Topic

STEM 4.3 Why Do People Choose a Specific Career?

Think back on your life. What were the reasons you chose your career or job? What made you change careers? Have your motivations changed over time? Why did some of your friends or family members choose their careers? Do their reasons differ from yours?

There are four key work values that influence our decision to choose a job, or pursue a career. These key work values are [1]: Intrinsic, Social, Extrinsic, and Prestige.

Each student below represents a different work value. Drag the phrase in the thought bubble to the corresponding student. 

  1. Duffy, R., and W. Sedlacek, 2009, “What is most important to students’ long-term career choices: analyzing 10-year trends and group differences,” Journal of Career Development, 34(2), 149-163.Ros, M., S. Schwartz, et al., 1999, “Basic individual values, work values, and the meaning of work,” Applied Psychology, 48(1), 49-71.