Abstract
Career choice refers to the process of self-determination among high school students regarding their future professional direction. The issue of professional self-identification and career choice among high school students remains relevant, as effective career guidance is crucial for ensuring youth employment and their competitive positioning in the labor market. Various factors influence students' selection of specific career paths, highlighting the need for sociological research to identify the primary challenges in this process. The objective of our study is to determine the strategies and motivations of high school students in choosing their future careers. According to sociological research, the most important characteristics of future careers and jobs for high school students include a high salary, opportunities for self-realization, career growth prospects, and the availability of numerous job opportunities in the chosen profession. When choosing a future profession “high wages” is one of the most important motives for students studying in Kazakh and Russian. While the number of government scholarships is less important for students in specialized schools, it is crucial for those in general education schools. The majority of high school students have already made their career choices, indicating that their selection strategies are well-structured. Compared to general education students, specialized school students are more aware of labor market trends and the demand for specific professions. Identifying strategies and motivations for career choice can help educational institutions and administrators develop effective approaches to assist students in making informed decisions. However, these motivations may change based on socio-economic conditions. Keywords: high school students, youth, profession, future career choice, motivation, strategy.