University students' career choices and attitudes toward the future based on personality traits

This study examines the effect of university students' personality traits on their career choices and attitudes toward the future. The concept of personality is explained in terms of temperament, character, self, and identity dimensions, and the Five-Factor Personality Model is used as the basis for the research. The findings show that students with high levels of responsibility are more organized, those who are open to experience are more hopeful, and those with low emotional stability exhibit anxious attitudes. It is understood that career choice is not only economic but also decisive in terms of identity, life purpose, social status, and psychological well-being. Furthermore, it was found that students with high psychological flexibility cope better with stress and have a more positive outlook on the future. In the Turkish context, economic conditions, social expectations, and uncertainties in the labor market play an important role in young people's career choices and future plans. Consistent with the literature, a strong relationship has been established between personality traits and career choice and attitudes toward the future. The results of the study show that the university period is a critical stage in this regard and that career choices made without considering students' personality factors can lead to problems at both the individual and societal levels. Based on these findings, it is recommended that career counseling and guidance services at universities be strengthened with personality-based approaches, providing students with support for future planning and stress management. Furthermore, organizing educational programs to help individuals understand themselves and discover their potential will contribute to young people developing a more hopeful and planned future perspective.