Moral Factors And Their Influence Upon Career Choices of High School Students

The subject of this research, namely career choice of high school graduates, has been considered from the position of moral reasoning. Qualitative analysis of data collected from interviews carried out with 32 graduates identifies career choice to be a significant factor determining the identity of each graduate. The research is based on assumption that moral reasoning is nourished by each one's identity and loyality to oneself, respectively. The basis of this career identity is formed by so called "inveteracy", reflected by various ways in individual's attempt to make a choice that is authentic. Categorically speaking, there exist "plots", that make career selection process complicated, as well as "problematizations", that make any authentic choice virtually impossible. Career choice is interpreted by means of three domains throughout which it becomes apparent both how this process fosters the individual's relationship with the outside world, with those closest to him/her and with himself/herself and what kind of affect this relationship has on his/her very identity. During the research, career choice turns out to be a continual and complex process that far surpasses the actual period of submitting a college application