Abstract/Summary

This study aims to find out how Qatari twelfth-grade students make decisions relating to their future education and occupations. It is based on information drawn from a mixed methods longitudinal research study carried out over one year in two independent schools in Qatar (one girls’ and one boys’ school) – schools chosen because they had the highest numbers of Qataris attending twelfth grade in the year of data collection. Quantitative data was drawn from a questionnaire answered by 308 Qatari students (185 girls and 123 boys). Qualitative data was obtained by interviewing 21 Qatari students twice (11 girls and 10 boys). The first round of interviews took place while students were in their last semester of schooling and the second round of interviews took place after the students had left school. This study found that parents, especially the father, and older friends are very important in young Qataris’ career decision-making processes, leading us to consider the methods currently used in school career guidance. It suggests that these may need to be re-thought to ensure they are suitable for everyone. This study also highlights the social pressure applied to Qatari boys, a pressure which interferes with them making their future career decisions freely.