Factors Influencing Career Choice Of Students Attending Medical And Dental Colleges In India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Many factors may enter into the career choice of students; perceptions of one’s own strengths and weaknesses, desires, willingness and financial wherewithal, the working conditions and financial rewards associated with a career and the availability of alternative careers. Student’s motivations for choosing a career in the health professions are of great interest for educators and admissions committees.
AIM: (1) To compare the factors influencing career choice of medical and dental students at a university in India and (2) Identify any gender differences in the factors influencing career choice among medical and dental students.
METHODS: A pretested self administered questionnaire was used to assess the medical and dental student’s motivation towards choice of their career at Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
RESULTS: The association between influencing factor and choice of career showed that interest was the most important factor in the choice of career in both medical and dental students. Medical students were more likely to be influenced by interest than dental students.
CONCLUSION: Career advice should be aimed three years ahead of leaving school, since this is when pupils make decision about career options and it should be tailored differently for males and females.