Making a career choice

The process of career planning stretches through the secondary and senior secondary years at school. This period is one of stress particularly as a number of things are happening simultaneously which eventually influence the decision making process. Parental expectations,peer pressure, stiff competition, variety in study and training opportunities leads to anxiety and confusion.

Professionalism demands both competence and preparation. It is necessary to match abilities, interests, motivation, personality and skills to the requirements of the profession under consideration. When thinking about career choices it may be worthwhile observing that careers may be academically demanding, physically demanding, or may require interpersonal and communication or even creative skills. Hence the questions to be answered are –

• Do I have strong mental or other personal traits or special skills which may be required for specialised careers?
• What would it take to get there?
• What are the routes?
• What are the risks?
• If I do not make it do I have any other options?
• Are my subjects appropriate?

Understanding of academic potentials, attributes, talents, interests, personality, values, expectations and resources is basic to the process of career planning .This understanding helps in location of suitable options. It has been observed that when planned routes to a career or optional careers are chalked out during school years, keeping in mind all attributes needed in a profession, then the preparation required to enter a course/career are adequately motivated and effective. This motivation stirs the young through preparation, study, competition giving foresight and generating self confidence and adaptability. Awareness of 'true'motivation, aspiration,strengths, dislikes, limitations and weaknesses are essential. This awareness must be clear and objective and should be backed by actual achievements and aquired skills and if possible supplemented by objective test results (assessed only by qualified experienced counsellors).I would caution students and parents against the singular use of test results for career decision making.