Abstract
This research examines what factors influence college students’ choice of academic courses considering their career paths in the future at Arellano University Plaridel Campus. The study used quantitative analysis on data collected from 95 first year students to identify the main determinants. The results showed that majority of the participants were females (51.6%) aged between 19-21 years (43.2%) with HRM/Tourism being chosen by 35.2% while criminology had been selected by 30.7%. Students’ course choices were motivated internally as they perceived them to be useful for their future jobs (mean=3.4) and received much support from families(m=3.5). Moreover, higher chances of getting well-paying jobs related to one’s field of study were found to have significantly influenced the decision-making process(mean=3.42), thus reflecting socio-economic factors involved in this regard.Apart from these findings showing how intrinsic, interpersonal and socio-economic aspects interrelate when it comes to choosing courses among students at different levels of education; there is need for a program tailored towards career placement which should take into account such dynamics like parental involvement, industry relevance and financial implications so as to enable learners make informed decisions about their work lives.
