An evaluation of the efficacy of a career preparation programme

The efficacy of the Career Preparation Programme (CPP) of the University of the Free State (UFS) was qualitatively evaluated from a phenomenological approach. By way of focusing on the evaluation of the programme through the explication of experiences, the research branched into the refined area of existential phenomenology. The qualitative study also exemplified the significance surrounding an awareness of the researcher's affiliation with the research subject matter. Three groups of participants were selected according to predetermined criteria to ensure their ability to adequately describe and express their experiences. Data was gathered from the participants using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and then interpreted using Giorgi's existential phenomenological research method, a four-step method for psychological phenomenological data interpretation. Comparisons were then reported in terms of the various groups' similarities and differences regarding the efficacy of the programme.