Investigating the Career Guidance Needs of Secondary School Students in Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The study investigated students' career guidance needs at secondary schools. The study's objectives were to find out the career guidance needs of students in secondary schools and recommend career strategies for career guidance. The design for the research was quantitative. 30439 students were in the population. Using a simple random procedure, 380 respondents were selected. A data gathering tool of a questionnaire was prepared, validated, and piloted. Self-visits were made to schools for collecting data. Mean scores, standard deviations, and chi-square test were used for data analyses. Students' need for career guidance and trained guides to careers was found. The study found the need for career guidance and trained career guides in schools. Assistance in selecting subjects of study and planning careers is needed. Identification mechanisms for students' interests to plan for careers are needed. Recommendations were forwarded for guidance facilities of career planning and support for selecting the right choice of subjects for students.