The use of ICT as an agent of change : a proposal for a career guidance programme for the University of Malta

Abstract

Technology is increasingly becoming an integral part of our lives, both on a personal and a professional level. Over the past years, there has been a rapid increase in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) across all sectors including the career guidance profession. Recognising the powerful force of ICT, the University of Malta (UM) is using innovative technologies to enhance the students’ educational experience. Within the past years it experienced major technological developments which are also reflected in its career guidance services provided by the Student Advisory Services (SAS). The main aim of this qualitative study was to explore ways of how ICT can be fully integrated into the UM’s career guidance programme, using it not only as a tool and an alternative but also as an agent of change. Eventually, this led to the proposal of a career guidance programme for the UM which adopts the full potential of ICT. An interpretive paradigm was employed using two instruments to collect information from participants. A focus group was held with the Student Advisors (SAs) employed at the UM, while seven semi-structured interviews were held with clients of the SAS. The data collected was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The findings show that currently, the SAS use ICT mainly to deliver and share information and as an alternative means of communication. The use of ICT as a collaborative working space appears to be lacking. This study recognises ICT’s potential of making services more accessible, efficient, transparent and costeffective. The findings also conclude that the use of ICT tools and resources should not be used independently but rather to complement the current services. If the proposed programme had to be implemented, the SAs would need to undergo the necessary training and development to become competent with using ICT and social media to deliver career services. Finally, the proposal of a career guidance programme integrating the use of ICT is put forward along with several other practical recommendations.