Abstract
The article examines the issues of updating the content of professionally oriented education in economic and social geography. The aim of the study is to identify effective methodological approaches that contribute to developing students’ career orientation and their ability to apply geographical knowledge in practical situations when studying economic and social geography. The research methods included analysis, comparison and systematization of scientific and methodological literature, questionnaires, pedagogical observation, and quantitative analysis of the empirical data obtained. The study examined the possibilities of using professionally oriented tasks, maps and diagrams, as well as real-life situations aimed at developing a regional understanding of economic and social processes, improving cartographic literacy, and increasing students’ professional interest. The results of the study showed that 78% of the students considered lessons based on maps and diagrams accessible and easy to understand. In addition, 65% of the respondents reported an improved understanding of regional development processes while completing professionally oriented tasks. The findings indicate that integrating career orientation into the teaching of economic and social geography contributes to the development of students’ cartographic literacy, regional process analysis skills, and professional interests. The proposed methodological approaches can be used to improve career-oriented content in geography lessons.