Determinants of career preferences among form four female students

Abstract

Career choice is a long process that takes place over a long period of time. A person's experiences are in fact modified and determined by various life events. Various studies have focused on different aspects that contribute to career preferences. This study identifies some of those aspects that are having a bearing on the career choice of Maltese Secondary school female students. Empirical data compiled from a questionnaire carried out among 240 Fourth Form female students attending Private schools, Junior Lyceums and State Area Secondary Schools, has shown that the family is the most influential factor, in fact parents play a determining role when it comes to their daughter's school subject choice. The second factor remuneration, rather than prestige is found to be another important determinant, while being of help to others was given the third importance.