Career Self-Efficacy among UniSZA Students

The pervasive uncertainty surrounding post-graduation career trajectories among Malaysian university graduates constitutes a critical yet underexamined challenge to national human capital development. This uncertainty, particularly evident among students of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), reflects persistent deficiencies in career self-efficacy that remain insufficiently addressed within prevailing educational paradigms. This study employed a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through a survey using the Career DecisionMaking Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (CDMSE-SF, 1996), translated into Malay, involving a sample of 1,000 UniSZA students. In parallel, a critical analysis of relevant theoretical frameworks and empirical studies was undertaken to construct a coherent conceptual understanding of career self-efficacy. The findings indicate that the overall level of career self-efficacy among respondents was moderate (M = 2.38). The results suggest that perceived misalignment between academic achievement and career aspirations, pervasive social comparison dynamics, and predominantly passive institutional career support mechanisms collectively undermine students’ confidence in their career capabilities. These interrelated factors contribute to reduced proactive career exploration and diminished decisional clarity. Accordingly, the study underscores the need for robust, contextsensitive career interventions grounded in a nuanced understanding of these complex influences to foster sustainable career resilience and enhance graduate employability outcomes.