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Embark on career after seeking professional advice
A few decades ago, education in the Indian context was largely removed from job prospects. We went to school, meandered through whatever course we could lay our hands on in college; a lucky few of us spent another couple of years in post graduation after which we usually gave in to parental pressure and appeared for a mandatory round of exams for government jobs. And while twiddling our thumbs waiting for the results, we sat down and thought about what we wanted to do for
a living!
Of course, help was always at hand. Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, friends of cousins who managed to get a foothold abroad, college professors, kindergarten teachers, well-wishers and a host of passing acquaintances were all willing to chip in with their two cents of advice. But in the end, we were more or less left to the mercy of providence, which, as my mother always says, was sealed the day you were born.
Luckily things are getting better for the youth of today. Whether you are a student looking to make the right choices for your higher studies or a mid-career professional reevaluating your career and life, positive intervention in the form of counselling, training, guidance or placement can help you find direction and make the right career decisions.
Organised and professional counselling, although still in a nascent stage, is available for students and jobseekers looking for career guidance. A good counsellor or career coach can help assess an aspirant’s basic competencies and aptitude and provide invaluable guidance in finding a career or higher education opportunities in the right field.
Trained, experienced and certified career counsellors can help you in your career development and job search by providing a range of support services. These include:
Psychometric testing and career assessment surveys including needs assessments and transferable skills analysis to help you find out about your true interests, aptitude and skills, and identify careers suited to your unique talents and personality traits.
Up-to-date market information, including hiring trends, salary information, and global opportunities, counsellors can also guide you in finding financial assistance for pursuing career and educational opportunities.
In-depth information on careers opportunities and assistance in locating other institutions that offer the training and education options you require.
Strategic career management advice and assistance in finding paid jobs and internships that will allow you to explore a career first-hand. People looking to change careers and reenter the workforce after a hiatus can also benefit from professional counseling.
As part of their services, many counsellors also offer resume-building services and train people on basic communication and interview skills.
Trained counsellors can answer specific queries that you may have and help you deal with issues related to career planning, job search and employment.
Finding a counsellor
The Internet is a convenient way to begin. Many online portals offer career counselling for school and college students as well as jobseekers. They also offer informative articles and advice on career options and prospects of the some of the most sought after professions plus details and dates for entrance exams to various professional courses.
Make it a point to attend job and educational fairs. These are hosted by eminent and knowledgeable people who can provide you with the guidance you require.
Many of these fairs provide counselling and a host of allied services all under one roof for a nominal registration fee. You can always follow up with individual counselling if required.
Ask around, network with friends and family. If you are a student, ask for referrals from professors and college outplacement coordinators.
If you are a jobseeker, find out if your recruitment consultant can put you in touch with a good career counsellor.
Since there is a big unorganised sector in career counseling, you might have to depend on word-of-mouth recommendations to find a qualified professional in your hometown.
When meeting career consultants, enquire in depth about the services they offer (This may include career counselling, testing, planning employment search strategy and resume writing). Ensure that you understand the service and your own involvement before making any financial commitment.
Ensure that you pay only for the services rendered. Verify the credentials of the counsellor, ask for testimonials and be wary of people who make tall promises.
Of course, there are no guarantees. Going to a professional counsellor is just one way to get career guidance. There are many other avenues to find career guidance.
You can read informative books and newspapers, gather information from the Internet, join professional organisations and cultivate mentoring relationships with peers and seniors in college and the workplace.
In the end, the kind of results you get may well depend on the kind of initiative you display in making your career decisions.
faqs@cnkonline.com
BINDU SRIDHAR
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