Factors Influencing Career Interests and Choices of High School Adolescents in Tamale, Northern Ghana

Abstract

Each year, thousands of high school adolescents in Ghana apply for placement into senior high schools via the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) by choosing subject bouquets that have the potential to determine their career interests and subsequent university majors, with little or no guidance from career counselling and assessment professionals. The vocational interest literature has shown that young people develop their career interests and engage in career aspirations much earlier in life. Yet, studies exploring the career interests and choices of high school adolescents in Ghana are sparse. This study aimed to identify the career interests of senior high school (SHS) students in the Tamale Metropolitan Area of northern Ghana and to explore the factors that influence those interests. Data were collected through qualitative interviews with 31 students. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The students expressed interest in various careers such as becoming agricultural extension officers, medical doctors, teachers, engineers, soldiers, footballers, bank managers, journalists and musicians. Other findings showed that family, socio-cultural factors, personal interest and academic programmes pursued at the SHS had important influences on the career interests and choices of the students. Findings suggest a need for career fairs for high school adolescents as well as group career counselling for students and their parents/guardians. Furthermore, the CSSPS could embed a career interest assessment tool in the first step of the application process, which, in turn, would automatically direct applicants to courses that align well with their vocational interests.