Career Choice Research Articles

Crafting the Future Doctor: Mentorship in the First Year of Medical School.

Background: The Clinically Reimagined Apprenticeship For Physician Training (CRAFT) program is a volunteer, student-run, clinical mentorship program that started in 2015 at an academic medical center in the Mid-Atlantic region. Clinical exposure during the first year of medical school may influence a student's decision to pursue internal medicine for their residency program of choice.Methods: A retrospective chart analysis of CRAFT program volunteers was conducted. First-year medical school students at an academic medical center in the Mid-Atlantic region (first-year classes of 2020 to 2022) who participated in the CRAFT program (N=77) were followed from first year until their medical school graduation. Information regarding first year mentor's specialty and student's match list data were collected.Results: Students (51%) who participated in CRAFT matched into the same specialty of medicine as their CRAFT program mentors (P=0.765, Chi Square Test). The top specialties represented included emergency medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, and surgery. Of students (23%) who chose mentors in internal medicine, 50% matched into internal medicine residency programs (P<0.0001, Chi Square Test).Conclusion: Clinical mentorship programs during the first year of medical school may be important for choosing future residency programs, leading to successful career goals. Timely engagement with mentors can be crucial in influencing career choices in the field of internal medicine.

Thematic analysis of vocational identity among gifted young people using turning point narratives

The career choices of gifted students are significant both in terms of their potential contributions to society and their personal happiness and life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to identify themes of the turning points that influence gifted young people’s career decisions and to reveal which factors influence their vocational identity from a Narrative Identity Approach. Data were collected using open-ended questions from 17 (52.94% female, n = 9) gifted young people (age; M = 20.47, SD = 3.69). Data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis, which identified five major themes (1) individual factors, (2) social factors, (3) giftedness, (4) career goals, and (5) exploration opportunities. Considering the first retrospective study examining gifted students’ vocational identity, career guidance might benefit from tailored interventions that account for their unique characteristics, goals, personal and social factors as well as maximizing exploration opportunities.

Survey indicates addressing workplace environment, work-life balance, and flexibility are key to attracting and retaining veterinarians in academia.

Referencing growing concerns over the recruitment and retention of faculty in academic veterinary medicine, the authors hypothesized that among surveyed veterinary residents and early-career faculty, work-life balance and workplace climate and culture are stronger motivators than financial considerations, regardless of demographic factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, and area of specialization. 541 participants were included in data analysis. A mixed methods approach was utilized, incorporating both quantitative data and qualitative, free-text responses to better understand veterinary career choices by contextualizing factors associated with academic medicine. Factors underpinning career-related decision-making were ranked by level of importance as (1) workplace environment/culture, (2) personal well-being/work-life balance, (3) salary and bonuses, (4) geographic location, (5) facilities and resources, (6) benefits, and (7) schedule flexibility. Desires for workload balance, schedule flexibility, support from leadership, and mentorship and collaboration were among the top themes of qualitative responses for both residents and early career faculty respondents. Factors influencing career decision-making for resident and early-career faculty are varied. Workplace environment, work-life balance, and schedule flexibility are areas that academic institutions can address and continue to improve and that are likely to positively impact entry into academia and the desire to stay. This study sought to understand factors related to career decision-making and interest in academic veterinary medicine among residents and early-career faculty. Understanding these factors can support efforts to recruit and retain faculty in academic veterinary medicine.

A REVIEW ON HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND SUCCESS: LEVERAGING PRAKRITI FOR PERSONALIZED DIET AND CAREER GUIDANCE

Ayurveda, an eternal science with absolute principles, identifies Prakriti as a fundamental concept that influences every aspect of a person's interaction with their environment from conception to death, including lifestyle and diet. Prakriti, which reflects the body's nature in terms of dosha, is determined at conception based on the predominant dosha and remains constant throughout life. It governs an individual's physical and mental traits, with seven distinct types according to the Tridosha. People with specific Prakriti types show biological variations in structure, function, behaviour, response to environmental stimuli, and disease susceptibility. The prevalence of disorders related to diet has been increasing significantly in recent times, and this trend can be attributed to a variety of factors. Career guidance plays a crucial role in helping individuals navigate their professional paths. It involves providing advice, support, and information to assist people in making informed decisions about their career choices, development, and transitions.

The Influence of Practical Drawing Courses on Student Work Competence in SKKNI Building Drawing: Case Study at Surabaya State University

This research examines the influence of emphasizing practical drawing learning methods and work competencies in the SKKNI for building drawings. The majority of respondents work in the vocational school sector with a percentage of 53%. Furthermore, as many as 41% of respondents work in the PT sector. Meanwhile, only 6% of respondents work in the high school sector. The results of the analysis show that the majority of respondents consider these two methods to have a significant impact. The emphasis on "Fieldwork" was considered very large by 40 respondents and had a large influence by another 35 respondents, while "Participation in Research Projects" was considered very large by 25 respondents and had a large influence by 40 respondents. These findings emphasize the importance of practical learning methods and research projects in preparing graduates for various career paths, and demonstrate the variety of career choices made by graduates after completing their studies.

Career Maturity and Intervention Strategies: A bibliometric approach

This study explores whether Malaysian student career awareness interventions whilst still in secondary school, that focus on career maturity and their readiness for the evolving job market, effectively prepares them for employment success. Recognising the importance of aligning career choices with interests and skills, the paper examines the impact of these interventions. However, despite growing interest, there remains a gap in understanding the actual impact of these career interventions for Malaysian students transitioning out of secondary education. Using Scopus Analyzer, academic papers were analysed considering publication trends, authorship, citations, and key topics. The paper aimed to highlight research trends and patterns, identify research gaps, and offer insights for future studies. Ultimately, this research seeks to clarify whether the career awareness interventions prior to Malaysian students transitioning to the workforce genuinely enhance their career choice, maturity, and success.

Medical students in distress: a mixed methods approach to understanding the impact of debt on well-being

BackgroundNearly three in four U.S. medical students graduate with debt in six-figure dollar amounts which impairs students emotionally and academically and impacts their career choices and lives long after graduation. Schools have yet to develop systems-level solutions to address the impact of debt on students’ well-being. The objectives of this study were to identify students at highest risk for debt-related stress, define the impact on medical students’ well-being, and to identify opportunities for intervention.MethodsThis was a mixed methods, cross-sectional study that used quantitative survey analysis and human-centered design (HCD). We performed a secondary analysis on a national multi-institutional survey on medical student wellbeing, including univariate and multivariate logistic regression, a comparison of logistic regression models with interaction terms, and analysis of free text responses. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of medical student respondents and non-student stakeholders to develop insights and design opportunities.ResultsIndependent risk factors for high debt-related stress included pre-clinical year (OR 1.75), underrepresented minority (OR 1.40), debt $20–100 K (OR 4.85), debt >$100K (OR 13.22), private school (OR 1.45), West Coast region (OR 1.57), and consideration of a leave of absence for wellbeing (OR 1.48). Mental health resource utilization (p = 0.968) and counselors (p = 0.640) were not protective factors against debt-related stress. HCD analysis produced 6 key insights providing additional context to the quantitative findings, and associated opportunities for intervention.ConclusionsWe used an innovative combination of quantitative survey analysis and in-depth HCD exploration to develop a multi-dimensional understanding of debt-related stress among medical students. This approach allowed us to identify significant risk factors impacting medical students experiencing debt-related stress, while providing context through stakeholder voices to identify opportunities for system-level solutions.

Factors affecting small dental business in rural Germany: Evidence from Hessen.

To determine how social factors influence career decisions of dental service providers, particularly focusing on examining the impact of dentists' origins. Online survey of Hessian panel dentists, with pairwise comparisons to a set of factors impacting their decision-making process. An Analytic Hierarchy Process examined the weighting of influencing drivers in career choice. Dentists from rural backgrounds were more likely to establish practices in rural areas than those from urban origins. Origin correlated with entrepreneurial intentions and a strong association of rural origin. Dentists who grew up in rural areas were 4.19 times more likely to start a business. These findings may support efficient resource allocation and support for rural dental businesses.

The mediating effects of basic psychological needs on the associations between teacher support and Chinese adolescents’ science and math self-efficacy

ABSTRACT Background Science and math self-efficacy in high school can encourage students to choose science and math-related majors and thus cultivate relevant talent. The importance of science and math self-efficacy in academic performance and science and math-related career choices is well-documented. Despite numerous studies on various factors related to adolescents’ science and math self-efficacy, little empirical research has examined the effects of perceived teacher support on science and math self-efficacy among adolescents. Purpose Based on self-determination theory (SDT), this study aimed to examine the parallel mediation effect of relatedness, autonomy, and competence between perceived teacher support and Chinese adolescents’ science and math self-efficacy. Sample: We carried out a cross-sectional study that collected data from 443 Chinese tenth-grade adolescents (209 males, 47.20%). The students completed measures of perceived support from teachers, basic psychological needs, and science and math self-efficacy through an online survey. Methods The model was performed with AMOS 23 using a structural equation modeling approach with bootstrapping techniques (bootstrap replications:5,000). Results The results indicate that the association between teacher support and science and math self-efficacy was fully mediated by autonomy. The indirect effects of teacher support and science and math self-efficacy on relatedness or competence were insignificant. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of teacher support in adolescents’ science and math self-efficacy and provide a foundation for a novel approach to stimulate and motivate adolescents’ science and math self-efficacy.

Learning to be a colour-blind doctor.

Colour-vision deficiency is common among medical students, doctors and their patients. Although it can influence choice of careers, it can also put patient safety at risk if not recognised and adapted to early in a health professional's working life. Simple recommendations to support medical students, doctors and their patients are provided to support better health outcomes.

Factors Influencing Medical Students' Choice of Anesthesiology as a Future Specialty in Saudi Arabia.

Background According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), anesthesiologists are experts in administering anesthesia, pain management, and critical care medicine. In addition, they provide general perioperative care. Personal interests, career stability, reputation, income, and clinical rotation experience influence medical students' career choices. Studies show that anesthesiology remains one of the least popular specialties among Saudi medical students. Our study aims to determine the preference for anesthesiology among Saudi medical students and the factors influencing their career choice options. Methodology This cross-sectional study was implemented by distributing a self-administered verified survey. Results Our study included 532 medical students, predominantly female (n=344, 64.7%), aged 18-24 years (n=424, 79.7%), and Saudi nationals (n=508, 95.5%). Most were single (n=500, 94%) without children (n=522, 98.1%). A majority were not interested in anesthesiology as a future specialty (n=297, 55.8%), with some uncertainty (n=148, 27.8%) and a smaller interested group (n=87, 16.4%). Controllable lifestyle (n=294, 55.3%) and financial income (n=213, 40%) were critical factors for choosing anesthesiology as a specialty. Interest in another specialty (n=342, 64.3%) and stress (n=286, 53.8%) were significant opposing factors. Academic year significantly affected consideration (p<0.001), with second-year students showing the highest interest (61.8%) and sixth-year the lowest (24.8%). Other factors showed no significant association. Conclusion Our study reveals low interest in anesthesiology among Saudi medical students. A controllable lifestyle and financial income are key attractions. Interest declines significantly by the sixth year due to their interest in other specialties, lifestyle concerns, and stress.

Motivators and Barriers to Career Choices in Community Medicine Among Medical Students in South Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background Community medicine plays a vital role in public health, yet research on medical students' career choices in this field is limited, especially in underserved areas like South Punjab, Pakistan. This study explores the factors that influence undergraduate medical students' interest in pursuing a career in community medicine. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 305 fourth- and final-year undergraduate medical students from various colleges in South Punjab. Data were collected via a structured online questionnaire, focusing on students' interests, motivations, barriers, and perceptions related to community medicine. Results The survey found that 40% of students showed interest in community medicine, with higher interest among females. Key motivators included preventive healthcare and public health initiatives, while financial constraints and unclear career progression were significant barriers. A gap was noted between students' interest and their perceived preparedness to address public health challenges. Conclusion Female students showed greater interest in community medicine and were more likely to recommend it. Bridging the gap between interest and perceived preparedness requires enhancing practical experiences, increasing the visibility of community medicine successes, and addressing financial and career progression concerns. Implementing these strategies can help attract and retain students in community medicine and improve public health outcomes.

Moral Distress and Its Determinants among Nursing Students in an Italian University: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Moral Distress (MD) is a unique form of distress that occurs when people believe they know the ethically correct action to take but are constrained from doing so. Limited clinical experience and insufficient ethical knowledge contribute to nursing students' MD, which can potentially cause negative outcomes. The aims of this study are: (1) to describe the MD intensity of nursing students, and (2) to analyze differences and associations between MD intensity and socio-demographic and academic variables. A cross-sectional study design with a convenience sample of the second, third, and delayed graduation students was included; only students willing to participate and who had attended their scheduled internships in the last six months were eligible for inclusion. To measure the level of MD, we used the It-ESMEE. We collected socio-demographic and academic variables. The data collection occurred from January 2024 to March 2024. The students who adhered to the collection were N = 344. The findings reveal that the students perceived a high level of MD in situations related to clinical internship and class. They perceived higher levels of MD when nursing was not their first career choice, were separated or divorced, did not have children, and were not an employed student. The overall MD score is statistically significantly lower among students who had nursing as their first career choice (β = -0.267, p < 0.05), have children (β = -0.470, p < 0.01), and are employed (β = -0.417, p < 0.01). In contrast, being separated or divorced (β = 0.274, p < 0.01) was associated with a higher MD score. This study has some limitations: data reflect a local context, and the findings may not be generalizable to other regions or educational environments. Additionally, students' recollections of their experiences could be influenced by the passage of time, and there may be a selection bias since only students willing to participate were included. The findings suggest that nursing education programs should incorporate more robust training in ethical decision-making and stress management to better prepare students for the moral challenges in their professional practice.

Motivations to become psychotherapists: beyond the concept of the wounded healer.

Motivations to become psychotherapists have long been associated with the concept of the wounded healer, which posits that practitioners entering the field of mental health often do so as a result of their own personal struggles and challenges. Early difficulties and wounds are seen as a source of healers' capacity to comprehend and promote the processes of recovery, fostering a deeper connection between the healer and the person seeking support. Nevertheless, other factors not directly linked with early adversities have been posited to have an influence on the development of motivations towards pursuing a career in the psychological field. The present work aimed to review available empirical literature on the motivations to become psychotherapists, encompassing the concept of the wounded healer as well as other possible factors shaping practitioners' career choice. Three main domains of motivations have been addressed within the wounded healer framework: dysfunctional caregiving, negative personal experiences in the family of origin, and other early relational issues. Additionally, two other main domains, namely self-oriented and altruistic motivations, have been identified, and the concept of the healing healer was proposed to underline both the self-oriented healing process that a person may undergo while becoming a therapist, as well as the altruistic attitude in providing healing care towards others. Results were discussed addressing possible links between conscious and unconscious motivations to become therapists as well as in terms of clinical implications for practitioners in the field of clinical psychology.

Research brief: A quantitative content analysis to explore work value portrayals among characters in Belgian adolescents’ favorite TV series

ABSTRACT Occupational portrayals are omnipresent in adolescents’ favorite television (TV) series. Insights regarding such portrayals remain largely lacking. This study aimed to fill this gap via a content analysis of 334 characters across six TV series that are popular among adolescents. This study specifically examined portrayals of work values – qualities that an occupation should satisfy (e.g. skill utilization, earning potential) – because work values are a crucial part of adolescents’ vocational identity that guide career choices and affect well-being. By examining the content of such portrayals, scholars can better understand the potential effects of exposure to such portrayals. Therefore, we examined the extent to which various intrinsic, extrinsic, social, and prestige work values were portrayed as being upheld, violated, or mixed (RQ1). Work values were most frequently portrayed as being upheld among characters with a notable focus on portrayals of extrinsic work values (e.g. the upholding of a safe work environment). Attention was given to differences in work value portrayals according to characters’ job type (RQ2), gender (RQ3), and ethnicity (RQ4). High-skilled white-collar workers, male characters, and White characters were most positively portrayed, with work values shown as upheld in their occupations.

Departure Decisions: Exit Survey of Family Medicine Residency Directors.

Program director (PD) tenure, continuity, and stability may enhance residency program quality, yet many PDs do not stay long in their positions. No prior study has taken a comprehensive census of departing PDs to determine reasons for leaving the role. This study aimed to survey all exiting family medicine (FM) PDs to identify decision factors contributing to their departure. From October 2021 to October 2022, we sent a web-based exit survey to all departing FM PDs. The survey asked departing PDs to rate the strength of 36 factors in the decision to exit the PD role in terms of job satisfaction, accomplishments, career choices, workload, preparation, expectations, and support. We used the Fisher exact test to assess all 36 decision factors and PD characteristics for significant associations with shorter or longer PD tenures. PDs submitted 73 surveys out of 109 invitations (67.0% response). We analyzed 68 with complete data. The median PD tenure was 5.6 years (mean 6.9 years). Most respondents (66/68, 97.1%) identified three or more strong factors in their decision to leave. The strongest factors reflected stable residency programs, an established succession plan, a desire for more personal/family time, and a sense that the time was right. PDs with tenures longer than 3 years were more likely to have completed the National Institute for Program Director Development (P=.001). PDs leave the position for multiple reasons, often positive, and not necessarily due to lack of support and preparation. Further exploration of decision factors may inform strategies to support PDs in their positions.

Corrigendum to “where are the missing girls? Gender inequality, job precarity, and journalism students’ career choices in China”

Corrigendum to “where are the missing girls? Gender inequality, job precarity, and journalism students’ career choices in China”

PENGARUH LINGKUNGAN KERJA, PERTIMBANGAN PASAR KERJA DAN JENJANG KARIR TERHADAP PEMILIHAN KARIR SEBAGAI AUDITOR

This study aims to determine the influence of the work environment, labor market considerations and career paths on the selection of careers as auditors This study uses independent variables namely the work environment, labor market considerations, and career paths. The dependent variable is the choice of career as an auditor at the University in Batam. The population used in this study were universities in Batam City, the sample used was students majoring in accounting at several universities in the city of Batam. The sample was taken using the Slovin formula and the respondent data was obtained from 83 questionnaire respondents.Moderation statistical method uses multiple linear regression analysis, hypothesis testing t statistic test and F statistical test.These results indicate that the work environment variable has a positive effect on career selection as an auditor. Job market consideration variables have a positive effect on career selection as an auditor. Meanwhile, Career Path variable has a positive effect on career selection as an auditor. Simultaneously, the work environment, labor market considerations and career paths have a significant influence on career selection as an auditor.

PENGARUH PENGHARGAAN FINANSIAL, PERTIMBANGAN PASAR KERJA DAN MOTIVASI DIRI TERHADAP PEMILIHAN KARIER SEBAGAI AKUNTAN PADA MAHASISWA AKUNTANSI DI UNIVERSITAS BATAM, UNIVERSITAS RIAU KEPULAUAN DAN UNIVERSITAS UNIVERSAL

Career is a person's process of building a job or working their way up work in stages to get maximum results or that expected of that person within a certain period of time. Career selection appropriate and in accordance with a person's interests and talents is a stageearly in career formation. So that someone can choose a suitable career with what is expected he must consider the influencing factors career choice. The accounting profession currently has an important role for entities business, government and society because they are considered as one of the parties able to make a major contribution in solving their problems face The aim of this research is to obtain empirical evidence of influence financial reward, consideration Job market and self-motivation in choosing a career as an accountant. This research was conducted at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Batam University, Riau Islands University and Universal University. The sampling method used is the purposive sampling method, while the data collection method was carried out using a questionnaire. The number of research samples used was 87 respondents. Analysis techniques The data used is a multiple linear regression analysis technique. Research result This shows that Financial Rewards, Job Market Considerations and Self-Motivation have a positive influence on choosing a career as an accountant.

Chinese women’s entrepreneurial career choices: exploring factors

Chinese women’s entrepreneurial career choices: exploring factors