EMPOWERED TOGETHER: THE ROLE OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND SELF EFFICACY IN FUELING CAREER CHOICE OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (SHS) STUDENTS AT SMCIQC

Abstract

The Senior High School phase plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ career choices and overall development. During this stage, parental involvement and self-efficacy emerge as key factors influencing decision-making. Parental involvement encompasses emotional support, career-related discussions, and opportunities for exploration. Research indicates that students often adjust their academic and career paths based on parental influence. At the same time, self-efficacy—one’s belief in their ability to succeed—promotes resilience and persistence in career planning. It empowers students to set ambitious goals, actively seek information, and overcome obstacles along the way. This qualitative research will utilize a phenomenological approach, which is designed to explore and understand individuals lived experiences. The researchers consider this the most appropriate method for the study, as it allows for a deeper examination of the personal factors influencing students' career decision-making. Purposive sampling will be employed to gather relevant data, focusing on Grade 12 Senior High School students of St. Mary’s College Inc. in Quezon City who are set to graduate in the upcoming year. These students are in the process of selecting their college programs and planning their future career paths. The results indicate that students’ ability to make independent decisions is strongly influenced by their parents’ unwavering support, financial stability, and emotional guidance. Parental involvement, particularly when it fosters self-efficacy, empowers students to pursue their aspirations despite challenges such as balancing personal goals with parental expectations. The study also highlights that students’ career choices are shaped by their motivation, passion, and desire to contribute to society. The students reported receiving unconditional support from their parents in choosing any career or college program they wish to pursue. Their day-to-day needs—particularly financial support for academic purposes—are also consistently provided by their parents. When students struggle to make career decisions on their own, they often seek advice from their parents, who offer guidance and suggestions. This sometimes leads to students being influenced to follow the same career paths as their parents or to choose related fields. In contrast, one student noted that their parents’ expectations were more practical, focusing on selecting a college program that offers stability and job opportunities. Additionally, some parents expressed a desire for their child’s career choice to align with their own profession.