Is Science the only option to shape your Career?

By; HILAL AHMAD BHAT

Selecting the right subject stream is probably one of the most important decisions that children are going to make in their career. With so many changes happening across every career field, stream selection in Class XI has to be spot on.

Let’s look at some of the questions which clog students’ minds after 10^th examination.

1. What if I choose now but hate the subject combination later?
2. Will my school allow me to change my subject combination later?
3. Will I be able to handle Mathematics in Class XI?
4. What if I want to drop Mathematics after Class XI?
5. Will I be restricted from pursuing a particular course during my graduation if I drop Mathematics in Class XI and XII?

But let us sit back and think for a moment.

With the explosion in the number and type of Career Options – should we really fret over stream selection in Class XI to such an extent?

The moment you ask students about their choice of stream after 10th, you will hear answers like:

• I am focusing on my preparation now. Let the result come out, and I will decide after that.
• Of course science, all my friends are going to opt for science.
• My parents want me to become a doctor or an engineer. So, I will opt for science.
• I am confused what to choose. I would opt for a stream that has more demand in the job market.

Science is the most popular and favourite career option for the majority of the parents and students. Science stream offers many lucrative career options such as engineering, medical, IT and you can even opt for research roles. The best advantage of taking science stream is, it keeps your options open.

Commerce is the second most popular career option after science. If you love numbers, finances, economics etc., then finance is the best option for you. It offers a wider variety of career options such as Chartered Accountants, MBA, investment in banking sectors etc.

Arts:  Although, this stream is not so common among students, it holds many exciting career opportunities like journalism, literature, social work, teaching, etc. Arts offer you a huge list of options to select the remaining four subjects which include, sociology, history, literature, psychology, political science, philosophy, economics etc.

In class 10^th   , children tend to take the decision with a puzzled and ambiguous mind. Many times, they end up selecting a wrong stream, thereby opening the door to haywire career decisions later on in life. Sometimes, students start hating their subjects in 11th, quit midway or start feeling frustrated about their wrong move or decision.

Remember that if you give in to peer pressure, parental pressure or lack the right knowledge, you tend to lose motivation to perform after a certain time. Hence, it is very important for any student to choose the stream carefully for better career prospects. But how would you decide if your choice of stream after 10th is correct or not?

What is my aim in life?

Every child grows up having a role model in mind. It can either be a family member or even a famous personality or celebrity. More often than not, a student’s aim in life will be based on his/her role model. It is important to identify this ambition in life for a student and judge which subject stream will be best suited for them. Whether you want to become an engineer, doctor, chartered accountant, lawyer, and teacher or break free from the conventional career options. If you know exactly what you want to do, the choice becomes very clear.

What subjects do I like the most?

Before choosing a stream in Class 11^th, you should keep in mind the subjects you have always enjoyed studying and which you are good at. It’s always wise for students to choose a stream for themselves that includes their ‘favorite subject’. For example, if you like studying history, you should take up the Arts/Humanities stream. Similarly, a student who excels at and enjoys studying the sciences should take up the science stream.

Should I take assistance from my seniors/parents/teachers?

There are instances when students take the wrong decisions due to lack of knowledge. So, guidance from experts and experienced people always matters. On many occasions, students ignore their passion and follow their parents’ decision. So, a constructive discussion with parents or teachers and conveying to them where your happiness lies should not be missed out during this phase.

Every student arrives at his/her crucial point when he/she clears his 10^th board exam. It is one of the important milestones in every student’s life. Also, it is a turning point and a base for further studies and career options. The choices made after 10^th standard influence the further decisions that students have to make. In fact, right after 10^th, the student is made to decide the next course of action, in short, the student gets firsthand experience in decision making; Welcome to Adulthood!

Students who were until then guided and spoon-fed must take charge and most of them find it daunting. There are a lot of options on what to study next. With lots of choices and suggestions that come in a student’s way, here are our two cents to help students make a wise decision and walk towards their goal.

If you are a student then you will have to decide what your further course of action is. It might be studies or career. The decision is going to affect your future and hence it is the first crucial point that you encounter. Remember, a responsible decision will never create a burden than irresponsible choices.

A big decision needs proper research, as the after-effects of this decision will have a long-lasting impact. Research does not just include finding the courses, colleges and asking suggestions from seniors or family members. You have to research your mind too! Know what you like and what interests you more. You might be interested in two subjects and equally well versed in both but then the career prospects and further studies differ heavily, so consider the career path of both options and whichever satisfies you, go for it. Thorough research will always be helpful.

Right after 10^th, students can opt for further studies or look for a job depending on their choice.  Both the prospects have considerable options to look for.

The writer is a teacher in the Department of Education and can be reached at bhat.hilalahmad32@gmail.com