The Influence of Instagram on Career Guidance Among Aerospace Engineering Students

As social media increasingly shapes how students gather information, Instagram has become a popular yet informal tool for career exploration, especially among Aerospace Engineering students with limited access to formal guidance. This study examines Instagram's influence on career development, specifically in terms of self-efficacy, career exploration, and personal goals, using Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as its theoretical framework. A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was employed, collecting quantitative data through simple random sampling and structured questionnaires, followed by qualitative insights from open-ended responses. Descriptive statistics revealed that Instagram has a varying impact on students' career development. While the platform supported exploration and inspiration, challenges such as difficulty verifying credible content, over-reliance on social media, and the presence of idealized portrayals were also reported.