A Study on the Perceptions of College Students towards Campus Placements versus Off-Campus Job Searches

Author

Sethuraman P, Dr. G.H. Kerinab Beenu, Dr. Santhosh Jayagopalan


Abstract

 Choosing between a campus placement and an independent off-campus job search is one of the first major career decisions a college student makes. This study examines the perceptions of college students towards campus placements versus off-campus job searches, with particular attention to four factors: perceived job security, salary expectation, career autonomy and social influence (family and peers). A descriptive research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from 66 college students (UG and PG, Arts & Science and Engineering) through a structured Google Forms questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale, and respondents were selected through convenience sampling. The data were analysed using percentage analysis, correlation analysis, weighted average analysis and multiple regression analysis. All five constructs recorded favourable weighted averages (3.51 to 3.71 out of 5), with Salary Expectation (3.71) and Job Security (3.64) ranking highest. Salary Expectation (r = 0.683) and Job Security (r = 0.673) showed strong, significant positive correlations with perceptions for campus placement (p < 0.001). The four-factor regression model was significant (R² = 0.55, F = 18.96, p < 0.001), and Salary Expectation was the only significant individual predictor (β = 0.32, p = 0.022). The study concludes that pay and perceived security, rather than family or peer pressure, are the strongest drivers of students' perceptions for campus placement, and it offers suggestions for students, placement cells and employers.



Keywords

Campus placement, Off-campus job search, Placement perceptions, Job security, Salary expectation, Career autonomy, Social influence



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References


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