THE INFLUENCE OF PERSONAL GROWTH INITIATIVE ON CAREER MATURITY OF STUDENTS AT UIN FATMAWATI SUKARNO BENGKULU

Abstract

Career maturity is an essential developmental competency that enables university students to make appropriate career decisions and successfully transition into the professional workforce. However, many undergraduate students continue to experience uncertainty regarding career planning despite approaching graduation. One psychological factor that may contribute to career readiness is Personal Growth Initiative (PGI), which reflects an individual's active and intentional engagement in self-development. This study aimed to examine the influence of Personal Growth Initiative on the career maturity of students at UIN Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu. A quantitative correlational research design was employed involving 70 final-year students from the Department of Da'wah selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Personal Growth Initiative Scale and the Career Maturity Scale, both measured using a four-point Likert scale. Instrument validity was assessed using the Pearson Product–Moment correlation, while reliability was examined using Cronbach's Alpha. Data were analyzed using simple linear regression with IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 after satisfying the assumptions of normality and linearity. The results revealed a significant positive effect of Personal Growth Initiative on Career Maturity (t = 9.026, p < .001). The regression coefficient (B = 0.441) indicates that higher levels of Personal Growth Initiative contribute to increased Career Maturity. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R² = 0.545) demonstrated that Personal Growth Initiative explained 54.5% of the variance in Career Maturity, while the remaining 45.5% was influenced by other variables beyond the scope of this study. These findings suggest that students who actively engage in intentional self-development exhibit greater readiness to explore career opportunities, formulate career plans, and make informed career decisions. Therefore, strengthening Personal Growth Initiative through career counseling and developmental interventions may serve as an effective strategy for enhancing career maturity among university students.