Industrial Knowledge as a Correlate of Career Certainty of Business Education Students in Public Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between industrial knowledge and career certainty of final-year business education students in tertiary institutions in Anambra State.  The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses. This study adopted a correlational research design. The population comprised 319 final-year students from public tertiary institutions in Anambra State. The entire population was used as the sample size, as the population was manageable. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Validation of the instrument was carried out by three experts, all from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study utilized a direct method of questionnaire administration. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to analyze the research questions while Linear regression was used to test hypotheses. The study found that industrial knowledge enhances career certainty of Business Education students by aligning their skills with industry demands and fostering clarity in career choices. Industrial knowledge such as how to know where to invest, how to monitor trends in business and how to identify risks in project management solidifies their confidence in career decisions. This bridges the gap between education and employment by ensuring smooth transitions and informed career planning of business education students. The study recommended that governments and educational institutions should foster partnerships with industries to provide students with real-world exposure through internships, industry seminars, and practical training