Understanding career choices among grade 12 general academic strand students: a phenomenological approach

Abstract

High school years of adolescence are a crucial time frame during which life occurs. Significant lifelong decisions, such as career selection, must be made in this time frame. The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges students encounter as they go through the process of choosing a career. The researchers utilized a qualitative phenomenological research approach to examine the difficulties experienced by Grade 12 students when navigating decisions about their career paths. Seven students from the General Academic Strand (GAS) participated in in-depth interviews, and the data collected were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. The results revealed the following recurring themes: General Academic Strand as a learning basis, students' emotional connection to academics under their narrative and lived experiences, financial constraints, parental influence, peer pressure under their challenges and struggles, and dreams desired for the future and future career for their insights. Despite the myriad challenges that hinder students' ability to make career decisions, they confront challenges with determination fueled by their aspirations, ambition, and passion to achieve their dreams. The challenges they encounter serve as a stepping stone, strengthening their resolve and shaping their journey towards a fulfilling career.