The Role of Educational Level and Gender in Vocational Journey: A Comparative Perspective on the Abilities and Values of High School and University Students

This study aims to examine the vocational values of high school and private foundation university students in the Küçükçekmece district of Istanbul province based on gender and educational level. Utilizing a survey model, the research seeks to generalize students' vocational values and abilities within different educational settings. The study sample consists of a total of 616 high school students and 784 university students, randomly selected from three different high schools and a private foundation university. Participants exhibit diversity in demographic characteristics, including gender, type of school/faculty, grade level, and monthly income. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Vocational Values Inventory, and the Self-Assessment Inventory-Abilities scales. The findings indicate significant differences between high school and university students regarding vocational values and abilities. University students place greater emphasis on friendship, health, creativity, and helping, whereas high school students prioritize financial gain. In terms of gender differences, female students assign more importance to friendship, financial gain, and health values, while male students prioritize physical and creative values. Verbal ability was found to be higher among university students, while no significant differences were observed in numerical and spatial abilities. These findings highlight how vocational values and abilities vary between high school and university students based on gender and education level.