Determination of Career Choice Trends Based on John L. Holland’s Theory

Abstract

Career choice is one of the most important decisions that directly influences a person’s future life, social status, and success. In our country, however, insufficient career guidance and orientation provided to high school students are negatively affecting not only individual outcomes but also the broader direction of social development. Making an incorrect career choice can lead, at the individual level, to dissatisfaction, dropping out of school and losing time, disliking one’s profession, not working in the chosen field, or experiencing limited career growth even when employed in that field. At the societal level, it can result in an imbalance in human resources, increased unemployment, reduced economic efficiency, job instability, higher employee turnover, and declining trust in the education system.
This study analyzes career choice trends based on John L. Holland’s career choice theory (RIASEC Theory). The findings show that 57.8% of participants are studying in a field that matches their professional personality type, while 42.2% have not chosen a career that suits them. By program, the fit rate for accounting programs is 76.9%, and for banking and finance programs it is 57.3%, but the fit rate for software and information systems programs is 31.7%, indicating that the majority of the study participants do not fit the fit rate. When individuals select and pursue a profession that aligns with their personal characteristics, they are more likely to achieve success and experience satisfaction in their work.