Development of a Mobile App for Career Guidance among University Students

Thesis Abstract

In recent years, the pervasive use of mobile technology among university students has transformed the landscape of educational and career development services, highlighting the need for accessible, personalized, and interactive career guidance solutions. Despite the increasing demand for effective career counseling, existing offerings often rely on traditional methods that lack immediacy, personalization, and technological integration suited for the digital-native student demographic. This study aims to develop and evaluate a mobile application designed to enhance career guidance among university students, thereby facilitating informed decision-making processes, self-assessment, and exploration of diverse career options. The specific objectives of the study include (1) analyzing the career guidance needs and preferences of university students; (2) designing a prototype of the mobile app anchored in career development theories such as Super’s Life-Span, Life-Space Theory and the Social Cognitive Career Theory; (3) implementing the app with a representative sample; (4) assessing the usability, acceptability, and perceived effectiveness of the app; and (5) identifying the key factors influencing students’ engagement and satisfaction with the app. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-method research design will be employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The population for this study comprises undergraduate students enrolled at a large public university, with a total estimated population of 20,000 students. A stratified random sampling technique will be used to select a sample of 500 students for quantitative analysis, ensuring representation across various faculties, years, and demographic backgrounds. Additionally, a purposive sample of 30 students will participate in semi-structured interviews to provide in-depth insights into their experiences and perceptions of the app. Data collection instruments will include validated questionnaires measuring career decision-making self-efficacy, user satisfaction, and perceived usability, alongside interview guides developed to explore user experiences qualitatively. The data analysis will utilize SPSS for quantitative data, deploying descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to examine relationships between variables and identify predictors of app engagement. Thematic analysis will be applied to interview transcripts to uncover recurring themes and contextual factors influencing user experience. It is anticipated that the developed mobile app will demonstrate high levels of usability, acceptability, and perceived effectiveness in enhancing students’ exploration of career options and self-assessment processes. The app is expected to increase students’ career decision-making Self-Efficacy Scores by at least 15% post-intervention and improve overall satisfaction ratings. Key factors influencing engagement are likely to include perceived relevance and ease of use, while demographic variables such as age and academic discipline may moderate user experiences. The findings will contribute to the field of career guidance by providing an empirically validated digital tool tailored to the needs of contemporary university students, rooted in established career development theories. Furthermore, the study will generate insights into the integration of ICT solutions within guidance services, highlighting best practices for app design, implementation, and evaluation. The main conclusion is that a mobile application tailored to university students' needs can significantly improve access to career guidance and decision-making support. The study recommends that universities adopt and further customize similar digital interventions, emphasizing user-centered design and ongoing evaluation to maximize engagement and efficacy. Future research should explore longitudinal effects of such apps on students’ career trajectories and employment outcomes, as well as potential integration with other educational technologies. Overall, this study aims to inform policy, practice, and digital innovation in career counseling, contributing to improved career development outcomes in higher education contexts.