Career Choice

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800/4/E END-2011 MUET WRITING
You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this task.
"A person's career choice should be determined by his or her interest." Discuss. You should write at least 350 words. [60 marks]

Career choice has become a complex science with the advent of information technology, the emergence of post industrial revolution and job competition. Career choice is a complex decision for people since it determines the kind of profession that they intend to pursue in life. As students try to make career choice while in secondary school, they face problem of matching their career choices with their abilities and school performance. Most people, when making career choices, will say ‘‘I want something interesting.’’ Your interests have already influenced many of the choices made in your life: your choice of STPM and degree subjects; the ways in which you spend your spare time; the holidays, and perhaps the jobs, which you have taken during vacations. They may have been responsible for many of the friends you have made and helped you to develop your personal skills. These interests are likely to have a similar influence on your career. For some people, an interest is of such importance in their life that it is the main influence on their career choice. A gifted athlete, for example, may be able to use his or her interest and ability to succeed in a sporting career. Many more people will be content to play their sport at a recreational level, but will still take this interest into account when selecting a career or an employer. Some may enter sports-related careers, in leisure management, sports administration or promotion, retailing sports goods or teaching physical education. Others will seek out careers in different fields that offer similar opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, competition or challenge. Or they may simply choose between employers on the basis of the company sports facilities. Studies indicate that most students enter into careers that are totally different from the ones they chose while in secondary. Availability of advancement opportunities and learning experiences are the most influential factors affecting career choices among people. Most students from secondary schools do not have accurate information about occupational opportunities to help them make appropriate career choice. Career choice is influenced by multiple factors including personality, interests, self concept, cultural identity, globalization, socialization, role model, social support and available resources such as information and financial. Each individual undertaking the process is influenced by several factors including the context in which they live in, their personal aptitudes, social contacts and educational attainment. Factors influencing career choice can either be intrinsic or extrinsic or both. Most people are influenced by careers that their parents favour, others follow the careers that their educational choices have opened for them, some choose to follow their passion regardless of how much or little it will make them while others choose the careers that give high income. Students’ perception of being suitable for particular jobs also has been found to be influenced by a number of factors including ethnic background, year in school, level of achievement, choice of subjects, attitudes and differences in job characteristics. There are also numerous external factors which influence their career choices. These external factors include political and economic considerations, previous work experience and the influence of key individuals in a person’s life. Adolescents’ own aspirations are influenced by their parent’s aspirations or expectations. Parental support and encouragement are important factors that have been found to influence career choice. Children may choose what their parents desire simply to please them. Generally, the choice of a career is influenced by parents, friends, and counsellors. A person's career choice should not be determined solely by his or her interest. Of course, there may be many other jobs which fit your interests, but you also need to take into account your skills, values and personality when considering careers. (613 words)