and counselling. The factors influencing career uncertainty among pre-service undergraduate students’ teachers were noted to be inaccurate, lack of relevant knowledge required in the teaching profession, lack of knowledge on the career and its relevant options, shortage of work options, parents’ influence on children’s career choice and peers’ influence over the decision to choose a career. Furthermore, the consequences of career uncertainty were revealed to be poor commitment in the career chosen and job dissatisfaction. The study recommends that pre-service undergraduate students must make themselves valuable rather than judging themselves by using external factors. As the study noted, the sense of value to the respondents would increase by accepting the teaching profession as the best interest of their choice. Increasing the sense of career acceptability and increasing the knowledge and power to accept the teaching profession, would further increase the sense of their value as undergraduate student teachers.