THE MAIN CHALLENGES IN CHOOSING A CAREER AT THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL

APA full citation: Filho, C. I. (2024, October 18). The Main Challenges in Choosing a Career at the University Level. EBS I&D Centre. https://www.ebscentre.org/society/

Abstract:

Choosing a career at the university level is a pivotal decision that significantly impacts an individual's future. This process is influenced by various psychological, social, and economic factors, which can create challenges for students. This article explores the main challenges students face when choosing a career, including identity formation, the pressure to meet societal and familial expectations, indecision, fear of failure, and the increasing complexity of the labor market. Using established psychological theories such as career development theory and self-determination theory, this study analyzes how students navigate these challenges and provides recommendations for universities and educators to support students in making informed career choices. The article emphasises the importance of fostering self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability in students to help them make decisions that align with their values and long-term goals.

Keywords: career choice, university students, identity formation, career development, self-determination, indecision, career counselling

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Introduction

The transition to university represents a critical period of development during which students are often required to make long-term career decisions. The process of choosing a career path involves not only personal preferences but also external influences such as family expectations, societal trends, and economic considerations (Gati & Asher, 2001). These factors can make the career decision-making process challenging, often leading to stress, anxiety, and indecision (Kelly, 2019). This article aims to explore the main challenges university students face when choosing a career, drawing on psychological theories and empirical research.

Identity Formation and Career Choice

A significant challenge in career decision-making is the development of a stable sense of identity. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the period of adolescence and early adulthood is characterized by the conflict of identity versus role confusion (Erikson, 1968). University students are often still in the process of exploring and forming their identities, which can complicate career choices. Without a clear understanding of who they are or what they want from life, students may feel uncertain about their career direction (Stringer et al., 2011).

Additionally, identity development is influenced by personal interests, skills, and values, which may not align with the expectations of family members or societal norms. The pressure to pursue careers that are seen as prestigious or financially rewarding can create internal conflict, making it difficult for students to choose paths that truly reflect their interests (Fouad & Bynner, 2008).

NEVER DECIDE YOUR CAREER UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT YOU HAVE ABOUT FINANCIAL REWARDING.

Indecision and Career Anxiety

Career indecision is a common challenge faced by university students, often stemming from fear of failure or making the wrong choice (Germeijs & De Boeck, 2002). Students may worry about committing to a path that they may later regret or that may not offer the stability or satisfaction they seek. This anxiety can paralyze decision-making, leading to prolonged indecision or frequent changes in academic majors (Kelly, 2019).

Decision-making theories suggest that individuals face difficulty when they are overwhelmed by too many options, a phenomenon known as "choice overload" (Schwartz, 2004). The growing complexity of the modern job market, with its rapid technological changes and emerging industries, exacerbates this issue by offering students an increasing number of career paths to choose from (Brown & Lent, 2013).

A self-exam shall include answering three questions questions:

1. What I picture myself doing on Sunday morning without complaining?

2. When I start doing an activity I tend to lose the notion of time?

3. Is this activity useful to the world, does that add-on value to other's lives? In which way?

External Pressures and Expectations

Family and societal expectations often play a significant role in shaping career choices. Many students feel pressure to pursue careers that are aligned with their parents' aspirations or societal ideals of success, such as medicine, law, or engineering (Fouad et al., 2010). These pressures can conflict with a student's own interests and abilities, leading to dissatisfaction and stress.

Social cognitive career theory (Lent et al., 1994) highlights the impact of external influences on career decision-making, including family, culture, and social status. For instance, students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may feel compelled to choose careers that are more financially secure rather than those aligned with their passions (Fouad & Byars-Winston, 2005).

NEVER LET THE MARKET AND YOUR CURRENT REALITY DEFINE YOUR CAREER CHOICE. MONEY WILL COME AT THE RIGHT TIME AND IN THE RIGHT AMOUNT, AS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW YOUR PASSION AND DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE WORLD YOU LIVE IN.

Navigating Labor Market Uncertainty

The modern labor market presents unique challenges for university students in making career decisions. Rapid technological advancements, globalization, and economic instability have transformed the nature of work, creating new opportunities but also uncertainty regarding job stability and career longevity (Brown & Lent, 2013). Many students fear that the careers they choose today may become obsolete in the future, leading to hesitation and anxiety about making definitive career choices.

Moreover, the growing demand for specialized skills, such as those related to STEM fields, can make students feel pressured to choose fields they perceive as more marketable, even if these areas do not align with their personal interests (Kelly, 2019). The tension between choosing a career that is fulfilling and one that is practical is a constant source of stress for university students.

Two golden rules:

1. As more specialized or tailored career you choose, bigger the chance to remain valuable in future (e.g. interior designer; trendy artists in general; conceptual artisan; electrical engineer; specialized lawyer; specialized doctor, etc.);

2. There is no certainty in the future market, but the major rule that you must always stick to is to stay up-to-date in both your professional and personal skills, so keep studying and enhancing your curriculum and self-awareness skills.

Psychological Theories and Coping Strategies

Several psychological theories offer insight into how students can navigate the challenges of career choice. Self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) emphasizes the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in making fulfilling career choices. When students are encouraged to explore their interests and make decisions based on intrinsic motivation, they are more likely to experience satisfaction and success in their careers.

Career development theories, such as those proposed by Super (1990) and Holland (1997), suggest that career choices are part of a lifelong process of growth and exploration. University students may benefit from career counseling services that help them identify their strengths, values, and preferences, while also encouraging them to remain adaptable and open to change.

Recommendations for Supporting Students (External Factors)

Universities play a critical role in helping students navigate career decisions. Career counseling services should be readily available to provide guidance and support, particularly in helping students manage indecision and anxiety. Universities should also offer workshops and courses focused on self-awareness, decision-making skills, and career exploration.

Mentorship programs that connect students with professionals in their fields of interest can also provide valuable insights and reduce anxiety by offering realistic expectations about career paths (Fouad et al., 2010). Additionally, promoting internships and experiential learning opportunities allows students to test career options in real-world settings, helping them gain confidence in their choices.

PARENTS AND TUTORS, LET YOUR BOYS AND GIRLS EXPERIENCE THE LIFE BEFOREHAND.

Last words...

Choosing a career at the university level presents significant psychological challenges, including identity formation, indecision, external pressures, and labor market uncertainty. Understanding these challenges and applying psychological theories can help students make more informed and fulfilling career decisions. Universities must take an active role in providing resources and support to students as they navigate this critical period in their lives.

Furthermore, handling post teenager emotional waves, family and relative's pressures, society expectations is a tough mission for such a beginner human. Let yourself curious about everything, try your best to live an experience abroad and learn about different cultures. This allows you to unlock a distinct view from professional choices but mainly it helps creating your own critical boundary to get the right choice which will apply to your future.

Best of luck!

Carlos I. Filho

References

Brown, S. D., & Lent, R. W. (2013). Career development and counselling: Putting theory and research to work. John Wiley & Sons.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.

Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.

Fouad, N. A., & Bynner, J. (2008). Work transitions. American Psychologist, 63(4), 241-251.

Fouad, N. A., & Byars-Winston, A. (2005). Cultural context of career choice: Meta-analysis of race/ethnicity differences. The Career Development Quarterly, 53(3), 223-233.

Fouad, N. A., Kim, S., Ghosh, A., Chang, W. H., & Figueiredo, C. (2010). Family influence on career decision-making: Validation in India and the United States. Journal of Career Assessment, 18(3), 362-381.

Gati, I., & Asher, I. (2001). Prescreening, in-depth exploration, and choice: From decision theory to career counseling practice. The Career Development Quarterly, 50(2), 140-157.

Germeijs, V., & De Boeck, P. (2002). Career indecision: Three factors from decision theory. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 62(1), 11-25.

Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments. Psychological Assessment Resources.

Kelly, K. R. (2019). The career decision-making process of first-year university students: A phenomenological analysis. Journal of Career Development, 46(3), 292-306.

Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79-122.

Schwartz, B. (2004). The paradox of choice: Why more is less. Harper Perennial.

Stringer, K., Kerpelman, J., & Skorikov, V. (2011). Career preparation: A longitudinal examination of adolescent self-concept and work readiness. Journal of Adolescence, 34(5), 853-861.

Super, D. E. (1990). A life-span, life-space approach to career development. In D. Brown & L. Brooks (Eds.), Career choice and development (pp. 197-261). Jossey-Bass.