CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
1.1       Introduction
Occupation choice is not a smooth process, when an individual is confronted with choice making in career, there are certain prevailing factors which may determine the choice. Among these factors are intrinsic, extrinsic, interpersonal factor, academic achievements, family socio-economic status and according to Roe (1956), the individual needs also determine the kind of job he may like to engaged in based on the above factors, whether realistic vocational choices are made by youths in their secondary school years should be a matter of concern to all educational agents and most especially our school counsellors.
A comprehensive study conducted in America by Remmers and Raddler (1957) cited in Horrocks (1962) indicated that one-third of teenagers after finishing high school within six months expected to be at work, though know less about how to choose a job, train for it and establish in it.  “A job is a kind of work and a career is time spent in one type of job area of interest” (Kelly-Plate and Volz-Patton, 1991, p.13). Most students have very little help in developing a career direct Occupation choice is not a smooth process, when an individual is confronted with choice making in career, there are certain prevailing factors which may determine the choice. Among these factors are personality, environment, opportunity, academic achievements, family socio-economic status and according to Roe (1956), the individual needs also determine the kind of job he may like to engaged in based on the above factors, whether realistic vocational choices are made by youths in their secondary school years should be a matter of concern to all educational agents and most especially our school counsellors.
They are often influenced by the media, peers, and with very little knowledge of what they might primarily be interested in or motivated to do. Most of them may have a level of uncertainty of where to get help on how to choose a career. Since career is a lifelong plan, students at this level should be assisted to enable them have a clear cut plan as it will be difficult for them at their age to see things clearly about themselves.
Thinking or making a decision about one’s career and making a choice is vital. Fry, Stoner and Hattwick (1998) opine that it is never too early to begin thinking about careers when in high school. Some students may have clear career direction in mind while many of them will have little clue as to which career is best for them. Fry et al, further said “even if you are a freshman or sophomore, now is the time to begin thinking about your life beyond college.
Various people choose jobs for various reasons. A lot of people look for jobs that will pay well since everyone needs money for the basics such as food, clothes, accommodation, education, recreation and others. For many men and women, work helps define their identity and their sense of self-worth (Thio, 1989). They see themselves as people, who are responsible, who get things done and capable enough to be paid for the services they render. People take pride in the work they do. They also like the feeling that comes with doing their work well.
People enjoy using their skills, talents and working hard to improve those skills. People work to be useful, by working; people feel that they are contributing their quota to the development of the society. They may work to take care of themselves and their family or work to help other people in the society. Most people choose jobs that will enable them interact with others. For example, journalism, teaching, and selling enable one to interact with a whole lot of people. They do not like to be alone for a long period. Their job gives them the opportunity to be with others and talk to people.