Social Networks' Influence on Career Decision-Making Among High School Graduates in South Kivu

Career decision-making is a critical process for high school graduates as they transition to higher education or enter the labour force. This study investigated the influence of social networks, specifically peers and social media, on career decision-making among high school graduates in South Kivu. Guided by Systems Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods research design that integrated both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population consisted of 172,626 high school graduates, 1,063 teachers, and career counsellors drawn from 320 secondary schools in South Kivu. Using Cochran’s formula, 380 participants were selected through stratified random sampling for the survey, while purposive sampling was used to select 16 graduates for in-depth interviews and 8 career guidance teachers for case studies. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively using SPSS version 31.0.0, and qualitative data was analysed thematically. The findings revealed that peers and social media significantly influence graduates’ career decision-making by shaping career awareness, preferences, and vocational choices. Nevertheless, heavy reliance on informal social networks in the absence of structured career guidance was found to expose students to inaccurate or misleading career information. The study recommends, therefore, the integration of peer-led career guidance and the strategic use of social media as supplementary tools for delivering accurate, accessible, and context-sensitive career guidance services.