uravalinnan

Uravalinnan (career choice) refers to the process by which an individual selects a future occupation or field of study. It combines self-knowledge with information about occupations, education pathways, and labor market prospects, and is often supported by guidance services throughout schooling and early working life.

In Finland, uravalinnan is part of the education and welfare system’s guidance activities. The national core curriculum requires schools to provide career guidance from basic education onward. Teachers, school counselors, and local guidance professionals work with students to explore interests, abilities, values, and potential career paths. Practical experiences such as internships, job shadowing, and vocational demonstrations help inform decisions.

At upper secondary level, students may pursue general upper secondary education (lukio) or vocational education and training (VET). The choice shapes further studies at universities or universities of applied sciences (UAS) and influences entry to the labor market. After secondary education, individuals can plan further studies, apprenticeships, or direct employment, with ongoing guidance available as their needs change.

Guidance uses information about occupations, required qualifications, skill demands, and wage expectations, as well as self-assessment tools, career fairs, and online resources. Decision-making is supported by counseling that aims to be informative, voluntary, and accessible to diverse groups.

Scholarly and policy discussions note that uravalinnan can be influenced by parental expectations, peer norms, and socio-economic factors; early specialization may limit options. Ongoing efforts seek to improve equity and flexibility by providing accurate information and supportive counseling throughout adolescence and beyond.