Journal Press India^®

Author Details ( * ) denotes Corresponding author

Purpose: This study aims at measuring the degree of involvement of various individuals in the choice of a career for student respondents, ranking of various professions available in the country by student respondents, importance of various motivators for student respondents. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses exploratory as well as a descriptive research design. It uses both close-ended as well as open-ended questions. Close-ended questions have been used in respect of such issues wherein the contours of the research problem have been ascertained on the basis of survey of existing literature. However, those issues wherein the dimensions of the problems are not yet clear, open ended questions have been asked. The analysis of close-ended questions has been done using standard statistical procedures. Two separate questionnaires were developed for student and defense respondents. Findings: ‘Opportunity to Earn a Lot’ and an ‘Assured Job’ are important motivators for today’s youth. On the contrary, adventurous life style and glamour of uniform do not fascinate youngsters any longer. Bright and ambitious youth prefer cushy jobs in MNCs and Indian Companies, which offer attractive pay ‘package’. Youngsters stay away from the Armed Forces. Research Limitations: This limits the generalization of the findings to only the study sample. Despite that limitation, the findings are quite indicative of the broad trends. Managerial Implications: About the implications, changes brought upon in the recruitment ideology for the Indian Defence soon after independence, with the intention of broadening the base for bringing about equality and national integration have had their obvious derogatory effect on the professional standards of the Armed Forces. Originality/Value: This study showcased the original work of the authors in the choice of career by the student.

Keywords

Career Preferences, Youth, Motivators, Armed Forces, Defence Services

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Websites:

1. www.armedforces.nic.in (Official website of Indian Armed Forces)
2. http://www.armyinkashmir.org/v2/laugh_bytes/humour.shtml (Indian Army in Kashmir)
3. http://indianairforce.nic.in (Indian Air Force Website)
4.  http://indianarmy.nic.in (Indian Army Home Page)
5. http://indianarmy.nic.in/arcar.htm (Indian Army Career Prospects)  
6. www.shrm.org (for analysis of Society for Human Resource Management)
7. www.samsung.com/corporate/human.html (Samsung Group Website)
8. www.goarmy.com (US Army)
9. www.OperationUSOCarePackage.org (care Package)
10. www.defenselink.mil (US Department of Defense)
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