Career-related Learning in Educational Institutions of Pakistan: A Comparative Case Study

Abstract

Career-related learning is a life-long process as career is a major part of the modern day life style. To ensure best career related learning, the role of educational institutions cannot be ignored. Internationally, schools, colleges and universities attend to it in great detail whereas the situation in Pakistan is quite different. Though the situation has evolved in the recent years, however, it still needs a lot of work. Hence, the present research was designed to explore the career-related learning in two educational institutions in Pakistan. The research question of the study was regarding career-related learning opportunities that are available to school and college level students in an average educational institution of Pakistan. For this purpose, two institutes (one from Islamabad and one from Faisalabad) were selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with students, teachers, psychologist, and school principal at both schools. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results showed that despite some efforts to induce career-related learning in the students, specific aim in this regard is lacking on the part of administration. Recommendations are charted at the end on the basis of comparison of current practices in Pakistan and the international standards.