Keyword : Stereotypes, Course, Career choice, Communication skills, First year students.
Author(s) : Philip Teniola David; Ayoola Olalekan Ajasa, Ph.D; Adejoke Adekanmbi, Ph.D & Aderinola Babatunde
Abstract :
Career choice has become an important aspect of an individual’s life because it determines the blueprint that the individual will follow in the future. However, these choices are shaped by multiple factors, one of which is stereotypes. Stereotypes can lead to limited opportunities, biased perceptions, and ineffective communication, ultimately affecting students’ academic performance and professional development. Against this backdrop, this study examined stereotypes and their influence on the choice of course of study and communication skills of first-year students at Christopher University. The study was grounded in social learning theory as well as communication skills theory. Using a descriptive survey, the study sampled the opinions of 100 first-year students at Christopher University. A convenience sampling technique was employed in selecting respondents for the study, and data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), where descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages were used to analyse and present data. Some common forms of stereotypes were identified in the findings. About 26% of the respondents admitted to experiencing academic stereotypes, 30% reported gender stereotypes, 26% acknowledged social class stereotypes, while 12% indicated career and success stereotypes. While parental and family expectations emerged as a major determinant of career choice, most first-year students indicated that stereotypes did not significantly shape their decisions. Furthermore, the findings revealed that most students (68%) did not exhibit an inferiority complex and were able to confidently articulate their opinions about their chosen course of study. Although 54% of respondents noted that they were sometimes perceived as less intelligent based on their chosen course, these assumptions were often corrected once meaningful conversations were initiated. This further highlights the role of communication skills in challenging and reshaping stereotypes. With an average weighted mean of (x? = 3.53) and a standard deviation of (SD = 1.30), the study concluded that stereotypes may not be the most influential factor affecting students’ career choices. Given that stereotypes were not found to be the predominant influence on course of study choices among first-year students at Christopher University, it is recommended that institutional focus should shift toward strengthening career guidance frameworks that prioritize individual aptitudes, interests, and long-term professional goals. While the influence of family expectations remains significant, structured interventions such as career counseling programs and mentorship initiatives should be implemented to foster autonomous decision-making among students, particularly before they select their course of study.
Stereotypes and Its Influence on the Course of Study Choice and Communication Skills of First-Year Students of Christopher University
Philip Teniola David; Ayoola Olalekan Ajasa, Ph.D; Adejoke Adekanmbi, Ph.D & Aderinola Babatunde
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