HomeMSEUF Research Studiesvol. 13 no. 1 (2011)

Exploring Career Opportunities for Potential Professionals: An Application of the Occupational Aptitude Survey and Interest Schedule (OASIS) Scores

Daizelene S. Cruzat

 

Abstract:

This study sees the importance of identifying the interests of potential professionals or college students for their future career advancement. It attempts to give the students a glimpse of what they are to expect with the interests that they have. Occupational Aptitude Survey and Interest Schedule (OASIS), a test designed by Parker (1991), was used in the study. The OASIS-2 IS was developed to assist the student in vocational exploration and career development. The study was conducted at the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation’s main campus. The responses of eight hundred ninety (890) students were grouped according to their colleges. An analysis of the OASIS scores was done using the framework suggested by Parker (1991). A chi-square test of independence was also done to analyze the relationship of the variables age, sex, courses, and place of origin with the dominant occupational interests revealed by the respondents. Students in each college have their own dominant interest scale and each interest scale is interpreted with the job activities or career opportunities that are associated with it. The null hypothesis was rejected for variables such as sex, place of origin and course. It is then concluded that the respondents’ interests were dependent on the said variables. The study offers some recommendations such as continuance of the use of OASIS in career exploration; counseling for those whose interests are divergent from their course; and provision of a plan of activities to help the students realize how the dominant artistic interest would be helpful in their courses.