Comparative Study of Students’ Career Adaptability in Computer and Network Engineering with Welding Engineering

Abstract

—Vocational High Schools prioritize the preparation of students to enter the world of work and develop a professional attitude and it is hoped that graduates will be able to work according to the skill program chosen during school. The number of graduates of each skill competency in Vocational High Schools will create a Supply-Demand imbalance and affect the level of competition in the world of work. As in Indonesia, Computer and Network Engineering expertise programs are mostly held by every Vocational High School, while Welding Engineering expertise programs are still rare. This is the cause of the large number of unemployed Vocational High School graduates. In preparing for a career, students often have problems such as ambiguity, uncertainty and considerable stress when facing career exploration and career decision making. Career adaptability is the ability and readiness to face unexpected situations, assignments, and career transitions including participating in school demands to prepare for a career. The purpose of this study was to find out the comparison of career adaptability between students in Computer and Network Engineering and in Welding Engineering. This research method is a quantitative method with comparative analysis, data collection using the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale developed by Savickas, data analysis using Independent T-Test. The results showed that the total respondents were 160 Vocational High School students with 80 Computer and Network Engineering students and 80 Welding Engineering students. The level of student career adaptability is at a high level but there are differences between the sample groups, the career adaptability of students in Computer and Network Engineering is lower than the career adaptability of students in Welding Engineering. The determining factor for the difference in the level of career adaptability of students is thought to be due to the level of career anxiety of students towards career challenges, career obstacles, and career threats which ultimately affect the Confidence dimension. Researchers suggest increasing career adaptability to prepare before entering the world of work. There is a need for further research related to the factors that affect career adaptability, especially career anxiety.