Abstract
Higher secondary school students transition through career development to jobs or further education. While limited career counseling was available and students are influenced by societal stereotypes, the study focused on students' knowledge of, desire for, and satisfaction with career guidance at school. Using Google Forms, data was gathered from Kerala higher secondary students: Science (76%), Commerce (20%), and Humanities (4%). Students' major career aspirations were in Medical/Health Care (38%), Engineering (30%), Business/Finance (30%), and Science/Research (30%). Students also showed interest in Technology (28%) and Design (26%). The main motivations for career choices were personal interest (86%), financial security (32%), and employment stability (28%). Students relied on social media (68%) and online resources (64%) for career development information, while parents/teachers (30%) and counselors (26%) were less consulted. Key influences included online media (54%) and parents (50%). Students showed varying confidence levels in achieving their goals: very confident (34%), confident but not very (36%), and quite confident (26%). Students suggested career aptitude testing, career guidance sessions, alumni interaction, and industrial visits for career guidance. Findings indicated a need for modern career guidance programs using technology-based methods to inform students about career options.