FACTORS MOTIVATING YOUTH IN CAREER CHOICE

ABSTRACT

The article examines the key factors influencing the career choices of modern youth. It investigates material, professional, and social aspects within the context of current labor market realities. 

Keywords: professional motivation, career choice, youth, career preferences, career guidance.

The rapid development of modern society currently demands that young people make strategic decisions in their career choices. This is a crucial step that can determine not only career prospects but also personal satisfaction in the professional environment. Choosing a profession is a complex process that involves considering numerous factors: interests, abilities, values, socio-economic context, and so on. Understanding the motivations that drive young people in their career choices allows for the development of effective mechanisms to support and guide them on this path. Therefore, studying the motivational factors of youth is relevant for understanding the current demands and expectations of the new generation.

Research indicates that the process of career choice involves several key aspects: the young person's personal characteristics, socio-economic conditions, cultural specifics of society, the level of development of the educational system, and the influence of family and social environment. Studies by Russian and international scholars show that financial well-being remains one of the primary factors in career choice [1], with young people considering: salary level (according to research, up to 80% of young people consider this factor important), social guarantees and benefits, career growth prospects, and the possibility of additional earnings. Interest in the content of the work and opportunities for self-realization play a significant role, as the profession should align with personal interests and abilities [2], the chosen profession should be prestigious, and professional development should be promising. The influence of the social environment and societal expectations also play a crucial role: recommendations from parents and relatives, the opinions of peers and friends, public perception of a profession's prestige, and the influence of social media and traditional media [3].

Recent research reveals new trends in youth motivation: the growing importance of flexible working hours, the increasing role of corporate culture, heightened attention to companies' social responsibility, and interest in remote work and hybrid formats. Modern studies employ various methods: quantitative (questionnaires, surveys, statistical data analysis), qualitative (in-depth interviews, focus groups, case studies), and mixed (a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches).

Literature analysis allows us to identify problem areas: insufficient awareness among youth about modern professions, a mismatch between expectations and reality, the influence of stereotypes on professional choice, and the absence of clear criteria for assessing the attractiveness of a profession. Further research is needed in many areas, for example: the impact of digitalization on youth's professional preferences; analysis of new motivational factors in the context of a changing labor market; the development of effective career guidance tools; and the study of the influence of educational programs on professional choice [4]. Modern research indicates a complex interplay of various motivational factors in youth's professional choices. To effectively address the issue of professional self-determination, a comprehensive approach is necessary, taking into account both traditional and new influencing factors.

The subject of the study was defined as the motivational factors influencing students of the Institute of Social Sciences and Mass Communications at Belgorod State National Research University when choosing a profession. For this study, a sample size of 100 people was determined. The primary method for collecting sociological information was a survey conducted among students of Belgorod State National Research University. An online questionnaire, created using Google Forms was utilized for the research. Data summaries within the Google Forms online service served as the method for processing the sociological information.

Institutions and authorities do not play a significant role in career choice for the majority of respondents. This suggests that students prefer to rely on their own decisions and assessment of factors when choosing their future careers [5]. Social recognition from others also holds little importance for most respondents. Based on the survey data, it can be concluded that students do not prioritize societal approval or recognition when selecting a profession. This may indicate a tendency towards self-affirmation and a focus on pursuing their own goals and ambitions.

Regarding self-realization and the fulfillment of their goals, students at Belgorod State University were divided approximately in half. Half of the respondents believe that this factor plays a primary role in career choice, while the other half considers this factor to be secondary or not important at all. This suggests that some students consider it important to find a profession that allows them to realize their interests and goals, whereas others are inclined to rely on different factors in their career choices.

Interest in the subject/specialty emerged as the most important factor among the surveyed students. This indicates that the majority of respondents strive to find work that sparks their interest and passion. Career growth prospects and salary also hold significance for a large number of respondents, suggesting that young people consider financial and professional outlooks when choosing their future careers. Advice and recommendations from parents/relatives, as well as the influence of friends/peers, play a lesser role for students. This highlights the importance of autonomous decision-making and factor assessment by the students themselves.

Based on the literature review and the conducted research, it can be concluded that the main motivational factors for young people when choosing a profession are: financial stability, self-realization opportunities, and alignment with personal values and interests. Young people today strive to listen to themselves, not focusing on the opinions of others. This helps modern youth choose the right profession for themselves, in which they will feel comfortable working. The research findings can be used to improve the career guidance system, develop educational programs, and form an effective HR policy.

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