Academic motivation and professional expectations in students: a systematic review
Abstract
Motivation is one of the most relevant factors for successfully pursuing a professional career. When students choose their career at an early age, they do so based on limited information about it. In this sense, academic motivations and professional expectations play a crucial role in this process. This study aims to develop a systematic literature review of academic motivation and professional expectations across different fields, followed by a comparative analysis with specific moti- vations in communication careers. For this research, a search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and RedALyC databases using the terms (in both Spanish and English) academic motivation and professional expectations. A total of 85 articles published between 2009 and 2022 were selected for review. The scientific production on this topic has increased over the years. There are research studies con- ducted by research groups from various countries working with samples of over 10,000 students. The presence and rea- sons for student motivation vary depending on the chosen ca- reer and vocation. It can be confidently asserted that motiva- tions differ across fields; for instance, medical students may cite the humanistic focus of the profession as their motivation, while communication students may highlight the themes of creativity and the social impact of their career as motivating factors. Additionally, there is a growing interest in researching the academic motivations of students, which is positive for improving academic performance and career perspectives. This trend towards understanding and analyzing motivations is beneficial for tailoring educational approaches to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of students in different disci- plines. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing specific motivations within aca- demic and professional contexts to enhance both educational experiences and future career outcomes.
