Need Analysis of Career Counselling at Secondary Level: An Analysis of Student and Teacher Perceptions

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the necessity of implementing structured career guidance at the secondary school level. The primary objective was to evaluate the extent to which students require systematic support in making informed career choices. The study also explored the challenges secondary school students face in selecting suitable career paths based on informed decision-making. Career counselling was conceptualized as a dynamic and ongoing process that aids individuals in aligning their educational and professional choices with their personal interests, strengths, and the demands of the labor market. It plays a vital role in fostering self-awareness, strategic future planning, and the acquisition of relevant career information. For students at the secondary level, effective career counselling contributes significantly to academic development and the achievement of long-term aspirations by enabling a clearer understanding of available options and encouraging goal-setting aligned with individual potential. A quantitative research methodology was employed to achieve these aims. Data were collected through self-administered, closed-ended questionnaires. The researcher personally distributed the instruments across selected private secondary schools in Islamabad. A probability sampling technique was used to ensure a representative sample of both students and teachers. The collected responses were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, including mean scores and percentages, to identify key patterns. Results indicated strong support from both students and educators for the inclusion of comprehensive career counselling programs within the secondary school framework.