Preparing young adults for success requires a different educational experience than it did even a generation ago. Gone are the times when fields such as medical and engineering were the only options available for a respectable career and income. Now, life is very complex and these are the days of specialisation. Today, the world is changing or rather evolving with each passing day. In today’s age innovation holds a lot of importance. Globalisation has led the world to one big nation where different cultures and people come together. For this reason, newer career options are emerging, primarily seeing a lot of scope in India. Even the traditional fields have diverted to emerge into newer aspects to cater to the needs of the generation of tomorrow. There is an infinite variety of professions and jobs to cater to the varying interest of the students.
The movie ‘3 Idiots’ shows the consequences of a situation when one start a course of study due to some kind of external pressure. And it is universal that a lot of students end up in a situation like that only. The lack of proper guidance and counselling worsens the situation. Consequently, students are seen getting puzzled in the dark and making wrong career-choices. The ever-increasing number of job- seekers, ill-equipped to make right decisions on this matter, has generated a lot of frustration, hopelessness, alienation, unrest and acts of indiscipline. It also means wastage of human resources and national wealth.
A child is merely a teenager and he/she knows so little of the world. With so many choices and so much to consider, finding the right career path becomes a herculean task. Inevitably, the kind of education, educational institution, friends, surroundings, environment and parents, all play a major role in choosing the career of a student. Choosing a career also involves considering the amount of money one can invest, the time one is willing to give to the college and the place to attend the college. Additionally, the various latest trends should not be ignored.
With all these factors involved, selecting a career path is an elongated process which should be processed wisely and intelligently. Selecting the right option involves various steps. A good way to start is by some self- examination. First of all one should analyse their own self or what could be their talents. These are the things that one is naturally good at. They can be discovered and developed, but not taught. It can be followed by conducting some research. Researching is about being well informed to make one of the most important decisions of life. If one has the information, mecan select from the different courses that offer a balance between the abilities and interests.
As a final step, compare all the different options. One needs to wisely consider variables such as the college, job offers or scholarships. Also students should make sure that while choosing the options they should zero down to more than one option. So that in case plan A becomes unachievable then student can work upon plan B without wasting time or getting disheartened.
What is also needed is that the school should involve in counselling sessions for the students wherein all the options are discussed in detail. The pros and cons of each option should be kept opened in front of the the students. An ability assessment can also be taken to highlight the strength and interest of the students. Online career assessment websites are also available which gives students the opportunity to answer the questions relating to students interest and then giving an immediate feedback about the career option that fits best with their personality.
Recent developments have shown that career opportunities are available in abundance. Choosing a career is no more a matter of one’s likes and dislikes. Today number is not restricted to accounting. It could be banking, statistics or any other financial sector. Humanities have opened up numerous options like mass communication, hospitality, travel and tourism, animation or designing. Science does not only mean engineering or medical. Streams relating to aircraft maintenance, marine related courses, food technologist are seeing lot of opportunities. Infact, one can take to politics if one has an aptitude for public life and skills to make the people listen and follow.
With an increase in the population and advancement in science and technology, newer streams have opened up. The right and timely choice of a career is of fundamental importance. In deciding career one has to be practical, logical, rational, and shrewd. A correct choice of career may lead to success, happiness and prosperity, while a wrong and late one may lead to sorrow, repentance, failure and lifelong frustration. So for selecting the right career path, one needs to be proactive about their decision because this choice will change the entire life! Also one should know that everyone has a unique set of skills and talents, so one should focus on them and then think about where and how to apply. Casual approach in choosing a career or profession can prove very harmful.