Vocational experiences within the professional field, higher education students questioning their career choice
Authors
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José Alfredo Corrales Lozano
Universidad Para el Desarrollo Andino
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3670-7870
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Winder Pastor Canahuire Vera
Universidad Nacional del Altiplano
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2096-0935
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Pio Napoleón Vilca Ramos
Universidad Nacional del Altiplano
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3897-1972
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33936/rehuso.v11i2.8036Keywords:
professional vocation, vocational crisis, professional identity, higher education, student experiencesAbstract
This study aimed to understand the experiences of what is presented as a vocational crisis among higher education students in Cusco, analyzing the meanings they attribute to their choice and re-choice within their professional lives. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was adopted, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the lived and subjective experiences of six intentionally selected education students. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews consisting of open-ended questions that analyzed these aspects and was analyzed using ATLAS.ti software, applying coding and categorization processes. Six main categories emerged from the analysis: motivations and early formative experiences, construction of vocational identity, crisis and questioning, stress factors, coping strategies, and experiences of reaffirmation. The results show, firstly, that a vocational crisis does not imply failure, but rather a process of self-knowledge and reinterpretation that allows for the consolidation of a more mature professional identity. Furthermore, it was evident that teacher support, personal reflection, and practical experiences help overcome distress and strengthen the teaching vocation. In conclusion, understanding these experiences provides valuable input for designing emotional and pedagogical support strategies in teacher training institutions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 José Alfredo Corrales Lozano, Winder Pastor Canahuire Vera, Pio Napoleón Vilca Ramos
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