The Effect of Internal Locus of Control on Career Adaptability: The Mediating Role of Career Decision Self-Efficacy among Fresh Graduates

Dimas Wahyuaji Pamungkas, Rini Sarianti

Abstract


The school-to-work transition requires fresh graduates to develop career adaptability in response to labor-market uncertainty and changing skill demands. This study examines the effect of internal locus of control on career adaptability and the mediating role of career decision self-efficacy among fresh graduates of the Bachelor of Management Study Program at Universitas Negeri Padang. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected through an online questionnaire from 110 respondents selected through purposive sampling. The instruments measured internal locus of control, career decision self-efficacy, and career adaptability using established scales. The data were analyzed with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4. The results show that internal locus of control has a positive and significant effect on career adaptability and career decision self-efficacy. Career decision self-efficacy also has a positive and significant effect on career adaptability. Furthermore, career decision self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between internal locus of control and career adaptability. These findings indicate that fresh graduates with stronger internal control beliefs are more adaptable, particularly when they are confident in making career decisions.

Keywords


Career Adaptability; Career Decision Self-Efficacy; Fresh Graduates; Internal Locus of Control.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijdb.v5i4.103947

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