By,Noman Ejaz Raja
Exploring career options can be difficult task for the students. There are so many choices, and new career paths are always appearing, which can make it easy to feel confused and unsure about what to do. Career Counseling is a useful tool to helps students figure out their career choices. It’s like a compass, guiding them through all the options and helping them find a career they will enjoy.
Career Counseling started in the late 19th century as part of the American progressive social reform movement. Since then, it has grown a lot and is now an important part of helping students in colleges. It gives students ongoing guidance and support to help them make career choices. However, not many students can access this important service, which can result in them choosing careers that are not fulfilling or satisfying.
iDream Careers released a report called Bharat Aspiration, which included 5,225 students from Class IX to XII in private and public School across 16 states.
The report showed that only 13.2% of these students received professional career guidance, while most of them got advice from people they know personally. This shows how important it is for colleges to make students aware of the many career options available. It helps students understand their preference, personality, and values, which are important for planning their career path.
Identifying student’s interests and abilities
Career counseling in colleges helps students discover their skills and understand the wide range of subjects, stream, and courses available, using the right resources. Professional career counsellors talk to students to help them plan their education by identifying their interests, abilities, and thinking skills. They also use psychometric tests to suggest job that might match the student’s personality. This process gives students a clear direction and plan to reach their long-term career goals.
Career counselling helps students figure out how to follow their passions while understanding their strengths and weakness. It gives realistic view of career trends, job markets, opportunities, and challenges they might face in their chosen careers. Should you study science or choose a commerce degree for your future job? Professional advice can help clear up confusion in such situations.
Career counselling also helps students prepare for competitive exams and have their profiles, portfolios, and other admission documents ready to apply to good colleges or universities. Good
career planning leads to better readiness for careers and helps students set realistic career goals.
Exploring career options
Career counseling helps students explore different subjects, career paths, and job sectors so they can make good decisions about their future .For example, if someone is unsure about choosing between journalism and civil services, school counsellors can help them compare things like job opportunities, salaries, and the skills needed. They also help students see if these jobs match their interests and goals.
With new jobs like social media influencers, professional games, or data analysts emerging, students need to think carefully about what they want to do. Digitalization and globalization are changing skill requirements, so it’s important for students to stay informed. Counsellors, who understand the latest trends, can help students decide whether to pursue newer career paths or those that are constantly evolving.
Study Abroad Counselling
For a students who want to study abroad, counselling services can be very helpful. They offer advice about the education systems in different countries, eligibility criteria, the application
process, scholarships, and international job prospects. Studying at top universities abroad can lead to excellent education and job opportunities. However, choosing the right course, college, and country can be complicated. Experienced counsellors can guide students through this process and help them find the best options based on their needs and goal.
Colleges are not just institutions of learning; they are incubators for career development. Through dedicated career services, internships, and alumni networks, they provide students with the tools, connections, and experiences needed to make informed career choices. By fostering these opportunities, colleges play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectories of their students
Career counseling, supported by the strategic initiatives of colleges, empowers individuals to navigate their professional journeys with confidence and clarity. It transforms potential into achievement, ensuring that students are not only prepared for their first job but are equipped with a lifelong approach to career development. As we move forward, the collaboration between career counseling and educational institutions will continue to be a cornerstone of professional success and fulfillment.
