Chinese vocational college students pursuing a baccalaureate: academic motivation and career adaptability

The present study aimed to explore how academic motivation (AM) and career adaptability (CA) affect baccalaureate attainment among Chinese higher vocational students.

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach was applied to the research design. A sample of 1,563 participants was surveyed with a questionnaire, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 33 participants.

The results indicated that more than half of the participants (59.2%) decided to apply for a baccalaureate, whereas the rest decided to work (23.5%) or remained undecided (17.3%). The main findings are as follows: female students, Grade Point Average (GPA) at an average level, and students from low-income families intended to apply for a baccalaureate. Quantitative analyses revealed that extrinsic motivation was the primary predictor of baccalaureate intention, while the concern dimension of career adaptability showed a significant but negative association with this choice. Extrinsic-oriented utility motivation exceeds intrinsic motivation as the main source of academic transfer. Remedial support is essential for students to pass the transfer examination.

These results have important policy implications for Chinese universities receiving transfers from higher vocational colleges regarding student retention and academic success.