In a poignant moment, Girija Kele, a seasoned career guidance counsellor and college application expert, shared the story of a student who confided in her about the pressures of familial expectations. ’A student came to me saying, his grandmother wanted one of the siblings to become a doctor, and that is why he decided to write the NEET (Medical entrance) exam,’ she recounted. This young individual had not chosen the path to becoming a doctor for himself. Instead, he was driven by the ambition of a family member, preparing for an extremely competitive and demanding exam, both emotionally and physically.
This story highlights a significant issue in Indian society: the lack of awareness and understanding of diverse career options among the youth. According to a recent survey by Mindler, an online career-counselling platform, a staggering 93 per cent of students aged 14 to 21 were aware of just seven career options, despite over 250 career paths being available in India.
’The most significant struggle that an Indian child today faces is the lack of awareness of different career options out there,’ Kele emphasised. The primary influencers in a child's career choices are often parents, immediate relatives, or a successful cousin. Effective career guidance involves identifying a child's core strengths and interests and matching them with various opportunities. This process can help students discover and pursue careers they are passionate about, rather than following a predetermined path laid out by others.
While the lack of career awareness may not seem like a significant issue on an individual level, it becomes a considerable problem when viewed from a nationwide perspective. This limited awareness often leads to a concentration of students pursuing a narrow range of careers, neglecting many viable and fulfilling options.
Gender-Based Stereotypes
Career choices are also frequently influenced by gender-based stereotypes. ’When you look at a girl, no parent will say, oh, you know, she wants to become a mathematician. That is very rare,’ Kele says. She works with many brilliant, math-minded girls who could excel in the field. Yet, they often feel underrepresented and question whether the field is suitable for them. Societal expectations can suppress these ambitions, which is unfair and detrimental to their potential.
Today's generation seeks personal fulfilment alongside professional success. They prioritise financial fulfilment as well, shifting from the traditional approach of choosing a profession first and hoping for personal satisfaction later. This change in perspective underscores the importance of aligning career choices with individual passions and interests.
In rural areas, several strategies can enhance career guidance. The government can identify local career guides or role models to inspire and guide students. Schools, leveraging today's digitised environment, can utilise low-cost or free mobile apps to provide career guidance to anyone with internet access.
Kele's message to parents is to be more open to the diverse career options available today. For students, she advises being proactive in exploring opportunities that align with their interests and strengths. By fostering a broader understanding of career possibilities, both parents and students can ensure that career choices are truly reflective of individual aspirations and potential.