Fostering Career Adaptability in First-Year University Students: The Effectiveness of a Contextual Group Career Counseling Intervention in a Post-Mining Economic Transition Region

Nikmarijal; Sabarrudin; Komariah; Nurul Faqih Isro'i

doi:10.19105/ec.holistic1.25852

Authors

Nikmarijal Syaikh Abdurrahman Siddik State Institute of Islamic Studies, Bangka Belitung
Sabarrudin Syaikh Abdurrahman Siddik State Institute of Islamic Studies, Bangka Belitung
Komariah Syaikh Abdurrahman Siddik State Institute of Islamic Studies, Bangka Belitung
Nurul Faqih Isro'i Syaikh Abdurrahman Siddik State Institute of Islamic Studies, Bangka Belitung

https://doi.org/10.19105/ec.holistic1.25852

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Keywords:

Career adaptability, career counseling intervention, group counseling, first-year students, higher education transition

Abstract

This study was motivated by the need to strengthen career readiness during the transition to higher education, particularly in regions experiencing structural economic transformation following the decline of the mining sector. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a contextual career counseling intervention designed for post mining economic transition regions in enhancing career adaptability among first year university students. A quasi experimental pretest posttest control group design was employed in a pilot study involving 20 students randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). The intervention consisted of eight structured group counseling sessions focusing on four dimensions of career adaptability: concern, control, curiosity, and confidence. Career adaptability was measured using the 24 item Career Adapt Abilities Scale (CAAS). The results showed a statistically significant improvement in career adaptability in the experimental group (p < 0.001), while the control group showed no significant change. Posttest comparisons also revealed a highly significant difference between groups (p < 0.001), with a Cohen’s d of 2.35, indicating a very large effect, although the findings should be interpreted as preliminary due to the limited sample size. The findings provide empirical support for Career Construction Theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory. Overall, locally contextualized group career counseling shows considerable potential for enhancing career adaptability among first year university students and warrants further investigation using larger samples and longitudinal follow up.

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