Abstract:
There is a big competition to enter into state Universities by the Sri
Lankan students. The overall objective of this study was to identify the
levels of perceived career skills and capabilities of new entrants to
State University education of Sri Lanka. Study was conducted as a case
study using a population of 217 students who had just entered into a
science based Faculty of an established state sector University in Sri
Lanka. The study has found major factors that has contributed to the
academic performances and the career choices of new entrants to a
science based academic faculty of an established state sector
university. Respondents who have attended popular schools for their
primary education indicated a positive difference F (3,210) =3.37,
p<0.05 in their perception of self-leadership skills. There was no
significant difference based on gender in the academic performance of
students at the GCE (A/L) examination. However, the self-perceived
leadership skills of male students were significantly higher (t (212)
=2.56, p<0.05) than their female counterparts. There was no
significant difference based on gender (between males and females) in
students’ perceived skills of being a team member. The self-confidence
of new entrants to the university were very high of securing desirable
careers after graduation. Further studies on the career progress of
graduates have been suggested based on the findings of the study.
