Vocational orientation factors that influence the choice of professional profile and university dropout of Ecuadorian high school students

Abstract

The right decision regarding a profession has become a significant challenge for high school students in Ecuador due to the wide range of available options and the lack of adequate career guidance, exploration of their interests, attitudes, aptitudes, and employment opportunities related to fields they may find appealing. This issue is reflected in the high rates of university dropout. The main objective of this paper was to identify the key factors in career guidance that directly influenced the professional profile choices of Ecuadorian high school graduates and how these decisions impacted their retention or abandonment of higher education. To obtain relevant information, a research methodology was used, based on a bibliographic review of reliable and credible sources, employing the inductive-deductive method. The results indicate that appropriate career guidance, considering personal, economic, social, and educational factors, helps students choose a career that aligns with their desires, skills, and long-term goals. This contributes to greater satisfaction in their academic and professional journey. The conclusion emphasizes that the absence of integrated and personalized career guidance increases the likelihood of university dropout, both voluntary and involuntary, which in turn negatively affects students' academic and professional future. Therefore, the importance of implementing career guidance programs that address both individual interests and the labor market demands for future professionals was highlighted.