Hong Kong teenagers ‘have no belief in their ability to achieve career goals’, survey says
Study finds the majority of those about to leave school want to pursue further study but don't know how to make their career goals happen
Four in five Hong Kong teenagers in their final year of secondary school plan to pursue further studies to help set them on a career path, but most do not know how to achieve their goals or believe they have the ability to do so, a recent survey found.
The survey, a joint project of the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association and City University assistant professor Dr Cherry Tam Hau-lin, polled some 2,000 Form Six pupils. It found the majority of them lacked the confidence in their ability to control their own career path.
The survey found 67 per cent of respondents had low self- efficacy - or belief in their capacity to succeed - which correlated with certain types of parenting. Respondents were asked about their parents' methods, which were then divided into four styles.
"Both indifferent parents and overprotective parents can lower children's self-efficacy," Tam said. "Caring and encouraging parents are more helpful in lifting self-efficacy."
The survey showed that more than 80 per cent of the teenagers intended to further their studies while 5 per cent wanted to start working when they finished school. Teaching, nursing and social work were the most sought-after professions, followed by the creative industries.
"Contrary to traditional belief, income was not the paramount factor concerning jobseekers, and teenagers were not short-sighted at all," Tam said. "Instead, their attention went to factors including better development opportunities and harmonious working relationships."
