Choosing the right profession fosters both personal growth and career advancement. An individual’s self-confidence, self-belief, and emotional well-being or stability largely depend on the appropriateness of this choice. Effective career guidance draws upon the insights and achievements of multiple disciplines, including psychology, pedagogy, economics, and sociology etc.

At the present stage of social development, the significance of cultivating and effectively utilizing human resources has increased immeasurably. Professional orientation involves the collection, organization, and systematic analysis of information about oneself, the labor market, and available educational opportunities. Pedagogical literature widely upholds the view that professional orientation must be grounded, first and foremost, in the interests and needs of the adolescent. At the same time, it is essential to consider the broader interests and demands of society.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of career guidance in fostering personal development and career advancement. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research, was employed. To this end, existing studies and survey data were analyzed to identify the factors exerting the greatest influence on career choice. The study sample consisted of 88 students from 13 public schools in Georgia and 78 students from five higher education institutions. Existing research on career guidance was reviewed and analyzed, and a survey was administered to students in grades 9–12. The article examines the key factors and stakeholders influencing career choice. The findings indicate that parents, family members, and teachers exert the strongest influence on students’ professional decisions. Furthermore, the majority of respondents highlighted the need for vocational guidance services, pointing to a notable gap in this area.

Keywords: personal growth, motivation, professional orientation, opportunity realization.