Career Development Profile of Private Tahfiz Madrasah Graduates in Malaysia: Planning, Exploration, Information, and Career Decision-Making

This study aims to explore career development among graduates of private tahfiz madrasahs in Malaysia, focusing on four key dimensions: planning, exploration, information, and career decision-making. Tahfiz education is often associated with religious fields, but the reality of the modern job market requires tahfiz graduates to possess additional skills to enhance their employability. This study employs a quantitative approach using a descriptive survey design involving 174 respondents from various private tahfiz madrasahs. The findings reveal that the levels of career planning, career exploration, and career decision-making among tahfiz students are moderately low, while access to career information is relatively better but still needs improvement. The study also found that the main factors influencing the career development of tahfiz students included limited exposure to various job options, imbalances in the tahfiz education curriculum, and a lack of industry networking. Therefore, several recommendations have been proposed, including the introduction of career guidance modules into the tahfiz curriculum, improving access to career information, and strengthening the relationship between tahfiz madrasahs and industries to provide students with training opportunities and work experience. With more systematic efforts, tahfiz students can develop clearer career paths aligned with the needs of the modern job market.