Assessment of Career Guidance Services as Basis for a Unified Program Implementation: An Explanatory Sequential Design

Abstract

Career guidance services play a vital role in helping students understand their strengths, explore career options, and make informed decisions about their future. They also support students in aligning their interests and abilities with suitable educational and career pathways. This study examined the implementation of career guidance services in secondary schools in Kiblawan District using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. It specifically assessed the level of implementation in terms of activities conducted, program components, and attainment of objectives, and explored participants’ experiences in sustaining program implementation. Findings revealed a high level of implementation in activities conducted and program components, and a very high level in attainment of objectives. This indicates that career guidance services are consistently delivered and effectively support students’ academic and career development across schools in the district. Qualitative results generated three major themes: adaptive program implementation through structural integration, resourcefulness and collaborative program support, and innovative, student-centered, and inclusive career guidance practices. Participants reported integrating career guidance into homeroom and school activities, maximizing available and alternative resources, and adjusting implementation based on contextual limitations. Collaboration with teachers, parents, alumni, and external stakeholders further strengthened program delivery. In addition, the use of reflective activities, experiential learning strategies, and digital platforms enhanced student engagement and accessibility of career information. Based on the results, a unified Career Guidance Program titled Project CARE is proposed to strengthen sustainability, coordination, and efficiency of implementation. The study concludes that effective career guidance implementation depends on adaptive strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and student-centered approaches. It recommends strengthening institutional support, improving resource allocation, and enhancing capacity-building programs to ensure sustained and effective delivery of career guidance services in secondary schools.