This article analyzes the ideas and scientific conclusions of both classical and contemporary sociologists regarding the professional choice motivations of high school students. Since the independence years, there have been numerous qualitative and quantitative changes at the national level in the field of vocational education in Kazakhstan, aimed at aligning with international standards. These changes also influence the professional choices of high school students. The relevance of studying professional choice motivations is connected with the fact that in the current conditions of Kazakhstan’s society, professional education is not only a obligatory for social mobility but also, through its high level, ensures the country’s economic development, improves the well-being and social status of individuals, and contributes to overcoming inequalities.

The article presents the results of a survey conducted in 2023 across all regions of Kazakhstan, including major cities such as Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Semey, and Pavlodar. The sample for the study included high school students from the 9th and 11th grades, totaling 1,156 respondents. The sample covers urban and rural students, private (paid) and public schools, as well as general education and specialized schools. The purpose of the study was to analyze the classification of motivations for choosing a profession and to conduct a comparative analysis of the professional choice motivations of high school students across different fields of study.

During the research, the motivations guiding high school students in their choice of profession were grouped into five categories: 1) "interest-oriented," 2) "career-oriented," 3) "social status-oriented," 4) "family-oriented," and 5) "accessibility-oriented." The influence and impact of these factors were individually analyzed for students planning to pursue careers in the humanities, medicine, technical fields, economics, and military professions, with distinct characteristics identified for each group.