The role of diversity in enrichment programs in shaping the career paths of gifted individuals: An analysis of influential factors and emerging trends

Authors: Waleed Khaled Albosaif *, Abdullah Mohammed Aljughaiman, Abdulrahman Khalid Alsayed

Affiliations:

Gifted and Talented Programs and Thinking Development, Department of Special Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of enrichment programs on the career development of gifted Saudi students using a descriptive-analytical approach with a survey of 415 university students and graduates. Results indicated that 91.81% of participants recognized enrichment programs as essential for shaping career goals, with 91.23% favoring quality-focused over quantity-based programs. Key influencing factors included alignment with labor market needs (mean = 4.71), exposure to diverse fields (mean = 4.50), and expert involvement (mean = 4.41). The findings highlighted a strong positive relationship between program diversity, structured design, and career clarity, underscoring the need for purposeful educational initiatives that respond to industry demands. The study recommends expanding programs with AI-based career guidance, strengthening educator training for personalized counseling, and conducting regular program evaluations, thereby supporting educational and policy development in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Keywords

Enrichment programs, Career development, Gifted students, Labor market, Saudi Vision 2030

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2025.11.009

Citation (APA)

Albosaif, W. K., Aljughaiman, A. M., & Alsayed, A. K. (2025). The role of diversity in enrichment programs in shaping the career paths of gifted individuals: An analysis of influential factors and emerging trends. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 12(11), 82–92. https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2025.11.009