The influence of career guidance and open days on first-generation students’ university choices

This article sets out to investigate the role of career guidance and university open days in shaping the higher education choices of first-generation students. Using Careership as a theoretical framework (Hodkinson, Hodkinson & Sparkes, 1996, Hodkinson & Sparkes, 1996, Hodkinson, 2009), it draws on qualitative data from surveys conducted across three post-16 education providers and semi-structured interviews with first-generation students and staff. Thematic analysis reveals that while university is often viewed as a natural next step for these students, opportunities for career guidance to expand their horizon for action are frequently missed or not recognised. In-person open days emerge as pivotal moments in a first-generation student’s decision-making by offering critical ‘turning points’ that influence both what and where they choose to study.