short essay on choice of career

Essay on Career for Students and Children

500+ words essay on career.

Career is a very important thing in one’s life. Whatever career path you choose to follow, it will impact your life greatly. Your career will define your status in a society in addition to your lifestyle. In other words, your career will determine your social circle and relationships.

Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the correct career path . From a very young age, we aspire to be something or the other. While someone aims to be a doctor, some wish to become a painter. Our career choices depend on a lot of things. Thus, it is important to consider all factors before choosing a career path.

How to Choose your Career?

You must consider a number of factors before deciding on your career. Each factor plays a significant role in your choice. Firstly, always assess yourself thoroughly. You must understand your area of interest to choose a career. For instance, someone who dances well can surely become a doctor, but his interest will always be in dance. Thus, ensure that you have the caliber to perform well in the field you choose. This will come from your area of interest itself.

After that, you look for the opportunities available as per your area of interest. Now that you are aware of what you like and dislike, you can easily look for occupations matching your passion. Make a list of the occupations you can get into following your interests. Furthermore, shorten the list you have prepared. You must do so as per what suits you best. Consult with your seniors and parents to make informed decisions.

Most importantly, acquire the skills for the career option you are interested in. Ensure you earn the qualifications and degrees for it. Try taking training programs to enhance your skills. This will give you an upper hand in knowing whether you are correct in choosing the specific career plan. Furthermore, create an impressive resume which can help you get the right opportunities.

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How to Achieve your Career Goal?

There are steps you need to take before achieving your career goal. As they say, success doesn’t come overnight. You must work along the way to accomplish your goals. There is always hope if you have the will. Firstly, create profiles on different job portals to attract the employer’s attention. When you maintain your profile well, you will be able to get good career opportunities.

Moreover, always maintain your network. Build a solid network and create sources in the field. This way you can update yourself with the latest happenings in the industry. In addition, try to attend the related seminars and workshops that happen related to your career choice. You will meet influential people of the same field who can broaden your thinking.

In short, always remember to stay determined. You can easily achieve your career goal if you set your mind to it. In other words, people usually distract themselves easily. You must not do so and focus on your career path to achieve your goals efficiently.

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Essay on Career

A career is the future of our job or education that later determines our success.

Who doesn’t want to have a luxurious life, who doesn’t want to be rich? Who doesn’t love to be famous or to be liked and respected by society? Everyone loves this stuff and wants themselves as well as their family to be happy and prosper all time. In order to achieve all these things, everyone works hard to make a better career. Life wouldn’t be complete without a career. Since childhood, every child thinks of what he wants to become in the future. Today we will focus on the career in detail.

Short and Long Career Essay in English

Here I’m presenting long and short essays on Career for students. This topic is useful for students who are at the stage of choosing their careers.

Career Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) A career is a journey that a person makes through learning, work, and other aspects of life.

2) Career will help to turn all dreams into reality.

3) Choosing a career is the most critical task of our life.

4) Career should be chosen according to our interests.

5) Students can make their careers in many fields like medical, engineering, teaching, art, etc.

6) Hard work, confidence, and determination are important to achieve good career goals.

7) One should choose a career that gives joy and pleasure.

8) Students can make their careers according to their skills.

9) A good network and guidance will lead you toward a good career.

10) Students should take help from their parents, elders, teachers, and well-wishers while choosing a career.

Short Essay on Career (200 – 250 Words)

Everyone has a dream to have a luxurious lifestyle full of comfort. To enjoy this lifestyle we have to make a good career. Developing a career plan is an integral part of managing personal development and learning. Anyone can set themselves up for a fruitful, fulfilling career if they put in some hard work, do some planning, and conduct some serious self-reflection. Choosing a career involves a number of factors like future scope, skills required, etc. These factors have an impact on a person’s final decision. Before selecting a career, it is important to identify the areas of interest.

It is well known that academic studies lead to a wide range of careers. One needs to study hard for better career prospects. A hobby or thing that anyone loves to do can easily be turned into a career. A number of hobbies correlate well with actual career positions.

Like, if anyone enjoys drawing or arts, a career as a graphic designer is ideal, or if he likes sports, he can choose his career as an athlete or a sports trainer/coach. However, one should also think of the future aspect of that field. A career is an important factor that enhances your societal importance and relationship. Do not give up on your dreams, choose your career wisely.

Long Essay on Career (500 – 600 Words)

Introduction

When we take admission to school we don’t have much idea about our future. We generally concentrate on our studies. We enjoy this stage very much. Later when we are promoted to a higher standard, we understand the importance of studies. After a few years when we are at the ending stage of our school days, we realize the importance and meaning of a career. At this time we really have the pressure of choosing a good career. A career is a future path that leads us toward the path of success.

Importance of a good career

A career plays a crucial role in everyone’s life. From childhood, we are instructed to study hard and score good grades. We are told to work hard to make a better career. A good career leads to a good life. A career is important to attain success in life. From personal to professional life everything is affected by a career. A good career develops your personality and quality of living.

Society also respects people who have a good career. Your lifestyle and future also depend on your career. A career affects your entire life and hence it is considered important to choose your career wisely. Many students aim to become a doctor, engineers, teachers, etc in the future. To attain this profession first we need to study hard.

Choosing your career

Choosing your career is a very critical decision. There are many factors that affect the decision of choosing a career. The first thing that we should consider is our area of interest. Students should make their careers in the field they are interested. Our interest makes us more perfect in our job. Another thing is the future prospect, students should also take care of future opportunities. The field you are opting for must have a good future scope so that later it gives you fruitful results. Everything in the world is continuously changing. So keeping this in mind is very important when choosing your career.

Other things like working environment, salary, extra benefits, etc should also be concerned. One must feel satisfied with their career. You rarely get a chance to correct the mistake you have taken while choosing a career. Therefore, students should think twice before proceeding toward the future.

What helps in making a good career?

A career cannot be built overnight, you have to focus on it beforehand. The below given factors will help you to achieve good career goals.

Hard work: Nothing can be achieved without hard work. Continuous hard work and studies will help you to achieve your career goal.

Confidence: Today, confidence is important in both personal as well as professional life. Confidence will give you the power to show your skills and also help you to do well in your career.

Determination: Determination toward your work will always give you a profitable result. One should never lose hope and always remain determined.

We have to take many decisions in life but the most critical decision is to choose a perfect career. The option to choose a career comes only once in life. Therefore, we should start thinking about our career way before so that we do not make any mistake. We can also take help from parents, elders, teachers, and relatives. Today, we have the internet, the solution to all the problems. Students should collect proper knowledge and choose a career that suits their interests and future.

I hope the above provided essay on Career will be helpful for every student in making their career decisions.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions on Career

Ans. A career is a long-term goal while a job can be done for earning money.

Ans. Frank Parsons is considered as the “Father of Guidance”.

Ans. Career planning is a process that helps in choosing the best career that matches your interest, skills, and talent.

Ans. A career counselor helps you in choosing a career. Doesn’t matter whether you are new or working, you can take help from a career counselor to build a good career.

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Essay On Career | Career Essay for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay On Career:  Career is the most important part of one’s life. To put bread on your dining table, to gain respect from the society and for your self-satisfaction, a good career is a must. But the definition of “good career” is vague and depends on people to people.

There is no such thing called as a good career. A career path that is good for me might not be necessarily good for others. Therefore, in this particular essay on career, we would like to dig deep and understand what a career is and how to choose one in order to lead a happy and content life.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Career for Students and Kids in English

In this article, we have provided a 600-word long essay on career for students and college children. Also, you can find a 200-word short essay on career for various essay writing competitions. Long essay on career is helpful for students of classes 7,8,9 and 10. Short essay on career is helpful for students of classes 1,2,3,4,5 and 6

Long Essay On Career 500 Words in English

Each and every one of us has faced a certain junction or a cross-road at some point in our lives that has had a major impact on our lives. This can be both a professional crossroads or personal crossroads. But in this essay on career, I would like to talk about the cross-road that we see in our professional career. It’s not just the students who would have faced a dilemma in deciding a career, even employees past 30 years of age face this crisis.

When a student’s face its called a beginner’s crisis, but when an employee 6 years down the lane faces dilemmas in his or her career choices, then its usually called a mid-life crisis or mid-career crisis. Midlife crisis is a term that refers to people who are having second thoughts about their career a few years down after working in the same. There might be plenty of reasons for these some of which may be an everyday monologue, fatigue, salary issues, professional growth issues, internal office dilemmas, etc. In this essay on career, I am going to talk about both the type of career choices.

A student’s life is the first crossroad that we face in our lives. By keeping certain factors in mind, there is plenty of career choice a student can choose from. Some of the popular career choices are engineering, medicine, arts, and commerce. Which career to choose and on what terms is something that every student will have to worry about. There are certain criteria to choose a career, which are:

Criteria to Choose a Career

• Passion: The word passion sounds cliche, but it is an important criterion to consider before choosing a career path. If everyone follows their passion and chose a career accordingly, then the concept of a mid-career crisis wouldn’t have occurred in the first place. Every one of us would have dreamt of something during our childhood. We all wanted to become a police, a cricketer, an actor, a doctor or an engineer. But not everyone follows and listens to the child in them. We ultimately give up on our passions and choose a safe career which will give us a good salary. Risk-taking is a part and parcel of life and no one should regret not doing something 80 years down the lane when they are on their death bed.
• Stability: Financial stability, as well as job stability, is something that should be considered as an important criterion. Because the world is increasingly changing and many industries are being taken out by emerging technologies. So before choosing a particular career path, the stability as the well the salary factors should be taken into account
• Future prospects: Future prospects, both in terms of your interest in the field as well the survival of the field itself, in the next 20 years should be taken into consideration. A Mid-career crisis can be avoided if future prospects are evaluated properly. Certain industries might fall and certain might become the next biggest phenomenon. People who are serious about their careers choose a path which has a long-lasting prospect
• Satisfaction: This is another important factor while choosing a career path. A good salary, a nice work environment and a good location might give some people the job satisfaction they need, but there are some people who are not affected by any of that. The only thing that matters to them is the job itself. Usually, a job that is socially helpful is the ones that provide true satisfaction.

This essay on career is written from a student’s point of view. But an essay on career from an employee’s point of view will be totally different. The factors mentioned above might not even be relevant to them anymore. But this essay on career in mainly confined to the beginner’s journey.

Short Essay on Career 200 Words in English

Below, we have given an example essay on career with a 200-word limit in English for students of classes 1,2,3,4,5 and 6.

Career is a term that is referred to the professional path that a candidate decides to take upon to earn a livelihood. This is, in fact, a vague definition for a career. And more importantly, the concept of people choosing a career to earn a livelihood has almost become redundant. The millennials nowadays are risk-takers and choose a career according to their passion irrespective of whether the career is stable or not. There is something called as an odyssey stage where people who have just completed there degrees, wants to postpone their prospects of working. People nowadays are in pursuit of knowledge more than the pursuit of money. From a bachelor’s degree to a master degree to a PhD, nothing seems to be enough for the growing population of millennials.

This is something even businesses are taking into consideration. The attrition rates in companies are very high resulting in loss of money for the company in training and induction. The attrition rates would not have been high, provided a student had got good career counselling before choosing a particular career path.

There are many career paths that a person can choose from. The fact that there are so many choices is in itself a problem statement. If the choices were low, people would not have much say in choosing a career path. But on what factors does he or she choose is a big question to ponder upon.

10 Lines On Career Essay

• A career path should be chosen based on passion and interest in the field
• There are plenty of career choices to choose from like engineering, medical, commerce or management
• There is no one definition for a good career path
• The suitability of a career depends on person to person
• People tend to leave companies often because of improper career guidance at the beginning of their career
• Safe career paths are those that provide good salary and job security
• Choosing a risky career path like music or dance has become an increasing trend among the Millenials
• The millennial mentality is far different from the previous generation’s mentality in term of career paths
• Companies should address and provide good career guidance to their employees
• Educational institutes should provide career counselling to students in accordance with their interests and aptitude.

FAQ’s On Essay on Career

Question 1. How to choose a career path?

Answer: Follow your passion and interest to decide on a career path

Question 2. Which is the best career path?

Answer: There is no one good career path. It varies from people to people

Question 3. Is engineering the best career?

Answer: Engineering graduates have more jobs to choose from after their graduation

Question 4. Which is the most difficult career path?

Answer: There is no such thing as a difficult career path. It all depends on hard work and competency

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The Ideal Career Choice Analytical Essay

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• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Making a career choice is one of the most difficult decisions that people are faced with in their lives. Many considerations should be made before making a career choice. For instance, a person may want to choose a career that he or she has a passion for, but the career may not be rewarding moneywise. On the other hand, a person may want to choose a career that is rewarding in terms of finances, but this may force him or her to do something that he or she does not love to do.

The ideal career choice would be the case in which a person pursues something he or she really loves to do, and luckily the same turns out to be financially rewarding. “In most of these cases, the person actually has a natural flair for the career and thus, he or she does not encounter major difficulties while working” (Rides).

For instance, a person with a natural flair for athletics would make a perfect career choice if he or she chose athletics as a career, and it turned out to be lucrative. Another example would be a person with a flair for computer programming.

If this person chose computer programming as a career and it turned out to be lucrative, he or she would have made an ideal career choice. “As such, career choice is a decision, which entails critical thinking of the diversified choices available to an individual” (Smith).

However, there is common knowledge that people will not normally get financial benefit from doing the things they really love doing. There are many reasons behind this. One of the main reasons is unemployment, among others such as poor career planning. To explain the latter, it would be unwise for an introvert to study a course in a college that would lead to a career that involved public speaking.

Therefore, an introvert who studied political science or communication might pursue unrelated careers even if he or she has a passion for political science or communication. Such kind of people, together with those who lack employment opportunities are therefore, forced to make more pragmatic career choices.

Most people make career choices that are not related to what they love doing, in other words, their passion. This has been fuelled by the high rate of unemployment in the world, which has seen people pursuing careers that are unrelated to what they study in college. “For instance, it is common to see an engineer working as a human resource manager, a social scientist working as a journalist or even a teacher in an unrelated career” (Rides).

This has been because of unemployment making people indulge in careers that are unrelated to their subjects of study in college in order to make a living, as they wait to get a perfect job. The sad reality is that some of these people wait for a lifetime to get those jobs.

On the other hand, people who stick to what they love doing in most cases get frustrated. This is because it may take a year or two to get a job after college. After a long period of unemployment, one may get a job that is not worth writing home about. “The job may have limited financial rewards and it may lack opportunities for growth” (Rides). This has contributed to the occurrence of the aforementioned career-switches.

From the discussion above, it is clear that career choice should ideally be dictated by a person’s passion and natural talent. However, it is good to be dynamic in career choice in order to ensure that one balances life’s demands with passion. If one is able to secure a well-paying job related to what he or she love to do, then that is okay.

However, a person may be unable to secure a well-paying job that is related to his or her natural flair, something that disappoints most graduates after college. This makes people indulge in jobs that are not in their line of career. However, such decisions bring about major limitations, in that the person may not be satisfied with the job that he or she settles for. This will obviously lead to stress and burnout that may affect the quality of work that he or she delivers.

Despite this, the main consideration when choosing a job or career path should be one’s passion and not financial benefits that come in hand with the career. “This is because with passion, one is able to produce quality work, as they love what they are doing and end up being happy in life regardless of the benefit package associated with the career they are doing”(Smith).

Works Cited

Rides, Dark. Tips on choosing the right career for you. Hub Pages. 2009. Web.

Smith, Tim. How to Choose a Career That’s Best for You . On Careers. 2010. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2018, June 12). The Ideal Career Choice. https://ivypanda.com/essays/career-choice/

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Career Essay

Career essay generator.

How do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now? That question kicks start your imagination and make you visualize yourself in your future career. Maybe you are thinking about it now, but you are likely confused about expressing it in words. Unlike other essay writing , writing your career essay is exciting because you are writing about yourself, your plans, passion, and aspiration. Learn how to make your career essay impressive by reading this article.

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What Is a Career Essay?

A career essay is a text people write to detail their goals or plans for the future. In this essay, people talk about the career they want in the future and the things they have achieved so far. People often ask you to write a career essay when you send an application letter for a scholarship or submit your resume for a job.

How To Write a Rousing Career Essay

You should write your career essay seriously because it might be a deciding factor for your future. That said, in writing your essay, there are a lot of things to consider and a process you need to follow. Your end goal in writing your essay is to convince people that you are determined to walk the talk and make the things you wrote in your descriptive essay to reality.

1. Devise an Engrossing Title

The first thing to think about when writing an essay is coming up with an attention-grabbing title. When people read your essay, they pay the most attention to your title. Also, another benefit of coming up with your title first is that it will serve as a guide for you for the whole essay. 

2. Introduce With a Hook

After devising a title, deliver the next blow with an introduction that piques their curiosity. To do that, begin your essay with a hook. Your hook can be a quote, a question, or you can even provide a statistic. If your introduction is good enough, it will secure the engagement of your readers.

3. Organize Your Ideas

Writing an essay is like taking your readers for a ride. You need to set the vibe and organize the flow of your thoughts. Don’t start too strong it might make the rest of your essay bland. You need to properly build up the development of excitement and make sure the order of your ideas makes sense. 

4. Polish Your Essay

Finalize your essay by proofreading it. When people talk about their passion, they tend to talk too much and include several unnecessary things. Make sure not to do that. Omit all the details that don’t contribute to the overall impact of your reflective essay. Also, don’t forget to review your text for grammatical errors. 

Why is career planning important?

People hustle every day to reach their dream careers. Having a target career gives you a direction and sets your path. Planning your career is essential because being indecisive about it might negatively impact your life. Not having a fixed goal is like not having an end destination. Preparing for it would also make your career action plan achievable.

What is a career genogram?

A career genogram traces back an individual’s family tree and examines the career timeline they pursued. The scope of this genogram reaches the grandparents, extended family, and even the person’s close friends. This graphic representation is helpful when a person has a hard time deciding about his or her career development plan .

What is career assessment?

Career assessment is the process of identifying what career would work best for you. Most assessments are in the form of a questionnaire . It includes questions about your interests, your skills, your hobbies, and your strengths. These are some examples of questions that would help assess your future career. The result of your career assessment might give you ideas on what path to take.

The moment people read your career essay, they often rate how likely you are to succeed. Show them a piece of your mind that would erase all their doubts about your success. They say manifesting works wonders, so manifest the future that you want best by composing a rousing career essay. 

Text prompt

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Write a career essay on the benefits and challenges of a career in medicine.

Discuss in a career essay the skills needed for success in the digital marketing field.

Essay on Factors To Consider When Choosing A Career

Students are often asked to write an essay on Factors To Consider When Choosing A Career in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Factors To Consider When Choosing A Career

Understanding the topic.

Choosing a career is a big decision. It’s about picking what you’ll do for most of your day, for many years. It’s important to choose wisely. Here are some factors you should think about when choosing a career.

First, think about what you like to do. Your career should be something you enjoy. If you like what you do, you’ll be more likely to do a good job and be happy in your work.

Next, consider your skills. What are you good at? Choose a career that uses these skills. This will make your work easier and more enjoyable.

Also, think about what is important to you. Do you care about helping others? Making money? Being creative? Choose a career that matches your values.

250 Words Essay on Factors To Consider When Choosing A Career

Understanding your interests.

Choosing a career is a very important decision in one’s life. The first factor to consider is your interests. What do you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies? These questions can guide you to a career that you will love and enjoy. It is always better to work in a field that you are passionate about.

Assessing Your Skills

Next, consider your skills. What are you good at? Maybe you are good at drawing, or maybe you are good at solving math problems. Your skills can help you decide on a career. For example, if you are good at drawing, you might want to consider a career in graphic design.

Looking at the Job Market

Another important factor is the job market. You need to research and see if there are jobs available in the career you are considering. If there are no jobs, it might not be a good idea to pursue that career.

Considering the Education Required

Lastly, consider the education required for the career. Some careers require a lot of schooling, while others do not. You need to decide if you are willing to spend the time and money on the education required for the career.

In conclusion, choosing a career is a big decision. By considering your interests, skills, the job market, and the education required, you can make a good decision that will lead to a fulfilling career.

500 Words Essay on Factors To Consider When Choosing A Career

Introduction.

Firstly, think about what you enjoy doing. If you pick a career based on your interests, you will likely be happier and more successful. For example, if you love music, you might want to consider a career as a musician or a music teacher. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.

Skills and Talents

Secondly, consider your skills and talents. What are you good at? If you’re great at math, a career in engineering or accounting might be a good fit for you. If you’re a good listener and love to help people, you might want to consider a career in counseling or social work. It’s always easier to do a job that matches your skills.

Educational Requirements

Fourthly, take a look at the job market. Is there a demand for the career you’re interested in? Some careers have more job opportunities than others. For example, careers in technology and healthcare often have a lot of job openings. It’s important to choose a career where you can find a job easily.

Work-Life Balance

Lastly, consider work-life balance. Some careers require long hours and may not leave much time for family or hobbies. On the other hand, some careers offer flexible hours or the ability to work from home. It’s important to choose a career that fits with the lifestyle you want.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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How to Write an Awesome Essay About Your Career Goals

• Before you begin, ask yourself a few key questions like:
• What are my short-term and long-term career goals?
• Where do I see myself in ten years?
• What events in my life have led me to have these goals?
• What major will help me reach my goals?
• What skills do I need to reach my goals?
• What impact do I want to have on society?

Career Goals Essay Template

Need more inspiration.

After you brainstorm the responses to these questions, look for common themes, or pick out the most interesting stories. You can build your main essay “thesis” or idea around this.

Once you’ve got the main idea, create an outline to put your ideas into essay format. This will give you a general idea of structure.

You can use the career essays template below to give you some ideas. But remember that some rules are meant to be broken, so don’t be afraid to be innovative and think outside the box!

Also, when you’re done, head over to Going Merry to apply for the Career Goals scholarship essay bundle (one essay, one application, multiple scholarships!). You might as well make that essay count. Sign up for Going Merry to apply for scholarships more efficiently.

Here’s a paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown:

Paragraph 1 : Establish the main theme of what you’re going to talk about. It should also grab the reader’s attention. For example, instead of starting your essay with something generic (e.g. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a zoologist), get creative with it! Try something like My greatest memory as a young girl was going to the zoo for the first time or While most kids play house or school, I always wanted to play zookeeper.

Paragraph 2 : Elaborate on what inspired your career goals. Perhaps it was a relative, a TV show, or simply an experience that you had. Remember that old writing adage, “Show, don’t tell.” In other words, try to demonstrate your interest with story or description. 

Paragraph 3 : Discuss your short-term career goals and your intended major. How will your intended major help you reach these goals? What skills do you need to learn to reach them? At the end of the paragraph, try discussing how your short-term goals can help you achieve your long-term goals.

Paragraph 4 : Focus on your long-term goals and the impact that you hope to have on society. If you’re not sure what your long-term goals are, don’t sweat it; they’ll probably change anyways. You can instead focus on the difference you’d like to make overall. And don’t worry too much about the size of the impact…remember that just doing what you’re truly passionate about has a massive impact on those around you.

The last paragraph is your conclusion. You can use this paragraph to summarize what you discussed in the previous few paragraphs. If you want to be even more creative, try ending your essay with a question for your readers or a new insight. Good luck!

And now that you’re ready with that essay, put it to good use! You can recycle that same essay, when applying for the Career Goals Scholarship Bundle. We’ve joined together multiple scholarships (all requesting essays on career goals), into just ONE simple application! See more info here , or just sign up to get going.

Check out examples from other students just like you. Here are links to some great career goal essay examples:

• Example 1  
• Example 2  
• Example 3  

Or maybe you’re looking for help with an academic goals essay — we’ve got you covered there too.

Also, check out this helpful list of the 10 most common scholarship essay topics !

Sign up for Going Merry today, and upload your career goal essay right to your profile. It’s that easy!

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Career Goals Essay For Scholarships (With Examples)

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Scholarship programs often want you to write a career goals essay to see that you have a clear plan for how you’ll apply your education to a specific career path. This helps show a scholarship committee why you’re seeking funds for the next step on the path toward your success.

Answering “what are your career goals” effectively can help increase your odds of impressing landing a scholarship opportunity. If you’re a prospective student applying for scholarships, this article will provide tips on how to write a career goals essay, along with essays on career goals examples to help you get an idea of what scholarship committees are looking for.

Key Takeaways:

When you’re writing a career goals essay, make sure to write about the goals that are relevant to the scholarship.

Be honest and use your own voice to stand out in your scholarship essay.

Go into detail about how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

What is a career goals essay?

Why scholarship essays ask about career goals, example career goals essay prompts, career goals essay examples, tips for writing a scholarship essay about career goals, what to write in a career goals essay if your goals have changed, career goals essay for a scholarship faq.

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A career goals essay is a personal written explanation that discusses your background, why you’re interested in participating in the program, and what career you’d like this degree to lead into. A scholarship essay functions to explain why you want to achieve your professional goals and how you intend to get there.

In almost every application process, a portion asks the candidate to answer an essay question. When applying to an educational program, like an MBA, the essay prompt usually relates to your career goals .

Scholarship essays ask about career goals to assess your enthusiasm for the program, learn more about how the scholarship will help you, and ensure that you’ve considered how the program will help you achieve your goals for the future:

Assess your enthusiasm. Passion is important for scholarship administrators, and if you’re able to articulate your enthusiasm for a specific career path , it will show that you’re determined to meet the requirements to reach that goal. The most specific and well-thought-out your essay is, the easier it will be for a reader to understand your devotion and commitment to the program and the field it will allow you to enter.

Learn how the scholarship will help you. Having a firm grasp of your career goals is great, but it’s equally important that you express exactly how the specific program relates to those goals. This shows that you’ve researched the merits of the program and understand exactly how it fits into your professional goals.

Show you’ve considered your future. This goes along with the first two points — show that you know how to set goals and consider the path toward achieving those goals, and you’ll have an easier time convincing the reader that you’ll know how to set goals while participating in the program. They’ll see that you know how to prioritize education because you have a clear vision for navigating your career path.

While some scholarships might come right out and simply ask, “What are your career goals?” most will rework the question into something different that still accomplishes the same goal.

Below are some examples of career goals essay prompts that a scholarship program could pose to its applicants:

Discuss your career goals. Many scholarships prefer the most direct approach when giving an essay prompt to their applicants. This type of question gives the candidate a lot of wiggle room to discuss their passions, motivations, and career goals.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years ? This question is often used as a prompt for a career goals essay because it gives the applicant a timeline to describe their aspirations. It forces them to be realistic about where their career will be and how they will accomplish this within the next ten years.

How will this scholarship contribute to your professional success? A scholarship committee wants to be sure that the money they’re giving will contribute to a student’s overall professional success. This question asks about the applicant’s game plan in the long-term and evaluates how this program is going to assist in their future.

What is your dream job ? Since a dream job is often categorized as a person’s career goals, this is a common question phrasing in scholarship essays. Asking about a candidate’s dream job answers whether this program aligns with the student’s long-term career goals.

What matters most to you and why? Sometimes, a scholarship essay prompt won’t ask about your career or future at all. Instead, they’ll ask a question like this that assesses your motivations , values, and character.

Use these examples of career goals essays for scholarships to help write your own. Pay special attention to how they’re organized, rather than the content, to inspire your own career goals essay:

Career goals essay example 1 – Discuss your career goals

When I was six years old, I was riding bikes with my older sister around our neighborhood. She had just taught me how to ride, and I was excited to have to freedom to explore with her. When she was rounding a particularly difficult bend to see around, a car happened to be coming along at the same time. It struck her. That bike ride changed our lives forever. Over the next year, I went with my sister every Tuesday and Thursday to her physical therapist ’s appointments to help her regain walking strength. Watching her physical therapist patiently assist my sister back to becoming herself awoken something in me. A passion for helping others in the same way eventually turned into a career goal of becoming a physical therapist myself. I decided to get my bachelor’s degree in exercise science. After graduating in 2019, I knew that the next step for me was to attend a graduate program in physical therapy. I was accepted to Lassell University Master of Science in Rehabilitation Services. This presented me with my latest goal along my career path, and I’m eagerly waiting to start. This scholarship would help me afford the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Lassell University class of 2023, allowing me to continue working towards my ultimate career goal of becoming a physical therapist and helping others to become themselves again.

Career goals essay example 2 – Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I will have been successfully running my own construction business for about five years. I’m currently a second-year student at the University of Texas, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. I decided to get my MBA because I knew it would be a positive asset toward my long-term career goal of owning a construction business. In my high school years, I worked as a construction apprentice for a local business. I loved many aspects of the business, such as building something from nothing. I knew that I wanted to incorporate this work into my long-term career, but I didn’t want to work as an apprentice . This led me to pursue business. In ten years and with the help of this scholarship, I will have graduated with my MBA almost a decade prior . After graduation, I plan to take a business administration internship with a carpentry business to help myself get a footing in the field. After about two years of this, I will have started my own construction business.

Career goals essay example 3 – What matters most to you and why?

The people I surround myself with matter most to me. Whether it be my relatives, friends, or professional acquaintances, I always care the most about the happiness of the people around me. Making the people around me happy matters the most to me because I truly because we find our happiness through others. I believe that this drive to make a positive impression on the people around me is what drove me towards a career as a nurse . I always thought of hospitals as places where people need someone to support them and make their day a little happier. I wanted to be one of those who spend their careers positively impacting people in need. This scholarship will enable me to finally afford nursing school and go after my dream job full force.

Career goals essay example 4 – What are your short- and long-term career goals, and how will earning this degree contribute to achieving those goals? Please provide a minimum of 200 words.

My short-term career goals involve working directly with underprivileged young people to increase the literacy rate in my community. As a student of an underfunded and understaffed school, I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact early literacy education makes on long-term achievement. It broke my heart to see my peers embarrassed at their struggle with reading at an advanced age, and this shame added another dimension to their lack of opportunity. Being a literacy educator for young people would allow me to serve this community directly to show them not only the necessity of strong written communication skills, but the joy of reading for pleasure. This program focuses specifically on early literacy, and would provide me a direct route to a career in serving the community I hope to serve. As for long-term career goals, I hope to one day create a program where socioeconomically parents can bring their children for literacy education, not only to increase their ability to navigate the world of language, but also to instill confidence and joy in the written word. What drew me to this program was that it also has administrative, legal, and business dimensions that would set me on the path toward achieving this goal.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for writing a career goals scholarship essay:

Write about goals relevant to the scholarship. Although you may have many different kinds of goals for your personal and professional future, a scholarship essay only discusses objectives that are relevant to the program you’re applying for.

Be honest. Applying for a scholarship is stressful because the applicant’s education is usually reliant on receiving these funds in one way or another. Even though it’s tempting to exaggerate your skills or pretend you’re more passionate about something than you are to make yourself a more competitive applicant, it’s a bad move.

Use your own, unique voice. The essay portion of a scholarship application is your chance to stand out by using your voice. Nobody else, regardless of their academic or professional achievements, is you. Make this clear in your career goals scholarship essay by keeping your unique written voice engrained in the words you produce.

Be specific. A big reason that scholarship committees ask applicants to write a career goals essay is to determine how prepared they are in planning their long-term professional goals. They aren’t interested in providing a scholarship to students who aren’t going to follow through with their career plans.

Explain long and short-term goals . Even if the essay prompt asks you to describe where you see yourself in ten years, you still need to tell them the steps leading towards this picture of success.

Include the short-term goals that add up to your larger career objectives in your essay response. Explain how accomplishing the smaller goals gives you an advantage when tackling long-term ones.

Explain how the program and scholarship will help you. Before writing your career goals essay, consider how this program and scholarship will help you in your career. The answer to this question is essential.

Follow the essay formatting guidelines. This may sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget this step when your essay is finally flowing and when you’re scrambling to get it submitted on time.

Check, double-check , and triple-check the essay guidelines for content, word count, and formatting requirements. If you miss any of these steps, your essay may be immediately disqualified no matter how good it or the rest of your application is.

Many times career goals essays are written by students who have already completed at least some college or are applying to a post-graduate program and need more money to continue.

There’s a good chance that your career goals have changed since you started or graduated college. For example, say you wanted to be an engineer , so you got your undergraduate degree in engineering but realized you didn’t like it after working in the industry for a few years.

You decided that nursing would be more up your alley, and now you’re applying for a scholarship for a nursing program. While this isn’t unusual, it can make it more difficult to write a career goals essay since your past work doesn’t necessarily match your future goals.

In this case, you’ll simply need to explain why you changed your career path and why this next one is the best choice for you. Share your decision-making process to show that you haven’t taken the switch lightly, and talk about what you’ve already done to try to pursue this path.

How do you write a career goal for a scholarship essay?

You write a career goal for a scholarship essay by sharing your passion, explaining both your long- and short-term goals, and relating your goals to the scholarship.

Explain why you want to pursue the career you’re pursuing, where you hope to be in the future and how you plan to get there, and how the scholarship will help you do this.

How do you describe your career goals in an essay?

You describe your career goals in an essay by explaining what you want to do in your career, why you decided on this career path, and what you’ve done so far to make that a reality.

You can usually work these factors into any prompt you receive, so think through them before you start writing so that you can use them as an outline of sorts.

What are career goals examples?

Examples of career goals include:

Working as a grant writer for a nonprofit organization.

Becoming a department manager and eventually an executive in your field.

Owning your own plumbing company.

Caring for underserved communities as a nurse practitioner .

What are some goals for success?

Some goals for success include growing in your role, building your network, and finding joy in the job. Most careers don’t just happen overnight and require you to set the right milestones that work best for you. Not everyone will have the same goals for success.

How do you start a career goals essay for a scholarship?

You can start a career goals essay for a scholarship by directly answering the prompt. Most scholarship prompts include a word count of between 200 and 500 words, so it’s essential that you immediately respond to the prompt. Attention-grabbing sentences and narratives can be helpful for setting the scene, but an efficient and direct answer will show a clarity of mind that helps enhance the quality of your answer.

BLS – Career planning for high schoolers

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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Choosing A Career Essay | Essay on Choosing A Career for Students and Children in English

Choosing A Career Essay: Preparing young adults for success requires a different educational experience than it did even a generation ago. Gone are the times when fields such as medical and engineering were the only options available for a respectable career and income. Now, life is very complex and these are the days of specialisation. Today, the world is changing or rather evolving with each passing day. In today’s age innovation holds a lot of importance.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Choosing A Career for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Choosing A Career’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on Choosing A Career of 400-500 words. This long essay about Choosing A Career is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Choosing A Career of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Long Essay on Choosing A Career 500 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Choosing A Career of 500 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

Globalisation has led the world to one big nation where different cultures and people come together. For this reason, newer career options are emerging, primarily seeing a lot of scope in India. Even the traditional fields have diverted to emerge into newer aspects to cater to the needs of the generation of tomorrow. There is an infinite variety of professions and jobs to cater to the varying interest of the students.

The movie ‘3 Idiots’ shows the consequences of a situation when one start a course of study due to some kind of external pressure. And it is universal that a lot of students end up in a situation like that only. The lack of proper guidance and counselling worsens the situation. Consequently, students are seen getting puzzled in the dark and making wrong career-choices. The ever-increasing number of job- seekers, ill-equipped to make right decisions on this matter, has generated a lot of frustration, hopelessness, alienation, unrest and acts of indiscipline. It also means wastage of human resources and national wealth.

A child is merely a teenager and he/she knows so little of the world. With so many choices and so much to consider, finding the right career path becomes a herculean task. Inevitably, the kind of education, educational institution, friends, surroundings, environment and parents, all play a major role in choosing the career of a student. Choosing a career also involves considering the amount of money one can invest, the time one is willing to give to the college and the place to attend the college. Additionally, the various latest trends should not be ignored.

With all these factors involved, selecting a career path is an elongated process that should be processed wisely and intelligently. Selecting the right option involves various steps. A good way to start is by some self-examination. First of all, one should analyse their own self or what could be their talents. These are the things that one is naturally good at. They can be discovered and developed, but not taught. It can be followed by conducting some research. Researching is about being well informed to make one of the most important decisions of life. If one has the information, mecan select from the different courses that offer a balance between my abilities and interests.

As a final step, compare all the different options. One needs to wisely consider variables such as college, job offers or scholarships. Also, students should make sure that while choosing the options they should zero down to more than one option. So that in case of plan A becomes unachievable then students can work upon plan B without wasting time or getting disheartened.

What is also needed is that the school should involve in counselling sessions for the students wherein all the options are discussed in detail. The pros and cons of each option should be kept opened in front of the the students. An ability assessment can also be taken to highlight the strength and interest of the students. Online career assessment websites are also available which gives students the opportunity to answer the questions relating to students interest and then giving an immediate feedback about the career option that fits best with their personality.

Short Essay on Choosing A Career 150 Words in English

Below we have given a short essay on Choosing A Career is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

Recent developments have shown that career opportunities are available in abundance. Choosing a career is no more a matter of one’s likes and dislikes. Today number is not restricted to accounting. It could be banking, statistics or any other financial sector. Humanities have opened up numerous options like mass communication, hospitality, travel and tourism, animation or designing. Science does not only mean engineering or medical. Streams relating to aircraft maintenance, marine-related courses, and food technologists are seeing a lot of opportunities. In fact, one can take to politics if one has an aptitude for public life and skills to make the people listen and follow.

With an increase in the population and advancements in science and technology, newer streams have opened up. The right and timely choice of a career are of fundamental importance. In deciding career one has to be practical, logical, rational, and shrewd. A correct choice of career may lead to success, happiness and prosperity, while a wrong and late one may lead to sorrow, repentance, failure and lifelong frustration. So for selecting the right career path, one needs to be proactive about their decision because this choice will change the entire life! Also one should know that everyone has a unique set of skills and talents, so one should focus on them and then think about where and how to apply them. A casual approach to choosing a career or profession can prove very harmful.

Choosing A Career Essay Word Meanings for Simple Understanding

• Inevitably – surely, certainly
• Eelongated – extended, long
• Marine – of or relating to the sea
• Shrewd – calculating, cunning, clever
• Repentance – regret, guilt, grief

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Choosing a Career Essay | Essay on Choosing a Career for Students and Children in English

Choosing a Career Essay: The young men or women of today find themselves on the crossroads when the question of choosing a career faces them squarely. This choice ultimately designs his of her life and can become a boon or a disaster. Very few among the youth of today in our country can say with any amount of certainty or determination what career they are going to choose. This lack of decision on their part makes them a rudderless boat and at whatever shore they reach, that becomes their profession and their career. That is very generally the scenario. Engineering or the medical line was once considered as the be-all and end-all of launching on a successful career.

Long Essay on Choosing a Career 500 Words in English

Short essay on choosing a career 200 words in english, 10 lines on choosing a career.

• How do I find a career I love?
• What is the most important thing when choosing a career?
• On what basis should we choose our career?

Long and Short Essays on Choosing a Career for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Choosing a Career’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on Choosing a Career of 400-500 words. This long essay about Choosing a Career is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Choosing a Career of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Below we have given a long essay on Choosing a Career of 500 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

Every parent looked forward to their children getting into either of these lines. But then, for the past decade or more, the engineering and medical graduates have been found competing for the All India Administrative Services and successfully too. All those precious years of their learning in a technical branch went waste and the nation’s wealth went ill-spent on them and some other one was deprived of the chance who could have entered these professions but missed by a position, which went to those who opted out of it later.

One who failed to qualify at any competitive examination for an administrative service ultimately joined the law course and later became a lawyer. Among the horde of advocates all over the country, if a census is taken, a sizeable number would be found to have joined the profession as the last resort. Though, of course, many of such proved very successful in this career but that was just a chance a fortunate chance for them. That was not a career of their choice but they ‘made the best of it and that is what it was.

An MBA degree, a decade or two earlier, was considered to be a surety of a well-placed career but such has been the mad race for this degree and among the institutes opened at every nook and comer awarding this degree, that now an MBA, degree holder except from the top ten prestigious institutes of the country, is going begging for a job and none heeding them.

Therefore, the choice of a career is really a very challenging factor in a young man’s life. Our educational system has hardly changed and there is hardly any vocational orientation explored in the system. The rut, as of old, continues and grinds the young mind in it to bring him or her to a dead end. Jobs are fewer than the seekers and that creates the situation of a quandary.

The large scale exodus of the youth from the villages to the towns the mirage of which draws them deflects their minds from the land and their youthful energies which could have made their fields yield precious more get wasted and lost in the dark alleys of the towns. Neither do they remain attached to their hearth and home nor are they able to create a liveable home in the town? The type of education that they normally get makes them unfit for the rough and tough of the agricultural life and the living that they are able to eke out in the town hardly suffices for them and their families. The dilemma goes on in this manner.

There have been commissions after commissions I which were commissioned to plan out a changed educational pattern for the country to suit its needs and the needs of the youths. The Mudaliar Commission, the Radhakrishnan Commission, the Kothari Commission all found fault with the existing educational system but then the result has been a return to square one. ‘We know the right and do approve it too. Condemn the wrong still the wrong pursue’ — this is what has been true of these commissions.

So this has all been the analysis of the malaise. Now let us seek a solution.

The very first reformation that is required to solve the problem is in the system of education. Education is, of course, a must for every young of a nation. Without that there would be no enlightenment and no progress. Basic education has to be a must. But after the junior high school stage, there should be a diversification of the educational curriculum. Only the scholarly ones should be permitted to go in for formal education.

Technical institutes, as in foreign countries, should be established even for such soiled collared jobs like that of a carpenter, a blacksmith or a mason and only a duly qualified one be permitted to carry on these vocations. Those who be found physically capable of such hard jobs may be allured to join them and a respectable payment to them assured which alone can be allurement for them. There has to be a large scale enlargement of such jobs.

For those opting in for the ‘white collared jobs’, — whether technical or professional or formal, the going should be made tough and costly, and the entry into them made possible only after qualifying at a hard competition. It does not and would not mean that only the children of the rich could opt for such jobs; even the poorer if intellectually bright, could compete for entry into these courses and if found brilliant in competition, they should be granted substantial scholarships for which due provision be made. This would not cause any discrimination so far as merit is concerned. The brilliant would receive the reward for their brilliance and for nothing else.

Below we have given a short essay on Choosing a Career is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

Professional counsellors should advise in the choice of a career — that system needs to be evolved so that the youth do not go stray in the wrong careers. Parents should also play their proper role. They should try to judge the potential and the mental predilection of their child and not force them into careers against their mental leanings. There have been cases where a chartered accountant like Shekhar Kapur becomes a successful film director; a graduate in mass communication like Rinki Khanna enters the film career with success.

The field of information and technology has opened up unlimited vistas in so many diversified fields that more and more young men and young women shall find a career in this field very rewarding. More and more emphasis be laid in giving technical training in this field which would not need a very high degree but most of the devices could be learnt through experience. This branch opens up vast vistas of careers — careers not only in metropolitan towns but even in smaller towns even in the rural areas. This is a field which needs to be explored to the full for career seekers.

A carefully chalked out career would make the young mind explore his potential and would make the career rewarding both mentally and financially. That is what a well-chosen career needs to do and shall do if rightly chosen. A job-satisfaction to a job seeker makes him devote his best to the job. That makes the job enjoyable and agreeable and the job, in return, gets the best out of the job doer. This becomes an overall advantage to the nation. The right man at the right place this, if achieved, would give shape to a vibrant society. A disgruntled, frustrated, famished youth is a liability to himself and to the nation. Such a situation needs to be guarded against in the interest of the national good.

• The youth of the country today finds himself on the cross-roads in choosing a career.
• Career Decision is one of the most important stages in life.
• Your interest and calibre are important factors while deciding your career.
• If you want to follow your passion, follow it regularly and work hard towards it.
• There is a lack of over-all planning. Even medical and Engineering graduates are found opting for the All India Administrative Services, wasting so much of the nation’s money on their technical education.
• An MBA degree some years ago was considered a sure passage to a good career but now there is a glutting even in this field.
• Our educational system has hardly adjusted itself to the demands of the age — no vocational courses are generally available to students, ensuring them a career.
• Village life has not improved as much as should and every youth of the village runs to towns in search of a white-collared job.
• The sort of education which he receives does not leave him fit for the rough and tough life of an agriculturist.
• Higher academic education should be made costly.
• More vocational courses should be started.
• Professional counsellors should advise the choice of a career.
• Parents should also judge the potential and inclination of their child and not force a line of their choice on them.
• I.T. technology has opened new horizon and should be further explored.
• The job seeker should find a job which he enjoys a forced job would be a liability on the individual and ultimately upon the nation.

FAQs on Choosing a Career Essay

1. How do I find a career I love?

Start with self-introspection and find what motivates you. Take help from a couple of advisors and then decide on what you want to do in life.

2. What is the most important thing when choosing a career?

Your Happiness is the most important thing when choosing a career.

3. On what basis should we choose our career?

Assess yourself and pick a career that suits you.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Professions & Career — Career Goals

Career Goals Essay Examples

Career goals essay topic examples, argumentative essays.

Argumentative career goals essays require you to present and defend a viewpoint or strategy related to your professional aspirations. Consider these topic examples:

• 1. Argue why pursuing higher education, such as a master's degree, is essential for achieving your long-term career goals.
• 2. Defend your perspective on whether adaptability or specialization is more important in today's ever-changing job market.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Career Goals Essay: The journey toward achieving our career goals often involves important decisions. In this essay, I will argue that pursuing a master's degree is not only personally fulfilling but also a strategic step toward realizing my long-term career aspirations in [your chosen field].

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Career Goals Essay: In conclusion, the argument for pursuing a master's degree underscores the significance of advanced education in shaping our professional futures. As we contemplate our career paths, we are challenged to make choices that align with our ultimate goals.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast career goals essays involve analyzing the differences and similarities between various career paths, industries, or strategies for achieving your goals. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the career trajectories of professionals in two different fields, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities each path offers.
• 2. Analyze the differences and similarities between pursuing entrepreneurship and working in a corporate environment to achieve your career goals.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Career Goals Essay: The pursuit of career goals often involves making informed choices about our professional paths. In this essay, we will compare and contrast the career trajectories of professionals in [Field A] and [Field B], shedding light on the challenges and opportunities each path presents.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Career Goals Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of career trajectories in [Field A] and [Field B] reveal the diverse avenues available for achieving our goals. As we navigate our career choices, we are encouraged to explore the unique advantages each path offers.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive career goals essays enable you to vividly depict your envisioned career, highlighting the responsibilities, impact, and personal fulfillment it offers. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe your ideal job in detail, emphasizing the specific role, responsibilities, and the positive contributions you aim to make.
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of the work culture and environment you aspire to be a part of in your future career.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Career Goals Essay: Our career goals are often shaped by our dreams and aspirations. In this essay, I will immerse you in the vivid details of my ideal job, showcasing the role, responsibilities, and the sense of purpose it offers on my journey toward professional fulfillment.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Career Goals Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive exploration of my ideal job underscores the importance of aligning our career goals with our aspirations. As we envision our professional futures, we are inspired to pursue opportunities that resonate with our passions and values.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive career goals essays involve convincing your audience of the importance of a specific career path or the value of setting ambitious goals. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that pursuing a career in [your chosen field] will contribute significantly to societal progress and innovation.
• 2. Argue for the inclusion of career development programs in educational institutions to empower students in defining and pursuing their career goals.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Career Goals Essay: Our career choices have the potential to impact not only our lives but also society as a whole. In this persuasive essay, I will present a compelling case for the societal importance of pursuing a career in [your chosen field] and the need for educational institutions to support students in their career aspirations.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Career Goals Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument for the societal value of careers in [your chosen field] emphasizes the transformative impact individuals can have on society. As we contemplate our career journeys, we are urged to consider the broader implications of our choices.

Narrative Essays

Narrative career goals essays allow you to share personal stories or experiences related to your career aspirations and the journey toward achieving them. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience that shaped your career goals and ignited your passion for [your chosen field].
• 2. Share a story of overcoming obstacles and setbacks on your path to realizing your long-term career aspirations.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Career Goals Essay: Our career goals are often inspired by personal experiences and pivotal moments. In this narrative essay, I will take you on a journey through a defining experience that ignited my passion for [your chosen field], shaping my career aspirations and determination to succeed.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Career Goals Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my journey toward realizing my career goals underscores the resilience and determination required to overcome obstacles. As we reflect on our own experiences, we are reminded that our career aspirations are within reach with dedication and perseverance.

10 Most Popular Career Goals Essay Topics in 2024

• Adapting Career Aspirations in the Age of Automation and AI
• The Role of Personal Branding in Achieving Career Success
• Navigating Career Changes: Strategies for Lifelong Learning
• Empowering Career Goals: The Impact and Importance of Scholarships
• The Impact of Globalization on Career Opportunities and Choices
• Mentorship's Role in Shaping Future Leaders and Professionals
• Success: The Importance of Setting Career Goals
• The Impact of Cultural Influences on Career Goals and Aspirations
• The Importance of Work-Life Balance in Career Planning
• Entrepreneurship as a Career Goal: Opportunities and Challenges

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February 29, 2024

• Writing Your Career Goals Essay

Check out all the blog posts in this series:

• Identifying the Ingredients of a Winning Essay
• Finding a Theme for Your Statement of Purpose
• Revise and Polish Your Application Essays

Your career goals essay demands a laser-like focus. A personal statement, by contrast, allows for some flexibility in its content, though you can – and often should – discuss your career goals. But a career goals essay has a particular and packed agenda. In fact, the prompt for a career goals essay could actually include multiple questions, and in such cases, you want to make sure you address each of them.

For example, in 2022, Kellogg asked applicants to its one-year program to respond to the following prompt: “Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg 1Y opportunities that will help you reach this goal.” 

This prompt has three parts: (1) What do you want to do post-MBA ? (2) Why is the 1Y program appropriate for you? And (3) what experience has so far prepared you to succeed in your target role? 

So, always pay close attention to your target school’s prompt to ensure that you answer all the questions within its “single” question. 

Three elements of a successful career goals essay

In addition to having a distinct theme , your career goals essay should achieve the following:

• Highlight specific career achievements. Choose from your most notable or defining experiences. These could be related to your work, community involvement, or extracurricular activities. The experiences you select should showcase your leadership skills , creative thinking, collaborative abilities, and personal reflections about what you learned or gained.
• Explain why your experiences and influences make your career goal a logical and wise choice.
• Demonstrate why you are suited to a particular field as a result of your education, experience, abilities, and enthusiasm. Ideally, the material you choose to include will also allow you to prove your knowledge about industry trends and suggest how your abilities and strengths can help you contribute to that field.

It’s a very tall order to achieve all this.

Putting these elements together to create your goals essay

Let’s take a look at a sample MBA Goals Essay and see how these three key elements are incorporated.  

You should be able to easily recognize why the writer’s opening is attention-getting for all the right reasons. The writer introduces herself as the supremely busy executive she visualizes becoming in the future. She trades large amounts of stock, rushes off to a Zoom conference, hurries downstairs, flags down a taxi, then hops on a plane. As she describes this whirlwind of activity, we can practically feel her heart pumping.

After establishing her voice and personality in this opening, she offers context for her MBA goal. Notice that in writing about her work as an accountant for a major firm, she provides relevant details, including how many years she has been in the field, her bilingualism, and her specialty area as an auditor. This information is her springboard to explain why she is pursuing an MBA: she’s bursting out of her limited role as an accountant. Her eyes and ambition are set on a larger playing field as an international investment manager.

Write an essay, not a list or CV

Outstanding career goals essays are not lists of an applicant’s roles and achievements. Instead, they have a narrative flow and arc that convey the candidate’s palpable excitement about their career choice. This writer’s enthusiastic, dreamy first paragraph achieves this, and she returns to that image at the end, where she paints her idealized (if frantically busy) future. She also proves her seriousness by noting that she registered for the CFA exam.

Connect your career goals to your reasons for choosing a particular program

Many essay questions, especially those for MBA programs , will ask why you have chosen the school you’re applying to. Be prepared to respond knowledgeably and enthusiastically. And the only way to become knowledgeable – and enthusiastic – is by visiting campus in-person or virtually, attending student recruitment meetings, participating in forums, reading student blogs, watching videos of students speaking about their experiences, communicating directly with students and/or recent alumni, and otherwise doing your homework. As part of your research, make sure you have familiarized yourself with the courses and specializations that are relevant to your goals.

Summary Tips

• Focus on answering each and every question asked in a career goals essay prompt. Often, there is more than one.
• Highlight specific achievements vividly and in a way that shows that your career choice is logical for you.
• Do the research so you can write about why the school is a good fit for you and do so with genuine enthusiasm.

In the next post in this series , we’ll explain how to take all this advice and apply it to create an exemplary first draft.

Work one-on-one with an expert who will walk you through the process of creating a slam-dunk application. Check out our full catalog of application services . Our admissions consultants have read thousands of essays and know the exact ingredients of an outstanding essay.

By Judy Gruen, former Accepted admissions consultant. Judy holds a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University. She is also the co-author of Accepted’s first full-length book, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools . Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

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• Grad School Personal Statement Examples
• Focus on Fit , podcast Episode 162

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Essay on Career for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Career is an important aspect of any person’s life. It determines the kind of lifestyle one will lead and his/her position in the society. While everyone dreams of a good lifestyle not everyone is able to build a strong career that can ensure the same.

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Career is usually associated with the professional aspect of a person’s life. However, some even relate it to an individual’s life and learning in addition to his work. Here are essays of varying lengths on Career to help you with the topic whenever you required. You can select any career essay as per your need:

Long and Short Essay on Career

Essay on Career 200 words

Choosing a career is a big decision and the irony is that we are not prepared to take such a big decision at the time we require taking it. We are still in our school when we have to choose between the science, commerce and humanities stream that mainly influences the career path we take up later. While earlier, it was parents, teachers and elder siblings who largely influenced our career choice, children these days have become more aware – thanks to the internet. We can explore the various available career options on the internet as well as their prospects before we make the final decision. However, advice from the elders is still recommended as they are more experienced.

We must all be very careful while choosing our career. We must not enter a field just because our friend or sibling has taken it up or our parents want us to go for it. We should listen to our heart, understand what really interests us, see if we are good at it and then look forward to other aspects attached to it. The other aspects may include the cost involved in the course we wish to pursue, the demand of such professionals in the market, the packages being offered in the field we want to enter and the growth prospects in the field.

Essay on Career 300 words

Be it a boy or a girl, these days career is given a lot of importance in a person’s life. From the beginning itself, we are asked to concentrate on our studies and score well in the exams. The ultimate motif of doing this is to build a strong base and fetch good grades that would help you build a lucrative career.

My Career Plan

I am from a well-learned family. Everyone in my family is working at good positions and thus there are high expectations from me too. My father is in the field of Information Technology and is working with a good multi-national company. My mother is a dentist. She has her own clinic which is well-established. My brother is currently studying medicine and aims to become a doctor. So, basically everyone in my family went for the science stream.

I am in 8 th standard and would soon be required to decide as to which stream to go for. I have been performing consistently well in my exams and can easily enter the science stream. All my relatives, friends and family members also think that I will be choosing this field however I have a different plan.

I want to become an interior designer. I am naturally inclined towards this field. It interests me immensely and I feel I can do really well in it. I love home décor items and love surfing through the internet and magazines to take a look at them. I also keep redecorating my room every now and then and am even appreciated for my unique ideas. I know this is my thing and I will flourish in this field. I am sure my family will respect my decision and encourage me to perform well in the field of my choice.

Choosing a career can be a challenging task. You must assess your skills and interest, study the market, and consult an experienced person before making the final decision.

Essay on Career 400 words

The career path you choose has a major impact on various other aspects of your life. It determines your status in the society, your lifestyle, your social circle and even your relations with your relatives. It is thus important to choose your career wisely.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Career

There are many factors that you must take into consideration while choosing a career. Here is a brief look at these:

• Your Interest and Calibre

The first thing you must do while choosing a career is to assess yourself. Understand where your interest lies. However, merely having interest in a particular field does not help. In addition to it you must also see if you are well suited for that particular profession. This is to say that whether you have the required skills and calibre to perform well in the field of your interest. If yes, then you can look forward to it.

• Look for the Available Opportunities

There may be many different kinds of occupations matching your educational qualification and experience. It is a good idea to make a list of all these occupations.

• Narrow Down Your List

Explore your list to understand all the available opportunities better. Narrow down the list and settle for the one that suits you best. While doing so you must seek advice from your seniors as well as those who are already in the profession you are planning to get into. Internet is a boon when it comes to such tasks. Gather information about the same from the internet before you make the final decision.

• Write a Good Resume

Once you are clear on which career path you want to tread on it is essential to write a good resume to back your plan. Your resume plays an important role in fetching a job of your choice. Thus, you must prepare a good one.

• Acquire the Skills

Many a times, your educational qualification may not be enough to seek the occupation of your choice. You may require some additional skills that may be acquired by undergoing vocational training. Don’t hesitate to go for such short-term trainings and workshops.

You must choose your career cautiously as various aspects of your life are attached to it. Take your time, explore all the options, seek advice from those you are experienced and then take a decision. Once you choose a career, work hard so that you are able to get into the field of your choice.

Essay on Career 500 words

Building a career requires education, skill, determination as well as good opportunity. The key is not to give up and continually thrive towards achieving your goals to build a lucrative career.

Career Opportunities in India

India is known to produce millions of genius minds every year. Though the education system of the country has been criticized time and again we cannot deny the fact that our graduates and post graduates are setting milestones by grabbing jobs in big brands across the world. While the country provides good job opportunities to these qualified and skilled individuals they face quite a few hindrances when it actually comes to acquiring a job.

The first hindrance is that the jobs in the market are not at par with the qualified individuals in the country. The growing population of India is responsible for the same. Secondly, the pay packages offered here are often not at par with what these young achievers get abroad. The reservation or quota system is yet another reason why the deserving candidates do not get good jobs in the country. All this is the reason why many qualified doctors, engineers and other professionals head outside.

Career Opportunities Abroad

The first world countries offer great salary and a far better lifestyle as compared to that provided in India. Countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore and Australia always look out for genius minds to take their businesses and ultimately their country’s economy to newer heights. There are numerous job opportunities available in the field of science, technology, management and various other sectors. Individuals from the third world countries such as India are looking for good job opportunities, better packages and a good lifestyle and thus grab the opportunities offered by these countries.

Each year several professionals relocate to the first world countries causing brain drain in their native lands.

How to Achieve Career Goals?

While many people fly abroad in search of good job opportunities others settle for lesser paying jobs or the ones that are not at par with their qualification. For all those who had big career dreams but had to settle for less there is still hope. Here are a few tips to help you achieve your career goals:

• Maintain Your LinkedIn Profile

It is essential to maintain your LinkedIn Profile to grab attention of the employers. Besides, be active on this platform as well as other job portals to look for any new opportunity that arises. A well-maintained profile on this platform can fetch you good opportunities.

• Build Network

Building PR and networking with professionals in the same field is essential to stay updated with the latest in the industry.

• Attend Industry Seminars and Events

A lot of seminars and industry events are organized these days. It is suggested to attend such seminars to acquire greater insight into the industry and meet influential people.

Apart from this, you must stay determined, review your career goals from time to time and never stop learning.

The government of India must curb the issues that are causing a hindrance in providing good career opportunities to individuals in the country. A country that values the talent and skills of its citizens and channelizes it in the right direction flourishes at a good pace.

Essay on Career 600 words

While on one hand the advancement in technology has taken away jobs from the labour class, on the other hand it has given way to numerous lucrative opportunities for those who are well-educated. There are all the more opportunities for those who are equipped with technical knowledge.

Career Opportunities

Earlier it was believed that those who go for science stream after their 10 th standard have a lucrative career ahead, the ones who go for the commerce stream are not likely to grab very good opportunities and there is very little scope for those who go for humanities. This did hold good until a few decades back but not now. There is immense scope in every stream these days. Here are the various career opportunities available based on the stream you choose.

Science Stream

Here is a look at the courses/ career opportunities available for students who opt for science stream:

You can pursue a degree in engineering post 12 th standard. There are numerous fields to specialize in when it comes to engineering. Electrical engineering, electronics engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, biotechnology engineering, mining engineering, textile engineering, agricultural engineering, production engineering, power engineering and marine engineering are among some of them. A qualified engineer in any of these fields can work as consultant, assistant engineer, chief engineer or supervisor.

Besides, one can go for a B.Sc. degree such as B. Sc. in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biotechnology, forestry, IT, computer science, aviation and electronics to name a few. You can build a career in teaching or research and development after pursuing any of these courses.

BCA is a good option if you have a technical bent of mind. IT companies seek BCA graduates. Acquiring MCA degree after this boosts your chances of grabbing a good opportunity manifolds. Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Commercial Pilot Training are among the other fields one can go for.

Commerce Stream

Those who opt for the commerce stream after class 10 th also have a host of opportunities to look forward to. Here are some of these:

Charted Accountancy (CA), Company Secretaryship (CS), Cost and Work Accountant (CWA), Bachelors of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Business Management (BBA), Bachelor of Management Studies, Hotel Management, Law (LLB) and Retail Management. A career in any of these fields is respectable as well as lucrative.

There is also a wide scope for students who opt for humanities after class 10 th . Here is a look at the various available options:

One can go for Bachelor’s of Arts to specialise in the field of his/her interest after completing 12 th standard. Bachelors in Arts in English, Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy, Social Work, History, Psychology, Fine Arts, Library Science and Journalism are among some of the options. One can also go for Diploma courses to seek vocational knowledge and training in different fields. Diploma in Travel and Tourism, Diploma in Interior Designing, Diploma in Foreign Language, Diploma in Event Management, Diploma in Hotel Management, Teachers Training (TTC), Diploma in Air Hostess and Flight Steward are among some of these courses. While the duration of the degree courses may be 3 to 5 years, the diploma courses can mostly be completed in 6 months to 2 years time. A host of good opportunities lie ahead for those who opt for any of these courses.

There are good career opportunities for qualified and skilled candidates in India as well as abroad. However, the competition is tough. So merely enrolling to a good course would not help. You must work hard and pass the same with good grades in order to build a strong career.

Essay on Career FAQs

What is an essay about a career.

An essay about a career discusses a particular job or profession, highlighting its details and significance.

What is career short paragraph?

A career is a path of work that people choose, shaping their future employment and life.

What is career and its importance?

Career and its importance refer to the role of a job in providing financial stability and personal fulfillment.

How do you start an essay about your career?

To start an essay about your career, begin with a compelling introduction and your career goals.

How do you write a career choice essay?

To write a career choice essay, explain your career interests, reasons for choosing it, and future plans.

Why is a career choice important?

A career choice is important as it determines your job satisfaction, income, and overall life direction.

What is the choice of career?

How do you start an introduction for a career essay.

The choice of career is selecting the field of work you wish to pursue as your profession.

What is the importance of career counseling?

Start an introduction for a career essay by explaining your passion for the chosen career path.

What is career Counseling in simple words?

Career counseling is essential as it guides individuals in making informed career choices and achieving success.

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Choice of a Career Essay

Everyone has to make a choice of a career or profession at one stage of life or another. It depends upon many factors such as one’s taste and temperament and aptitude, training and qualifications, knowledge and experience, background and resourcefulness.

No doubt, in some public schools and universities vocational guidance facilities have already been provided. But they are not adequate enough to meet the needs of the youngsters.

A thin and lean man with sickly disposition will be in the army like a round peg in a square hole. One who loves books and has a fascination for research will form a good scholar, while another who has a keen power of observation, a sharp eye and a steady hand would be a successful doctor or surgeon.

In good old days, the choice of a career was not a problem because of the absence of any cut-throat competition and the limited needs of the people. But now the situation has changed. Even for an ordinary post there are thousands of applicants.

Moreover, the present age is the age of specialization and expertise. The result is that there is keen competition in all walks of life. Without expert knowledge and high technical qualifica tions, it is futile to dream of producing a good poet.

Some other important factors in the choice of a career are the financial resources of a candidate and the recommendations that he can command. Some careers require a heavy financial investment in the training.

A strong recommendation also counts much in some technical, medical and other institutions. But the students who like to adopt such professions must have high mental calibre.

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920 Words Essay on the Choice of a Career

The selection of a career or profession is one of the most important things of life. But it is equally difficult. The lack of guiding services, proper counseling and ever increasing unemployment has further complicated the matter.

There is cut-throat competition. Therefore, most of the young men and women in search of suitable jobs are a confused, indecisive and frustrated lot. It has generated a deep sense of frustration and indiscipline among the young people.

A right choice of a career is fundamental importance. On it does depend one’s success or failure in life. A correct choice may lead to happy, prosperous and satisfying career and life. On the other hand, a wrong selection may result in failure, disappointment and sadness in life. The result of prolonged indecision rimy still proves worse.

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Therefore, the problem should be faced and resolved as early as possible. It is better if one decides at the school stage itself what career one is going to adopt in future. But the school-going students are quite young, inexperienced and raw to take a right decision. They cannot be the best judge in the matter. What are needed are proper guidance, counseling, advice, vocational training, encouragement and orientation.

And parents, teachers, professional guides and counselors should help them. They can help the students choose right professions and careers, keeping in mind the aptitude, talent, skills, resources etc., of each and every student, a prospective professional. This will also go a long way in solving the problem of unemployment and proper development of our human resources.

Life has become all the more complex and competitive. There is a keen struggle and competition in the world of careers and professions. And only the fittest will survive. After finishing their school and college education or training, the young students are baffled as to which profession to choose. They find themselves groping in the dark. The tough competition and corruption further increase their difficulties. A young man or woman may possess sufficient training, education, orientation and aptitude for a particular job or position and yet he or she may not get it because of various problems.

Gone are the days when life was easy, simple, smooth and harmonious, and in the majority of the cases the son followed his ancestral profession or trade, and was trained in the same at home. With the rapid change in attitudes, situations and progress in science and technology, things have radically changed. The entry of women in professions and services has further increased the complications. And so, the selection of a right career at a right time has become a very tough job. It needs proper, full and comprehensive consideration.

There are professions, careers, trades and jobs in plenty. There are a number of professional and training institutions like It’s., polytechnics, engineering colleges etc., which give training in various trades, skills, professions and jobs, such as medicine, engineering, teaching, business, commerce, banking, computer science, advertising, journalism, government services, positions in armed forces, and scores others. Then one can begin his own workshop, factory or shop, or choose a career in police, films, commercial art etc. The whole world of careers is yours, but each and every profession requires a special aptitude, training, guidance, education and preparation.

One may wish to become a doctor or an engineer, but mere wish is not enough. Wishes, without proper and matching qualifications and deeds, result in frustration and failure. There are many factors that go in making a successful and happy career. Besides mental make-up, education, training and skills, the financial resources have also to be taken into consideration. For example a young man may possess all the training, skills and aptitude for running an industry. But he cannot venture to be an entrepreneur unless he has sufficient financial backing and muscle. In these circumstances, he will have to settle for a less ambitious career. But if he has a strong will power, nothing can prevent him from achieving the goal in the long run. One may start from scratch and end up as a business tycoon.

A career should be chosen at the earliest possible stage but with proper and full deliberation. The help and guidance of teachers, parents, experienced people and professionals should be sought in the matter. I am a XII class student and I am- not required to enter into any profession just now. And yet I have decided about my career and profession. I have thought long and well over the matter with the help and guidance of my parents, teachers, physical training instructor and others well qualified to advise me. I have decided to become a soldier in our army.

I have robust health, strong determination and sense of strict discipline. I like adventures, bold and daring acts. I have an aptitude for a military career. I have almost made it the mission of my life to serve the country in the military uniform. Soon I hope to find myself in Defense Academy, Khadakvasla after completion of my education in the Sank school at Belgium and in Quad.

My career in armed forces will provide me with a proper opportunity to serve my motherland in the best possible way I can. For me the profession of a soldier is the noblest because it is devoted to the defense of the country’s honour and unity. The call to the duty is super most in my mind and I personally feel that this feeling of mine can find best possible expression in defense service only.

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Essay on Career , Essay on Soldier

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• Open access
• Published: 24 July 2024

Factors associated with medical students’ career choice in different specialties: a multiple cross-sectional questionnaire study at a German medical school

• Tobias Leutritz 1 ,
• Maike Krauthausen 2 ,
• Anne Simmenroth 2 &
• Sarah König 1  

BMC Medical Education volume  24 , Article number:  798 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

184 Accesses

Metrics details

Given the shortage and unequal distribution of physicians across specialties, we aimed to evaluate factors associated with medical students’ career choices, including background, personality traits, educational experience, personal interests, lifestyle considerations, and the awareness of work requirements.

We conducted multiple cross-sectional surveys of students; a 159-item online questionnaire was designed and students from three different stages of the six-year medical degree course (outset, clinical phase, and on graduation) were invited to complete the survey. Data were collected between May 2021 and April 2023.

The questionnaire was sent to 1406 students, of whom 683 replied (49%); 481 respondents were female (70%). The top specialty choices across the respondents were internal medicine, surgery, and general practice, with anaesthesiology, paediatric and adolescent medicine (ranging 11–15%), and obstetrics and gynaecology also receiving interest, with 6% undecided. In particular, female students lost interest in surgery during the course of study in favour of the other options. The choice of general practice was associated with more vocational training, prior positive experiences with the specialty, and lower grades in the university entry examination. Clinical clerkships in a specific (freely chosen) specialty aligned with career choice, while the final practical year did not have an impact on career decision-making. All students highly desired regulated working hours and work-life-balance; however, students choosing surgery rated these items as less important. Willingness to work in a hospital environment was highly associated with choosing anaesthesiology and surgery, whereas rural areas and practices were associated with general practice. Higher scores at agreeableness were associated with choosing paediatric and adolescent medicine by more female students, whereas lower neuroticism values were associated with the choice of anaesthesiology.

Conclusions

The results highlight the intricate nature of decision-making and shed light on various aspects that contribute to the process of selecting a specialty. By identifying and addressing influencing factors, we can develop targeted interventions and policies to enhance diversity and distribution across medical specialisations and to aim for high-quality and equitable healthcare that matches the specific needs of both individuals and the population as a whole.

Graphical Abstract

Peer Review reports

An increasing shortage of physicians

Germany, like many other developed countries, is facing a shortage of physicians, not only in primary care, but also in the hospital sector. The medical profession is ageing in reflection of society as a whole. The burden of multiple and chronic diseases requires more medical attention and complex care coordination, which in turn puts pressure on the healthcare system [ 1 ]. The shortage of physicians has resulted in an increased workload for existing doctors and, in the worst-case scenario, longer waiting times for patients and reduced access to medical care in rural and underserved regions [ 2 , 3 ]. Patients often face the hurdle of long distances to travel, resulting in delays in care and compromised health outcomes [ 4 ]. According to a study by The Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Vereinigungen; ASHIPs), the current shortage of practicing physicians in Germany is estimated to be around 4,100 full-time equivalents in general practice, and approximately 1,000 in specialist care as of 2021 [ 5 ]. If no measures are taken, these numbers are expected to increase in the coming years.

The causes of physician shortage are multifactorial. One of the main factors is the capacity of medical schools in Germany to produce medical graduates. In addition, there is a generational shift, as a significant number of physicians approach retirement age [ 6 ]. Other factors include high workload and a stressful work environment, which can lead to medical leave and burnout. This, in turn, may result in a desire for part-time work, early retirement, and in the worst-case scenario, leaving clinical practice altogether [ 7 , 8 ]. Finally, to improve work-life balance, many doctors nowadays choose not to work full-time voluntarily. As a result, statistically, it takes 1.2 young doctors to replace one retiring physician [ 9 ].

Various measures have been proposed to address the shortage of physicians in Germany. Increasing the number of medical graduates is a logical step to tackle the growing demand [ 10 ]. In addition, strategies are being developed to improve working conditions and reduce administrative workloads, in order to enhance the value of the medical profession [ 11 ]. Further actions include financial incentives for physicians, and investing in technology and infrastructure to improve patient access to care and to ease the provision of healthcare, particularly in rural areas [ 12 , 13 ]. However, implementing these measures requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including policymakers, medical associations, and healthcare providers.

Relative scarcity of physicians across different specialties and regions

In addition to the absolute shortage of physicians, there is the issue of relative scarcity, which describes an imbalance in the distribution of physicians across disciplines and geographical regions. There is a potential mismatch between the interests of graduates and trainees, and the future needs of the population [ 14 ]. As such, the distribution of physicians among different (sub-)disciplines in medicine needs to be reviewed to ensure that all the needs in the healthcare system are covered [ 15 ]. Nevertheless, this requires qualified and suitable doctors in the first place. So far, the new system of needs-based planning has already partially improved the situation for general practitioners [ 16 ]. However, it remains crucial to highlight that this imbalance in both professional and geographical distribution poses a significant challenge in all fields of outpatient and inpatient care. Furthermore, shortages in certain medical specialties can lead to an over-reliance on specialists and suboptimal care coordination, further exacerbating the problem [ 17 ].

Young doctors’ decisions regarding their career choices and job opportunities

Understanding the factors that influence the choice of specialty by students can be instrumental in attracting and retaining physicians in underserved fields, as well as addressing the aforementioned workforce shortage and uneven distribution [ 18 ]. However, the decision to pursue a specific medical career is complex and influenced by a wide range of elements. These include various personal, social, and professional factors such as gender, origin, personal characteristics, and interests including lifestyle and work preferences; the perceived needs of society; and exposure to the medical curriculum encompassing clinical experiences [ 19 , 20 , 21 ].

Admission to medical school in Germany is highly competitive owing to the capacity being regulated centrally. The allocation of places to study medicine ab initio is coordinated by the Foundation for University Admission (Stiftung Hochschulstart). The two main criteria for admission into medical school comprise the grade of the German university entrance qualification (or equivalent school-leaving certificate), as well as the score attained in the Test for Medical Degree Courses [ 22 ]. Additionally, some German federal states introduced a quota attempting to increase the numbers of rural doctors (‘Landarztquote’) by providing an additional pathway to medical school, contractually obliging students to pursue a career in general practice on graduation [ 23 , 24 ].

Research questions

In a sample of multiple cross-sectional surveys conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg (Germany), we investigated factors that influence career choices made by students. The objective of this study was to examine the following research theses:

Student preferences of specialty change during the progression of their medical studies and are influenced by course-related aspects.

Admission characteristics, motives to study medicine, and role models are associated with career choice.

Ideas concerning future practice/working conditions are perceived differently depending on choice of specialty.

Personality traits (Big Five) and gender are also associated with the preference towards specific specialties.

Materials and methods

Questionnaire.

The authors designed the 159-item questionnaire, based on previous studies, to which we refer in the following. In the first part, general data were collected as individual biographic and demographic items, school leaving certificate grades, motives, and the influence of role models in choosing to study medicine [ 25 ]. Of note, the school leaving certificate passing grade in Germany ranges from 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (worst). To study medicine, the absolute point score is taken into account, which leads to fictitious grades of < 1.0 for point scores > 822. Personality traits were assessed using the 21-item short version of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-K) [ 26 ], measuring the widely known five-factor model for describing human personality [ 27 ]. The BFI-K includes five broad dimensions of personality: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Finally, participants were asked to indicate their current first-choice specialty, to rate specific aspects related to their study of medicine (e.g., exam grades), and to provide ideas regarding their future practice of medicine [ 28 ].

The questionnaire utilized a combination of single or multiple-choice options, binary scales, five or seven-step Likert scales, and semantic differentials with a neutral option. It was mandatory for participants to respond to all items in order to complete the survey. However, if they did not wish to or were unable to provide a specific response, the option “not specified” could be selected. Voluntary free-text response questions were included to allow participants to add additional information.

As the questionnaire was designed in a cross-sectional manner, we incorporated filters to display only relevant questions, such as the number of vocational training courses. Additional questions regarding students working as student assistants or embarking on working towards a doctoral thesis were only applicable to students beyond their second year of studies, which reduced the total number of responses. Therefore, the precise sample size is indicated in the figures.

An excerpt of questions relevant to this study is added as supplement.

Participants and study design

The prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, Germany. Würzburg follows a standard six-year curriculum, which includes two preclinical years of teaching, three clinical years, and one practical year of work-place based training. During the clinical years, students must choose four one-month clinical clerkships, including a mandatory clerkship in general practice. After the final state examination, graduates apply for their medical license (Approbation) and then choose a specialty for postgraduate training.

Students were requested to fill in the questionnaire using EvaSys ® (Lüneburg, Germany), an online survey service, and links were distributed via e-mail to different cohorts of undergraduate students between May 2021 and April 2023. The survey was managed electronically, with six reminders (on average) being sent out to non-responding participants at one to two-week intervals. To complete the quantitative study, the questionnaire was distributed to different groups, aiming to pool the data: first year = start of the degree course (three surveys), third year (two surveys) and fifth year (one survey) both during the clinical phase. The survey was completed after the final practical year and just before the final state examination = on graduation (three surveys).

In order to ensure sufficient data for analysis, only specialties that had a selection rate of at least 5% on average were included in the study. Statistical analyses were performed using R 4.3.1 [ 29 ], and logistic regressions between the first choice and various factors were performed using the R package mfx [ 30 ]. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the choice of specialty across different study stages and between different genders (Fig.  1 ).

Odds ratios (OR) were normalized using Yule’s Q formula [ 31 ], which transforms the OR values to a range between − 1 and 1, which is more intuitive in regard to the many different scales used. A value of 0 indicates no association between variables. Lollipop plots (Figs.  2 , 3 and 4 ) represent the mean values of each relevant factor for either the group of students selecting the distinct specialty or not (shown in different colour). By displaying Q values for each mean difference, one can directly assess the quantity of association. A dashed line represents the mean value of the whole cohort for each factor.

Significant OR/ANOVA results are indicated as * ( p  < 0.05), ** ( p  < 0.01), *** ( p  < 0.001), and **** ( p  < 0.0001). Given the fact, that our study is explorative, we did not adjust for multiple comparisons.

Data management, data protection, anonymity

The data protection officer of the University of Würzburg was consulted in preparation of the study. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants in compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). All data were collected and processed in an anonymised manner. To ensure anonymity, only the year of birth was requested instead of the complete date of birth. The collected data are currently stored by the Office of the Dean of Studies and will be deleted ten years after completion of the overall study in which the survey was conducted.

Descriptive statistics of respondents

A total of 683 out of 1406 students completed the survey, of whom 481 were female (70%), resulting in an overall response rate of 49%. The characteristics of respondents are summarised in Table  1 . On average, participants were 24 years old (standard deviation of 4 years). The majority of students were German nationals (637, 93%, multiple answers were allowed).

Student preferences of specialty and changes during medical studies

Figure  1 A presents the ranking of first-choice specialties based on study phases and gender differences. Out of 35 options, only seven exceeded 5%: internal medicine (15%), surgery (14%), general practice (13%), paediatric and adolescent medicine (11%), anaesthesiology (9%), obstetrics and gynaecology (7%), and “undecided” (6%) – representing 75% of all students in the sample. As students progressed through their studies, the level of uncertainty declined (ANOVA for full sample: p  < 0.0001) with more students opting for disciplines other than surgery ( p  < 0.05). These effects remained significant when conducting a separate analysis specifically for female students. Furthermore, their preference for paediatrics and adolescent medicine increased throughout the curriculum ( p  < 0.05). On the other hand, men’s’ specialty preferences remained more or less stable with only negligible change within the choice of surgery.

Throughout the course of the study, the gender distribution (see Fig.  1 B) mostly remained unchanged with the proportion of women exceeding two-thirds (70% in the entire sample). Exceptions were found using ANOVA for specialties in distinct study phases: internal medicine (chosen by more male students at the outset), surgery (chosen by more male students during the clinical phase), paediatric and adolescent medicine (chosen by more female students during the clinical phase), and obstetrics and gynaecology (chosen only by female students throughout all study phases). OR analyses of gender effects on the choice of specialty for the entire cohort are depicted in Fig.  5 , which reveal significant variations for internal medicine and paediatric and adolescent medicine.

Relative distribution for first choice of the specialisation field in descending order of occurrence including the option “undecided”. Changes in specialty choice according to study stage for the full sample as well as for male and female subgroups ( A ) and gender distribution in each specialty choice at different stages of study (outset, clinical phase, and on graduation) ( B ). Asterisks (*: p  < 0.05, **: p  < 0.01, ***: p < 0.001) mark significant ANOVA results for distribution depending on (A) study phase and (B) field of specialisation

The establishment of specialty choices in students was significantly associated with various aspects related to their course of studies (Fig.  2 ). Students who reported having made their choice prior to the start of their studies were more likely to choose surgery or paediatric and adolescent medicine. Conversely, not having established the choice before starting medical school was associated with obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as being undecided. Clinical clerkships in a specific (freely chosen) specialty aligned with the career choice, except for general practice, which was a mandatory clerkship. The final practical year did not have any impact on career choice. However, the frequency with which the option “undecided” was chosen substantially decreased at such an advanced stage of medical school. Higher proportions of support from institutions or foundations, either financial or otherwise, were significantly associated with the choice of internal medicine as a specialty. Conversely, a lower proportion of institutional support was associated with the choice of surgery. Working as a student assistant was significantly associated with choosing paediatric and adolescent medicine. Not having started a doctoral thesis was highly associated with being indecisive as a student.

Portrayal of student preferences during their medical studies and course-related characteristics. Mean values for groups having chosen (black circle) vs. not chosen (grey circle) the respective specialty as first choice, as well as overall mean value for the whole sample (dashed black line). Normalized Odds Ratios (Yule’s Q) quantify the strength of association (ranging from − 1 to 1, where 0 indicates no association). Significant results are indicated as * ( p  < 0.05), ** ( p  < 0.01), *** ( p  < 0.001), and **** ( p  < 0.0001)

Admission characteristics, motives to study medicine, and role models

Figure  3 provides a summary of students’ admission characteristics, their motives, and role models prior to medical school. Students who graduated from high school in small towns or rural areas, with lower grades in their university entrance qualification (mean difference: 0.2 to 0.3), or had completed a higher number of vocational training placements were statistically more likely to choose anaesthesiology and general practice as their specialty. Higher grades in university entrance qualification (mean difference: 0.2) were significantly associated with choosing obstetrics and gynaecology or paediatric and adolescent medicine. Students opting for paediatric and adolescent medicine were less influenced by prestige in their motivation to study medicine, while those choosing internal medicine were more strongly influenced. A greater presence of positive role models in general practice increased the likelihood of selecting that specialty. A scarcity of positive role models was associated with a higher likelihood of choosing surgery. Positive role models within the family had less influence on choosing anaesthesiology or paediatrics and adolescent medicine.

Admission characteristics, motives, and role models influencing the choice to study medicine and choice of specialty. The school leaving certificate passing grade in Germany ranges from 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (worst). A number of vocational training placements prior to medical school exceeding two was recoded as three (only two incidences). For a detailed description of the lollipop plot, see Fig.  2

Ideas concerning future practice/working conditions

Figure  4 illustrates students’ ideas regarding their future practice of medicine. High ratings of regulated working time were significantly associated with the choice of general practice, as well as the importance of work-life balance. On the other hand, lower ratings of these two items were associated with surgery. Surgery, along with anaesthesiology, associated more strongly with the hospital environment, whereas general practice was more associated with work in a practice setting. Furthermore, surgery was found to be more closely associated with urban areas, while general practice had a stronger association with rural areas. Students choosing general practice and anaesthesiology placed less emphasis on research. Undecided students rated research higher. Of note, no significant association was found between the choice of specialty and collaboration, which was rated at high levels towards “in a team” across all specialties.

Students’ ideas concerning future practice/working conditions as medical professionals and influence on career choice. For a detailed description of the lollipop plot, see Fig.  2

Personality traits (big five) and gender

Figure  5 portrays the influence of personality factors and gender on the first choice of students. Higher levels of agreeableness were associated with a greater likelihood of selecting paediatric and adolescent medicine as first choice, while surgery was attributed to individuals with lower agreeableness. Conversely, lower levels of neuroticism and openness were linked to choosing anaesthesiology, and lower levels of extraversion were associated with opting for internal medicine. Higher levels of neuroticism were found to be linked with the choice of obstetrics and gynaecology. No significant association was observed between conscientiousness and the selected specialty, which was generally rated at very high levels. Notably, male students proved to be significantly more likely to choose internal medicine (62% male vs. 38% female), whereas paediatric and adolescent medicine was chosen predominantly by female students (86% female vs. 14% male); only female students chose obstetrics and gynaecology, which was shown to be statistically insignificant on OR and ANOVA analyses (see also Fig.  1 ).

Impact of personality factors (Big Five) and gender on the choice of specialty. For a detailed description of the lollipop plot, see Fig.  2

The concept of our survey was specifically to probe factors that influence students in their first choice of specialty.

The top specialties chosen by the respondents across all semesters of the medical degree course in Würzburg were internal medicine, surgery, general practice, and paediatric and adolescent medicine, ranging between 10 and 15%. Anaesthesiology, and obstetrics and gynaecology followed closely behind. Not surprisingly, a few students (6%) were undecided with ever decreasing proportions during the progression of their degree courses. Even though international comparisons should be approached with caution, students across various medical schools in the USA also expressed high interest in paediatrics (20%) and surgery (15%) [ 32 ]. In accordance with our findings, most students amended their specialty choices, regardless of initial interest. In the aforementioned study, a significant proportion of 30% remained in primary care, that is, in general practice and paediatric and adolescent medicine.

We noticed a significant decline in surgery as students progressed through their degree course. However, analysing student groups divided by gender, this effect did not remain significant, except for the gender distribution during the clinical phase and a general difference between study phases for the female group (see Fig.  1 ). The observation of low student interest in pursuing a surgical career upon completion of medical school is not uncommon and has been noted previously [ 33 ]. However, a longitudinal study from another German medical school (Jena) could not confirm this [ 34 ]. Therefore, further investigation, especially with longitudinally tracked students, is necessary. Students’ career choices and changes are most likely influenced by their educational experiences. Students discover different specialties, interact with healthcare professionals, engage in clinical experiences and learn from role models, thus shaping their interests and priorities. In our study, we found significant results indicating a strong alignment between career choices and the clinical clerkships that students freely select during their studies. This alignment reflects the regulations in place, according to which students are required to complete a minimum of four clinical clerkships, each one lasting one month. Clerkship in general practice is mandatory for all students; thus, there was no association between career choices and this clerkship. In the literature, clinical clerkships in surgery [ 35 ] and exposure to rural places of work with primary care are commonly known to affect the attitude of medical students [ 36 , 37 ]. Some authors report the importance of engaging students as early as possible even before starting clinical placements [ 38 ]. In our study, we were able to observe additional effects related to the curriculum, such as support, work experience as student assistants, and engagement in research activities. The concept of career decision-making is a dynamic and evolving process, which can be modulated when there is awareness. Therefore, promotion programmes in Germany that include elective courses in general practice during the final practical year, mentorship during the clinical phase of studies, and social events in specific areas, as well as offers for finding a scientific project have already proven to be effective in generating interest [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ].

Admission characteristics, such as background and high school grades of the university entrance qualification (the German Abitur), have an impact on the choice of specialty as well. In our study, we demonstrated that students who originated from small towns at the time of graduating from high school, or had lower grades in the university entrance qualification, or had completed vocational training placements were statistically more likely to choose anaesthesiology and general practice. There is evidence that rural origin is a major predictor of medical students intending to work in primary care [ 44 ]. The willingness to study medicine and pursue a career is also often fostered by previous training in closely related areas of healthcare, such as nursing, physiotherapy, or paramedics [ 45 ]. In Germany, the factor of vocational training comes into play, as it is used as a selection criterion in certain admission quotas, especially for candidates not categorized as top performers in high-school examinations [ 23 , 46 ]. In particular, the introduction of the rural doctor quota requires a vocational qualification as a condition for a state-bound selection procedure. The aforementioned aspects well reflect the socio-demographic background and training prerequisites, which can influence students’ perceptions of certain specialties and their likelihood of choosing them [ 47 , 48 ]. The findings of our study support the notion of socio-cultural factors in shaping career aspirations.

We also demonstrated that students’ preferences for workstyle and location play a role in career choices. Not surprisingly, there were contrasting views on regulated working hours and work-life balance between general practice and surgery, with students who chose the surgical discipline rating the two items lower. This is consistent with the literature, as personal values, such as the desire of a favourable work-life balance, are known to influence specialty choice among medical students in favour of non-surgical disciplines [ 49 ]. A restrictive statement must however be made that, although the differences were statistically significant, students with surgical preferences still highly rate the working desires of the current generation of young physicians. Moreover, we observed that students have a good understanding of specialisation being bound to work environments (hospital versus practice) and the urban-rural distribution of facilities. In fact, surgery and anaesthesiology require hospital settings with advanced technological equipment, which can be found in larger hospitals or high-volume centres mostly situated in urban locations [ 50 , 51 ]. General practice, on the other hand, serves the purpose of providing primary care, with a focus on outpatient settings and a broad distribution across the country, including rural areas. In summary, our exploration of students’ ideas about their future medical practice aligns with the growing recognition of work-life balance and available healthcare infrastructure. Previous research has highlighted the impact of working conditions, job satisfaction, and adherence of career choices [ 52 , 53 ]. Our findings underscore the need for healthcare institutions and policymakers to create supportive and desirable work environments, to improve the transparency of decision-making processes.

On the interpersonal level, several studies have revealed that medical students’ career decisions are influenced by role models and mentoring opportunities [ 54 , 55 ]. In our study, positive role models were associated with general practice. In contrast, role models within the family were even negatively associated with anaesthesiology, and paediatric and adolescent medicine. Positive as well as negative interactions with practicing physicians or other personal experiences with specific specialties can inspire and motivate students to pursue or avoid particular specialties [ 56 ]. This highlights the need for effective mentorship programmes and exposure to diverse role models to promote interest and engagement in various specialties [ 57 , 58 ].

Numerous studies into the influence of personality characteristics on choice of specialty have been published in the medical education literature [ 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ]. Personality traits have been shown to play a role in career decision-making, with certain traits being particularly aligned [ 63 , 64 ]. Our findings indicate, both in positive and negative aspects, that personality factors such as agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness influence the choice of specialty among medical students. Agreeable students tended to choose paediatric and adolescent medicine, while neuroticism was associated with a preference for obstetrics and gynaecology. However, lower levels of neuroticism and openness were associated with the choice of anaesthesiology. Recently, the predilection of clinical medicine was also found to be associated with agreeableness and openness [ 65 ]. In an earlier study, higher values of neuroticism were associated with the preference of obstetrics and gynaecology and even connected to higher values for females in comparison with males [ 66 ]. Interestingly, we did not find any significant personality traits associated with the preferences for further specialisation in general practice.

Gender differences in specialty choices have indeed been widely observed, with women known to opt for general practice, paediatrics, or obstetrics and gynaecology [ 67 , 68 , 69 ]. Our study confirmed that female students predominantly chose paediatrics and adolescent medicine. Contrary to existing data, we could not confirm any gender preference regarding general practice or surgery. Only during the clinical phase significantly higher interest of male students for surgery could be confirmed. However, any findings of gender bias underscore the importance of promoting diversity and addressing gender disparities in medical specialties [ 70 , 71 ].

Limitations

The survey was conducted at a single and traditionally oriented medical school in Germany, which may limit the range of student backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives included. Factors specific to the institution, such as the curriculum, focus on specialties, or institutional culture, may have influenced students’ specialty preferences and career choices. The characteristics and preferences of students in different regions or countries may vary, and therefore caution should be exercised when extrapolating the results. Furthermore, the sample size and composition impacts the representativeness of our findings. It is possible that certain subgroups of students were underrepresented or not adequately captured. The data collected relied on self-reporting measures, which are subject to potential biases, such as social desirability bias or recall bias. Students’ responses are known to be influenced by their perception of what is expected or desired, leading to over- or under-reporting of certain factors influencing their career choices. Finally, the study employed a cross-sectional design, capturing data at a specific point in time.

The findings of our study offer valuable insights into the factors that influence specialty choice among medical students. By identifying and addressing the factors, we will be able to explore strategies that support and enhance the decision-making process as needed. It is also particularly important to understand when the decision is taken during medical studies, to ensure effective education policies and strategies. No doubt, training and accompanying programmes have to be created to illustrate the possibilities, resources, and support services available [ 2 ]. By adopting this approach, comprehensive patient care can be provided across different specialties, with the goal of delivering high-quality and equitable healthcare to individuals of all needs and populations.

Further research is needed to develop deeper insights to monitor student preferences as a longitudinal approach. Exploring the impact of educational interventions, mentoring programmes, and career guidance initiatives could support students in making well-informed choices aligned with their interests and those of healthcare system needs.

Data availability

The datasets used and analysed during the study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.

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Acknowledgements

We would like express our deepest gratitude to all the students who participated in this study. We would also like to thank the student representatives as well as Joy Backhaus for the critical review of the questionnaire and conceptual aspects of the study. Furthermore, we would like to thank Andrew Entwistle for his assistance with proofreading the manuscript.

This study was conducted with partial funding support from the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care as part of the ‘Beste Landpartie Allgemeinmedizin’ research project, a funding and support programme aimed at motivating medical students to complete specialty training in general practice in rural areas in Bavaria.

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TL, MK, AS, and SK played significant roles in the development and design of the questionnaire used in this study, as well as the interpretation of the results. SK developed the survey methodology for the study.TL acquired and analysed the data. SK and TL wrote the paper, while MK and AS revised it. All authors reviewed and approved the final submitted version of the paper.

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The local institutional review and ethics board approved the study protocol as not deemed to represent biomedical or epidemiological research [20210118 03]. Participation in the study was voluntary, and participants provided informed consent upon submitting the questionnaire. Data collection and retrieval was performed anonymously via EvaSys ® . However, students were requested to provide their matriculation number to match the evaluation data with examination results. It is important to note that this matching was not part of the present study.

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Leutritz, T., Krauthausen, M., Simmenroth, A. et al. Factors associated with medical students’ career choice in different specialties: a multiple cross-sectional questionnaire study at a German medical school. BMC Med Educ 24 , 798 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05751-1

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• Career choice
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Essay On Choice of A Career

• Post category: Essay
• Reading time: 9 mins read

The young men or women of today find themselves on the cross roads when the question of choosing a career faces them squarely. This choice ultimately designs his or her life and can become a boon or a disaster. Very few among the youth of today in our country can say with any amount of certainty or determination what career they are going to choose. This lack of decision on their part makes them a rudderless boat and at whatever shore they reach, that becomes their profession and their career.

That is very generally the scenario. Engineering or the medical line was once considered as the be-all and endall of launching on a successful career. Every parent looked forward to their children getting into either of these lines. But then, for the past decade or more the engineering and medical graduates have been found competing for the All India Administrative Services and successfully too. All those precious years of their learning in a technical branch went waste and the nation’s wealth went ill-spent on them and some other one was deprived of the chance who could have entered these professions but missed by a position, which went to those who opted out of it later.

One who failed to qualify at any competitive examination for an administrative service, ultimately joined the law course and later became a lawyer. Among the horde of advocates all over the country, if a census is taken, a sizeable number would be found to have joined the profession as the last resort. Though, of course, many of such proved very successful in this career but that was just a chance a fortunate chance for them. That was not a career of their choice but they made the best of it and that is what it was.

An MBA degree, a decade or two earlier, was considered to be a surety of a well-placed career but such has been the mad race for this degree and among the institutes opened at very nook and corner awarding this degree, that now an MBA, degree holder except from the top ten prestigious institutes of the country, is going begging for a job and none heeding them.

Therefore, the choice of a career is really a very challenging factor in a young man’s life. Our educational system has hardly changed and there is hardly any vocational orientation explored in the system. The rut, as of old, continues and grinds the young mind in it to bring him or her to a dead end. Jobs are fewer than the seekers and that creates the situation of a quandary.

The large scale exodus of the youth from the villages to the towns the mirage of which draws them deflects their minds from the land and their youthful energies which could have made their fields yield precious more get wasted and lost in the dark alleys of the towns. Neither do they remain attached to their hearth and home nor are they able to create a liveable home in the town. The type of education that they normally get makes them unfit for the rough and tough of the agricultural life and the living that they are able to eke out in the town hardly suffices for them and their families. The dilemma goes on in this manner.

There have been commissions after commissions which were commissioned to plan out a changed educational pattern for the country to suit its needs and the needs of the youths. The Mudaliar Commission, the Radhakrishnan Commission, the Kothari Commission all found fault with the existing educational system but then the result has been a return to square one. ‘We know the right and do approve it too. Condemn the wrong still the wrong pursue’ this is what has been true of these commissions.

So this has all been the analysis of the malaise. Now let us seek a solution. The very first reformation that is required to solve the problem is in the system of education. Education is, of course, a must for every young of a nation. Without that there would be no enlightenment and no progress. Basic education has to be a must. But after the junior high school stage there should be a diversification of educational curriculum. Only the scholarly ones should be permitted to go in for a formal education.

Technical institutes, as in foreign countries, should be established even for such soiled collared jobs like that of a carpenter, a blacksmith or a mason and only a duly qualified one be permitted to carry on these vocations. Those who be found physically capable of such hard jobs may be allured to join them and a respectable payment to them assured – which alone can be an allurement for them. There has to be a large scale enlargement of such jobs.

For those opting in for the white collared jobs’, whether technical or professional or formal, the going should be made tough and costly, and the entry into them made possible only after qualifying at a hard competition. It does not and would not mean that only the children of the rich could opt for such jobs; even the poorer if intellectually bright, could compete for entry into these courses and if found brilliant in competition, they should be granted substantial scholarships for which due provision be made. This would not cause any discrimination so far as merit is concerned.

The brilliant would receive the reward for their brilliance and for nothing else. Professional counsellors should advise in the choice of a career that system needs to be evolved so that the youth do not go stray in wrong careers. Parents should also play their proper role. They should try to judge the potential and the mental predilection of their child and not force them into careers against their mental leanings. There have been cases where a chartered accountant like Shekhar Kapur becomes a successful film director; a graduate in mass communication like Rinki Khanna enters the film career with success.

The field of information and technology has opened up unlimited vistas in so many diversified fields that more and more youngmen and youngwomen shall find a career in this field very rewarding. More and more emphasis be laid in giving technical training in this field which would not need a very high degree but most of the devices could be learnt through experience. This branch opens up vast vistas of careers careers not only in metropolitan towns but even in smaller towns even in the rural areas. This is a field which needs to be explored to the full for career seekers.

A carefully chalked out career would make the young mind explore his potential and would make the career rewarding both mentally and financially. That is what a well chosen career needs to do and shall do if rightly chosen. A job-satisfaction to a job seeker makes him to devote his best to the job. That makes the job enjoyable and agreeable and the job, in return, gets the best out of the job doer. This becomes an overall advantage to the nation. The right man at the right place this if achieved would give shape to a vibrant society. A disgruntled, frustrated, famished youth is a liability to himself and to the nation. Such a situation needs to be guarded against in the interest of the national good.

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Harris campaign vetting at least 7 Dems for VP, including Whitmer, Cooper, Kelly, Shapiro

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign has requested vetting materials from at least seven Democrats under consideration to be her vice presidential running mate, USA TODAY has learned from a source familiar with the process.

Those being vetted for the job include North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The Harris campaign has also requested vetting materials from one Democrat whose name has received much less attention as a vice-presidential contender: Cedric Richmond, a former congressman from Louisiana who served as a top aide in the Biden White House and on his campaign.

"I would color that doubtful," Richmond told a New Orleans TV station.

Whitmer also tried to take herself out of the running on Monday, telling a local TV station on Monday that she's "not leaving Michigan."

Notably missing from the Harris vice president vetting list that was shared by the source are Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Both have been speculated as running mate possibilities for Harris, with Beshear telling MSNBC on Monday that he had spoken with the vice president since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.

The source familiar with the Harris vice president vetting process told USA TODAY other Democrats not included in the group of seven being vetted could still emerge as contenders but are not currently on the Harris campaign's radar.

Sure enough, ABC News reported on Tuesday that Beshear is indeed among those who has been asked for vetting material.

Former Obama-era Attorney General Eric Holder, who endorsed Harris this week, and Dana Remus with the law firm, Covington & Burling LLP, are leading the vetting process, according to the source familiar with the vetting effort.

Remus served as White House Counsel in the Biden administration, and led the vetting process for U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson ahead of her mid-2022 Senate confirmation.

The Harris campaign declined to comment.

Fast-paced 'veepstakes' underscores tiny window

Harris  is moving swiftly to build up a team that took shape after President Joe Biden's stunning departure from the 2024 campaign trail.

In less than 48 hours, she raked in more than the needed 1,976 delegates to become the party's presumptive presidential nominee ahead of the first round of voting at the August national convention in Chicago. Vice presidential candidates run separately, which means whoever Harris picks will receive a separate vote on the convention floor.

With roughly 100 days until the election, experts say the short timeframe means this group being vetted could be the only round of contenders.

"If we were in a normal situation, this would be a process that would play out over a couple of months," David Hopkins, a political science professor at Boston College, told USA TODAY.

"They don't really have that kind of time, because the convention is coming up in a few weeks," he added.

Critical choice to 'balance' ticket, contrast with Trump, Vance

All of the names being floated bring their own strengths and weaknesses, experts say, as they are auditioning to join the brand new Harris ticket. The choice will first center on who best complements Harris.

Hopkins said the vetting list suggests Harris' team is thinking about who would be best at helping the ticket appeal to a different segment of voters as it tries to cobble together a new coalition that can help them defeat Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in November.

"When you have a someone from California who's a woman of color and has experience in Washington, then the obvious way to sort of balance it is to think about someone from a different part of the country, or from a battleground state," he said.

The other thing a Harris running mate could be used for is serving as an attack dog against Trump, particularly in contrast with his running mate, Sen.  JD Vance , R-Ohio, who has championed his upbringing in rural Ohio.

During an appearance Tuesday on "Morning Joe," for instance, Walz, the Minnesota governor, took direct swings at Vance, who is thought to be a lunch pail messenger to working class voters.

"What I know is people like JD Vance know nothing about small-town America," Walz said.

"He gets it all wrong, it's not about hate, it's not about collapsing in," he added. "The golden rule there is mind your own damn business. Their policies are what destroyed rural America. They've divided us. They're in our exam rooms. They're telling us what books to read."

Other rumored Harris contenders, such as Buttigieg and Beshear, launched similar attacks aimed at Vance earlier in the week.

Michael Traugott, an emeritus research professor of political studies at the University of Michigan, said Harris' entry resets the 2024 race and that this represents her first major test as the Democratic standard bearer. Her pick also will signal to voters much about the vice president's thinking on the White House campaign that has a little more than 100 days to go.

"It's a little hard to figure precisely because we're short on the polling of assessing the actual Democratic team against Trump and Vance," he said. "But it's still a very closely contested race, and most of the action takes place in the battleground states, so I would probably consider at the top of that list governors of battleground states."

BREAKING: Israel says it killed Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, an architect of the Oct. 7 attack, in July strike

President Joe Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he will end his presidential re-election campaign, bringing an abrupt and humbling conclusion to his half-century-long political career and scrambling the race for the White House less than four months before Election Day.

Biden, 81, could not reverse growing sentiment within his party that he was too frail to serve and destined to lose to Donald Trump in November. He backed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee.

“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter posted on X. “I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.”

Biden thanked Harris for “being an extraordinary partner” in his letter and then endorsed her in a subsequent post .

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” Biden posted. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”

Biden and Harris spoke multiple times Sunday ahead of the president’s announcement, according to a source familiar with the campaign.

In a statement, Harris thanked Biden for “his extraordinary leadership” and his “remarkable legacy of achievement.”

“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” she said.

Biden — who for weeks had insisted publicly that he planned to stay in the race — told his senior team he had changed his mind about continuing his campaign at 1:45 p.m. ET, according to a source with direct knowledge. The tweet announcing his decision was sent at 1:46 p.m.

His withdrawal caps a singular national political career, bookended by Richard Nixon’s fall and Trump’s rise. He mounted four presidential bids. He spent 36 years in the U.S. Senate representing tiny Delaware. He rose to the chairmanships of the powerful Judiciary and Foreign Relations committees. And he served eight years as Barack Obama’s vice president.

'Great public servant'

Reactions from politicians quickly began pouring in.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote in a post on X that Biden “has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans.”

“He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents,” said Newsom, who was one of the most prominent Biden surrogates. Newsom has been floated as a possible Democratic presidential contender, but threw his support behind Harris hours after the announcement, saying in a post on X that "no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, @KamalaHarris ."

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, another prominent Democrat talked about as a future national candidate, called Biden a “great public servant” in a post on X.

“My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families’ costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan,” Whitmer wrote.

First lady Jill Biden reposted her husband's announcement with heart emojis. “Down to the last hours of the decision only he could make, she was supportive of whatever road he chose," said her communications director, Elizabeth Alexander.  

Across the aisle, Republicans slammed the move and many called on him to resign from office, days after the completion of a Republican National Convention where speaker after speaker slammed the Biden-Harris ticket.

“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson.

In a brief phone interview with NBC News, Trump reacted to Biden’s decision, calling the president “the worst president in the history of the United States by far.”

When asked whether he was surprised by Biden’s decision, Trump said that Biden “should never have been there in the first place.”

“He should have stayed in his basement,” Trump said.

In a fundraising email, Trump’s campaign said that Biden “quit the race in complete disgrace.”

An unprecedented decision

Biden’s decision to exit the race less than a month before his party’s convention and a few months before voters head to the polls is unprecedented in the modern political era. The last sitting president to abandon a re-election bid was Lyndon Johnson, whose expansion of the Vietnam War in the 1960s split the Democratic Party. But Johnson’s announcement came in March 1968 — eight months before that election.

“We’re in uncharted waters,” said Barbara Perry, a presidential studies professor at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. “No president has dropped out or died this close to the convention.”

Replacing Biden atop the Democratic ticket is likely to set off internal Democratic tremors as ambitious officials maneuver to become his successor. Factions have already formed around Harris, Whitmer and Newsom.

Harris, who at 59 is 22 years younger than Biden, would seem to be the heir apparent. She broke a barrier as the first female vice president. A woman of color, she enjoys strong support among African Americans, a loyal piece of the Democratic coalition. Overall, though, Harris’ approval rating stood at only 32% in an NBC News poll released earlier this month.

“There’s no one you can name right now who is an obvious substitute,” Perry said. “That’s what makes this so uncertain and chaotic.”

Unlike Republican delegates, who are bound to their candidate, Democratic delegates aren’t, so they are free to do what they want at the convention. Biden could have some influence over the delegates, but they could vote for a different candidate than his chosen pick, pending any rule changes at the convention meant to address this unprecedented situation. The rules currently say that the delegates simply have to “in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.”

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement: “In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November. This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.”

The mechanics of putting a new name on ballots also gives rise to myriad legal questions. Republicans could work to throw obstacles in the nominee’s path by mounting legal challenges aimed at keeping that person off the ballot.

Johnson, the House speaker, said in an interview on CNN Sunday before Biden's announcement that “I think they have got legal hurdles in some of these states, and it’ll be litigated.”

“They have got a real problem,” he added.

Support for Harris

Democratic congressional leadership did not immediately back Harris, but many high-profile lawmakers did join Biden in rallying around the vice president, including Reps. James Clyburn of South Carolina, Jamie Raskin of Maryland, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell of California, and Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Chris Coons of Delaware, Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Mark Kelly of Arizona.

Congressional Black Caucus chairman Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., and Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., the chair of the group’s PAC, said they join Biden in “fully supporting” Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee.

“I know one thing, I will only work for  @KamalaHarris !” Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, said in a post on X shortly before Biden endorsed Harris. “If it’s anyone OTHER than her, enjoy campaign season.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said in a statement that “I look forward to doing everything in my power to get her elected to the White House, so we can continue building on the progress of the last four years.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran for president in 2020, endorsed Harris as well, saying, "I will do all that I can to help elect her."

Former President Barack Obama did not immediately endorse Harris. “We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges,” he said in a statement.

Harris’s fledgling campaign gave Democrats an immediate jolt from small-dollar donors. ActBlue, the main Democratic online fundraising platform, reported that the groups using it raised $27.5 million in the first five hours of her campaign. (Not all of that money flowed to Harris, though it's likely that a lot of it did.)

Debate spurred calls for Biden to end his run

Questions about Biden’s capacities dogged him throughout his presidency, but peaked following his debate with Trump on June 27. Combined with his flagging poll numbers, his listless performance sparked a panic among his own party that he couldn’t win in November.

With 51 million people watching, Biden spoke in a raspy voice and often failed to complete thoughts or deliver a cogent explanation of why voters should choose him over Trump. He later attributed his poor performance to exhaustion and a cold. He implored the country not to let one bad night overshadow his accomplishments in office.

Unpersuaded, Democratic lawmakers began calling on him to step aside, a rebellion that started slowly but grew steadily in size and intensity. Thirty-seven congressional Democrats , including independent Sen. Joe Manchin, who previously was in the Democratic Party, had called on Biden to drop out of the 2024 election before he delivered his decision Sunday afternoon.

They appealed to Biden’s patriotism, arguing that if he sincerely believed Trump is a threat to democracy, he needed to put his country first and stand down.

Biden fought back. He held numerous calls and meetings with Democratic officials at all levels to shore up support inside the party — to no avail.

Looking to blunt concerns about his acuity, he gave interviews and held press conferences to prove to voters that he could still think on his feet. But the gaffes kept coming and his poll numbers remained stagnant.

In another bit of bad fortune and timing, Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on July 17, forcing him off the campaign trail.

For Democrats, Biden’s illness created an unwanted contrast. While Trump delivered a triumphal speech accepting the Republican nomination in Milwaukee on July 18, five days after surviving an assassination attempt, Biden was in self-isolation back home.

Trump rebound

Biden’s departure is the latest in a series of jarring developments that has made the 2024 presidential race the most chaotic in living memory. Trump easily won the Republican presidential nomination despite splitting his time between the campaign trail and various courtrooms where he was a defendant in criminal and civil cases. In May, a jury in Manhattan convicted him on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to a porn star.

Then, in short order, Trump rebounded. The Supreme Court issued a much-anticipated ruling on July 1 that immunized Trump from official conduct when he was president, impeding special counsel Jack Smith’s efforts to prosecute Trump for interfering in the 2020 election.

Trump nearly died on July 13 as he appeared at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman lying on a roof 130 yards away fired a bullet that grazed his ear. Trump dropped to the ground in self-defense. Then, his face smeared with blood, he rose and defiantly pumped his fist, yelling “Fight!”

Another fortuitous development came two days later, coinciding with the opening of the Republican convention in Milwaukee that certified Trump’s nomination. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida dismissed a separate case brought by Smith alleging that Trump improperly retained classified documents that he took home with him when he left the White House in 2021. Cannon, who had been appointed by Trump, ruled that Smith’s appointment was illegal. Smith quickly appealed her ruling.

The rolling streak of news gave Trump a jolt of momentum, allowing Republicans to present an energized and unified front at this month’s convention.

Biden seldom sparked any such enthusiasm. HIs primary campaign was mostly a coronation. He faced token opposition as party leaders cleared the field, betting that having beaten Trump once before, Biden was best positioned to do it again. But poll after poll confirmed that voters harbored doubts about him, believing he was too old and infirm to serve another term.

An AP-NORC survey released July 17 found that a whopping 65% of Democrats believed Biden should exit the race.

Pressed by his voters, abandoned by party leaders, Biden gave in.

Peter Nicholas is a senior White House reporter for NBC News.

Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.