Abstract

The objective of this instrumental study was to define the vocational profile of three career paths at the Costa Rican Institute of Technology (ITCR): Architecture, Information Technology Management and Agribusiness Engineering, and develop a psychometric vocational test to assess preferences for each area of study. The sample consisted of 22 teachers and 449 students with an age average of 21.29 years; 44% were female and 56% male. This study provides continuity to previous studies by Alfaro-Barquero and Chinchilla-Brenes (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020). Professional profiles for each career path were obtained from students and teachers and then validated by a group of experts. The information gathered set the foundation for the interests and specific tasks related to Architecture, Information Technology Management and Agribusiness Engineering which were used as input to develop a survey that was answered by the study participants. The group also completed the Vocational Satisfaction Evaluation Test and the Skills Scale, by Alfaro-Barquero and Chinchilla-Brenes (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020). All the scales that were used appropriate psychometric indicators, except for the interest scale. Significant differences according to sex and career were evident. An association was also found among vocational satisfaction and vocational skills, interests, and tasks.

Keywords Vocational Interests; Psychometric Testing; Occupational Tasks; Skills; Engineering; Architecture