[Choosing a University] Even if you don't know "what you want to do," you can still choose a path you won't regret! What's the secret to "making a satisfying decision" that you should know by age 17? New Book "What to Do About Your Career Path" Released.

Gakken Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / Representative Director and President: Tatsuya Nanjo), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Miyahara), released "What to Do About Your Career Path" on March 23, 2026.

■Before choosing a career path, 90% of high school students are not taught "how to decide"

"What do you want to be in the future?"

"What do you want to study at university?"

"What are you interested in?"

You are probably often asked such questions when choosing a career path. However, how many people can clearly answer these questions? I don't think there are many.

Family and teachers will likely gather a lot of information to give you hints.

University brochures, faculty/department explanations, seminar/laboratory themes, national qualification pass rates, employment rates, graduate school advancement rates, availability of overseas study programs, difficulty of past exams, availability of designated school recommendation slots, tuition fees, availability and content of scholarship programs, experiences of seniors, reviews on social media and word-of-mouth...

However, before you know it, are you drowning in a sea of information?

That's understandable.
Most people have never been taught what it means to "make a firm decision" or how to do it specifically.
In fact, a survey of university students showed that only 1 in 8 had been taught "how to decide" *.

※Survey results by the authors.

■Acquire "how to decide," a lifelong skill

"How to decide" is also called "decision-making" in the business world.
Which products to sell, where to spend money. Business people make choices every day where there is no single right answer.

If you can't make decisions well, you waste time and money, or miss opportunities.

Knowing "how to decide" when choosing a career path is like getting a life jacket to avoid drowning in a sea of information. If you wear it and wander, the compass within you will eventually point you in the right direction.
This is none other than your own unique path.

Now, let's draw your own navigation chart through this book!

FAQ

What is the main purpose of the newly released book "What to Do About Your Career Path"?

The book aims to teach individuals, especially those aged 17, how to make satisfying decisions about their career paths, even if they are unsure about their future aspirations.

What percentage of high school students are reportedly not taught "how to decide" their future career paths?

According to the article, 90% of high school students are not taught "how to decide" when choosing a career path.

What is the business world equivalent of "how to decide" that is mentioned in the article?

In the business world, "how to decide" is also referred to as "decision-making," a crucial skill for making choices where there isn't always a single correct answer.

What analogy is used to describe the importance of learning "how to decide" when facing a lot of information?

The article uses the analogy of a "life jacket" to explain that knowing "how to decide" helps individuals avoid drowning in a sea of information when choosing a career path.

What was the outcome of a survey conducted among university students regarding decision-making skills?

A survey of university students revealed that only 1 in 8 students had been taught "how to decide," highlighting a gap in this essential skill.

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