Key Influences on Career Choices
- March 22, 2023
- Posted by: Emmanuel
- Category: Career
When I was a kid, I had different things to say at different times when I was asked about what the future held for me. At some points, I wanted to be a banker, other times, I wanted to be a doctor, newscaster, soldier, and others I imagined in my head. Well, my guess is if I am the reader of this article, I will say that that writer didn’t become any of those.
What changed? Is it the environment, exposure, or education? I am sure many of you have similar stories. Those many factors play out in discovering what we really want to make out of life.
As children, many had interests in different career paths based on their environment, what the media projected, what we learned at school, what our parents want us to become, etc.
However, as they advanced in age and experience, their interests changed. Ride with me as I explore some of the influences on career choices.
What is a career?
According to the Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary, it is an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life and with opportunities for progress.
It is simply an occupation that will be a major part of your long-term goals.
Influences on Career
Career choice is dependent on many factors such as family, teachers, economy, society, etc. This essay will explore five factors.
- Cultural Belief
We have heard of societies where females are limited to some social roles. Females in such societies select their careers on whatever is available to them by their culture. This exemplifies the influence of culture on career choices. Hence, the cultural norms that you were exposed to have a significant role in influencing your values and expectations and resultantly, your career choice. Can we say that cultural belief limit people when choosing their career path? I will answer that in another article.
- Economic and Social Conditions
Some have been forced by their nations’ economies to plunge into a profession that they aren’t interested in because of quick remuneration. This is often frustrating as they may not perform well if they are not happy in their jobs. However, some have found fulfilment in this circumstance.
An average Nigeria youth dreamed career have been killed even before they grow up. In an economy where everyone is living on survival, which makes most people do whatever career that comes their way so far they are making money from it.
As a child, my dream was to become a great computer scientist but right now, I am in the four walls of a class teaching. Economic and social condition have helped most in choosing our career path forcefully.
- Peer Persuasion
This factor reminds me of the saying, “Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.” Your peers can influence your career choices blithe negatively and positively. Many youths want to follow the crowd as the majority choice is regarded as the best choice. This is detrimental to success in a career. I remember those days in secondary school where many students go to a party department because of their friends chose it and they end up failing woefully. My friends are doing this thing, I must do it also has made many end up in a career they find no joy and happiness in doing.
In life, you must choose to walk alone to be happy and it is same when choosing your career. Your career goes a long way to determine the height you will get to in life.
- Personality and Interest
Often times, the kind of life one wants to live determines one’s career choice in life. These preferences range from the kind of community you want to live in, the kind of school you want your children to attend, the kind of friends you want to keep, etc.
This is the most significant because it can overrule the other influences. Studies show the role of personality traits, interests, inclinations, and talents as critical factors for career choices and development. It is important for you to know who you are and what you want or can do. You must examine your interests, preferences and talents as they will determine how far you go in your career.
What informed your career choice? Are the influences on your career positive? Reflecting on these factors will determine if you are on the right track.
Share your thoughts with us in the comments
Contact us at the Consulting WP office nearest to you or submit a business inquiry online.
