Shifting Horizons in Indonesian Graduates’ Career Decision-Making: Lessons Learned from the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped career decision-making (CDM) among graduates, influencing their transition from education to the workforce. This study qualitatively explores the career decision-making (CDM) process of 18 Indonesian polytechnic graduates through in-depth semi-structured interviews, applying Careership Theory to analyze differences in their horizons for action before and during the pandemic. Findings reveal three distinct patterns: security-oriented CDM before the pandemic, and survival-driven CDM alongside digital opportunity adoption during the crisis. Graduates prioritized immediate employment to navigate uncertainty while embracing digital opportunities for long-term growth. The study underscores the lasting significance of resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning, which remain crucial in today’s evolving job market. These adaptive strategies equip graduates to navigate change, upskill, and stay flexible in uncertain conditions. By understanding these shifts, educators and policymakers can better support graduates in building workforce resilience, ensuring they are prepared for future labor market disruptions.