Indicators of a successful career: perspective of Pakistani parents

Abstract

Introduction: People who choose to work in an environment similar to their basic personality type are more likely to be successful and satisfied. Similarly, theories of Roe and Super also emphasized the early child-parent relationship in career development process and recognized the significance of family as a source of influence on child’s self-concept and career maturity. Apart from theories, literature provides evidence to support the dominance of parents in shaping adolescents' career aspirations. Objective of the study is to identify the perceptions of parents about a successful career for their children in a developing country such as Pakistan.

Material and Methods: It was a qualitative study and parents of FSc and A-Level students were selected for semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was done for inclusion of participants and grounded theory approach was used for data collection and analysis. Constant comparative method was used for thematic content analysis. Computer Aided Qualitative Data Analysis Software NVIVO was used for data management and analysis.

Results: Four major themes including, personal satisfaction, fame, good job and moral values emerged from the data. Themes were broadly classified as sociocultural, socioeconomic and personal themes. Majority of parents perceived medical profession as having more social value, respect, fame, earning and career progression.

Conclusions: In developing countries such as Pakistan, indicators of a successful career are predominantly socioeconomic factors including fame, societal respect and earning. Parents overwhelmingly prefer medical profession as a career for their children, comprising of maximum indicators of a successful career.