Influence of Peer Group on Career Choice of Business Education Students in Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State

This study investigated the influence of peer groups on the career choices of Business Education students at Federal Polytechnic Damaturu in Yobe State, North East Nigeria. Peer influence is a significant social factor that shapes the attitudes, behaviors, and decisions of young adults, including their professional aspirations. In the North East, where social networks play a particularly important role in community life, understanding how peers shape career choices within Business Education can inform more effective guidance and counselling interventions. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population comprised 220 ND and HND Business Education students at Federal Polytechnic Damaturu. The total accessible population was used as the sample. A validated 35-item Likert-scale questionnaire on peer influence and career choice was used for data collection. Mean, standard deviation, and chi-square statistics were employed for analysis. Findings indicate that peer group influence is a moderate but statistically significant predictor of career choice, particularly in decisions related to joining the civil service or pursuing private sector roles. Students with peers in entrepreneurial ventures were more likely to consider self-employment as a career option. The study recommends that the polytechnic student union and career services office should curate mentorship networks that expose students to successful Business Education alumni, thereby channeling peer influence in constructive directions toward diverse and viable career pathways. Keywords: peer group influence, career choice, business education, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State