5 Career Planning Mistakes Students Should Avoid
The importance of making career choices mindfully cannot be overstated. However, students and parents often fall prey to misconceptions and opinions that may push them towards “not-so-right” career choices. Here are 5 career planning mistakes to avoid
Choosing Only On The Basis Of ‘Interest’ Or ‘Ability’
A student interested in Medicine may have a stronger innate ability to study Psychology, while a student having an ‘aptitude’ for Business Management may be more interested in Architecture. Making a subject choice based either just on interest or ability increases one’s likelihood of falling into a career trap that they may not eventually feel satisfied with. The correct career choice is a function of both, interest and aptitude, considered together.
Following “Sharma ji ka beta”..
The “Sharma ji ka beta…” saga is not new to anybody. While Sharma ji’s son might want to pursue chartered accountancy, you may find your calling in mass communication or hospitality. A happy and successful journalist is as good as a happy and successful CA. Carefully evaluating and choosing one’s best-fit, increases one’s chances of attaining professional success in the future.There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach that could be applied to career planning.
Not researching enough
Knowledge or information did not impetuously come to anybody until they made an effort to ask. In this era where the internet brings you information about anything you’d want to know in the world, students must always dive deeper into researching career options and avenues. Subsequently, try asking yourself if what you just learnt or read about is something you’d like to do a few years down the line. Play it out in your mind and listen to yourself.
Discounting the role of personal strengths
A student who may not be the top academic performer in their class may be extraordinary in organising and managing events. One who may not be scoring the best in Science may be able to move audiences with their skills as a dramatist. Children sometimes may not be consciously aware of what their personal strengths are and how they could be embedded in their career planning process. This is exactly where adults need to step in and show children the light.
Rushing into things
There are a plethora of opportunities available for students today, both nationally and globally. However, the ‘right time’ for each person to encash upon opportunities may vary with emotional, mental, and financial readiness. For instance, studying abroad may seem like a lucrative opportunity for many. However, some students may be more keen on applying abroad right after Class 12, while some may feel ready only after completing their undergraduate studies here in India. Rushing into things only to follow the herd may leave you emotionally or financially drained, which may not be a good position to be in.
Given the substantial amount of time an average human being spends at work in their entire lifetime, it is essential that the career one chooses is an amalgamation of their interests, abilities, and personal strengths, while also having a lucrative industry value.
This article has been written by Variddhi Gupta, counselling psychologist and career guidance expert.
