Eye on the future: A SCCT-based analysis of Finnish student activists' perceptions and expectations of their employment after college

•Activism contributes to students' sense of self-efficacy and employment goals.•Learning in organizational activities should be acknowledged in university studies.•Student activism can provide learning and expertise appreciated at work.

Students place great expectations on their future employment as they wish that their long-term studies lead to great careers. The study leaned on social cognitive career theory (SCCT). Finnish student activists participated by writing narratives (N = 48), and 12 were also interviewed. The purpose was to analyze what kinds of perceptions the student activists had about themselves as future employees. This qualitative study had a narrative research approach. Participation in student activism supported the students' sense of self-efficacy, created positive outcome expectations, and influenced their career-related goal setting. The study shows how important it is to acknowledge the employment skills provided in organizational activities and to support students' confidence in their future employment opportunities in today's challenging employment situation.