Career counseling has always been important but only recently, got the recognition it deserves. Earlier, people sought out career counselors, for a change in careers, only after they get a job and were unhappy with it. Now, people recognise that this isn’t ideal. What is noteworthy, is to consider why people change careers. It doesn’t take much thinking to understand that someone who does that was never convinced of what career they should take. Such a decision usually stems from school. Many students make career choices based on the most picked career among their peers. They don’t, for once, consider what they like until it’s too late. Picking a career usually comes after picking a course. If a student doesn’t pick the right course, it would inadvertently affect their career choice. A recent study showed that one in three students are unhappy with the course that they picked, hence, pointing in the direction of the major need of career counseling in schools.

Career counseling in schools ensures the right kind of help to overcome such thinking and stop students from making such mistakes. Many students take a psychometric test in order to avoid making mistakes and their efforts are commendable, although the results of the test might leave them more confused than before. Why? The psychometric test basically outlines the strengths and weaknesses of students and highlights their aptitudes and interests. The catch is their aptitudes and interests don’t necessarily have to match. Meaning, they can be good at Math but have an interest in Arts. So, which career option do they pick? An established career counselor will firstly, be able to analyse the results better, tell them the perks and disadvantages of pursuing both their interests and aptitudes, and give them the clarity and understanding to make the right decisions. This is much needed, especially, when students are prone to taking advice from inexperienced sources. Students want to be successful and they don’t mind getting help. They may feel shy at first or think it’s weak to take help, but it is our responsibility to help them build strong careers. Having a career counseling cell in schools is the first step in doing that. It is a great first step indeed.