<![CDATA[This study aims to explore how cultural and religious values shape the Career Search Efficacy of vocational high school students (SMK) in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Employing a descriptive exploratory qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 15 students from grades XI–XII and two guidance and counseling teachers. The findings reveal that Career Search Efficacy is deeply embedded within Acehnese cultural norms, including Islamic principles, family decision-making traditions (musyawarah), and informal social interactions such as discussions in coffee shops. The analysis identified four main dimensions of Career Search Efficacy influenced by the cultural context: career exploration, interviewing efficacy, networking efficacy, and personal exploration. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of religious dimensions and local cultural practices into the framework of Career Search Efficacy, an aspect that remains underexplored in both national and international scholarship. The findings underscore that the career development of vocational students is not merely an individual process but also a social construction shaped by communal values and spiritual beliefs. Nevertheless, the limited number of participants and the contextual nature of this study highlight research gaps that should be addressed in future investigations using mixed-methods designs and broader participant coverage to obtain more generalizable results. Practically, this study contributes to the development of culturally responsive career guidance services and supports the integration of local wisdom into vocational education practices.]]>
