| Popis: |
The doctoral thesis entitled "Vocational orientation and choice in Saxony – an empirical analysis at the Technical University Dresden" investigated the various offers for vocational orientation in Germany and the Free State of Saxony in particular. An online survey of students at the Technical University of Dresden obtained data from 1 568 participants, comprising 4 percent of the student body accessible via email. Details concerning the main conditions and history of the job market, its development and the need for targeted research in this area as well as well-known career choice models and independent influencing factors were shown. The analysis of the survey answers revealed the internet as the most frequently used and best-rated source of information. A still rather moderate estimated level of knowledge concerning possibilities of orientation leaves room for future research investigating the content and form of the provided information to obtain better insights into these aspects. The results also showed that, to this day, parents exert great influence on their children. They could, therefore, be provided with more content and more structured information concerning options offered through the internet or schools. In addition, university offers were evaluated as a positive resource. These resources are e.g. advice from professors, program advising, study taster/open day and websites – even though the presentation of information showed deficits. Internships also received positive reviews. Practical experience in general could be a way to support personal growth, promote independence, as well as strengthen beliefs and abilities. Alternative choices after school, like a yea1r abroad, Federal Voluntary Service etc., were rated predominantly positively. They should thus not be dismissed from the outset and perhaps even be integrated into the information on vocational opportunities. The ratings for the school as contributor were not as good as those for alternative choices. It seems that it should function as an information hub, e.g. for students, parents or enterprises, rather than giving direct choice impulses. Therefore, presenting contexts and improving the skills concerning the use and analysis of multimedia information would be more beneficial. The data indicated that the benefits of many media and smaller scale projects should be examined more thoroughly, since ratings were mostly negative. Additionally, the results show no indication of a shift of female occupational orientation towards non-traditional degrees – at least not beyond individual cases. However, there was a high level of satisfaction with the study program in general and developable data concerning thoughts of change and termination of the current study program. The reason highlighted by respondents had to do with the organization of studies and with aspects of vocational orientation, which illustrated the importance of ongoing advising. Considering their interests and abilities is also important to the participants in this survey, as reflected in their ratings of personal values like reconciliation of work and family life, career opportunities, fulfilment of the duties or social commitment etc. Nevertheless, regarding personal characteristics, it was discussed to what extent types or profiles are sufficient or productive, in terms of prediction. Inaccuracy comparing results of interest measurement with the possible study programs could be contained by a more detailed inclusion of concrete study contents. For example, the acquisition of relevant abilities and skills could be optimized through targeted training or obtaining career as well as degree related certificates. More detailed scientific insights can be gathered with long-term studies that would also investigate individual occupational careers. To this day, a comprehensive, comparative analysis of the numerous studies investigating offers for vocational orientation is still lacking. Although it could help bundle the most important elements, reduce the number of existing activities and projects, and thus improve and simplify vocational orientation. |
