Authors: Research Scholar Preeti Singh, Assistant Professor Dr. Nitin Bajpai
Abstract: The present study aimed to compare the career aspirations of students pursuing professional and non-professional courses. A total of 500 students studying in self-financed colleges in Kanpur city were selected through the convenience sampling method. The sample comprised 250 students from professional courses and 250 students from non-professional courses. The professional courses included B.Pharma., B.B.A., B.C.A., and B.Ed., while students pursuing non-professional courses such as B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com. were included in the study. The Career Aspiration Scale developed by Sarita Anand was used to measure the students’ career aspirations. The collected data were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The findings revealed a significant difference in the career aspirations of students pursuing professional and non-professional courses. Students enrolled in professional courses were found to have higher career aspirations than those pursuing non-professional courses. The findings suggest that courses linked to specific professional fields may help students develop greater clarity and a stronger sense of direction regarding their future careers. Therefore, it is important for higher education institutions to strengthen career guidance and counselling services in accordance with students’ interests and abilities.
