Career planning from high-school!
High school is a delicate phase in a student’s life. Students are growing up and dealing with the stress of their teenage years. They’re also often confused about which career options are available to them, which increases their stress. According to a survey conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research about 40% of teenagers are confused about their career options. This is because of lack of information and lack of proper career planning. Identifying the right path requires adequate investment of time and effort. We tend to think that we can study and focus on academics and figure out career options later. Let’s see what the students and their parents can do to make their career paths smooth:
- Discover your professional calling: It is important to know your strengths and development areas and how they map to different options in the market. There are various aptitude tests to understand your analytical, decision making and problem solving abilities. You can speak to role models across industries and ask them about a day in their life. On a high school level schools should engage their students in practical projects in association with industry to gain practical exposure! This will bridge the gap between what they learn in school and what the real world is about. Once you have a taste of what is out there, you will discover what you enjoy and decide your career options with a clear mind.
- Build your skill set: Participate in activities outside academics such as debates, cultural activities and sports to boost your confidence and improve your leadership ability. Extra-curricular activities help shape your personality and bring out the real you. You can enrol in various skill development programs and strengthen your analytical and presentation skills. You can volunteer at a non-profit or start your own organization, write a blog or go for summer school to a different city. Push yourself to build the broader skills and competencies you will need in life.
- Seek guidance and mentorship: Seek support from your seniors, teachers or parents. They are your guiding force. Draw a map for yourself with their help, chalking out your path from school to your dream career. Talk to someone from your dream profession or company and work backwards from there. Create that map and continue to monitor it. You can also watch Ted talks and documentaries to gain visibility on what different roles and industries offer.
Study hard and focus on doing your best. Yet, don’t let marks be the ultimate decision maker of your career. Ultimately, attitude is as important as aptitude when you start working. Start reflecting and developing your skills right from your school years. This will allow you to be one step ahead when you start applying for jobs.
Link to the published article: http://bit.ly/2C9JQQ7
