Purpose: This study aims to look at the motives and dynamics of career choices in the socio-cultural values of the Bugis community. Career choice factors are rarely approached from the aspect of socio-cultural values. One indicator of extrinsic factors is socio-cultural values. Design/methodology/approach: This study is qualitative research. The subjects of this study consisted of 34 first-semester students at vocational higher education. The research method is in the form of qualitative research through documentation, observations and interviews. Documentation was carried out to collect data on the informant's academic achievement and background. Observations were made to observe the informants' behavior and learning habits while in class. Interviews were used to determine motives, influencing factors and the impact of informants' career choices. Findings: The findings of this study indicate: (1) vocational higher education students in the Bugis community choose careers based on their own choices and other people's choices or other people's considerations (chosen); (2) the socio-cultural values of the Bugis community become an influential factor in the career choices of vocational higher education students in the Bugis community, both those who choose themselves and those who are elected and (3) for those who choose themselves, the socio-cultural values of the Bugis community become a factor that directly influences vocational higher education students. Originality/value: The socio-cultural values of the Bugis people are a factor that has an indirect influence on the career choice of vocational higher education students.