The role of Career Counselling and Guidance in Supporting Students’ Career Decision-making in Tertiary Education

Career counselling and guidance are critical in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education, facilitating the transition from academic preparation to professional readiness. This paper examines the role of structured counselling interventions, assessment tools, and personalized guidance in enabling students to make informed career choices. Drawing on contemporary career development theories, including Super’s Life-Span, Life-Space Theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory, the study highlights how career guidance enhances self-awareness, goal clarity, employability skills, and alignment between personal values and professional pathways. Evidence indicates that students engaging in career counselling demonstrate greater confidence, proactive planning, and resilience in navigating complex labour markets. Institutional and contextual factors, such as accessibility, technological integration, and cultural responsiveness, influence the effectiveness of these services. The findings underscore the strategic importance of embedding comprehensive career guidance frameworks within tertiary institutions to promote student success, lifelong employability, and societal contribution. Implications for policy, practice, and future research in higher education career services are discussed.