Discipline

Education

Abstract

The General Academic Strand is one of the four main academic tracks in the K-12 curriculum implemented during School Year 2012-2013. This strand offers students a unique advantage, as it allows them the flexibility to explore a variety of specialized subjects offered under the other available strands. As a result, students enrolled in the GAS program can cultivate a well-rounded education and develop a versatile skill set, opening the door to a wide variety of future career paths. (Senyametor et al., 2023) This research uses a qualitative research design to understand how students from SMCIQC under the GAS strand plan their future careers. A case study method is used for this topic to identify potential patterns in how students plan their careers. It also examines how a counselor for the Career and Life Development (CLCD) supports students who ask for guidance. The participants of this study are the Grade 12 GAS students from SMCIQC. Participants are chosen through stratified random sampling. GAS students are formed into groups based on gender, with two (2) female students and two (2) male students randomly chosen to capture varied perspectives. GAS students considered several factors when deciding on a career, often consulting parents about affordability and seeking friends' advice to ease pressure. Most students were highly aware of the available career opportunities, with only one having limited knowledge. Experiences with CLCD guidance varied; most acknowledged the support, such as webinars and online check-ins, while one student was unaware. According to CLCD personnel, guidance included standardized assessments and personalized follow-ups to align students' needs and provide real-world career exposure. Findings revealed that students were mostly aware of the career opportunities available, even highlighting that the General Academic Strand provided flexibility in guiding them to create a career plan. They also considered their financial stability by asking their parents and sought advice from peers and CLCD for guidance. Based on personal experiences with the CLCD, most respondents were very aware of activities provided by the CLCD. Examples included webinars and general advice. The respondents appreciated the online form check-ins by the CLCD. The CLCD provided specific activities to the GAS students to help them gain real-world career exposure.

Keywords

general academic strand, clcd, career plan, guidance strategies