CAREER CHOICE

Nursing is a globally recognized female-dominated profession, with traditional gender stereotypes often shaping perceptions and career pathways. In cultural contexts like Edo State, Nigeria, these norms can significantly influence students' decisions to enter the field. This study aimed to examine the perception of gender roles and its influence on the choice of a nursing career among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary institution in Edo State. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, surveying 270 undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire covering demographics, perceptions of gender roles, factors influencing career choice, and open-ended questions. Data
were analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics (mean, SD), inferential statistics (Independent Samples T-tests), and thematic analysis. Results revealed that the primary motivators for choosing nursing were altruistic factors (a desire to help people) and pragmatic considerations (career stability), which ranked significantly higher than the influence of gender based perceptions. While students held egalitarian views on professional competence, they acknowledged that nursing is publicly perceived as a female-dominated profession. A significant gender difference was found (p < .05), with male students reporting that they face more challenges and stereotypes than their female peers. Qualitative analysis confirmed these challenges, highlighting themes of patient bias and social isolation. In conclusion, while gender stereotypes persist and negatively impact the student experience, particularly for males, they are not the primary drivers of career choice for this cohort. Students are motivated by passion and pragmatism, choosing the profession despite existing societal biases. The study recommends the
integration of gender-sensitivity modules into nursing curricula and the establishment of mentorship programs to better support all students navigating these professional challenges.

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the career choices among senice secondary school students in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo state Four research questions were raised to guide the research. A descriptive survey research design which involves collection of data through the use of questionaire was adopted to solicit information from respondents. The population of the study consists of the hundred and fifty(150) in Ekosodin Secondary School. The sample size of the study is fifty(50) students which makes up 75% of the population size. A simple randes sampling technique was used to used to select sample for study. Simple percentage I frequency count was used to analyse the responses of the respondents. The findings of the research revealed that parental influence has a significant impact the career choices of students. A student's choice of career can be affected by the pot group of such a student. Gender has no significant relationship with the choice of career of students. The age of the students has no impact on the career choice of senior secondary school students. There is a significant relationship between the student’s care choice and academic performance. It was recommended that parents should enlighten their children on different career choice at a tender age. Guidance and counseling services should be made available in secondary schools to guide the students. Finally, student should ensure they have proper information about their intended career choice and such choice should be born out of passion and ambition.