The impact of perceived abilities, interests and values oncareer choice: A theoretical and applied study

The aim of this study is to examine whether vocational high school students' orientations regarding interests, abilities, and values differ based on gender, age, and vocational field variables. The study was conducted using a descriptive survey model, and the sample consisted of 264 students receiving education in various vocational fields in the city of Mersin, Türkiye. Participants were distributed evenly in terms of gender (49.24% female, 50.76% male) and age (M = 16.61, SD = 1.30). The data were collected using the Self-Assessment Inventory (KDE), developed by Kuzgun at 1988 (Kuzgun, 2004). According to the findings, there were significant and positive relationships between age and the value dimensions of social assistance, change, orderly life, and desire for fame. In terms of gender, male students scored significantly higher in numerical, spatial-visual, and mechanical dimensions, while female students showed higher scores in areas such as social sciences, fine arts, music, literature, and social assistance. Moreover, the analysis by vocational field revealed meaningful differences aligned with the required characteristics of each profession. In particular, significant differences were observed in dimensions such as Mechanical Ability, Living Beings, Creativity, and Desire for Fame. These findings indicate that individual differences play a determining role in students' vocational orientations, emphasizing the importance of considering interests, abilities, and values in career guidance processes.