It is quite easy to imagine more than one answer to this question, but one thing is for sure: any thoughtful answer would acknowledge that choice is determined both by factors that are under the control of the individual and by factors that are not. Personal factors such as educational status, perception of the world and ambitions all influence an individual's choice of profession strongly. Nevertheless, factors outside the individual's control also play a large role in determining that choice. The environment in which the person grew up -their family life, the jobs of their parents, their community, social class and cultureall contribute to forming that individual's background, which (needless to say) has a very large influence on the opportunities and choices available to them.