Improving the Quality of Career Decision-making of Students in Chinese Higher Vocational Colleges

The number of graduates from China’s higher vocational colleges and universities is increasing, and making wise career decisions plays a key role in students’ career development. This study is based on the conceptual framework of the Career Self-Management Model of the Social Cognitive Career Theory. This study constructed a model that can improve the quality of career decision-making among college students in higher vocational institutions and explores the effects of career values, career decision self-efficacy, and career goals on career decision-making. Questionnaire data from 654 students attending higher education institutions in China were used. The results showed that both career values and career decision self-efficacy had significant positive effects on career decisions. Moreover, both career decision self-efficacy and career goals played a mediating role. The results demonstrate the applicability of the Career Self-Management Model conceptual framework to the study of career decision-making among college students attending higher education institutions.