Future Time Perspective, Perceived Personal Competence And Career Decision Making Among Pre-University Students.

Career decision-making is a complex process influenced by various psychological and contextual factors. This qualitative study explores the relationship between Future Time Perspective (FTP) and Career Decision-Making among pre-university students in India, while also examining the moderating role of Personal Competence. Using thematic analysis, six major themes emerged: Career Awareness and Planning, Self-Perception and Competence, Influences on Career Choices, Career Decision-Making Strategies, Future Career Expectations, and Strategies for Success. The findings indicate that students with a strong future orientation engage more actively in career planning, but external influences and self-doubt often create uncertainty. Personal competence plays a crucial role in decision-making, as students with higher self-confidence and adaptability translate future goals into actionable steps more effectively. However, those with lower competence struggle to bridge the gap between aspirations and actions. The study highlights the importance of career guidance, mentorship, and structured skill-building initiatives to support students in making informed career choices. These insights contribute to the growing discourse on career decision-making by emphasizing the need for holistic interventions that address both future-oriented thinking and self-efficacy.