Factors determining the career choice of arts graduate students of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka (special reference to BIatticaloa district)

Abstract

The objective of the study is to investigate the preferences of career choices among the Arts graduates in Batticaloa, graduated from the Eastern University, Sri Lanka. For this purpose, 100 arts graduates were selected in Batticaloa District. The primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire and this study employs the Probit model for the data analysis as the discrete choices have two categories in the dependent variable. Career choice was considered as an outcome variable whereas eight control variables such as duration of work Experience, number of complete English and technology courses, distance, job security, motivation, personal interest, income. The results show that except for a variable parallel other seven variables were statically significant in all possible comparisons, but significant levels and magnitude of each coefficient were differed. Empirical results of the model indicate that all the above variables are important factors that determine the career choices. The major findings of the study may assist the eastern university in Batticaloa arts graduates in selecting their specialization preferences on the subjects and the academics to improve their curriculum design in the future.