an average, students who have cleared their Class XII board examinations choose career options based on the percentage they score.
The admission process, which is based mainly on percentage, does not allow them the option of a combination of subjects they may desire as career choices.
In this set-up, many students go through the rigmarole of a graduation without much interest and, later in life, do not get much job satisfaction.
In reality, they would have preferred to be in a different field altogether!
Choosing the right career
Today, colleges also conduct entrance examinations to judge a student's interest in a particular field. They try to ascertain whether students have a preference or are being forced into a course by overzealous parents.
Who then is responsible for making such frustrated individuals or misfits? Can one actually blame the set-up, parents, or the students themselves?
Instead of playing the blame game, it is important to focus on how to optimise the chances or opportunities one has; it is important to find a way out.
Six mantras to get it right
A student's story does not end with him/ her scoring a reasonably good percentage. This is when the dilemma of choosing between available courses and those that one prefers sets in.
Take the case of a student who wants to become a fashion designer or a journalist, but has scored enough marks to pursue a more traditional honours course from a reputed college.
This student will need to convince everyone as to why s/he is interested in another field of study instead of opting for the standard programme.
If you are faced a similar situation, don't be afraid about asserting your choice and standing by it.
Remember, though, to do your homework well so you don't end up doing something irrational.
i. Planning is a must
Consider these issues before narrowing down your options.
~ What are your aims and aspirations?
~ Where do you see yourself five years from now?
~ Compare the hard work and effort required in different fields.
~ Judge the material benefits you will get eventually.
~ Check out the possible career options/ avenues open to you after completing the course.
~ Consider more than one career option in order to give yourself a back-up.
~ Remember to differentiate between a career and a hobby.
Idealistic thinking can wait. Once you are successful in your field, you will have plenty of time to pursue your social and idealistic leanings.
ii. Assess your abilities
~ Do you have the necessary pre-qualifications to do well in the field of your choice?
For instance, if you want to be a journalist, you should be a good reader and writer, you should be eloquent, you should be an extrovert and so on and so forth.
If you are interested in fashion designing, you should have a creative mind, a good hand at sketching, a good knowledge of colours and some experience in designing or you should have experimented with clothes.
If you want to be a model, you should have the appropriate physical attributes and attitude.
So ask yourself the following questions:
~ Do you have the personality, the visible traits and hidden talents you can mould and develop to help you in the profession of your choice?
To be the best in any field, you don't just require the education you get during graduation; the way you have shaped up over the years also matters.
There is nothing wrong in not having certain capabilities, but do ask yourself why you want to pursue a course where you will be competing against someone who is well-adapted to its essential aspects?
Everyone has that extra special quality. Look for a field where you will be among the best because you will then have a clear edge over the others.
iii. Research
To assist you in making a judicious choice about your career plans and abilities, collect information from magazines, newspapers, the Internet and other forms of media.
See if you are able and willing to cope up with the requirements of the field you wish to pursue.
iv. Talk to people in the field
The people who are currently in the field you want to pursue can best tell you its pros and cons, the hard work, the basic qualifications required and the patience needed to succeed.
Listen to what they have to say; take their advice.
v. Chart a course of action
Once armed with the requisite information about the field you are interested in, decide the following:
~ Where can you pursue the study/ training programme you need?
~ Which are the best institutes?
~ What are the basic requirements for admission?
~ Are selections based on merit/ entrance examinations or are there some other selection criteria?
~ How best can you prepare for the same?
Collect this information from the concerned institute or through the Internet/ other media.
vi. Approach your parents
Once you have decided, discuss your career moves in detail with your parents.
Remember, they may not be easily convinced. They have their share of experience, they have their own aspirations about you and they may have also done their own research over the years.
Instead of a confrontation, it is best to weigh the pros and cons of your choices and theirs. Remember not to retaliate or fight, because you will need a mutual understanding. They can be your guides and mentors, so take their assistance.
In today's world, even if you have the strength to cope up with challenges, you require the assurance of your family to support your decisions and assist you to do the best.
Finally, a word of advice.
With changing times, the needs of every profession are also changing. New professions are coming up. Keep yourself abreast of these changes. Give yourself the necessary edge so that you can become a clear winner.
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Dr Shelly Verma is part of the faculty of Economics at the University of Delhi. She has designed and authored comprehensive online programmes along with supporting books for GRE and GMAT for US companies. She is affiliated with various training institutions for Verbal and Logical Reasoning, Group discussions, PDP and does career counselling.
