The study was conducted among students in the Office Management and Business Services (MPLB) program at SMK Negeri 2 Buduran, Sidoarjo. It examines how digital competence and psychological well-being influence career decisions, both directly and through self-efficacy. The findings offer new insights into how vocational education can better prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market.
Background: Career Challenges in the Digital Era
The rapid growth of digital technology has transformed education and the labor market. Students are now expected to master digital tools and adapt to increasingly technology-driven industries. In Indonesia, the steady rise in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Development Index reflects growing demand for digitally skilled workers.
However, many students still lack basic digital skills, including the effective use of common office software. At the same time, uncertainty about future careers remains widespread. Academic pressure and anxiety about life after graduation often reduce motivation and readiness to make informed career decisions.
In this context, psychological factors such as well-being and self-confidence become essential. Students who feel emotionally stable and confident are more likely to navigate career decisions effectively.
Methodology: Survey of 108 Vocational Students
The research applied a quantitative explanatory approach to analyze relationships between variables. From a population of 148 students, 108 were selected using proportional random sampling.
Data was collected through Likert-scale questionnaires measuring four key variables:
- Digital competence
- Psychological well-being
- Self-efficacy
- Career choice
The analysis used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine both direct and indirect relationships.
Key Findings: Psychological Well-Being Emerges as the Strongest Factor
The study reveals several major findings:
- Digital competence positively influences career choiceStudents with stronger digital skills tend to make clearer and more informed career decisions.
- Psychological well-being is the most dominant factorMental and emotional stability plays a greater role than technical skills in shaping career decisions.
- Self-efficacy acts as a significant mediatorConfidence strengthens the impact of both digital competence and psychological well-being on career choices.
- The model shows strong explanatory powerApproximately 82% of the variation in career choice is explained by these variables, indicating a strong relationship among them.
All relationships between variables were found to be statistically significant, both directly and indirectly.
The Central Role of Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy plays a key role in connecting ability and decision-making. Students with high self-efficacy tend to:
- Feel more confident in making decisions
- Show stronger motivation
- Handle challenges more effectively
Safitri from Surabaya State University emphasizes that self-efficacy amplifies the influence of both digital competence and psychological well-being on career decisions. In other words, skills alone are not enough without confidence.
Implications: Toward Holistic Education
These findings carry important implications for education, particularly vocational schools.
For schools:
- Combine digital skills training with mental health support
- Strengthen counseling and personal development programs
- Design career guidance that builds confidence, not just competence
For policymakers:
- Integrate psychological well-being into education policy
- Promote holistic approaches to student career readiness
For students:
- Building confidence is as important as learning technical skills
- Mental well-being is essential for long-term career success
The study also reinforces the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), which highlights the interaction between cognitive and emotional factors in career decision-making.
Author Profile
Both authors focus on improving student readiness for the workforce by integrating skill development with psychological support.
Source
This study delivers a clear message: preparing students for future careers requires more than digital skills. Confidence and mental well-being are essential foundations for making the right career choices.
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