Psychological characteristics of the high school students with different levels of vocational maturity

This article analyzes the psychological characteristics of the Arkhangelsk high school students with different levels of vocational identity. Basing upon the undertaken study the authors deduce the two trends in the career choice: a rational choice based on the individual predisposition or the demand for the profession, and the “imaginary" choice focused on the trappings of a profession. The high school students of realistic vocational type and inclination for arts have a precise career plan and make a rational choice of profession, while the high school students with focus on communication and material interests choose an occupation unconsciously and do not have a clear career plan.