Using career choice considerations in the counseling process: Examination of the structure of preferences, gender and age differences

The aim of this research was to examine the structure of career choice considerations and to outline group differences in these considerations. Following the aspect-based approach to career decision making, a considerations questionnaire was established and given to 754 young adults who applied to the Hadassah Career Counseling Institute. Holland's self-directed search questionnaires were also given. Seven core factors which underline people's considerations were derived and compared to Holland's interest types. Gender and age differences in the importance assigned to career considerations were also examined and analyzed via the seven core factors. The results show both the common and distinctive features of the considerations structure and the interest structure. Several significant group differences in career considerations were established. Ways to incorporate the findings in occupational counseling are discussed and the contribution of a systematized considerations questionnaire is outlined.