Staying Insecure or Adapting? Career Adaptability and Insecurity on Self-Efficacy in Final-Year Students in University

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the effects of career adaptability and career insecurity on self-efficacy among final-year students in university, focusing on the mediating role of career self-management. Methodology – A correlational multifactor model was used with a sample of 416 students from the academic year 2022/2023 in South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi Provinces, Indonesia. Data were collected using the Career Self-Management Inventory, Career Decision Self-Efficacy (CDSE), Career-Related Adaptability and Optimism (CFI), and Career Insecurity Scale. Data were analyzed using path analysis with the JASP application. Findings – The findings revealed that career insecurity does not directly or indirectly affect self-efficacy, while career adaptability and optimism directly influence self-efficacy. Career insecurity showed no effect on adaptability, whereas optimism indirectly increased self-efficacy through career self-management. The career self-efficacy of final-year students is influenced by internal individual factors such as adaptability and career self-management, while career insecurity is an external factor that, although it affects students' feelings, does not diminish their confidence in achieving career success in the future. Novelty – The study uniquely explores the relationship between career insecurity, career adaptability, and self-efficacy during the career transition period among final-year students at the University. Significance – The findings can aid universities in developing curricula that not only prepare students in their fields of study but also enhance student’s career adaptability and self-management to the working world.