Career guidance to students is very important. Because by the time they complete their education they must be able to decide which career path they want to choose. Most of the time it happens that students don't even know what they are doing and why they are doing it till they complete graduation. And when they realize this, they feel they don't have more time to take up the interesting course and follow their passion. As a result, they end up choosing the wrong career and are frustrated for a lifetime.
Why do people get confused about choosing the right career?
Isn't it easy to say that, I want to be successful? But the problem arises when we find it difficult in making the right decision. Our thoughts are constantly changing. Everything becomes so challenging that getting a clear vision becomes difficult.
A career is something possible when we make it happen. Definitely, it will require us to move out of our comfort zones and struggle hard to be successful. Thinking about the struggle, many people self-doubt if they can really make it? As they realize, it is always easy to say but difficult to make it happen.
Sometimes, students feel coerced and confused over the career decision that their parents have already for them, whereas they want to follow their passion which stands exactly opposite to their parent's wish. Many students, till they graduate, hardly know what they want to become. And when they realize this, they try to find the career options available with the qualification they have done and most of them get upset because they are hardly able to link their interest with their career choice.
How to choose the right career?
The good news is, in the modern era, many new career fields have come up.
Below are the basic steps that can help in choosing the right career:
1. Discussion on career choices
We are always surrounded by people who love us. Who is our well-wisher? They can be our parents, teachers, or mentors whom we respect. People whom we can trust while taking their advice.
Many people are older than us and have better knowledge than us. With them, we can share our confusion and they will help us with the best possible advice.
2. Developing our personality
Today's world has become so competitive that only educational certificates won't help in achieving our dreams. Learn what you want to learn. Don't spend much time thinking about whether you should do it or not. It will be a waste of your time. Inculcate interpersonal skills. It helps in boosting confidence.
3. Contact a career coach
They are experts who have more knowledge about the kind of jobs that are trending in the market. And they can give the best advice after studying your case.4. Self Assessment
We, humans, are different from each other, we have different characteristics, traits, personalities, and skills none of which are similar to each other. In such a situation, it is important to know ourselves better while deciding which career path interests us more. Understanding yourself or your characteristics like your working style, communication style, intelligence, emotions, strengths, and weaknesses will help you to find the path that’s best and right for you. Self-assessment is a need of an hour. It is the most appropriate way where a person can understand himself by analyzing his own interests, his/her strengths, and weaknesses. One can also take a personality test that can help in understanding our interests better. Many personality tests are available free online and are much more reliable.
5. Keep exploring
Trying out a lot of options can also help you avoid regret in terms of choosing the wrong career. It is always better to explore more before making a final decision. Try searching the career options on Google, Quora, and LinkedIn. Many people/ scholars put their views, experience, and advice on the Internet. It will help in getting some insight.
6. The 4 main factors to consider when choosing a career
When you're deciding whether or not to pursue a certain career, it's important to consider the types of jobs that will be available in the future, the likelihood of job security, the career path, the scope, and the salary.
If you are considering pursuing a certain career, it's important to take a moment to research the companies that are present in that particular field. This will allow you to be sure that your career in this stream is a good fit for you.
You should also consider the job security of a company. Will you find a job after you graduate? Do you have enough work to keep your skills sharp? The career path/career scope should also be considered. What are the opportunities for advancement? What other career-enhancing opportunities are available? Lastly, you should consider the salary. What is the median salary for a person in this career?
7. What skills do you have that could be used in a career?
Choosing a career can be a tough decision for anyone. There are a lot of factors that you need to consider, such as your skills, interests, and education level. These are just a few of the many components that go into finding a career that fits you. But how do you know which skills are best for you? If you have a few skills that you'd like to explore in a career, you can rely on one that can give you a better future. Start by narrowing down your options by finding a job that fits those skills. You can also use your skills to help you build your resume and highlight your strengths. If you want to make a career change, it can be a little easier to find a new career because you already have a list of skills.
8. Ask yourself how well you deal with risk
When you are choosing a career, you need to figure out how well you deal with risk. Risk is a key component of success in the career that you choose. Some careers are riskier than others. If you know that you are not someone who enjoys risk, you should consider other career options. If you have a low tolerance for risk, you should consider working for a company that has a low-risk factor. If you know what type of risk you can handle, you should consider the type of career that is best suited for you. Your values and personality should be a big part of your decision.
Conclusion
The irony of today's world is, while we are still in higher schools we opt for subjects without thinking whether we really have any interest in them? The lack of knowledge about how education affects career decisions is never understood by students.
It may be difficult but never impossible to realize what type of job you are interested in.
Career coaching plays an important role in today's time. Schools/ colleges should schedule interactive meetings on career guidance where a student can clear his all doubts at the end of the day and have more knowledge.
If you have already chosen a different career that doesn't interest you, it is important to understand, everything is in our hands. If we want to get inspiration, there are many inspirations around us.
Many people changed their careers midway between 30/40 years old, single or married, and have given up their settled job to follow their dream job.
At the end of the day, the real challenge is thrown by our own minds. It's a game it has been playing all our life. But playing it on our own terms and deciding it our way, is still our choice.