Co-authored by Lena Wang, Haiying Kang, Joe Jiang and March To
Choosing a career is not easy; it involves a complex psychological process. People need to figure out their interests, strengths, and skills, and consider how they see themselves in the future (e.g., future work selves), while at times also trying to meet family and social expectations.
Career decisions could be even more challenging when it comes to unfamiliar fields. Without direct exposure, people often lack a clear understanding of what the work actually involves, the skills required, or the day-to-day realities of the role.
In the absence of reliable information, decisions could be shaped by assumptions, stereotypes, or incomplete narratives. As a result, many people may prematurely rule out entire career paths—not because they are unsuitable, but because they are misunderstood. In doing so, they may miss opportunities that could turn out to be well-suited to them and highly rewarding.
Careers in unfamiliar context
Research shows that nursing students hesitate to enter the profession because they have limited first-hand knowledge of what a nursing career actually involves. Exposure to heavy workloads, emotional demands, and workplace challenges during clinical placements often reveals a reality that differs from their initial expectations. Consequently, internships play a critical role in helping students explore career realities, develop realistic expectations, and build the confidence needed to make well-informed career decisions.
When building a career in a culturally unfamiliar environment, people often have limited knowledge of local labour market expectations, employer preferences, and the skills required for success, making it difficult to navigate the job market. To make informed career decisions, they need to develop an understanding of the local context by learning the language, understanding local recruitment practices, and acquiring the knowledge and skills valued by employers.
New study findings
Our recent research surveyed more than 900 university students in STEM disciplines across Australia to explore career preferences and decisions in the national security sector—a sector that is not well known among students and the broader public, yet urgently needs talents with STEM expertise.
We found that students’ career decisions are strongly shaped by their perceptions of the occupation. When a career is perceived as inaccessible, inconsistent with personal values, or poorly understood, students are unlikely to consider it as a viable career option. This is particularly true for careers in the national security sector such as defense, where misconceptions are common.
Consistent with prior research, Gen Z places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, ethical conduct, and positive social impact. Therefore, when students associate defense primarily with conflict rather than societal contribution, they are less motivated to pursue this career.
Students also described several common misconceptions. For example, some perceive defense jobs as mainly involving intense physical activities and therefore consider them unsuitable for women. Others worry that entering defense would limit their future career mobility by being “boxed” into a single and highly specialized industry.
As a result, many overlook the breadth of opportunities available within the defense sector, the potential alignment between these careers and their values, and the transferability of skills they could develop.
For example, cybersecurity professionals working in defense protect critical infrastructure, government systems, and communities from cyberattacks and disruptions to essential services. Defense also employs a broad range of healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, who not only provide care for military personnel but also essential support to civilian communities during emergencies and natural disasters.
When exploring unfamiliar careers, we further found that stories and experiences shared by family members and peers play an important role in shaping career decisions. Narratives from these trusted social networks are often perceived as concrete, authentic, and relatable, enabling individuals to develop a more realistic understanding of career options and make more informed career decisions.
What can we do as individuals?
Don’t limit your career options to the jobs you already know about. We tend to consider careers that feel familiar and overlook those we know little about. But unfamiliar doesn’t mean unsuitable. Challenge yourself to explore industries beyond your comfort zone by speaking with professionals, seeking work experience, or taking on internships in fields you may not previously have considered. Doing so can broaden your career options.
Don’t let stereotypes shape your career choices. Research shows first impressions and common assumptions can result in overlooking careers that may be an excellent fit. Instead, dig deeper. Explore reliable information, ask questions, and talk to people working in the field to gain a more accurate picture of what the job is really like. A better understanding can open doors to opportunities you may never have considered.
Be mindful of who shapes your career decisions. Today, advice comes from everywhere—social media, friends, family, influencers, and online communities. But not all sources are equally reliable. Seek out trusted voices and people with first-hand experience. Their insights, honest stories, and practical advice can help you build a more accurate picture of different careers and make decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Build career self-knowledge. Try to spend more time to understand yourself. Think about what matters most to you, and what kind of work gives you a sense of purpose. Career decisions are often more effective when they align with your personal values, interests, strengths, and aspirations.