Vocational Guidance: factors in choosing a career

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the determining factors in the vocational guidance of secondary school students, based on research published between 2021 and 2025. Through the PRISMA declaration, the factors were categorized into four dimensions. 46 scientific articles were selected for in-depth review. The findings indicate a strong presence of personal and psychological factors, such as self-efficacy, decision-making, vocational identity, and emotional well-being. Family and social factors stand out in the influence of reference figures in the accompaniment of the vocational process. Educational and academic factors show progress in the implementation of training strategies and school programs. Finally, economic and labor factors are beginning to acquire notoriety as structural conditioning factors for vocational decisions.