The problem of high school students’ profession choice: theoretical discourse

Abstract

The problem of readiness for profession choice in the process of profession-related self-determination of high school students in Ukraine is quite relevant. The real situation requires a person to constantly choose life goals and means to achieve them. The current situation in society requires the simultaneous manifestation of two functions: individual psychological characteristics, social lability, flexibility on the one hand; and on the other hand, the development of person’s identity, which forms an inner "core", which is an indicator of readiness for profession choice. In this regard, social and psychological support is needed to form the readiness of high school students to make a conscious choice of profession. In recent years, there has been a reassessment of the "prestige" of professions, as well as socio-economic changes in the country have increased the concern of young people: "What to be?". Practice shows that a certain percentage of graduates still does not see a bright life path, does not imagine their professional career, cannot adequately assess their professional prospects. This is due to the fact that high school students do not have sufficient information about the needs of the labour market, do not know how to consider the socio-economic conditions that determine the type and nature of profession-n related activity; they have no idea about the nature of work. Most young people strive to achieve the desired way of life, to obtain some professional recognition; however, specific professional activities are not considered by them as part of the future way of life. The purpose of the article is a theoretical analysis of the scientific problem of high school students’ profession choice. Research methods: analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature; comparative-historical method of foreign and domestic experience in forming socio-psychological readiness of high school students to join the Free Economic Zone. The analysis of the psychological and pedagogical literature shows that the study of the problem regarding profession choice considers this process as purposeful, which consists of motivating and appropriately structured actions.

Keywords

• profession-related self-determination; high school student; profession orientation; profession choice; formation of high school students’ social and psychological readiness