Kamala Guliyeva, Nargiz Mukhtarli, Aydan Shakikhanli

Summary. One of the key indicators reflecting the success of the choice of a specialization is students' motivation. Numerous factors influence the motivation levels of students in higher education institutions, either positively or negatively. This article investigates the factors influencing the professional motivation of undergraduate students, focusing on 106 participants majoring in teaching. The study collected data on students' choice of specialization, career aspirations, perceived educational quality, and perceptions of teachers' professionalism through a survey. The aim was to explore the motivation and future plans of students pursuing bachelor's degrees in pedagogical specialties in Azerbaijan. Analysis of the responses revealed that the quality of teaching, opportunities for professional growth, and the perceived quality of pedagogical experiences, along with local stereotypes and job requirements, significantly impact students' professional motivation.

Keywords: teacher, student, motivation, choice of specialty, career, education quality.