Majors and career path dynamics: Bachelor of Commerce students at the National University of Lesotho

African Journal of Career Development

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Majors and career path dynamics: Bachelor of Commerce students at the National University of Lesotho
 
Creator Thetsane, Regina M. Mokhethi, Motselisi C. Malunga, Mpheteli J. Sesinyi, Lenyora N.
 
Subject education; business major; selection; universities; motivation; Bachelor of Commerce; career development; policymakers
Description Background: As the job market evolves, understanding factors influencing students’ major selection helps universities and policymakers design programmes aligned with industry needs and support career development.Objectives: This study examines motivational factors shaping major selection among Bachelor of Commerce students in the Department of Business Administration (DBA) at the National University of Lesotho. By analysing three majors, it explores decision-making dynamics and their influence on academic choices and professional aspirations.Methods: A descriptive quantitative survey was conducted with first year DBA students. Data were analysed using SPSS for factor extraction and correlation analysis to examine relationships among motivational factors across the three majors.Results: Six factors, namely, academic convenience, accessibility, engagement, popularity, recommendations and financial prospects influenced students’ choices. However, these were statistically insignificant. Long-term career goals and professional development emerged as stronger determinants, aligning with the Theory of Planned Behaviour, which highlights intrinsic motivation and belief in future success.Conclusion: Decision making is driven by mesosystemic factors such as academic offerings, labour market demands and career advancement opportunities. Institutions must align programmes with industry expectations and strengthen career support systems.Contribution: The study offers insights for aligning academic programmes with national development goals, improving graduate employability, and supporting students in making informed, aspiration-driven choices.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor
Date 2025-07-30
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — —
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/ajcd.v7i1.170
 
Source African Journal of Career Development; Vol 7, No 1 (2025); 11 pages 2617-7471 2709-7420
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://ajcd.africa/index.php/ajcd/article/view/170/681 https://ajcd.africa/index.php/ajcd/article/view/170/682 https://ajcd.africa/index.php/ajcd/article/view/170/683 https://ajcd.africa/index.php/ajcd/article/view/170/684
 
Coverage Lesotho — age; gender
Rights Copyright (c) 2025 Regina M. Thetsane, Motselisi C. Mokhethi, Mpheteli J. Malunga, Lenyora N. Sesinyi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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