Improving Career Guidance and Counseling in Universities: A Qualitative Investigation from Pakistan

Guidance and counseling are highly beneficial for university students. Some Pakistani universities offer career guidance and counseling (CGC) but there is a huge room for improvement. This study explored various ways to improve CGC in Pakistani universities. Qualitative investigation was carried out by conducting semi-structured interviews with university students and career service providers. Interview data was transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis. Twelve themes were identified which showed various steps to be taken by students, career service providers, university management, employers from industry and government. People should be made aware and accepting of CGC; policies should be made and funds should be allocated for CGC; services should be diversified, approachable and delivered by professionals; available services and events should be rigorously marketed, regularly conducted and mandatory to attend; CGC should focus on entrepreneurship, skill development and bridging the academia-industry gap. Combined efforts by multiple stake holders particularly students and service providers would be vital for bringing the necessary improvements in CGC. Implications, recommendations and limitations are also discussed at the end.