Resumen

CANO IBARRA, Salustia Teresa; RAZO DURON, Evelia  y  GONZALEZ FARIAS, José Porfirio. From Classroom to Career: Job Expectations of Centennial University Students from the National Technological Institute of Mexico in Celaya in the Contemporary Labor Market. RIDE. Rev. Iberoam. Investig. Desarro. Educ [online]. 2025, vol.16, n.31, e978.  Epub 19-Feb-2026. ISSN 2007-7467.  https://doi.org/10.23913/ride.v16i31.2647.

The objective of this research was to identify and describe the job expectations of Centennial university students at the National Technological Institute of Mexico, Celaya campus. A quantitative methodological approach was adopted, allowing for the objective measurement and analysis of participants' perceptions and preferences. The study followed a nonexperimental - cross-sectional design was used, with data collected at a single point in time (March to May 2024). The scope was explanatory, aiming not only to describe the characteristics of job expectations but also to understand the relationships between variables such as gender and academic program. The study was grounded in Schwartz’s theory of universal values and McClelland’s theory of personal motives. The nonprobabilistic sample consisted of 216 students aged 18 to 25, enrolled in eight engineering programs. A reliable 22-item instrument was applied, structured into three bipolar dimensions: "ideal company," "ideal boss," and "ideal self." Cluster analysis revealed two predominant profiles: one oriented toward interpersonal relationships and justice 47.2%, and another focused on technical skills and achievement 52.8%. The results showed that the most valued aspects in the work environment for centennials were learning opportunities 65.3%, above-average pay and benefits 54.6%, quality of interpersonal relationships 53.7%, and effective communication with supervisors 53.2%. Significant gender-based differences were also found; notably, 18% more women than men valued having an ideal company that is socially responsible or has a meaningful purpose.

Palabras llave : Centennials; Job Expectations; University Students; Cluster Analysis; Bipolar Dimensions.

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