Choosing a career without proper guidance is like setting sail without a map or compass. Career guidance can be the lighthouse that illuminates the path to a fulfilling and successful future. It is a crucial aspect of every student’s life that determines their future. The right career path can lead to a successful and fulfilling life, while the wrong one can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, in Kashmir, there is lack of awareness and information about various career options available, and there is no culture of visiting a career counsellor. This has led to a situation where many students are unaware of the vast array of career opportunities available to them.
The 10th board exams have concluded, and now students are faced with the daunting task of selecting the right subjects for their further education. The choice of subjects is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on the student’s future career opportunities. In today’s rapidly changing world, new career paths are emerging, and it is essential to be aware of all the options available to make informed decisions.
Recent surveys have shown that 93 percent of students in India are aware of less than ten career options, mostly limited to the traditional fields of engineering, medicine, law, finance, and IT. However, with over 600 career options available today, it is essential to increase awareness levels of all the available career options for students.
One way to do this is by attending a career guidance program or setting up an appointment with a career counsellor. Career guidance typically begins with an assessment of an individual’s skills, interests, and strengths. This information is then used to identify potential career paths that may be a good fit. A career counsellor or advisor may provide information about various occupations, such as job requirements, growth potential, and earning potential.
Career counsellors can also help individuals explore education and training options, such as college or vocational programs, and offer advice on how to gain relevant work experience. They are the right people to explore and ask for a desired new but appropriate career path. Career counselors let people make informed decisions with practical guidance and thorough research. They keep students updated with all the leading platforms and current requirements in the market.
Moreover, educators in India are extensively working towards achieving improvements in the educational sector. Career counselors are among those who groom younger minds in a suitable direction. When schools, institutes, or even parents lack to offer proper guidance to the students, career counselors come into action. It is the utmost account of the counselor to show and be aware of all the career paths available to the ones in need.
Career guidance information will help students fulfil their aspirations by setting up realistic goals. A career guidance counselor is an expert in career opportunities and options that students must have, depending on their interests and capability. A counselor is well aware of the opportunity and examines them from a broader perspective to find a suitable solution for a particular student.
Career counselors respect and comprehend the children’s and parents’ perspectives and, accordingly, recommend an ideal middle path. They try to be fair and deliver a balanced opinion by making both parties understand the details of career options. They make students aware of options like ethical hacking, astrophysics, sports psychology, and more. These counselors can introduce students to all the effective alternatives present in the market.
Choosing the right career is not just about earning money or status. It is also about finding a job that brings satisfaction and personal fulfilment. Career guidance with an expert counselor will develop a clear road map to fulfil future dreams. With the help of a career counselor, students can discover their strengths and interests, explore new opportunities, and make informed decisions about their future.
Bottom line: career guidance is essential for every student to make informed decisions about their future. The role of a career counselor is to provide students with the necessary guidance and information to help them choose the right career path based on their interests, skills, and capabilities. With the right guidance, students can explore new opportunities and fulfil their aspirations, leading to a successful and fulfilling career.
Career guidance is not about telling you what to do, it’s about empowering you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about your future.”
The author is educational Columnist, motivational speaker, Associate Editor of the weekly ‘Education Quill’, senior EDP Head at DD Target PMT in Kashmir.
