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Effect of Professional Accounting Mentorship on Students’ Awareness of Accounting Career Opportunities in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

Professional accounting mentorship is an important approach to career development because it connects students with experienced accounting professionals who can provide guidance, career information, practical insights, and professional support. Students’ awareness of accounting career opportunities is essential for helping them understand available career paths, identify professional requirements, and make informed decisions about their future careers. However, some Accounting Education students may have limited knowledge of the range of opportunities available within the accounting profession. This study therefore examines the effect of professional accounting mentorship on students’ awareness of accounting career opportunities in Nigerian universities. Professional accounting mentorship involves structured interaction between students and experienced accounting professionals who provide career guidance, professional advice, knowledge sharing, and exposure to accounting practice. Mentors may discuss different accounting career paths, professional qualifications, workplace expectations, specialization areas, employment opportunities, and career advancement. Through mentoring relationships, students can gain firsthand information about the accounting profession and develop a clearer understanding of the opportunities available beyond conventional accounting roles. Students’ awareness of accounting career opportunities refers to their knowledge and understanding of the different career paths, employment options, professional roles, specialization areas, and advancement opportunities available within the accounting field. This includes awareness of opportunities in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, management accounting, forensic accounting, accounting information systems, financial analysis, consulting, and other related areas. Greater career awareness can assist students in setting realistic career goals and preparing for relevant professional opportunities. The study will adopt a survey research design. The population will comprise Accounting Education students in selected Nigerian universities. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire designed to obtain information on professional accounting mentorship and students’ awareness of accounting career opportunities. The instrument will be subjected to appropriate validation and reliability procedures before administration. Data collected will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while the hypothesis will be tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The study is expected to establish that professional accounting mentorship has a significant positive effect on students’ awareness of accounting career opportunities. Exposure to experienced accounting professionals is expected to increase students’ knowledge of different career paths, professional requirements, specialization opportunities, workplace expectations, and available routes for career development within the accounting profession. The findings are expected to have important implications for accounting education and career development programmes in Nigerian universities. Accounting departments may need to establish structured mentorship programmes that connect students with accounting professionals, alumni, employers, and other experienced practitioners. Mentorship meetings, career discussions, professional talks, workplace exposure, and career guidance activities may provide students with valuable information about the accounting profession. The study is expected to benefit Accounting Education students, accounting lecturers, university administrators, career development units, professional accounting bodies, alumni, and practicing accountants. Students may gain greater awareness of accounting career opportunities and become better prepared to make informed career choices. Lecturers and career advisers may also gain useful insights for strengthening career-oriented activities, while professional bodies and practitioners may contribute more effectively to the development of future accounting professionals. The study recommends that Nigerian universities should strengthen professional accounting mentorship programmes by creating structured opportunities for students to interact with practicing accountants, alumni, employers, and professional accounting organizations. Mentorship should include career discussions, professional guidance, practical insights, and information about different accounting career pathways. The study concludes that effective professional accounting mentorship can improve students’ awareness of accounting career opportunities and contribute to better career preparation and professional development.

Keywords: Professional Accounting Mentorship, Accounting Career Opportunities, Career Awareness, Accounting Education, Career Development, Professional Mentorship, Career Guidance, Accounting Profession, Career Planning, Professional Development, Career Paths, Employment Opportunities, Professional Exposure, Career Readiness, Accounting Skills