Enhancing professional standards in career guidance : the postgraduate programme in lifelong career guidance and development and its impact on graduates

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the Postgraduate Diploma and Master in Lifelong Career Guidance and Development programme offered by the University of Malta. It delves into the rationale for the programme’s development and examines its impact on the graduates’ professionalism and career outcomes. By tracing the programme’s evolution, including its transition to a master’s degree and the integration of research and practical components, the paper highlights its continued relevance and effectiveness. The paper draws on data from a survey conducted among programme graduates to evaluate their employment and educational outcomes, revealing high employment rates, diverse job opportunities, and positive career trajectories. Furthermore, the paper explores the programme’s influence ongraduates’ personal and professional growth, highlighting improvements in the quality of their work. Concluding reflections emphasise the pressing need for further professionalisation in the career guidance field, urging active government involvement to establish recognized standards and credentials for career practitioners.