Personality and Professional Interests in Angolan University Students

The type of personality, developed differently in each person, and according to distinct biological potential and personal stories, exerts a major influence on the career choice (Holland, 1973). The differentiation of personalities, that tend to crystallize between 18 and 30 years old, leads individuals to develop particular forms of response to environmental demands. Thus, choosing a career is a manifestation of the personality of each individual (Holland, 1959). Participated in this study 63 Angolan young adults, from both sexes, (31, 49.2% girls and 32, 50.8% boys), aged 17 to 20 years old (µ=19±0.78). These adolescents are fellows of the program of scholarships abroad and were attending a preparation course for higher education in Portugal, in the academic areas of economy and management, and technology. The measures administered were the Neo Personality Inventory-Revised (McCrae & Costa, 1992; adapted by Lima, 1997), and the Self-Directed Search (SDS; Holland, 1973). Correlation analyses between the personality and the professional interests were performed, as well as differences according to sex and academic area. Results demonstrate statistically significant correlations between extroversion and social interests, openness to experience and realistic interests, and amiability and enterprising interests. Statistically significant differences were also found in the artistic interest according to sex, and in the extroversion dimension according to academic area. Implications are drawn to the development of psychological support systems at the Portuguese higher education considering the Angolan education and culture.