Digital Skills and Mental Well-Being Shape Students’ Career Choices, Study Finds

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FORMOSA NEWS - Surabaya - A 2026 study by Almeida Rohma Safitri and Triesninda Pahlevi from Surabaya State University shows that digital competence and psychological well-being strongly influence students’ career choices, with self-efficacy acting as a key bridge. The findings highlight why preparing students for the modern workforce requires not only technical skills but also strong mental readiness.

The research focuses on students in the Office Management and Business Services (MPLB) program, a group directly preparing to enter the workforce. The results are significant as they reveal how internal factors—confidence and well-being—interact with digital skills to shape career decisions in today’s technology-driven environment.

Background: Career Decisions in the Digital Era

Rapid digital transformation is reshaping education and the job market. Students are now expected to master digital tools, adapt quickly, and make informed career choices in an increasingly competitive landscape.

However, many students still struggle with uncertainty about their future careers. This is not only due to limited skills but also a lack of confidence and psychological readiness. In this context, self-efficacy—an individual’s belief in their ability to succeed—becomes a crucial factor.

Previous studies have shown that students with strong digital competence and good psychological well-being tend to have clearer career goals. Yet, the relationship between these factors, especially in Indonesian vocational education settings, has not been widely explored.

Methodology: Survey of 108 Students

The study used a quantitative explanatory approach involving 108 students selected from a population of 148 using proportional random sampling.

Data was collected through questionnaires using a Likert scale to measure:

• Digital competence
• Psychological well-being
• Self-efficacy
• Career choice

The analysis was conducted using the PLS-SEM method, a statistical approach that examines relationships between variables.

Key Findings: Three Factors That Shape Career Choices

The study identifies several important findings:

• Digital competence has a positive and significant effect on career choice
  Students who are more skilled in using digital tools tend to have clearer and more confident career plans.
• Psychological well-being is the strongest influencing factor
  Students who feel emotionally stable, motivated, and satisfied with their lives are more decisive in choosing careers.
• Self-efficacy plays a crucial mediating role
  Confidence acts as a bridge that strengthens the impact of digital skills and well-being on career decisions.
• All variables are interconnected
  Digital competence and psychological well-being both improve self-efficacy, which in turn shapes career choices.

Among these factors, psychological well-being emerged as the most dominant influence.

Why Self-Efficacy Matters

Self-efficacy determines how students perceive their abilities and future opportunities. Students with high self-efficacy:

• Believe they can achieve career goals
• Are more proactive in planning their future
• Show greater resilience in facing challenges

“Self-efficacy strengthens the influence of both digital competence and psychological well-being on career decisions,” explained Almeida Rohma Safitri from Surabaya State University.

This means that even if students have strong digital skills, without confidence, they may still struggle to make firm career choices.

Real-World Impact: Beyond Skills Training

The findings carry important implications for education, especially vocational schools preparing students for immediate employment.

For educators and schools:

• Digital training alone is not enough
• Schools need to support students’ mental well-being
• Career guidance programs should build confidence, not just skills

For policymakers:

• Education policies should integrate mental health and career readiness
• Programs should focus on holistic student development

For students:

• Building confidence is just as important as learning technical skills
• Emotional well-being plays a key role in long-term career success

A Shift in Education Priorities

This study reinforces a growing understanding: success in the modern workforce requires a balance between technical competence and psychological strength.

Students who are digitally skilled but lack confidence may hesitate in making career decisions. On the other hand, those with strong well-being and self-belief are more likely to take initiative and pursue suitable career paths.

Author Profile

Almeida Rohma Safitri is a student researcher from Surabaya State University specializing in education and career development.

Triesninda Pahlevi is a lecturer and researcher at Surabaya State University with expertise in vocational education, career planning, and student development.

Both authors focus on improving students’ readiness for the workforce through integrated approaches combining skills, psychology, and education.

Source

Safitri, A. R., & Pahlevi, T. (2026).

“The Effect of Digital Competence and Psychological Well-Being on Career Choices through Self-Efficacy among MPLB Students.”

Asian Journal of Applied Education (AJAE), Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 359–372.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ajae.v5i2.16471

This study delivers a clear message: preparing students for the future is not just about teaching digital skills. Confidence and well-being are equally essential in shaping successful career decisions.