The role of career counselling in student success

Guest Author: Sakshi Kapoor, Manager – Skills Enablers Business, TCS iON

It is crucial to contemplate the fundamental question: why do we need a career? Beyond being mere avenues for income, careers represent a conduit for personal fulfillment, satisfaction, and an arena where our unique abilities can shine. There is a very famous saying, that you only live once, and therefore, career paths are perhaps one of the most critical journeys that we take, which defines the purpose of our lives. 

This article delves into the evolving landscape of career choices, underlining the growing necessity for informed decisions among students, thereby, emphasizing the pivotal role of career counselling to the challenges hindering its accessibility and providing insights on a unique and revolutionary solution.

Growing importance of informed career choice for students

The crucial aspect of career selection is whether it occurs by chance or choice. Ironically, these vital life decisions are often influenced more by ignorance than knowledge, with choices made for income, social ties, or familial legacy. As the economy grows more competitive, informed career decisions are now imperative. Unlike two decades ago, when career options were limited (Engineering, Medical, Banking, Teaching, and administrative services), today’s students must comprehend diverse career alternatives. Planning a specific career, acquiring new skills, or changing industries requires awareness of the various occupational pathways available. In the contemporary job market, individuals need to reassess themselves for an optimal career fit, as the traditional concept of retiring from the same job is fading, with job switches becoming a norm for millennials.

Recognizing key decision-makers in career selection

Identifying the key stakeholders in the career selection process is crucial. Often, decisions on the right career stream are influenced by parents, friends, or market scenarios, limiting exploration beyond conventional career paths. To empower youth to make informed choices, responsible stakeholders should include technical institutions, the labor department, primary and secondary education, professional bodies, students, parents, non-profit organizations, and more. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensure students have access to appropriate career counselling tools, aiding them in finalizing the right-fit career.

Why do 90% of students miss out on career counselling opportunities?

Why do many young individuals refrain from seeking career counselling? Let’s break it down. It’s not that students or youth are prevented from accessing career counselling tools; rather, the hindrance lies in the lack of awareness in society. As per secondary research estimates, a mere 10% of the young individuals engage in career counselling at different life stages. It’s crucial to dispel the misconception that choosing arts in the 12th grade is solely for those who struggle academically. There are two key points to consider: firstly, those not excelling in academics may find success in other vocational streams, and secondly, regardless of academic prowess, there’s a high probability of excelling in a field one might be unaware of. Hence, it is imperative for everyone, irrespective of academic performance, to embrace career counselling at appropriate intervals for a clear understanding of potential areas of excellence that may otherwise remain undiscovered.

Revolutionizing career exploration: Introducing TCS iON Career Insight

Now that the challenges and need for effective career exploration have been reiterated, it’s imperative to look at how career exploration should be delivered, and what steps are essential in the process. 

TCS iON has meticulously crafted a unique tool, ‘TCS iON Career Insight,’ to provide individuals with a seamless journey as they embark on career exploration.

In the initial phase, creating awareness is prioritized, considering it a cornerstone of effective career counselling. Recognizing the significance of being well-informed, TCS iON has developed a comprehensive repository encompassing career options, pathways, key educational institutes, scholarships, certifications, roles, and responsibilities. This resource empowers the youth with a detailed understanding of potential careers, facilitating a comparative analysis of diverse streams. Importantly, it not only serves as a guide for individuals but also ignites enthusiasm among parents and students to initiate career exploration early for holistic development.

Schools can enhance their existing career guidance programs by integrating TCS iON’s solution. The entire repository, featuring relevant and updated content aligned with the contemporary workforce landscape, is offered as a complimentary service from TCS iON. 

Also read: Top 3 reasons to choose TCS iON Career Insight – Explore Careers for informed career choices