Lived Experiences of Senior High School Students in Career Choice Exploration

The main purpose of this study is to describe the career exploration of the pioneer Senior High School students. They are the first batch to graduate in the newly implemented K to 12 program. The exploration of the SHS experiences was characterized to conceptualize proposed strategies in choosing career in SHS. From the interview gathered by the researcher, three themes where found evident in their experiences in choosing tracks and strand in SHS. The first theme was “Seeking Career”. The second theme was “Struggles in Time Management and
Changes in the Curricular Requirements”. The third theme was “Satisfaction of Learning Vital Things”.

The exploration stage of the SHS students characterizes three themes, these were found evident in their experiences in choosing tracks and strand in SHS. The first theme was “Career Circumspection for SHS”. The participants became well- informed about what to choose in SHS through the help of their TLE subject that exposed them in many different fields which suit their ability and skills. Also, the guidance and career services programs and activities during their Junior High School days helped them in choosing and finalizing their decisions as to what tracks and strands to take in SHS. The second theme was “Career Reflection for Senior High School”. The participants said that before deciding, one individual needs to be sure of what they want to take in SHS. They should reflect also on what career to take in the future. Their decisions should be based on their interests and wants. In choosing the tracks and strand in SHS, they should be particular and decisive.The third theme was “Career Decision for SHS”. Some of the participants experienced confusion about what to take in SHS program. Despite of the seminars and activities, some of them were hesitant in making their final choice in SHS. But there were students who already knew what career path to take that helped them choose the track and strand aligned to their chosen career.

Based on the results, the researcher proposed strategies for JHS and SHS that could improve the career guidance of every school for future avenues within the field of career choice. The researcher propose of giving emphasis on the existing DepEd program and creating career guidance program for SHS, informing students about job opportunities, creating and reproducing career materials through ICT, organizing career interview for Grade 9 and exit interview for Grade 12 students and conducting of career tour and immersion.