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2025 High School Students' Career Aspirations

In 2025, Jinjibu, a company aimed at supporting high school students in their career endeavors, conducted an extensive survey among current high school students attending the "Oshigoto Fair 2025". This event was aimed at providing career experiences, and the survey garnered 1,746 valid responses, revealing valuable insights into students' desired careers and the industries they wish to join.

Summary of the Rankings

The survey showcased a consistent trend from the previous year, with 'customer service roles' taking the top spot once again, followed closely by 'craftsmanship roles.' The manufacturing sector also emerged as the leading industry students wish to venture into.

Survey Overview

• - Survey Duration: May 8 - June 23, 2025
• - Methodology: Conducted at Jinjibu's career experience event, the Oshigoto Fair 2025
• - Target Respondents: High school students from grades 1 to 4 (including part-time students)
• - Valid Responses: n=1,746

Background of the Survey

The landscape for high school students seeking employment continues to be competitive with a job-to-applicant ratio of 4.10. Companies are focusing on offering attractive starting salaries, benefits, and educational systems to improve their recruitment capabilities, leading to intensified competition. Conversely, high school students generally follow a short application window of about two months after job postings become public and often apply based on teacher recommendations.

Recognizing the challenges faced, Jinjibu believes that expanding the variety of jobs and industries that these graduates can consider, along with post-employment training and support, is crucial for their future success. For the third consecutive year, this survey focused on identifying desired careers and preferred industries among current students, hoping to uncover effective pathways for high school graduates to thrive in the workforce.

Desired Careers Ranking

According to the survey results, 'customer service roles' (14.6%) maintained the top position for three consecutive years, while 'craftsmanship roles' (10.5%) followed closely in second place. Notably, 'illustrator' (10.1%) moved up to third this year from fourth last year.

The popularity of 'customer service roles' can be attributed to students' real-world experience gained through part-time jobs and their enjoyment of engaging with people. Meanwhile, 'craftsmanship roles' remain popular due to strong interest among younger generations in hands-on, creative work coupled with the stability these jobs offer. The increasing fascination with artistic professions, particularly 'illustrators,' is likely influenced by the rise of social media and digital platforms that provide avenues for self-expression. Professions that emphasize self-expression, such as 'designers,' 'YouTube influencers,' and 'game developers,' have also seen a surge in popularity.

Overall, students' career choices reflect a strong desire for stability, creativity, and pursuing personal passions. These trends suggest that as society evolves, the methods and ideas surrounding career selection may also diversify significantly.

Desired Industries Ranking

When asked about the industries they are most interested in, high school students overwhelmingly chose the 'manufacturing sector' (20.8%) as their top choice, again confirming its prominence in the rankings. Following closely were the 'hospitality and food service industries' (15.0%) and the 'service industry' (13.7%), which swapped rankings compared to previous years.

This strong interest in stable industries combined with a recovery in the tourism sector suggests that students are not only focusing on stability but are also aware of the growth potential within these areas, particularly given the rebound from the pandemic.

Concerns About Career Paths

Addressing the anxieties surrounding their career choices, nearly half of the respondents expressed fear over uncertainties in pursuing desired paths (48.8%). Other notable concerns included a lack of clarity on what they want to do (46.6%) and difficulties in identifying their strengths (41.8%). These responses highlight the ongoing challenges high school students face when considering their futures.

There is a clear necessity for early career education and support, as students often struggle to understand their aspirations and career visions.

Insights from Survey Results

The survey results underscore the significant impact of hands-on experiences like part-time jobs on students' perceptions of various professions. This means that if lower-ranked professions could increase opportunities for internships or part-time work, they might rise in popularity among students seeking meaningful careers.

Interestingly, while some career rankings remained stable compared to previous years, others experienced dramatic increases in interest, illustrating the direct impact of societal trends and youth culture.

Moving forward, it is essential for students to gain a better understanding of their unique capabilities and interests, facilitating an environment where diverse career paths are available and supported.

Conclusion

The high school landscape regarding career aspirations is evolving, and with proper guidance, students can pave a successful path. Organizations like Jinjibu play a crucial role in bridging this gap, ensuring the next generation is ready to face the challenges of the workforce.

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In conclusion, the 2025 survey has provided a fascinating look at high school students’ career aspirations, reflecting their values and the evolving job market. Encouraging a deeper understanding of personal interests and skills can empower these young individuals to carve their own paths in their future careers.