Introduction
There are immense career opportunities that are present in the current economy. The most popularly known fields include:
i) Medical and Dental
ii) Engineering
iii) Law and Order
iv) Design
v) Business
vi) Civil Services
vi) Arts
However, there are hundreds of other career options present to the students. The sad reality persists that despite these careers being well-paying and emerging fields, many individuals are unaware of them.
Career Counseling in India states that occupation is a significant journey and a part of life. A great career has the following benefits:
i) Fair pay
ii) Emotional and psychological satisfaction
iii) Create goals and purpose for life
iv) Follow routines
v) Widen your professional circles and connections
vi) Career growth and development
vii) Enhance skills required for an occupation
Not just for students but also for graduates (freshers) beginning to work, selecting a particular career path can be overwhelming and confusing. The reason for this nervousness is the significant impact jobs have on our lives. The Best Career Counseling in Pune explains how choosing a profession can be stressful and recommends students take much time to maintain calm and composure during the decision-making. No critical choice must be selected when an individual can be emotionally influenced and susceptible to external sources. i,e. parents, friends, social media, teachers, etc.
Social conformity is a prevailing issue in India. The majority of the student population prepares for entrance examinations such as JEE, NEET, CAT, etc., due to popularity and parental pressure. These choices often result in low job satisfaction and higher unemployment rates.
India is the youngest country in the world. It has over 62% of the population in the working age group. These are the reasons why the young population of India must carefully pick their occupation to optimize their contribution.
This blog will explore the different methods and techniques that a person can apply before they choose an occupation.
Essential steps to select the right career:
Listed below are the standard steps that an individual can follow to pick their career path-
a) Listing out interests and passions
Students can take a paper and write down all their interests and passions, despite how small or big they may be.
The difference between interest and passion:
Interests are curiosity about a concept and eagerness to learn more about it. i.e., a person can be interested in music. They want to learn to play the guitar/piano.
Passion is a strong feeling, enjoyment, and determination to accomplish in a field. i.e., the interest in music becomes a passion when an individual decides to produce music and write songs.
Since any interest can become a passion, all the possible choices must be considered. After this technique, individuals can search for potential career options and paths on the internet.
If an individual is unaware of their interest, passion, and job opportunities, they can seek the help of a career counselor and undergo career exploration.
b) Self-introspection
After noting down the possible options, a person must seek answers to a series of contemplative questions. These questions are tools to help an individual understand themselves much better and gain powerful insight.
Some examples include:
i) What are my core values?
ii) What is my aptitude?
iii) What is my personality?
iv) What are my strengths and weaknesses?
v) What are the aspects where I require more knowledge and guidance?
c) Understanding your value system
Values is the vital factor in choosing a career. Even if the other aspects align and the value of a person and their career differ, job satisfaction will reduce, and incompatibility issues arise. i,e., If a person wants to help others, but their priority is to spend time with their family and loved ones (a healthy work-life balance), choosing a doctor as a profession is not recommended.
d) Weighing the pros and cons
After eliminating and narrowing down the choices, the advantages and disadvantages of each job position and industry must be identified. This activity helps people to understand the field better.
e) Exploration of career fields
Students are recommended to undergo internships, certification programs, and apprenticeships. Practical exposure to working conditions and workplace environments plays a significant role. They give insight into an occupation.
Exploration of career fields can build professional social circles and expert connections. The experience increases value and references.
f) Taking psychometric assessments
Psychometric assessments are tools that can accurately measure and categorize an individual’s personality, value, aptitude, and intelligence. Students and working professionals can undergo these tests to analyze themselves and reconfirm their career choices.
g) Seeking professional help from career experts
Career Counselors are experts who can guide and provide advice on educational and career-related issues for individuals. They can interpret the responses to psychometric assessments and clarify any doubts. Career Counselors are also knowledgeable in various occupational fields and provide information regarding:
i) Entrance examinations
ii) Popular institutes
iii) Possible career opportunities
iv) Expected salary
v) Work-life balance
These experts also teach healthy alternatives to stress coping mechanisms (exam and work stress)
h) Preparation of resumes and job interview training
The final and essential step after choosing a career path, is building a resume. A clear CV, cover letter, and references are great methods to secure job interviews. They contain personal demographics and professional details (previous experience, academic information, skills, etc.)
Communication, confidence, and approachability are certain aspects of interview training. Candidates are encouraged to practice answering some commonly asked questions.
Here are some factors that individuals must consider before they select a job:
i) The nature of work
ii) Job responsibilities
iii) Expected pay (other financial and non-monetary rewards and incentives)
iv) Co-workers and superiors
v) Compatibility with company values and vision
Conclusion
An individual can use the given tips and hacks to pick an occupational choice that will be compatible and suitable with their value, personality, and aptitude. It is proven that selecting the right career will increase the chances of job success, growth, and development.