Flipping a New Page: Unfurling Career Choice Decision-Making Process of Senior High School Students

Abstract

This study explored and sought to unfurl senior high school student's career choices and decision-making process factors that affect senior high school student's career choices and decision-making processes. The researcher narrowed down the highlights and lowlights of the existing issues in decision-making processes and the challenges that come along the way, and I used phenomenology. Instead, it comprises intricately intertwined complexities and factors that require thorough consideration. This brought us to the focus of the current undertaking. Through a qualitative phenomenological study, the researcher was able to gather the unique and first-hand narratives of the participants about the challenges, coping mechanisms, and insights about career choice decision-making. The study participants were ten (10) senior high school students from a secondary school located in Davao Occidental. Emerging themes from the extracted interview statements revealed the challenges experienced by the students: economic profile, academic ability, and parental influence. On the other hand, the coping mechanism includes consulting the career guidance counselor and exploring various career opportunities. Lastly, the insights were career planning and exploring career options. Navigating career decisions can be challenging. Hence, it was essential to consider one's skills, passions, and long-term goals. Embracing adaptability and a growth mindset can empower individuals to navigate uncertainties and seize opportunities.