The relationship between the personal maturity of first-year students and the status of their professional identity

The article focuses on the empirical study of the features of the relationship between the personal maturity of first-year students and the status of their professional identity. It was found that developed personal structures characterize most of the respondents because they are able to make independent decisions, reflect, evaluate their actions and plan their living space, based on value-orientated attitudes. A direct correlation was revealed between the level of personal maturity and the formed status of professional identity. The gender differences in the level of development of personal structures and the status of professional self-determination of the research participants are shown. Most of the girls demonstrate a desire for self-development, responsibility, a positive attitude towards the world, they are inclined to work in pedagogical field which testifies that they have formed the professional identity. Young men have such statuses as “moratorium” and “imposed professional identity”. Accordingly, their choice of teaching profession was made under the influence of surrounding or external circumstances and does not reflect real professional aspirations. The results of the study can serve the practical purpose of supporting the professional and personal development of students at the initial stages of studying at university.