Mapping Student Interests to Career Pathways: Enhancing Guidance Practices in Schools in Rohtak, Haryana

Abstract

Making career choices is a major and difficult turning point for teenagers. For students between the ages of 14 and 16 (those in grades 9 and 10), this time is particularly important as they select academic paths that will influence their future education and job prospects. This study seeks to explore the job interests of young people in Rohtak, Haryana, using Holland’s RIASEC model, and to look at how these interests connect to their career decisions. The research included a sample of 100 students (50 boys and 50 girls) chosen from secondary schools through a random selection method. To collect data, two tools were used: the RIASEC Test (Holland’s Vocational Interest Inventory) to evaluate job interests and a Career Preference Record to gather details about students’ chosen careers, factors that influenced their decisions, and their experiences with career guidance. The study aims to show the differences in job interests between genders and examine how closely students’ passion profiles match their career choices. The findings of study to check urgent need for structured, interest-based, and fair career counseling in schools. By aligning students’ interests with relevant career options, this research help to develop more effective, locally relevant career guidance programs in Haryana.