THE POWER OF PERSONALITY AND SELF-EFFICACY IN SHAPING STUDENTS’ CAREER DECISIONS

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of personality and self-efficacy on career choice in college students. Personality is understood as a set of psychological characteristics that shape an individual's mindset, feelings, and behavior in adapting to their environment, while self-efficacy describes a person's belief in their ability to organize and carry out the necessary actions to achieve career goals. This study uses a quantitative approach with multiple linear regression analysis methods to test the relationship between variables. The study sample consisted of 105 college students selected by simple random sampling. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed through classical assumption tests, correlation tests, t-tests, F-tests, and coefficient of determination (R²). The results showed that personality did not have a significant influence on college students' career choice, while self-efficacy had a positive and significant influence. The coefficient of determination (R²) value of 0.773 indicates that 77.3% of the variation in career choice can be explained by these two variables, while the remaining 22.7% is influenced by other factors outside this study. These findings support Bandura's theory, which asserts that individuals with high self-efficacy tend to be more confident, persistent, and courageous in making career decisions. In conclusion, self-efficacy is a crucial factor in determining students' career choices, and therefore needs to be developed through skills training, career guidance, and increased self-confidence to navigate the world of work professionally.