Research on Career Choices and Decision-Making Process Among Chinese Overseas Students

Abstract

A study was conducted to explore the influence of a range of factors on career choices and decision-making process among Chinese students in the UK, from a psychosocial perspective. The grounded theory was selected for analyzing research questions, through the use of semistructured interviews. A theoretical scheme was framed based on the findings of eight interviews, which suggested that there was an interaction between the influences exerted by the family and cultural factors and they shaped personal aspects like self-efficiency, self-concept and career interests. Although the qualitative research approach used in this study did not allow for wider generalization, but highlighted that indirect influence of families on the impact of students’ career interests, as well as addressed the impacts of abroad cultural and learning experiences on their selfconstruction and career development. It was hoped, this study could be helpful for Chinese students on choosing a career and for universities on developing strategies of international career services.