Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The current research project aims to investigate the various determinants that influence career choice among secondary school students. Career choice is a critical decision that individuals make as they transition from secondary education to higher education or the workforce. Understanding the factors that shape these decisions is essential for educational counselors, parents, and policymakers to provide adequate support and guidance to students. The research will employ a survey methodology to collect data from a sample of secondary school students across different regions. The survey questionnaire will include items related to personal interests, academic performance, parental influence, peer influence, societal expectations, and future prospects. By examining these determinants, the study seeks to identify the most influential factors that drive career choices among students. The research hypothesizes that personal interests and aptitudes play a significant role in shaping career decisions among students. It is expected that students who have a clear understanding of their interests and strengths are more likely to choose career paths that align with their skills and preferences. Additionally, the study will explore the impact of parental influence on career choices, as parents often play a crucial role in guiding their children's decisions regarding education and future careers. Furthermore, the research will investigate the role of academic performance in career decision-making. It is anticipated that students with strong academic performance may feel more confident in pursuing competitive career options, while those with lower academic achievement may face challenges in accessing certain professions. Peer influence is another important factor that will be examined, as students often seek validation and support from their peers when making important decisions. Moreover, societal expectations and perceptions of different career paths will be explored in the study. Social norms and cultural beliefs can significantly impact an individual's career choices, as certain professions may be more valued or respected in specific communities. By analyzing these societal influences, the research aims to provide insights into how external factors shape students' career decisions. Overall, the findings of this research project will contribute to a better understanding of the determinants of career choice among secondary school students. The results will have implications for educational counseling practices, curriculum development, and career guidance programs aimed at helping students make informed and fulfilling career decisions.

Thesis Overview

2.1     CONCEPT OF CAREER
Choosing a career is not like choosing an orange from a basket. According to Weiler (1997) “Successful career seldom happen by chance” with very few exception, people who really get what they want in a career do so because they define their objective plans and schedules for achieving their objectives, and assume personal responsibility for implementing and following these plans.
These people monitor their progress regularly, improve their plans when they are not getting the desired result and persevere in the face of frequent set back until objectives are achieved.
Many scholars have given their own different meaning to choice and career and some have further stressed their importance and objectives of selecting a better career.
The dictionary meaning of Career is a way of making a living profession amongst career of opportunities.
Many find it difficult to make choice in the sense that they lack guidance and counseling, making their choice without the help of any person. Several works have been done based on the determinant factors affecting career by students.
There are opinions expressed on this issue that are as varied as the factor which have been included in the first chapter. In the same view, there is no doubt however that there are many factors responsible for the progress of a child backwardness or retardation VIZ; genetic factors (that are inherent in the child himself) and environmental factor (from the environment where the child grew up).

2.2     NEED FOR PARENTS’ GUIDANCE
Michael (2001) stated that the home provides many things for the child, like protection, guidance, shelter and encouragement. Again the home tries by all means to educate the child with the outside world by interpreting what is happening to / around him. He went further to say that the child as he/she is not yet informed of the factors and realities of life but with the help of the parents he will be very much aware of the tracks or steps to follow if he is to be useful in life.
He still maintains that the homes are marked by the persistent conflicts and divergent aims between the parents and the child who seldom gain a sense of family of unity and hence his personal security is much more precarious. This child feels poor about the background and fumbles.
“The inability of some parents and guidance to provide good background and show interest in the education of their children has a vital role to play in the performance of some learners”
Unless the necessary materials are provided for the learners, all efforts made towards his/her improvement will not work out effectively. The child without learning materials would certainly loose his sense of direction. The influence of parents has been one of the strongest and the most persistent factor that determine the child attitude towards studying different school subjects and hence his choice of career.