🎓 TV Dramas Misinform Students: OECD Study Reveals Reality Gap in Career Aspirations

A new OECD survey of 690,000 15‑year‑olds across 81 countries shows a concerning trend: 1 in 5 teenagers aspire to careers requiring university degrees—like doctors or lawyers—without planning to actually attend university heraldsun.com.au.

📺 Why This Matters:

• Popular TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and Law & Order glamorize elite professions, leading students—especially from disadvantaged backgrounds—to hold unrealistic job dreams.
• Among disadvantaged teens, nearly one-third are affected, compared to fewer than 1 in 10 from affluent backgrounds heraldsun.com.au.
• Although career interests have broadened over two decades, 39% of students are still undecided at age 15.

💡 What This Tells Us:

• Schools need better career guidance programs, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Parents and educators must help teens align their ambitions with education plans and realistic pathways.
• Highlight real stories of professionals and various career options beyond university-only roles.