An exploration of the level of usage of the career guidance service by students in third level education in Ireland

The overall purpose of this research study is to investigate the perceptions of career advisors working in Higher Education (HE) career guidance services in Ireland. The study specifically focuses on the level of usage of the career services by students in third level education. According to Lairio and Penttine (2006) as the HE sector expands, essential services provided by the career guidance service have a pivotal role to play, safeguarding the tertiary provision which is grounded in and receptive to the ever evolving needs of individual students. In terms of guidance, the National Guidance Forum (2007) identified weaknesses in the career guidance service at HE with regards to policy and practice, describing it as disjointed, fragmented and stressing need for a greater integrated system. There is a lack of empirical research from the point of view of career guidance advisors on the provision of third level career (European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network 2015). The National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 (Higher Education Authority (HEA), 2011) also fails to acknowledge the career guidance service on a national scale. This study therefore aims to gain an insight into a service that is vital for the student population across the HE sector. An interpretive paradigm was employed using semi structured interviews to ensure the collection of the experiences of a sample of career advisors employed in career services at HE in both Institutes of Technology and Universities. The data technique involved was identifying, analysing and reporting patterns within the collected data were undertaken through a thematic approach (Braun and Clarke, 2013). Given the current influx of individuals attending third level education across Ireland, the findings are that HE career guidance services are under constant pressure to meet the demands of an expanding and diverse student population. Due to this demand there is a need now, more than ever, for extra funding and resources, both have equated to an increase in accountability of the career service across the third level sector. In addition, the study highlights how the HE career service has had to change its methods of delivery to bring it outside the four walls of the careers office by employing more non-traditional approaches such as teaching in-class career modules, engaging in a range of social media routes, and linking more with employers. A number of recommendations are put forward to inform policy, practice and research arising from the study.