The transition from high school to college is arguably one of the most exciting and confusing times in the life of a student. Though most of you believe that you know what you want to pursue, surveys indicate otherwise.
Ajinkhya used to be quite good at mathematics during her primary school days. However, a low score in her boards, ended up in lowering her percentage, in total. While her parents struggled to get her into one of the renowned schools in the town (there were only three of them), she felt miserable as she had no clue what was to be done next. While she got admission into one of them, the worst was yet to come. Her parents had decided all for her. Mathematics, again. The result- Low percentage again in HSC. She wanted Bio as a major. She was clueless, as her parents wanted her to take up engineering as a career, for they thought she wouldn’t suffice anywhere else. She enters, fails and yet again, she is blamed for being unsuccessful. Six years down the line, Ajinkya works with a website as an editor. She is happy and contented, but still thrives to learn as much about medical sciences as possible.
The transition from high school to college is arguably one of the most exciting and confusing times in the life of a student. A time of new beginnings, of intense decisions and perennial memories. It is also a time that demands big changes, careful planning, important and often difficult decisions, most difficult being- choosing a career path.
Though most of you believe that you know what you want to pursue, surveys indicate otherwise. When our team conducted a survey on career decisions students take during HSC, it turned out that over ninety percent of them changed their decision three times on an average. To decide what you are going to do for the rest of your life, at such an early age is difficult.
HSC is that phase of your life when you choose yor majors according to your interest, or so says the education system. One wrong decision and you might have to deal with the consequences all your life. Say, you had a thing for medical science. But for some reason you couldn’t end up studying medical. You think of switching your branch to Biotech engineering. Do you really think biotech and medical are the same? Or because you did not get admission into medical or dentistry, you take a drop to try the same next time. Why not try to know about other career options and scope available? (Read more here)
Career counselors, available in many high schools and most colleges, are professionals trained to guide you in the process of making career decisions. They’re there to administer specialized questionnaires and tests to help you identify and evaluate your interests, your strengths and weaknesses and your goals. A counseling session is required not only for a student but for the parents as well. This will enlighten them about the options, opportunities, scope and prospects of the career path the kid wishes to take up as a career.
Something for the parents: Your concern for your ward is natural and justified. But pressurizing them to pursue that what you had dreamt of her/him, could put significant strain on family relationships and can be for the student a source of frustration for years to come. Try knowing what their interests are and believe in them. Afterall, that is what you’re there for, right? To be there for them when they fall.
Know more on what the young generation has to say about the need for career counselling
