Individual differences of career choice: the role of cognition, personality, executive function, motivation, and career values

Abstract

Values are self-referentially important to the individual reflecting their underlying beliefs related to the meaningfulness placed on experience. Career values are the subjective importance placed on the meaning pursuant to a career. Previous research has identified several factors (e.g., intelligence and personality) shown to be associated with career outcome and success. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution that reasoning, working memory, executive function, personality, and motivation have on an individual’s self-reported career values. To this end, 42 participants (14 actively employed community members and 28 secondary and post- secondary students) completed a series of performance-based measures and self-reported inventories assessing the domains previously described. Results identified 4 career factors that accommodated approximately 80% pf the variance shared between individuals. The 4 career factors (Self-Directed, General Management, Skillful-Dedication, and Conservative) were predicted by distinct performance-based variables, personality characteristics, and sources of motivation. A strong emphasis on individual differences is discussed with respect to career values.