Career counselling

 Career counselling

 What is career?

 It is not just a job. It is a way of life, and your achievements and happiness depend on it. Today, innumerable new avenues have opened up. Do not get into a course or a job just because everyone else is rushing for it.

Do you know where you will be five years from now?

While competition is increasing, opportunities and variety of careers are also increasing rapidly. There is no such thing as an “ideal” career with the best “scope.” If you choose your courses of study and your career based on what you are good at, you will always be successful.

How do you select your career?

Very often we are pushed into jobs and careers which are not suitable for us. To really be able to succeed, progress and enjoy our work, it is necessary that we should have interest in what we are doing, and also have an aptitude for it. Aptitude is the potential to develop the skills that are required in any particular field.

Each career has different aptitude requirements, and only by matching them scientifically we can be sure that we are heading in the right direction.

 Are some careers for women and others for men?

More than 300 vocational training (VT) and technical training (TT) programs are offered to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses. However, young men and women behave differently when choosing a career.
Don’t listen to everything you hear. Explore all the vocational and technical careers and choose the one you feel is right for you! Explore trades and occupations you might not have otherwise considered.

Breaking free

I will look at the Indian education scenario from the point of view of parents whose wards are applying for admission to colleges.

In the absence of proper orientation in the system, parents and their wards follow an inappropriate procedure while selecting the field of study in the college. For example during Engineering counselling, we notice that the selection of a branch of study is based on the following: 

1) The most sought-after branch in counselling, 

2) The branch having good job opportunities as seen by the previous year placements, 

3) Parental pressure and 

4) Peer pressure.

This is not the right practice. The correct way will be to spend some time assessing one’s interest for a particular branch and check if it matches well with the aptitude one has and the chosen branch of study.

It is because of such practices that we face problems of employ ability and dissatisfaction in existing jobs, which can lead to high turnover rates, low productivity and increase in the stress level of employees.

Myth and reality

Having understood the education scenario, parents should free themselves of a few myths that surround them, and make a fair decision concerning the future of their ward.

Myth 1 One should be a professional such as a doctor, lawyer or engineer to be successful in life. Other degree programmes are not useful.

Myth 2 Marks scored in higher secondary are a true reflection of one’s intelligence, and the one who has scored 95 per cent is more intelligent than others.

Myth 3 Those who studied higher secondary education in vernacular medium cannot shine in professional courses taught in English.

Myth 4 Unemployment is high, so campus placement is everything.

Myth 5 An engineering degree in the most popular branch, with 8.0 CGPA and above will definitely fetch a job. 

 How to make the choice

There are some thumb rules to be followed in choosing a course

•The interest of the candidate and his/her choice of branch should be the criteria for admission.

•Every parent should orient the child towards finding out their natural interest and the aptitude for the particular subject of study.

•Parents should avoid deciding for the candidate.

•For a strong-willed person, if the choice is made based on his/her liking and natural taste, then studying that subject will be the best thing rather than joining any other course, for whatever reason.

•It is not wise to join a course because it is popular or because the job opportunities are high.

•The choice of institution is also critical.

•The other option is for the students to take the course available in a reputed college and start liking that field, plan well and work hard. What is critical is students’ interest in the field of study and the efforts put in by them to equip themselves adequately enough during their studies.

Play to your strengths

Asking questions is a great way of discovering who you are and what you are.  Work is much more enjoyable when you’re doing something you enjoy and you’re good at, so take some time to think about your key strengths, skills, experiences, knowledge and interests.

Here are some questions to ponder and jot down your answers.

 Capture your strength

• What are my strengths in and outside of work?

• What do I really enjoy doing?

• What are my favorite skills?

• What do I do best? What am I good at?

• What are 3-6 of my strongest skills or competencies?

• What have been my greatest personal and work achievements?

• What do other people say I’m good at?

• What awards and certificates have I received?

• What have I been recognized for inside and outside of work?

• What type of activity or environment attracts me?

In a next step, you can take a look at your answers and make a list of any skills, interests, attributes that keep cropping up and stand out.

Now consider if your list of strengths can be clustered into themes and make notes.

You may have strengths that you recognize in yourself or others recognize in you but this doesn’t necessarily mean you want to use those strengths in your next career move.

So, now is the time to review your answers and make a note of those strengths you would like to make use of in your career choices.

Tip: this is about you so be honest and don’t be influenced by other people who think you should do something because you are good at it.

Career Options

One of the major advantages as to why students take up science is that they can switch to humanities or even commerce later on. Medical and engineering are two most popular and most sought career after class 12th science in India.

It is to be remembered that the time is changing and gone is the era where only Medical and engineering were considered to be the two main career options after class 12th science. As of now we can say that sky is the limit for different study options post class 12th.

However, it is not that science has only these two career option with a great future. Below are the list of different courses which can be done apart from medical and Engineering.

Career Options after 12th Science – PCM

The most popular career option in India after 12^th in PCM is Engineering.

Deciding upon the right engineering stream is quite tricky for both students and their parents. Looking at the number of engineering colleges in India and the number of engineers coming out of these colleges, the questions that form in everyone’s minds are, “does India need so many engineers?” Are they all employable?

In this global era, rather than focus on India, the question should be whether the world needs so many engineers. The answer is a big, “yes.” Is there a need for scientists? The answer is again, “yes.” The world needs in plenty well-equipped, talented graduates with the right attitude. There are job opportunities for those who have the potential. In addition, opportunities for self-employment are also plenty for innovative and energetic minds.

·  Engineering-Agricultural, Aerospace, Automobile, Biochemical, Bio Medical, Bio Instrumentation, Bio informatics, Biotechnology, Broad cast technician, Civil, Ceramic, Chemical, Computer, Construction, Electrical, Engineer Manager, Food, Fire, Environmental, Industrial, Instrumentation, Leather, Marine, Mechanical, Electronic, Mining and Metallurgical, Nano Technology, Printing, Production, Plastic & polymer, Highway, Rubber, Genetic, Telecommunication, Textile

·   Architecture

·   Actuarial Science

·   Commercial pilot

·    Merchant navy

·    Computers

·Information Technology/Software/Systems-Application  Programmer, Database Administrator, Information Technologist, Medical Transcriptionist, Network Administrator, Software Engineer, System Architect, Technology Manager, Web Developer, Multimedia Designer

·    Hardware-Hardware Design And Development Engineer, Design and Development of Computer Hardware, Design And Development of Customized Microprocessor, Design and development of networking hardware, Service Maintenance Engineers/technician

·     Food Technology

    *B. Sc in Food Processing and Technology

    *B. Sc in Food Storage, Preservation and Food Technology.

·     Defence Service-Indian Air Force Officer, Indian navy officer

·  Physical Science-Astronomy, Forensic Science, Geographer, Geologist, Nuclear physicist, Oceanography, Chemist, Mathematician, Operation Research, Astrophysicist, Physicist, Statistician

·    Pharmacy-Clinical Research

Career Options after 12th Science - PC 

           ·      Medicine -

ü General Physician/Doctor - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Gynaecology, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Radiology, Electro logy, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Plastic Surgeon,General Surgeons, Neuron Surgeons, Paediatrician, Thoracic Surgeons, Trauma Surgeons, Urologist, Sexologist, Gastroenterology, Oncology, Anesthesiology, Psychiatry, ENT/Ear nose Throat Specialist, Pathologist

ü  Homeopathy

ü  Ayurvedic

ü  Dentist

ü  Unani

ü  Sidha 

Paramedicine-Physiotherapy,SpeechTherapy,Audiology, Nursing,Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Medical lab Technology,Optometry and Ophthalmic technology, Nutrition and Dietician

·   Allied Fields-EEG technician, Hospital manager/Administrator, Medical lab technologist

·    Nuclear medicine technologist, Radiation technology, Pathology technology, Respiratory therapist

·  Sonographer technician, Operation theatre assistant, Naturopathy, Yoga therapy, Massage therapy

·     Acupressure, Acupuncture

·     Vetinary Science

·     Biotechnology

· Biosciences-agriculturist, Botanist, Zoologist, Microbiologist, Biologist, Horticulturist, Floriculturist, Environmental Science

·     Pharmacy-Clinical Research

·     Home science

·     Bio Medical

·     Bio Chemist

·     Agriculture

* B. Sc (Bio-chemical and Agricultural Chemistry)

* B. Sc in Crop Physiology

   * B. Sc in Agricultural Eco, Agronomy , Agricultural Meteorology and Farm management

·     Forensic Science

*B.Sc in Forensic Sciences

*Diploma in F/Sciences (Ballistics and Finger Prints)

       *B. Sc in Forensic Sciences

       *B. Sc  in Life Science, Chemistry, Forensic Science

      *Diploma in Forensic Science (Cyber Crimes)

       *Diploma in Forensic Science  (Computer Forensics)

                *Diploma in Criminology and Forensic Science for Police personnel

·     Fishery Science

·    Forestry and Wildlife

·    Marine Biology

·   Food Technologist

Career Options after 12th Commerce 

If you have inclinations towards numbers and data or if you are more interested in analytical studies compared to other streams, you have a host of career options after 12th commerce to choose from. Find the career options after 12th commerce as mentioned below: 

·  Banking- Retail / personal banking, Corporate banking, Merchant banking, Treasury group, Rural banking, Product management, Loans Executive

·  Accounts – Chartered Accountant, Cost and Work accountant, Certified Financial Analyst, Certified financial planner

· Insurance-Insurance ,Actuarial Science and Risk management, Insurance surveyor, Insurance surveyor, Insurance agent

·    Investments -Equity Research Analyst, Investor Banker, Mutual fund executive, Stock Broker, Capital market manager, Real estate, Forex dealer, Venture Capitalist

·   Management –Event management, Brand management ,Human Resource Management, International Business management, Market Research Management, Marketing and Sales management, Retail Management, Technology management, Disaster management, Education management, NGO management, Rural Management, Logistics Management, Export Management, Family Business Management, Material management, Business Development Management, Financial Management 

·   Finance –Certified Financial Planner-CFP ,Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

·   Company Secretary

·   Computers - Software development, System architect, Web developers, Multimedia designer, System/IT manager, Database Administrator, Data processing assistant/ Data entry operator, Servicing and Maintenance technician, Technology management

·     Economist

Career Options after 12^th Arts

There is a typical mindset prevailed among the students and our educated folk that believe arts or humanities represent the stream with least career scope.

You have good communication skills both verbal and written or if you are interested in studying human nature, society and various cultures, you have a host of  career options after 12th arts to choose from. Find the career options after 12th arts mentioned below : 

· Psychology - Industrial psychology, Social psychology, Counselling psychology, Clinical psychology, Special education, Learning disability, Human development, Human resources, Mental retardation

·  Sociology - General Sociology, Indian Society, Social work Sociology of health, Science and Technology, Environment, Sociology of religion, Occupational sociology, Cultural studies, Social exclusion and Inclusive policy, Social anthropology, Sociology and Mass media, Gender and Society, Sociological theories, Social demography, Industrial sociology, Criminology

·     Economics - Agricultural Economics, Business Economics, Quantitative Economics

·     Philosophy

·     Literature - Linguist

·   Law - Company Secretary, Legal writing, Defence writing, Notary, Law process outsourcing, Solicitor, Civil law, Criminal law, Corporate law, Property law, Securities  law, Income tax law, International law, Property law, Information technology law

·     History - Heritage Management,  Curator

·     Mass Communication

·     Geography- Philosophy in geography, Applied geography, Geographic information science and systems, Geographical cartography, Remote sensing and Geographic information science, Geo informatics

·   Anthropology- Physical or Biological anthropology, Social anthropology, Prehistoric anthropology, Applied anthropology, Linguistic anthropology, Forensic anthropology

· Archaeology- Medical archaeology, Eastern archaeology, Marine time archaeology,Archaeological 

·     Public administration

·     Library Sciences

·     Content Writing

·     Teaching

·     Fashion Designing

·     Interior Designing

·     Jewellery Designing

 Students after passing their 12th grade examinations can also take up vocational courses in the field of occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, computers, hotel management, hospitality management or business administration. Further, enthusiastic students can take up short term in fashion technology, jewelry design, aviation, radio jockey, anchoring, packaging or industrial design. It is important to get into the career of your choice to ensure that you enjoy work. Opportunities for self-employment are also plenty for innovative and energetic minds.

According to Ms Nidhi G Nadhani ,

always  try to be yourself, express yourself and believe in yourself.  Do not go out and look for a successful person and try to duplicate it. Always try to be your real self.

Hard work and labor is required, no matter which career is that, if you can guarantee that, every field guarantees a great opportunity for you. Good Luck !!

Choose a Career to Move Ahead In Life

Choose a Career to Move Ahead In Life

What career to choose after class 12th? This is the biggest question that runs through every students mind once the board exams are over. Parents too continue to have sleepless nights even after the board exams are over because they worry about the career options for their children. Nidhi G Nadhani a renowned career counsellor says that there are vast fields and different career options available for students to choose from. However, without the proper guidance it becomes difficult for students as well as for parents to select the best option for a bright career.

It is very important to note that the 12^th board exam is going to be the turning point in your life. It is during this period that you have to take an important career decision. Making a good career choice at the right time will bear fruitful results for you later.

This article will provide you information about top career option after class 12th and this will help student to understand which area to go and what career to choose.

The greater your self-awareness the more likely it is that you will make better career and life choices and feel more content because you will be living your life authentically. This is why it is important to learn more about your personality and come to a better understanding of your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses.

Our personality is made up of a combination of characteristics or qualities that make us who we are. Research has shown that different personality types tend to have distinct preferences in their choice of careers.

In order to get rid of all the confusions, what you need to do is to analyze your interests, personality and aptitude. It is said that if you do career planning based on your aptitude, interest and personality type, the success rate as well as satisfaction rate will be very high.

Self-assessment tools can be useful in helping you to develop your self-awareness and can play a great role in helping you to make important decisions about your next career move.

Psychometric testing covers a wide range of skills, interests and values of people and can be of use in career counselling in different ways. Psychometric testing uses in-depth psychological profiles to assess personality and intellectual levels. 

Personality tests are used to determine your type of personality, your values, interests and your skills. They can be used to simply assess what type of person you are or, more specifically, to determine your aptitude for a certain type of occupation or career.

Personality tests range from the five-minute Color Quiz which is supposed to determine your personality type by the colors you select, to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator which is one of the top-rated personality tests that helps assess your personality type and helps to explore career options. 

Aptitude Testing helps you match your talents and potentials with your interests and helps you choose appropriate careers from a wide range of choices suited to your abilities - whether you are a student wondering what course of study to pursue, whether you are working and thinking of changing your job or whether you are seeking voluntary retirement.

MASTER THE ART OF SELLING

The sales profession moves faster than ever today, says the well renowned corporate Trainer Ms Nidhi G Nadhani who is the director of MAGNET Personality Enhancement Academy. No matter what industry you are in, what worked well a few years ago is not good enough today.In the blink of an eye, new competitors emerge, products similar to yours are released and before you know it, there are others who are already offering similar products.

Sales is all about first impressions and ongoing interactions. Employee’s appearance, attitude and behaviour are direct reflections of your company and your brand. Training your sales staff encourages you to let go some outdated practices and replace those ineffective habits or behaviours with effective result-oriented sales habits.

Organizations that endeavour to be on the path of continuous growth will often find that upgrading the 'soft skills' of their workforce is a necessary part to increase sales. The right kind of dressing, businessetiquette, body language and communication skills has its own impact in the sales process and facilitates the same.

Begin by understanding your business niche. What do you do best? How to approach these prospects in the best possible way? How much are they willing to pay? Always assume that your prospect will buy what they need. How can you convince them of what they need. Emphasise the features of your product or service that reduce and solve the problems for the customers. The features which are unique also catches the attention of the prospect. Sometimes you can reposition your products. Creativity in sales plays a very important role.

Be more creative in your prospecting, fact finding and presentation skills. Imagine the perfect salesperson and compare yourself to the ideal. Make a decision to improve your weaknesses and set goals to force yourself to do the things you don’t like to do.