CAREER FACTORS OF NEW ENTRANTS TO A STATE UNIVERSITY OF SRI LANKA: A CASE STUDY

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.