New PSS survey shows shift in career goals

It used to be that majority of high school graduates of public schools want to enter the military or become policemen—careers that fall into the category of protective service. This time, many want to go into education and related training, as shown in the latest survey held among eighth to 12th graders.
The survey, called Kuder Career Interest Assessment, showed a significant shift in the career goals of Public School System students after they graduate from high school.

Records obtained by Saipan Tribune show that among the 3,851 students surveyed on Dec.13 last year, 893 students, or 23 percent of the respondents, ranked education and training as their top career choice.

The second most popular career choice was “human services” which yielded 19 percent, or 749 students.

The third top career choice is in “Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications” with 567 students, or 15 percent of survey respondents.

“Health Science” came fourth, garnering 505 respondents or 13 percent. In fifth place is “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics” with 298 students, or 8 percent of respondents.

“Finance,” which used to be among the top career choices, had 238 students showing interest in pursuing it as a career option, or just 6 percent of respondents.

Also notable in the results is the sudden shift on “Information Technology” and “Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security” which tied at seventh and eighth, with only 158 students showing interest in “IT” and 158 in “Law and Public Safety.”

It will be recalled that an earlier survey conducted by PSS among 2,956 respondents showed 474 respondents wanting to be in “Protective Services,” which includes fields such as police and investigation agents.

Another notable result in the latest survey is in the area of “Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources,” which generated only 2 percent, or 77 students, while “Hospitality and Tourism” garnered only 1 percent of respondents.

Meanwhile, “Architecture and Construction,” “Business Management and Administration,” “Marketing,” and “Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics” all obtained between 27 and 55 students.

This latest survey was administered on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota high schools where students were given questionnaires that took them less than 10 minutes to complete.

Of the 3,851 respondents, 2,002 are males and 1,849 are females.

According to PSS, the Kuder Career Interest Assessment is the first and by far the most critical step in effective career exploration. It provides both the school and the students opportunities to explore what the “students like to do.”

COE pleased

Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan said yesterday that PSS is very pleased with the outcome of the latest survey, which indicated that many high school and graduating students are interested in pursuing careers in “education and training services.” That may include becoming teachers, counselors, school administrators, trainers, and other related fields.

“I am really pleased with the result of the latest survey because it indicates that many students are now interested in the education profession and looking at teaching as a career,” Sablan told Saipan Tribune.

According to her, “education” has always been among the five top choices of students in career surveys. However, seeing this as the most selected career by students is a big thing for PSS, she added.

When asked about the possible factors that contributed to this shift in the career goals of students, Sablan cited the potential positive influence of educators, the job market in terms of availability, the pay and benefit aspect given to educators, the 190-day contract, among others.

To ensure that PSS is ready to sustain the job market for potential educators in the CNMI, Sablan said that PSS will continue to partner with the Northern Marianas College and come up with an agreement on courses necessary for public schools.

Sablan also revealed the system’s plan to expand the existing “Teacher Academy” in all high schools, the expanded on-the-job training program in schools, and the plan to initiate an “industry-based certification.”