Exploring Perception Types of Humanities Job Seekers in Employment Preparation: Implications for Career Guidance

Abstract

This study uses Q methodology to examine the perception types of humanities majors during their employment preparation process. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies, traditional career paths for humanities majors are shrinking, leading to intensified job mismatches, psychological anxiety, and social bias. The study identified four perception types: (1) Social Support for Career Challenges, which emphasises the need for emotional and institutional support to overcome career-related anxiety and biases, (2) Building Practical Career Skills, which focuses on enhancing employability through practical job experience and technical skill development, (3) Graduation-related Career Constraints, which highlights the limitations caused by academic graduation requirements, calling for structural reforms and expanded certification support, and (4) Proactive Job Preparation, which reflects active efforts to adapt to technological advancements and competitive job market demands by emphasising digital skill acquisition and practical education. We analyse each type's characteristics and support needs, offering valuable insights into how to address these challenges. The findings provide policy implications for career guidance and employment support, aiming to improve the employment success rates and job stability of humanities graduates. By offering empirical evidence for tailored support programmes, this study contributes practical recommendations to prepare humanities majors for the evolving job market.