Career choice refers to the process of selecting and pursuing a specific occupation or profession as a

means of employment and personal fulfillment. It involves identifying and evaluating various factors
such as interests, skills, values, educational qualifications, and career goals to make an informed decision
about which career path to pursue. Career choice often involves careful consideration of potential job
opportunities, growth prospects, and personal aspirations to ensure that the chosen career aligns with
an individual’s strengths and long-term ambitions. It is a significant decision that can have a lasting
impact on an individual’s professional and personal life. Choosing a career is often considered a major
turning point in a young adult’s life. This decision alone has the potential to open the door for success or
close the door of opportunity. While often perceived to be an individual choice, research suggests that a
variety of influences such as family, school, community, and social and economic factors are likely to
manipulate one’s ultimate career decision (Ferry, 2006). Among these factors, students report that
parents have the greatest influence on which career they choose (Kniveton, 2004).

Parental influence plays a crucial role in shaping the career choices of Grade 12 students. The guidance
and support provided by parents significantly impact the decision-making process, as they act as role
models and advisors. This influence can manifest in various ways, such as parental expectations, values,
and perceptions of different career paths. While parental influence can be beneficial, it can also restrict
individuality and hinder personal growth. Understanding the extent and implications of parental
influence is important for educators, students, and parents themselves to foster a healthy and balanced
approach towards career decision-making.

The career choices made by Grade 12 students have long-term implications on their lives and future
prospects. Career decision-making is related to an individuals life as well as personal and professional
satisfaction (Hegna et. al 2016). Career choice is something that is very hard to decide especially as
his/her life depend on it. These decisions are not made in isolation; they are often influenced by various
external factors, with parental influence being one of the most significant factors. The extent to which
parents influence their children's career choices can vary. According to Mbagwu et al (2016), students
whose parents are from high educational background are more consistent and do not have much
difficulties in making career choice when compared with those whose parents have low educational
background But it is widely recognized that parental guidance plays a crucial role in shaping these
decisions. This research aims to explore the impact of parental influence on career choices among Grade
12 students, examining both positive and negative aspects of this influence.

The impact of parental influence may also vary based on individual student characteristics, such as their
personality, goals, and level of self-confidence. The influence of parents on their children's career choices
is a significant factor that can greatly impact the decisions made by Grade 12 students as they prepare to
enter the workforce or pursue further education. According to study conducted by Olaosebikan et. al
(2014) 48.36% of the respondents agreed to parents influencing their career choice. Parents play a vital
role in shaping their children’s attitudes, values, and aspirations, and this can have a lasting impact on
the career paths chosen by their children.

Career choice and selection is one of many important choices student will make in determining their
future plans and this decision will impact them throughout their lives (Borchert 2002). The influence of
parents on their children’s career choices is a topic of great significance, especially in the context of
Grade 12 students who are on the verge of making critical decisions about their future pathways. Parents
are often primary influencers in the lives of their children, and their guidance and opinions can impact
the decisions made by students, including their choice of careers and educational pursuits. According to
a study conducted by Mwaa (2016) results from the study showed that parental factors influence the
career choice of students. These factors included parental highest education level, parents’ occupation,
parental values and expectations, and parent-child relationships. The transitional period of Grade 12
presents a critical juncture where students are required to make important decisions about their
educational and career paths. This makes it important to understand the extent to which parental
influence shapes the career choices of Grade 12 students. Furthermore, examining the influence of
parental involvement on career decision-making can provide insights into the factors that impact
students’ career aspirations, educational choices, and future career satisfaction.

By investigating this topic, the research seeks to provide valuable insights into the role that parents play
in shaping their children’s career aspirations. Understanding the nature and extent of parental influence
on career decisions is crucial for educators, career counselors, and parents themselves, as it can inform
the development of effective strategies to support students in making informed and fulfilling career
choices.

Moreover, exploring the impact of parental influence on career choices can help identify potential
challenges and barriers that students may face in pursuing their desired careers. This research can shed
light on how parental expectations, beliefs, and attitudes towards different careers may shape students’
perceptions and choices, and how these influences might impact their overall well-being and academic
performance. The research aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on career development
and parental influence. By understanding the dynamics of parental influence on career choices, this
research can help to inform the design of interventions and programs aimed at empowering students to
make career decisions that align with their interests, abilities, and aspirations, rather than solely being
driven by external pressures.