Abstract: Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) integrates the effects of psychological, social, and economical factors on career choice by using three key concepts such as self-efficacy, result expectation, and goal setting. Differing from traditional typology theory, need theory, and developmental theory which studied the psychological factor, social factors, and economical factors independantly, SCCT explains the nature and process of career choice systematically at different time point of life span. It does help to develop a new approach to career theory in future. Finally, the disadvantages of SCCT such as lack of implicit concepts and operationalization are commented.

Key words: social cognition, career theory, career choice.