Career Preparation and Progression for the Institute of Adult Education Graduates in Tanzania: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This paper presents a follow-up survey on the Institute of Adult Education (IAE) bachelor degree graduates from 2019 to 2023 academic years, assessing their career preparation and progression in Tanzania. As a public institution mandated to provide adult and non-formal education (ANFE) programmes in Tanzania, IAE must evaluate its programmes to ensure they meet occupational demands. A
quantitative research method was employed, using a self- administered questionnaire to gather data on graduates’ career readiness, professional growth and leadership development at the workplace. Stratified sampling with probability proportional to size (pps) was adopted in determining the number of female and male participants, such that a big group have big contribution in the sample size.
The questionnaires were sent to 607 (236 males and 371 females) participants via their email address and WhatsApp. Only 241 questionnaires (female =139 and male =102) were returned, giving a response rate of 40%. The 241 respondents exceeded the minimum sample size of n=235 required to represent the entire population for this study. Data were analysed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of IBM SPSS version 21. The findings revealed that graduates were satisfied with their education and had achieved their goals.
90% of the respondents stated that IAE prepared them well for employment while 80% were satisfied with earning their bachelor degree. Additionally, 64% reported that their current job positions aligned with their career exceptions, and 74.2% found a strong match between their occupational aspirations and available job opportunities. The graduates rated highly their overall learning experience, and the quality of IAE programmes whereas over three-quarters (80%) believed that they had been empowered to become leaders with the highest degree of ethical integrity and social responsibility. Given the importance of quality education, this study highlights the need for IAE to extend its focus beyond employment preparation by equipping graduates with additional skills, knowledge and values to support Tanzania’s industrialization goal and economic advancement.