Core strength, aptitude should decide career choice

While the end of board examinations brings much needed relief for students, this also marks the beginning of  tough questionss, on what streams to pursue. Many students may find this a tough task.

According to Karthik Lakshman RM, a child psychologist specialising in career guidance, the exercise  can be simplified by identifying students’ strengths and potential, using a few parameters. This may then indicate which professions are most suited for them. The criteria for selecting a career path can be split into internal and external factors. Internal factors are governed by a student’s capability and persona, which will help gauge a student’s potential.

Before choosing a career path, students must introspect on their own abilities. They should try and envision the bigger picture, identifying the key abilities that are needed in a profession and checking if they possess them. For example, a student who is interested in becoming a doctor must have a comprehensive knowledge of physics, chemistry and biology.

Passion for a subject will ensure that students will gain the maximum job satisfaction later in life. Rote learning will be a huge stumbling block when they decide on a career path. They must ensure that they possess the required analytical aptitude for the stream they select.

Every job profile has a personality requirement. Students must select a career option that is most suited to them.  For example, the job of a teacher calls for immense patience. 

External factors constitute conditions that are outside the control of students. They are ever changing and students must be up-to-date with them to make the right decisions.

Many courses have a minimum requirement with respect to a student’s marks. Certain courses have a limited number of seats, and so the cut-off marks are high. Students must always have a backup plan. Ensure that you have four or five alternative career options. 

There have been many instances where the financial status of a family has derailed the career aspirations of students. Parents are advised to put money in a fixed deposit to ensure that they are able to fund their children’s education. 

Some courses have certain eligibility requirements, such as an age limit while others may state a few years of experience. It is the task of the student to be aware of all the criteria required to follow a particular stream. 

This could quite possibly be the most important aspect for students. Before they choose a career path, they must first be aware of permutations associated with a given course. Students must enlighten themselves on information pertaining to a course. They must know where the course is being offered, when to apply and what the chances are of being employed after finishing the course.

If students follow these simple steps, they will find it easier to decide on a career path. Focus on the internal factors. The external factors are outside our control and in a constant state of flux. Don’t be influenced by others. Education pundits might put out statistics on what the most lucrative career options are. But chances are that the situation might change before students graduate. One must also not wait till the last moment to apply for a course. Students are advised to avoid the trial and error method of deciding on a career. One must make up the mind before deciding on a career path. While there is nothing wrong in changing a course midstream, it will result in the loss of time and funds. 

Always provide your wards the complete freedom to choose a career path of their own. Let your children make their own decisions. Act only as a guide, not the decision maker.