Career Counselling is the process through which one can understand one’s own self and the world around him/her to be able to chalk out a career path by making an informed decision around the same. Through Career Counselling, a student might overcome the uncertainties around his/her career, the lack of knowledge on the same, any disagreement with his/her parents, and come closer to fulfilling his/her dreams.
Why do we need a Career Counsellor?
We spend a good 40 years of our lives working on our careers. That’s almost 36,000 hours. Shouldn’t we ensure that we spend this precious time on something we enjoy? In order for us to identify what we like, and what our strengths are and how well they are aligned- we need the help of a career counsellor.
Clarity of thought
School is a time when options are many. Children are surrounded by aspiring doctors, lawyers, singers, actors, sports stars. What’s more, teenagers are typically more impressionable which means they need more careful supervision. Here is when a career counselling session can really be of help to them. By asking the right questions and showcasing reality, a career counsellor can help erase some of the confusion in a student’s mind.
The direction towards the right path
Once the student’s confusion has been eased, the career counsellor can help him/her find the right path. Through multiple interactions, the student’s interests, aptitude, and personality can be concluded. In the process, the career counsellor also listens in and establishes a good rapport with the student which then puts them in a position to direct the student towards a path that is most suited to him/her.
Technology-aided assistance thereby reducing bias
It is likely that some career counsellors are influenced by their own personal bias while counselling. However, with the help of online psychometric assessments, the results are quite evident. They make the counsellor’s task easier because they can then base their recommendations on the assessments. Thus, the student receives an objective suggestion.
Awareness of lesser-known and more obvious choices
It is impossible for a student to keep track of all the possible career paths available to him/her. Due to the extensive research they conduct, career counsellors are often able to shed light on the not very popular choices of careers. These unknown paths might end up being the ideal career for the student!
Who needs counselling?
The CBSE requires that there be a career counsellor in every affiliated school. Every child who goes to school requires a career guidance counsellor. If children are to break free from traditions and create their own lives by not following their parents’ footsteps, they must counsel a career guidance specialist. Even children who have supportive parents can benefit from career counselling sessions because they can learn a lot more about themselves and make a more informed decision about their careers.
Who does Career Counseling?
In schools, there is supposed to be a designated career counsellor who handles queries. However, most schools are in acute shortage. As a result, schools outsource counselling work to private companies. There are several career counselling companies that shoulder the responsibility. They offer professional assessment, guidance, college shortlisting, and application assistance. There are also independent career counsellors who perform the same functions on a freelance basis.
Read More: See How the Future of Career Counselling Looks Like
What is required to do counselling?
Most career counsellors have a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences or Psychology or in a related discipline and they top that up with a Master’s degree in Counselling, after which, they take some more steps to earn their license to practice. After they have earned their training and license, they can start practising. This is the long route to becoming a Career Counsellor which involves several years of academic study and a few years of practice too.
