Factors Influencing Career Choice of Senior Secondary School Students in Awka South L.g.a in Anambra State

The study sought to investigate factors that influence the choice of career among senior secondary school students in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The investigation serves as a springboard to establishing a career guidance model that would assist career guidance teachers in secondary schools in their endeavors to help students make career choice from a well informed perspective. A survey design which was mainly quantitative in nature was used in this empirical study. A self-designed questionnaire was used in collecting data from the participants. The study revealed that family members, both nuclear and extended, had an influence on students' choice of careers. The influence of mothers and fathers was rated highly as compared to other family members. The study also revealed that schools had an impact on high school students' choice of careers. Career guidance, especially school career days, was cited as having a positive impact on students' choice of careers. The geographical location of schools was cited as quite influential in the choices of careers by students. The study also revealed that peers had an influence on students' choices of careers through peer advice and encouragement. The study recommended the training of parents, peers and teachers to enhance students' choice of careers. It was also recommended that only trained career guidance teachers be allowed to teach career guidance. Lastly, the study also recommended a career guidance model to assist in helping students choose suitable careers.