How to make a decision

Begin by making a list of career options which you would like to consider. Now go a step further -ask yourself - Is the career of my choice

*Academically demanding ?

*Demanding special skills ?

*Performance based ?

*Creative?

*Socially challenging ?

*Aesthetic or Art related ?

*Physically demanding ?

If you wish to pursue a career which is academically demanding, be sure you will be able to sustain your interests in academic pursuits which may take time, money and hard work.Your previous academic performances should be true indicators of your abilities. Most professional degree courses which have a scientific temper need good aptitude in numerical work, analytical reasoning and above average mental ability.

Subjects like History/ Political science/ Literature/ Anthropology etc are subjects which need language ability, good memory and a logical mind. Higher studies in Commerce and Business studies need interest in business matters, ability to interpret and deduce facts and an analytical mind. Careers demanding special skills, like manual dexterity and eye hand coordination can be both technical or non technical.What has been your performance level in skilled activities? If academic work is stressful try to draw on possible talent for special skills.

Some careers are performance oriented. Modelling, acting, singing, dancing, music etc. are performance based careers. For some people these careers offer full time work opportunity while for others it may be a part time vocation.

Creativity is needed in a number of professions. All design based careers need space perception and creativity. Architects, product designers, visual communication designers, textile designers, interior designers, fashion designers, artists, creative team in advertising - are creative professionals. Creativity is also the forte of writers, dramatists, Film , T.V. and audio script writers, poets etc.In fact creativity has made many Chefs famous for their innovations in cooking. Perhaps you could add to this list when you meet creative professionals.

Most careers in the present scenario pose a challenge in terms of communication skills. Helping professionals such as psychologists, sociologists, educationists, special educators, librarians etc.; professionals dealing with the alleviation of pain and suffering e.g. doctors, paramedics etc.;as well as professionals in mass communication, public relations, law, the corporate world all need excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Infact people skills are used at some point of time in most professions. If you have an introverted temperament look for options where you face minimum challenge in social interactions.

Art related careers do need an innate interest and aptitude for aesthetic and creative work. Art/applied art and craft courses may be pursued by those with such inclinations.

Some careers demand physical fitness more than others e.g. the Army, Navy, Air force, Para military and Police personnel have to keep fit physically at all times. Even their counterparts in the civil - the commercial pilot, the merchant navy executive and engineering officers and ratings have to undergo medical/physical fitness tests on recruitment and have to maintain that fitness.How would you rate yourself for a career in which fitness is vital ?

To some extent a number of these and other attributes are required in most professions. Making a list of the attributes and professional competencies needed by people in any career you wish to enter may help you to get a realistic picture of what you are and what you need to be. Last but not the least is an assessment of resources and time you intend to spend on preparing to enter a career.The duration and the cost for training or studying may vary a great deal. Correspondence and part time courses provide a viable study option to those who need to earn and learn simultaneously.