“It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome. That’s what defines your Career.”– Carlton Fisk
The exam season has arrived, bringing with itself pressure, and stress. Whether the semester exams of colleges and universities or annual exams of high and senior secondary; one can find students all focused. At the same time anguish, anxiety and apprehensions about the exams. The anxiety doesn’t end here, it takes a level up because of the expectations of family, friends and relatives. It starts with the questions like how’s your exam preparation going? Are you going to top the exams? What percentile you think you would get in the exams? They will not just stop here. They will say go further, asking what subjects are you going to opt for after your 10th – PCM or PCB or PCMB? As if there’s nothing in this entire universe other than Maths Or Biology. As if all other professions other than medicine and engineering are futile. Human society is a web of relationships that needs all professionals – Plumber to Mason to Author to Philanthropist to Chartered Account to Baker to Actor to Teacher.
This pressure from parents, relatives and the general society to become only a doctor or an engineer, and if not either of the two then a Grade A Government Official, that will only prove one to be good enough. These are all unworthy prejudices that are unfortunately prevailing in our society . And it is a matter of fact.
Thinking about future, ruins the present possibilities that could come along way. Every individual has the right to live life according to his aspirations and dreams. To live life on one’s own principles and choosing a definite path to reach a specified goal in life, guidance and mentoring is necessary. It shows one a definite and specified path without twists and turns. Yes, experiences are very own of an individual and journey belongs to one as well, but Career Counselling and Guidance shows aspiring and enthusiastic teens and young adults the right path to reach the place they deserve without wasting their precious years.
A recent survey showed that 93% of Indian students are aware of just 7 career options. In comparison, India offers over 250 career options in various domains and the condition in our very own Kashmir valley is really pathetic. Here every year about 70% students choose PCM or PCMB Or PCB as their subjects for Higher Studies without considering the fact whether they have interest in the subject or not. Their parents wish them to be called Science Students or they want them to be Doctors Or Engineers. Their interests and choices take a back seat. Happiness matters in the work that one does, with satisfaction being a major benchmark for peace and prosperity. This is where career counselling proves to be extremely helpful. A professionally trained career counsellor assists students by imparting knowledge about different career options available and suggesting an ideal career option as per their interests.