People have come to have an interest in or affinity toward certain career fields or occupations. However, such aspirations and preferences are formed early in life and are a product of genetics, socio-economic status, gender, person¬ality, and learning history among others. These early hopes and dreams are modified either positively or negatively by forces in society that act upon individuals and groups of individuals as they make career-related decisions such as labor market constraints, competitive admission to schools and programs. Career choices result when indi¬vidual aspirations and preferences are re-examined in light of the constraining forces imposed by the social environment in which that individual lives. It is possible to differentiate several levels of career choice based upon the degree to which that choice has been sub¬jected to the limitations of societal constraints.
More so, anxiety has shown to play a role in many career decisions and may serve as a constructive motivator if the levels of anxiety are low or moderate. At higher levels, however, anxiety exacerbates career indecision and will make it more dif¬ficult for the individual to make and implement a career choice.

See undergraduate project topics and materials on career choice

There are certain career choice mistakes fresh graduates make and these common mistakes by fresh graduates are the reasons why it takes too long for them to get a job. Even the aspiring and the potential ones become hopeless and some even think there is no merit in the industry. Career choice is one of the biggest dilemma and challenge in any student’s life. It involves interplay of many factors which are intricately intertwined. It is not a straightforward task and involves a difficult process of decision making.
However, certain factors like an individual’s environment, talents, skills, and academic achievement has shown to exert an influence on career choices of individuals. In case of a wrong career choice, it may lead to resultant failure and disappointment. Homes, schools and the social setup also influence an individual’s career choice. Educational level of parents, their profession and income are also identified as very important career choice factors. Every student at a certain juncture in their life has to make a choice regarding their career. It is incumbent that students make the correct choice. This will make them more poised, stable, and endowed with a pleasant countenance.
Consequently, making the right career choice will lead to knitting a better fabric for the society. Unfortunately, career choices are made with little awareness of the real world. Students make crucial decisions at a stage when they may not be fully informed of their choices, or else unavoidable circumstances prevent them from pursuing their goals. Thus counselors can play a positive role in guiding them to make informed choices. Being interested in a particular profession is very important in decision making. If a student is forced into a career, he may exhibit low self-esteem and poor performance in whatever career choice he/she is forced into.

CAREER CHOICE

Career choice is defined as a decision about which career to pursue, is one of many work‐leisure decisions made by people throughout their lives. As such, each of these decisions is a career decision, or at least part of the collection of activities that is viewed as one's career choice.
A choice implies the completion of some actions or successful steps, and the attainment of a career is the final out¬come of the career choice process. The distinction among these three constructs preference, choice, and attainment is important to a comprehensive under¬standing of career choice.
Career is a profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling for example, a career in medicine. Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you will make in life. It's about so much more than deciding what you will do to make a living. To start with, think about the amount of time we spend at work. The importance of selecting a career with which we are satisfied cannot be overemphasized.

CAUSES OF CAREER CHOICE MISTAKE

A) PEER GROUP INFLUENCE

One of the causes of career choice mistake is peer group influence. Peer group influence here is having your colleagues or course mate choose a career for you. In other case, you make a career choice based on the choices of your peer group. You don’t have the mind of your own and can’t make the right career choice for yourself like choices based on what you have passion and interest for.

B) PARENT INFLUENCE

The role of parents in the lives of children is undeniable. Parents tend to pre-determine the careers for their children, and only serve to steer them in that direction. The attitude of parents and the influence of the home environment influence a child's career path and decision which can turn out positively or negatively. Similarly, parents’ education has been proven as a factor influencing career choice. Parents’ education sometimes is linked with the students’ career choice and path. Parents’ educational level is the most important factor in students’ career decision. The results uphold that parents are a child’s first teacher, and thus they have the role of a guide, advisor and counselor in their lives. Parents exert emotional pressure on their wards regarding the choice of careers which is harmful to the career choice of their children. They make independent consultations regarding the career they think is most suitable for their children. The child’s preferences are never a matter of concern for them.

C) COURSE OF STUDY

Course of study is another career choice mistake students make. Some students will have interest in one thing but study another in school which is totally different and not in line with their passion and interest in life. Their course of study contradicts what they want to e or what they have passion for in life therefore, leading to a wrong career choice.

HOW TO AVOID CAREER CHOICE MISTAKE

A) HAVE A PASSION

Having a passion is one way to avoiding making the wrong career choices. Passion is what you can give up sleep for to achieve. It is what you have interest in and wants to see yourself doing it. Nothing and nobody can stop a passionate man/woman. When you have passion for something, you try as much as you can to achieve it. Your passion serves as a drive to your dream and goals in life. It is also a factor to consider while making career choices as it will help you in making you the right career choice.

B) GO FOR THE COURSE THAT IS IN LINE WITH YOUR PASSION

In as much as students now just want to get into school regardless of the course of study they are offered by the institution, it is also important that students consider their career choice while choosing or accepting to study some courses offered them by higher institutions. Your course of study must also be a factor to consider while making career choices. Make sure that your course of study is in consonant with your career choice. Avoid studying one thing and wanting to become another it is a sign of derailing from your passion and the career choice you want for yourself.

C) AVOID PEER GROUP INFLUENCE

Avoiding peer group influence while making career choice is very important if you must make the right career choice. You can seek for advice but however, if you must it is advisable you meet a counselor for that. Peer group have a way of influencing you to choose career path they have chosen for themselves and which may be totally different from what you envisage for your future. Therefore, you must try as much as possible to avoid peer group influence when making career choices.

D) LEARN FROM YOUR ROLE MODEL

Lastly, learn from your model. It is advisable to have a model, someone you look up to, and someone who inspires and motivates you to be a better version of yourself. When you have a role model you aspire to be like, it will help you in making the right career choice since you aspire to be like him/her.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, career choice isn’t something you just decide on without deep though about it as well as seek counseling if need be. You must be very sure of what you want and what choice you are making. Make sure, you are not been forced or influenced; it should strictly be your choice. The understanding that whatever career choice you make in life is what you are going to spend almost all your life doing, will make you realize that you need to make this choice yourself and non other.