Interview with a career development consultant
Organisation responsible for the interview: European Institute for Diplomacy & Policy, the Netherlands
Country: The Netherlands
Occupation: Career Development Consultant
Date of the interview: 17.05.2023
Short summary of the interview
Overall, career guidance in the Netherlands is of paramount importance for young people, in order to choose their professional path wisely. Among the most popular career preferences are the fields of healthcare, technology, education, sustainability, economics and business. Without any doubt, parents, financial reasons and peer pressure affect young people’s decisions when it comes to choosing their future profession. Moreover, according to statistics, gender stereotypes exist; leading both girls and boys to choose careers based on obsolete criteria and that is something that definitely needs to change.
Statements of utmost importance – top statements/ information
“Only about 50% of students aged between 15 to 19, who were surveyed, expressed confidence about their preferred career path.”
“Young people become more goal-oriented as they become more aware of their own interests. Is common also that they make a choice based on the school’s reputation.”
“Social norms and cultural expectations can have a significant influence on young people’s career choices.”
“Stereotypes can significantly influence career choices by creating preconceptions about certain jobs, limiting individuals’ thoughts, and blocking their career options.”
