A Study of Students' Job Preferences: Autonomy, Job Stability, Meritocracy

Nozari, Hamzeh; Babaei Golroudbari, Mohammadreza

doi:10.22034/jss.2025.2066178.1910

A Study of Students' Job Preferences: Autonomy, Job Stability, Meritocracy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Hamzeh Nozari ¹

Mohammadreza Babaei Golroudbari ²

¹ Associate Professor of Sociology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

² Master’s Student in Sociology, Kharazmi University, Tehran. Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22034/jss.2025.2066178.1910

Abstract

This study aimed to examine university students’ understanding and perceptions of employment in the public, private, and self-employment sectors. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 undergraduate and graduate students at Kharazmi University. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis at three levels: initial, secondary, and main themes. The findings indicate that students’ job preferences are shaped by factors such as economic independence, job stability, advancement opportunities, and competitive work environments. Most students preferred self-employment as a desirable and ideal career option, viewing it as a pathway to autonomy, self-actualization, and freedom of action. In contrast, some students opted for public sector employment due to its stability, welfare benefits, and structured environment. Employment in the private sector was also considered attractive by some students because of its meritocratic system and broader opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Keywords

Students&‌‌‌rsquo

job preferences

Self-employment

Public sector employment

Private sector employment

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