Seeking Coaching and Mentoring: An Exploration of Students’ Perspectives in HEIs

Abstract

With the education sector undergoing changes and the labour market putting forward new demands, students in Pakistani HEIs need a support systems comprising coaching and mentoring to navigate the changes. This study explores current practices, perceptions, and challenges of coaching and mentoring within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan from the perspective of undergraduates. A sample of undergraduate students from the STEAM fields were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. Using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, the data were analyzed in six phases. The findings revealed that the students faced challenges when transitioning to higher education and university life. The study concludes with the acknowledgement that there is a need for introducing formal mentoring and coaching programs in HEIs for the holistic development of the students.