RELATED LITERATURE

According to Valentina (2024), Culture significantly influences individual career choices and
aspirations by shaping values, norms, and perceptions about work. Culture, in its broadest sense, refers
to the shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices of a particular group of people. It plays a pivotal role
in shaping an individual's career choices and aspirations. This is because culture influences our values,
norms, and perceptions about work, success, and what constitutes a ‘good’ or ‘desirable’ career.

According to Ahmed et al. (2020), choosing a career is a difficult decision, especially among
young adults, which is influenced by many dynamics. Every adolescent faces the dilemma of choosing a
career due to exposure to so many avenues in today’s digitalized world.

According to Narang (2022), Career is the most prominent aspect of a human being. Students
have to struggle a lot when it comes to make a decision regarding a suitable career. A right choice of
career paves way to a successful life. In other words, once the career is decided in a constructive way, it
shapes one’s life in the best possible way. However, while making a decision about career more
specifically for pursuing a management career, a student gets influenced by numerous factors. Some of
the most common factors that influence the career choice of a management student, which often sway
them from making the correct choice are Family Background, Parental Pressure, Academic Background,
Placements, Rank of college, and Job security.

Internal factors such as personal interests, values, and skills can significantly influence career
decisions. However, external factors like market trends, industry changes, and economic conditions can
also shape career opportunities and direction. Therefore, understanding the interplay between these
factors is critical in making informed career decisions that align with personal aspirations and goals.
Archambeau (2023).

According to Gupt et al. (2019), Society plays an influential part in determining the career
decisions young individuals take. When it comes to career development, societal rules and divisions limit
young people’s options based on their culture, socioeconomic status, access to higher education, familial
relationships, and how much they participate in socialisation. The lines between occupational choice and
opportunity structure are often blurred because of the effect of society.

According to Susmitha (2022), when we think about career choice, several things immediately
come to mind – job description, training and education required, career outlook, and salary – but there
are a number of other factors that may influence our decisions. Decision-making, especially career
decision-making, can be influenced by a lot of intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as Childhood Fantasies,
Culture, Gender, Life Roles, Personality Type, Previous Experiences, Skills, Abilities and Talents, Social and
Economic Conditions. Understanding these influences can help in making an informed career decision
which can have long-term implications.

According to Sharma (2023), Personality assessments can be an invaluable tool for young
learners as they navigate their career paths. By providing insight into a person’s unique traits and
tendencies, these assessments can help learners identify potential careers that align with their strengths
and interests. To find their career personality type, young learners need to start with self-reflection first –
identifying their values, interests, skills, and strengths. Then, taking a personality test can help them
understand jobs that match their personality traits and preferences with potential career paths.

Career choice involves the selection of one occupation over another. It is very important as it
gives people focus on what career to follow. However, a lack of adequate information on career choice is
capable of negatively influencing career choices. Various factors ranging from parental influence,
teachers, presence or absence of career counsellors, amongst others influence the career choice of
students. (Uleanya et al., n.d.).

(Which Factors Influence Career Choice?, 2023) When we start thinking about our future
profession and career choice, we think about several factors. The most important things are job
description, required skills and education, salary, career outlook. But there are many other meaningful
factors that can influence someone’s career choice. There so many factors which influence the future
career choice and have the effect on different levels such as Different life roles, Personality and interest,
Previous work experience, Cultural background, Economic and social conditions of life, and the financial
aspects.

RELATED STUDIES

The study of Chukwu et al. (2022), investigated the factors influencing the career choice among
secondary school students. It used an ex-post-facto research design and was guided by four research
questions and four null hypotheses. Data was collected through a self-structured questionnaire using a 4-
point rating scale. The research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, and the
null hypotheses were tested at a significance level of 0.5 using an independent t-test. The major findings
indicated that there were no significant differences in mean ratings regarding the influence of parental
factors, societal culture, peer groups, and school environment on the choice of career between male and
female students. The study highlighted the educational implications of the findings, such as the
importance of introducing and strengthening guidance services in schools to provide students with first-
hand information from organizations. It also outlined the major limitations of the study and provided
recommendations for further research.

According to the study of Dizon et al. (2022), which is the main objective was to identify the
most influential factors in students course selection. A qualitative phenomenological research design was
used in this study. It utilized a semi-structured interview with graduating senior high students through
the use of Google Meet. The researchers used thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative interviews
required for a phenomenological study. The identified factors that influence students decision making
were classified into the following categories: Undecided, Social Factors, Personal Factors, Environmental
Factors, Economic Factors, and Most Influential Factors. Each category had factors that most influenced
students’ decision making, including “Interest”, “Skills and Abilities”, “Self Doubts”, “Job Demands”, “Job
Opportunities”, and “Family and “Parental Influence Nevertheless, interest was discovered to be the
most influential factor. Influencing students’ decision-making process among all factors. However, most
students showed uncertainty in their decision-making process due to the current situation of a pandemic
and the unpredictability of the future.

The study conducted by Sharif et al. (2019) focuses on the occupational choice problem faced by
individuals, particularly students, during the selection of study programs. The researchers aimed to
explore the roles of mothers, fathers, tutors, future income, future status, and societal differences as
influencers on the career choices of young students. To gather data, cross-sectional data based on
primary data collection was obtained from university students in Karachi. A developed questionnaire was
used, and non-probabilistic convenience sampling was employed. The gathered data was analyzed using
one sample t-test and one-way repeated measure ANOVA with the SPSS statistical package. The results
of the study highlighted the relative importance of various career choice influences. The averages of the
influence variables were found to be statistically different, indicating significant variations. These findings
can be utilized to help students make informed decisions about their career paths and excel in their
desired domains.

The study conducted by Urio et al. (2024) focuses on investigating the factors that influence
career choice and change among graduate students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The researchers
employed a qualitative research approach and utilized a phenomenological case study design. Data
collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with a total of 44 graduate students. The study
was guided by the Social Learning Theory proposed by Krumboltz, and the collected data were analyzed
using content analysis. The findings of the study indicated that several factors influenced the career
choices of graduate students. These factors included family members and siblings, academic
performance, and a lack of sufficient career knowledge and information. On the other hand, career
changes among graduate students were influenced by factors such as low remuneration, low motivation,
job insecurity, and long working hours. These findings emphasize the importance of providing
comprehensive information about career programs to graduate students before they enroll in
universities. The study also recommends that higher learning institutions offer career information
services to assist graduates in making informed decisions about their career paths. Additionally, parents
are encouraged to provide guidance to their children based on their career interests and abilities.
Furthermore, employers are advised to create supportive and motivating work environments that
encourage employees to stay with their organizations for longer periods of time.

Omar et al. (2021) conducted a study on the factors influencing the career choices of
undergraduate students and recent graduates. The researchers examined variables such as personality,
parents or guardians, peer groups, career guidance counselors, environment, opportunity, and economic
considerations. The study involved 436 final semester undergraduate students from the Faculty of
Business and Management at UiTM Puncak Alam. To collect data, the researchers distributed email
questionnaires to all respondents using a census approach to ensure a good response rate. They
identified a minimum sample size of 205 for analysis and used multiple regression analysis to determine
the relationship between the variables and career choice. The findings revealed that personality, parents
or guardians, peer groups, career guidance counselors, and environment significantly influenced
students’ career choices. However, economic considerations did not have a significant impact.
Interestingly, peer groups showed a negative relationship with career choices. Additionally, an
independent samples t-test showed a significant difference in the mean group of residencies during the
study regarding career guidance counselors and opportunity. Based on these findings, the researchers
recommend that all parties involved play a significant role in helping students make informed career
choices to avoid dissatisfaction in pursuing careers that do not align with their desires.

The study conducted by Hadiyati and Astuti (2023) focuses on the career choices of high school
students during the exploration stage of adolescence. The researchers emphasize the importance of
students determining their career paths within a specific range at this stage, although it is not a final
decision. They highlight that the success of education plays a crucial role in both individual and societal
success. Motivated by the observed low career choices among students, the research aims to analyze
the factors that influence their career decisions. This qualitative research utilizes interviews,
observations, and documentation as data collection methods. Descriptive and qualitative analysis
techniques are employed to analyze the data. The findings of the study reveal four factors that influence
students’ career choices. These factors include intelligence and special talents, interest in careers,
personality, and family background and socioeconomic status. The researchers conclude that the factors
influencing students’ career choices originate from both the students themselves and their families.

The study conducted by Adikwu and Ereka (2022) investigates the influence of parental factors
on career choices among Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The
aim of the study is to determine whether parental factors, such as parental educational level, parent’s
socio-economic status, parental values, parental work performance, and parent-child relationships, have
an impact on students’ career choices. The study adopts a descriptive survey design and includes a
population of 20,163 SS2 students. A multi-stage sampling technique is used, and a sample size of 360
respondents is selected from 12 public secondary schools across the six Area Councils in the FCT. Data
collection is done using a self-structured instrument developed by the researchers, titled “Student’s
Career Choice Questionnaire” (SCCQ). The instrument’s validity and reliability are tested through a pilot
test, confirming a reliability coefficient of 0.70 using the split-half method. Descriptive and inferential
statistics, such as frequency counts, percentages, mean score, and standard deviation, are used to
analyze the data and answer the research questions. The study finds that parental factors significantly
influence the career choices of senior secondary students in the FCT. Based on the findings, the
researchers recommend that teachers, parents, and career guidance counselors should consider the
influence of these parental factors when guiding students through the process of career selection.

The study conducted by Bangayan (2022) focuses on the influential factors among career
preferences of senior high school students in a private school. The complexity of the educational and
occupational worlds often makes it challenging for high school seniors to make decisions about their
future careers. The study utilizes a descriptive survey method and includes the Senior High School
students of the University of St. Louis Tuguegarao as respondents. The research instruments used in the
study include the Brainard Occupational Preferences Inventory (BOPI), a questionnaire, and a career
choice checklist. The findings of the study indicate that the respondents preferred professional work
over non-professional work. The most popular field of study among the students was found to be the
professional field, while the mechanical field was the least popular. The study also highlights the
importance of considering the family’s present financial status when making career decisions. While
money should not be the sole factor In career choice, it is an important consideration. Based on the
findings, the study recommends conducting regular group study sessions and encouraging parents to
participate in the career decision-making process of their children.
 According to the study of Dublin et al. (2020), It focuses on the challenging decision of choosing
a senior high school career or track for junior high school students. The objectives of the research were
to investigate the career preferences of junior high school students for senior high school studies and to
identify the determinants that may influence their career selection. A stratified random sampling
technique was used to select a total of 166 students. A descriptive and predictive correlational research
design was employed to quantify the influence of the career selection determinants on students’ career
preferences. Data was collected using a standardized survey questionnaire. The findings of the study
revealed that personality, parents, job opportunities, and interest were statistically significant in
influencing and predicting students’ career preferences among the five career selection determinants.
Only the peer component was found to be statistically insignificant in the model. Among the
determinants, interest was found to have the strongest influence on students’ course preferences. The
study concludes that various career selection factors have statistically significant effects on students’
senior high school career choices. Given the importance of students’ preparation in senior high school
for their future studies or employment, the study provides valuable insights for students, parents, and
school officials in guiding and developing career plans. The researchers suggest that further studies could
incorporate additional course selection characteristics discussed in the study or be conducted in different
locations to validate or challenge the findings.

The study conducted by Khan et al. (2022) focuses on the factors influencing the career choices
of Generation Z students studying in different private colleges in Lahore, Pakistan. The objective of the
study is to determine these influential factors in the career decision-making process of young adults. A
cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 196 young students between the ages of 17 and 20 from
private colleges in Lahore. The convenient sampling technique was used to select the participants. An
online, validated questionnaire was distributed through WhatsApp groups, and the participants were
asked to return the filled but anonymous questionnaires within one week. The data compilation and
analysis were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 26.0, with a
significance level set at 5%. The findings of the study indicate that the mean age for participants to start
thinking about their career choices was 15±3.32 years. Social, internal, and external factors were
identified as influential in the career decision-making process, with respective ratings of 38.8%, 37.1%,
and 49.6%. The odds of making a career choice were higher for those who had parental influence, as
well as for those considering a prestigious profession and a higher salary. The study highlights that the
most factors that influence the career choices of Generation Z students were parents’ wishes, pressures,
or role modeling, followed by the aspiration for a prestigious profession and higher salaries.

According to the study conducted by Zheng et al. (2022) focuses on the factors influencing
career choice among social work graduates. The research aims to investigate the influential factors that
play a role in the career decision-making process of graduates in the field of social work. A sample of 417
social work graduates participated in the survey. Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple
linear regression were used to analyze the data. The results of the study revealed a positive correlation
between environmental, interpersonal, institutional, external, and internal factors and career choice
among social work graduates. Furthermore, the multiple regression analysis indicated that external and
internal factors significantly influenced the career choices of the graduates. These findings contribute to
the understanding of the influential factors in graduates’ career choices, particularly in the field of social
work. The study suggests that university administrators should develop comprehensive career guidance
and counseling programs within universities to support graduates in making appropriate career choices.
 The study conducted by Sarah (2019) focuses on the factors influencing career choice among
secondary school students in public schools in Meru County. The research aims to analyze the individual
and combined influence of various factors on career choice and understand the extent of their impact.
The study is guided by the Social Learning Theory of Career Decision Making by John Krumboltz and the
Contingency Theory of Management by Joan Woodward. It adopts a mixed methods approach, utilizing
descriptive survey and correlational research designs. The target population consists of 19,862 Form
Four students, 364 principals, 364 career guidance teachers, and 364 representatives from the Form Four
Parents Association in all public secondary schools in Meru County. Data is collected through
questionnaires and interviews, with a pre-test conducted to ensure reliability and validity. The collected
data is analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and qualitative methods. The results
show that career choices of students in public secondary schools in Meru County are significantly
influenced by the nature of career guidance services, parental aspirations, mass media, and school
policies on subject selection. The findings highlight that mass media and parental aspirations have the
greatest influence on career choices. The study suggests that principals, educationists, and career
guidance teachers should organize capacity-building programs and awareness campaigns to sensitize
students, parents, and the general public about the influence of these factors on career choice. It
emphasizes the importance of the roles played by different stakeholders in supporting students in
making informed career decisions.

According to the study conducted by Lupas Jr and Farin (2021) that focuses on the factors
influencing the career choices of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students in
Zambales. The purpose of the study is to identify the attributes that contribute to the career decision-
making process of the student-respondents. A questionnaire was developed as the research instrument
and was answered by STEM students in public secondary high schools in Zambales. The findings of the
study indicate that the student-respondents place greater importance on their personal career
preferences. However, they also acknowledge the guidance and support of their families, peers, and
schools in the career decision-making process. External factors are recognized by the students as
significant contributors to their career choices, aligning with their personal knowledge, skills, and
interests. These factors help them identify their short and long-term goals once they choose a specific
career path. The study emphasizes that choosing an appropriate career path is a complex process that
requires a thorough evaluation of various factors influencing the students’ career decision-making
process. It highlights the significance of selecting the right career path as an essential part of students’
lives, as it plays a crucial role in shaping their future.

The study conducted by Badmus and Jita (2022) addresses the shortage of expertise in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields despite government policies and interventions.
The research aims to investigate the factors influencing undergraduates’ choice of STEM fields and their
career orientation. Descriptive research methodology is employed in the study, utilizing an
undergraduates’ choice of career questionnaire with components related to interpersonal factors,
intrapersonal factors, and career outcome expectancy. The instrument demonstrates good reliability
with a reliability index of 0.86. Purposive sampling is used to select 200 undergraduates from STEM-
related disciplines in public universities in Nigeria. Three research questions are raised to evaluate the
extent of agreement and variance to each of the factors, and three hypotheses are formulated and
tested using one-way ANOVA among undergraduates’ choices. The findings reveal that career outcome
expectancy surpasses both interpersonal and intrapersonal factors as the primary reason for career
choice among the participants. The study suggests that the factors considered in this research have the
potential to impact how institutional policies, educational leaders, and stakeholders determine the
support and interventions needed to enhance career choice among STEM students.

The study of (Kazi et al., n.d.) focuses on the factors influencing the career selection choices of
MBA/BBA students in different universities in Karachi. The research aims to investigate these factors and
establish a possible alignment between students’ preferences and the curriculum and offerings of
institutions. A structured questionnaire is distributed among 120 participants, and the data is analyzed
using SPSS. Correlation and multiple regression are applied as statistical tools to test the hypotheses. The
results of the study reveal that “interest in the subject” is the most dominant factor influencing career
choices among business students. Financial outcomes, ease of subject, and future job opportunities are
observed to have a minor impact. The study also finds a relationship between interest in the subject and
personality type. Mismatch between personality and lack of interest in the subject can have negative
consequences, including student dissatisfaction, demotivation, lack of productivity, increased dropouts,
and career failure. The study emphasizes the importance of counseling sessions and interventions to
provide students with updated knowledge and information, fostering their interest in making the right
career choices and exploring available options. Additionally, the students’ career choices are influenced
by their social class, financial resources, affordability, and future employability.