More than half of Romanian teenagers aged 16 to 18 say they are uncertain about the career path they want to follow, even though they are just months away from major academic milestones such as the baccalaureate and university entrance exams. The findings come from the Vocational DNA study, conducted by Mind Architect.

“More than half of the young respondents, aged between 16 and 18, say they do not clearly know which direction to take in their career, despite the fact that very little time remains before their final exams and university applications,” the study states.

In addition, a significant percentage of adults surveyed say they are dissatisfied with their current jobs, which they feel do not reflect who they truly are.

The research was conducted between October 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, on a sample of 1,925 individuals aged 16 to 50. The study explored career expectations, job satisfaction, and how many respondents feel they have truly found and are living their professional vocation.

“The results show that in the absence of proper mentorship and an education system that supports and encourages individual aptitudes, a large percentage of people either don't know which direction to take in their career or end up in jobs that bring them little satisfaction and are far from what they once dreamed of,” the report notes.

“We go through school focused on evaluation and the future. We gain some knowledge — mostly by memorization — and, if we're lucky, a few skills. But we leave school with little clarity about our Talents, Passions, Values, or how our Personality shapes our Motivation and future work behavior.

We enter the workforce hopeful, but also confused, pressured not to make mistakes, to prove ourselves, constantly comparing our journey with others and, at times, chasing unrealistic expectations. We end up making major life decisions without truly knowing ourselves. And in doing so, we create a poorer world — both literally and figuratively.”

Paul Olteanu, founder of Vocational DNA, explains the mission behind the initiative:

“We launched this project with the belief that work can be meaningful and fulfilling — not just about survival or comfort.
 We believe it’s possible to build a reality where every Romanian uses their talents daily, in service of something they’re genuinely passionate about, lives aligned with their own values and personality, and ultimately receives what motivates them most.

All of this so we can reach our potential — discover our Vocational DNA and build a career around it.”

Written by Alina Oprea | 17 iunie 2025, 16:17