A Case Study of the Impact of Financial Management Competence on Career Growth of Undergraduate Students of Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology

Abstract

Financial management competence has increasingly been recognized as a critical factor influencing the career development of university students, particularly in the context of China’s rapidly evolving labor market. Many undergraduates face challenges in allocating limited financial resources to support both short-term educational needs and long-term professional goals, while also coping with financial risks that may affect their career trajectories. This study sought to address these issues by examining how different dimensions of financial management competence shape career growth among undergraduates. The objective of the study was to examine the impact of financial planning for career education, financial planning for long-term goals, and financial risk coping ability on the career growth of undergraduate students.
A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 300 undergraduate students of Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology during the 2024–2025 academic year. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representation across year levels and majors. A structured questionnaire measured the study variables using five-point Likert scales, while demographic data were also obtained. The reliability and validity of the instrument were established through pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, and KMO values. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and structural equation modeling with SPSS and SmartPLS.
The findings showed that all three dimensions of financial management competence had significant positive effects on career growth. Financial planning for career education enhanced employability by enabling students to invest in certifications, training, and internships. Financial planning for long-term goals strengthened students’ readiness for postgraduate study, overseas programs, and entrepreneurial ventures. Financial risk coping ability emerged as the strongest predictor, indicating that students with greater financial resilience were more adaptable and confident in their career development.
The study demonstrates that financial management competence plays a vital role in supporting the career growth of undergraduate students. The results imply that students should cultivate systematic financial planning habits, educators should integrate financial literacy into career development programs, and policymakers should design supportive frameworks to enhance student financial resilience. By applying these findings, universities and stakeholders can better prepare students for sustainable career success in a competitive labor market.

Keywords: financial planning for career education, financial planning for long-term goals, financial risk coping ability, career growth

6617195721, Tan Yuwei, 2568 (2025). Advisor: Dr. Ma Yu, สารนิพนธ์ (Independent Study), A Case Study of the Impact of Financial Management Competence on Career Growth of Undergraduate Students of Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, นำเสนอในที่ประชุมวิชาการ (Conference), The 17th National and International Academic Conference 2024, ปริญญาโท (Master’s Degree), บัณฑิตวิทยาลัย (Graduate School), Master of Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand – มหาวิทยาลัยสยาม กรุงเทพมหานคร ประเทศไทย