Affinity between the interests and aptitudes of ethnic communities and the regional offer of higher education in Colombia

ABSTRACT

In higher education, the mismatch between students’ interests and aptitudes with the careers they choose increases their likelihood of academic failure. This research aimed to describe the state of regional vocational affinity in nine Colombian municipalities with indigenous and Afro-descendant populations. The sample consisted of 4,348 students from public schools. Interests and aptitudes were measured using the Test of Montes & Herrera, and a Vocational Affinity Index (IAV) was calculated to establish the degree of congruence between the departmental undergraduate offer and the careers recommended to students. The results indicate that the preferred fields of occupation are mainly focused on outdoor work and social work, with an average regional vocational affinity of 36%. In conclusion, it is necessary to strengthen the vocational guidance actions for students to make decisions about their occupational future.

Keywords:
Vocational Guidance; Occupational Choice; Occupational Qualifications; Aptitude; Interest (Learning)