Written By:
Zubair Ghazi
Community Resilience Development Officer
UNDP GLOF-II
According to the latest Labor Force Survey by the PBS (Pakistan Board of Statistics) in 2020-21, male and female youth comprise 13.1% and 13.2% respectively of the total population in the country. Their combined absolute number is 58.7 million.
Pakistan is a country with an impressive youth population and that somehow increases the concerns and need for youth-centric projects to prepare a workforce that has been informed about the latest trends and demands in the work environment.
The dynamics (socio-economic) have changed and so the learning patterns and job market have evolved and shifted towards more technology. During my previous job as a Research Assistant at the University, I came across several students who had not selected their degree programs for themselves. Although lack of self-interest in subjects was common in both boys and girls, it was a bit more in girls as they had to send their brothers or cousins to fill admission form in universities.
“I wanted to take admission in Bachelors in English, but my brother filled BS Education form then I had to join Education department”
girls in rural areas of Pakistan rely on the men of their household for career choices. Even Boys from rural areas face the problem of selecting the degree programs for themselves due to a lack of awareness and guidance.
Several students just enroll in degree programs based on their common friend’s interest or any family member’s recommendation and later cannot perform well in academics due to a lack of interest in the subjects.
University is the place where any student can transform himself/herself and create a better future for himself/herself. The loophole I noticed is when students tend to join universities they do not research degrees based on their interest and market demand, instead they just join any degree program, and later if they graduate it becomes nearly impossible to find a stable career for themselves due to satisfactory performance. There have been several cases during job interviews many people cannot even define or explain their degree programs.
The lack of adequate career counseling in the modern era is a concern that affects individuals at various stages of their professional development. Several factors contribute to this issue, and addressing them is crucial for helping people make informed and fulfilling career choices. Here are some reasons behind the lack of career counseling in the modern era:
Changing Job Landscape: The rapid evolution of industries and the emergence of new job roles make it challenging for traditional career counseling services to keep up with the latest trends.
Technology Advancements: While technology has the potential to enhance career counseling, it can also create barriers for individuals who lack access to digital resources or personalized guidance.
Globalization and Diverse Career Paths: The globalization of industries and the availability of diverse career paths make it difficult for career counselors to provide tailored advice for every individual’s unique circumstances.
Education System Focus: In some cases, education systems may prioritize academic achievement over practical career guidance, leaving students unprepared for the transition from education to the workforce.
Limited Resources: Insufficient resources, both human and financial, allocated to career counseling services hinder their ability to reach a larger audience and provide in-depth support.
Stigma and Awareness: Stigma around seeking career advice and a lack of awareness about the benefits of career counseling may discourage individuals from seeking help.
Dynamic Job Market: The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the job market requires continuous updates to career counseling strategies, which some institutions may struggle to implement effectively.
Digital Divide: Socioeconomic disparities and the digital divide can limit access to online career counseling resources for individuals who lack internet connectivity or digital literacy.
Focus on Short-Term Goals: Some individuals may prioritize short-term goals over long-term career planning, leading them to overlook the importance of professional guidance.
Inadequate Training for Counselors: Insufficient training for career counselors may result in limited expertise in addressing the diverse needs of individuals in a rapidly changing job market.
Several confused students just randomly select a degree program and enroll in it just to graduate and get the piece of paper. Addressing the lack of career counseling in the modern era requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and private organizations. Efforts should focus on establishing counseling methods, leveraging technology responsibly, and raising awareness about the importance of career guidance in facilitating successful and fulfilling career paths. The career counseling centers should be introduced in schools and colleges of Pakistan to prepare and help young students select a degree program that is in demand and can contribute to the economy and make the academic sector more relevant to the global competition.
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