All of us have faced a question while we were in school…What do you want to be when you grow up? Most of the people I knew probably had Doctor, Engineer or at most a lawyer as an answer. But the question takes on a whole new significance when you stand at the crossroad and the answer to that question will decide your next step. This was so because most of us were not aware of most of the career options available then. All of us want to do well in life but sometimes need help deciding which option we should choose. Whether you are just out of school/ college or a working professional, there are times when you find yourself confused about your next career move. That is where career counseling comes in focus. Let us first understand what career counselling is... What is career counselling?
Career counselling helps students ascertain their true potential and interest in order to help them choose the right career. Many organizations and experts offer career counselling through a series of tests that help you understand your aptitude, interest and personality. The tests usually have multiple-choice questions, which don't need an individual to be prepared for in any way.
Subsequently a face-to-face interaction with a career counsellor. The interaction provides the student with the opportunity to clear any doubts or queries s/he may have regarding career options and educational/professional courses.
You know you need career counseling when…
You have just passed out of school/ college and don't know what to do next.
You are not able to find a person who can guide you about various career options available.
You are not enjoying your current job and don't know what to do.
You are working at the same place for many years and don't know your options.
If your answer to any of the above situations is yes, then I suggest you seek the help of a career counsellor. How can a career counsellor help students in identifying the right career path? A career counsellor is a professionally qualified person who can help you assess your aptitude, interests and personality with the help of scientific tools like psychometric tests and is aware about the various career options.
What does a career counsellor do?
Judges your aptitude: A career counsellor helps to judge your aptitude, interests and personality with the help of various tests. Each individual has a different aptitude. Everybody who is good at mathematics need not become an engineer. This is what a career counsellor helps in finding out and helps you in taking an informed decision.
Helps you think out of the box "I want to be a Doctor because my uncle is one and he makes a lot of money. This is a common illusion many students find themselves in. A career counsellor helps you come out of these illusions based on various aspects.
Develops thoughtfulness: Most students are not able to decide about what career should they choose. The reasons for this are - lack of maturity, guidance and exposure. A career counsellor can help you in planning a thoughtful career.
How to go about it? Many a times, a person knows what he wants to do in life but does not know the right approach to hit the target in terms of courses available or institutes that can train him/ her. Career counsellors can help you choose the right course and the right institute. In an increasingly competitive world that offers innumerable career choices, career counselling gives students guidance based on the individual's aptitude, interests and personality. So, if you are confused about which field to step into, or concerned about whether you are suited to a particular career, seeking the help of a career counsellor might just give you the clarity you need.
Have a HAPPY CAREER!