Journal of Iranian Cultural Research

Journal of Iranian Cultural Research

Analyzing and explaining the challenges of the educational-career guidance program in Iran's education system

Document Type : Scientific Research Manuscript

Authors
1 Department of Society and Progress, Technology Studies Institute, Presidency, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor of Curriculum Studies, Department of Educational Methods and Curriculum Planning, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Society and Progress, Technology Studies Institute, Presidency, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The academic–career guidance program in the education system, by directing students toward selecting a field of study and future occupation, can lead to undeniable positive and negative consequences at both individual and social levels. A review of the history of Iran’s education system in designing and implementing this program indicates unsatisfactory experiences and outcomes. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the challenges of the academic–career guidance program in Iran’s education system.This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenological method to examine the experiences of experts. The research field consisted of faculty members of higher education, school administrators, experts and counselors in the education system, as well as specialists in the labor market. Among them, 22 participants were selected using purposive, snowball, and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected through semi‑structured interviews and analyzed using a coding method.The findings revealed two major categories of challenges: internal and external. Internal challenges refer to issues within the education system that hinder the full realization of the goals of the academic–career guidance program. These challenges were identified in 35 open codes and categorized into five axial codes: systemic, approach‑related, human resources, educational, and procedural challenges. External challenges refer to issues rooted in the broader environment surrounding Iran’s education system that negatively affect academic–career guidance and its objectives. These challenges were identified in 39 open codes and classified into five axial categories: labor market challenges, the role of parents, socio‑cultural factors, economic factors, and policy‑making.The results indicate that various internal and external factors have reduced the effectiveness of the academic–career guidance program for its stakeholders. Therefore, addressing these challenges is an unavoidable necessity and an important step toward moving the education system toward a more desirable situation.
Keywords

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 May 2026

  • Receive Date 06 November 2023
  • Revise Date 27 February 2026
  • Accept Date 23 May 2026