Sicurella C1, Boyd-Gerny J2
1Queen’s College, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia, 2Holmsglen Institute of TAFE, Melbourne, Australia
Employment opportunities are important selection criteria for international students when choosing their destination. For Australian Higher Education providers to remain a destination of choice for international students, it is important that they understand the career values, motives, and skills students wish to acquire through their university courses.
This research project aims to compare the career aspirations and values held by international students at an Australian Higher Education Provider with their Australian counterparts at the same institution, through Schein’s Career Anchor Theory. This model has been applied extensively to examine career perceptions and orientations of individuals in various stages of career development. The Lyons Work Values survey was also included in the research design.
A sample of 105 international students and 95 Australian students studying a range of first-year subjects (commerce, health, science, business) completed the Schein Career Anchor Survey. Results were then compared with results from the Work Values questionnaire. Mixed method analysis reveals international students were significantly more likely to have the “Entrepreneurial/Creativity” Career Anchor, whilst Australian students prioritize the values encompassed by the “Lifestyle” Career Anchor.
The greater entrepreneurial mindset of international students was also demonstrated by their lower concern with instrumental work values such as job security and employment hours compared to Australian students.
This study highlights the need for universities in Australia to support and develop the stronger entrepreneurial career aspirations held by international students through relevant course options and career advice.
Biography:
Catherine Sicurella is the Academic Director at Queen’s College and has worked in tertiary education as a Lecturer and Academic Coordinator for over 20 years.