Effective Factors Influencing International Students' Career Planning: The Case of Hitit University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences

Öz

Although not to the same extent as European universities, Turkey can still be considered a country that attracts international students from abroad—particularly from Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. This study examines the impact of both Turkey and the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Hitit University, where the students are enrolled, on the career goals of international students studying in Turkey. Based on open-ended and Likert-scale questions administered to 60 students during the 2023–2024 academic year, the study evaluates the reasons behind students’ choices of Turkey, their university, and academic programs; the influence of their coursework on their careers; the adequacy of the educational, cultural, and social opportunities provided by the university; and their career plans after graduation. The research is exploratory in nature, aiming to provide an explanatory assessment of the current situation due to the lack of prior studies in this area. A questionnaire suitable for both qualitative and quantitative data collection was developed. Based on the findings, the study attempts to determine the students’ level of satisfaction with their education and its contribution to their career plans. In conclusion, recommendations are made for local and university administrations regarding potential solutions to meet the needs of international students.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• International Student
• Career Goals
• University Preferences
• Hitit University

ULUSLARARASI ÖĞRENCİLERİN KARİYER PLANLAMASINI ETKİLEYEN FAKTÖRLER: HİTİT ÜNİVERSİTESİ İKTİSADİ VE İDARİ BİLİMLER FAKÜLTESİ ÖRNEĞİ

Öz

Türkiye, her ne kadar Avrupalı üniversiteler kadar olmasa da yurt dışından uluslararası öğrencileri çeken bir ülke konumunda sayılabilir; özellikle Afrika, Orta Asya ve Güneydoğu Asya bölgelerinden. Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de öğrenim gören uluslararası öğrencilerin kariyer hedeflerine giden yolda Türkiye’yi ve öğrencisi oldukları Hitit Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi’nin etkilerini incelemiştir. 2023-2024 akademik yılı içinde 60 öğrenciye yöneltilen açık uçlu sorular ve Likert Ölçeğine dayanan sorular sonucunda, öğrencilerin Türkiye’yi ve bulundukları üniversite ile okudukları bölümü tercih etme nedenleri, aldıkları derslerin kariyerlerine olan etkileri, üniversitenin kendilerine sunduğu öğrenim, kültürel, sosyal olanakların yeterliliği ve öğrenimlerini tamamladıktan sonraki kariyer hedefleri doğrultusundaki planları değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma, keşifsel nitelikte olup, daha önce bu yönde bir çalışma yapılmadığı için mevcut durumu ortaya koymaya yönelik açıklayıcı bir durum tespiti yapmayı amaçlamaktadır. Nitel ve nicel soru türlerinin birlikte kullanılmasına uygun soru formu oluşturulmuştur. Elde edilen veriler sonucunda uluslararası öğrencilerin aldıkları öğrenimden memnuniyet düzeyleri ve bu öğrenimin kariyer planlarına katkısı belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonunda, bulgulara dayanarak yerel yönetim ve üniversite yönetiminin uluslararası öğrencilerin gereksinimlerine yönelik gerçekleştirebilecekleri çözümler önerilmiştir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Uluslararası Öğrenci
• Kariyer Hedefleri
• Üniversite Tercihleri
• Hitit Üniversitesi

Kaynakça

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