Personality And Vocational Aspirations Among High School Students

The study determined the vocational aspirations of high school students and their level of congruence with Holland’s RIASEC personality types measured by SDS (Self Directed Search) (Miller, Springer, Tobacyk &Wells, 2004). Majority of the students (N = 482) mentioned doctor, army, teacher, lawyer, and engineer as their most preferred vocational aspirations. The effects of vocational aspirations of students on five main domains of personality measured by NEO-PI-R were also studied. Expert opinions were incorporated to identify the personality patterns and Holland’s personality types, which meaningfully correspond with the respective professions of experts.  The instruments used in the study have high internal consistency. Gender differences were also studied. The results showed high degree of congruence between and vocational aspirations of doctor and teacher and a state of incongruence for the army, lawyer and engineer once compared with their vocational interests. The study may be helpful in career decision-making process and is valuable to the students, career experts, and policymakers.