A Multi-Faceted Analysis of the Factors Influencing Adolescents’ Career Aspirations: Recommendations for Policy

Abstract

This study explored factors influencing high school students’ career aspirations in Qatar, using the Systems Theory Framework to examine the interplay of intrapersonal, social and environmental factors. A newly-developed online survey, completed by 1,640 students, underwent rigorous validation through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), which resulted in seven factor loadings. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) supported the model’s fit, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed significant career pathways. This study offers a nuanced understanding of these influences, and provides insights with important implications for educational policy and early intervention initiatives.