(1) There was a time when any student's future plans revolved around becoming a doctor, a pilot or an engineer These few disciplines were thought to be the only fields that could offer rewarding careers in terms of both respect and money. Resultantly, students were unaware of other opportunities that could, perhaps, have been more advantageous.
(2) Today, life has become more dynamic and innovative. Gone are the days when the medical and engineering fields were the only available choices. Now a whole world of non- traditional careers, from IT, electronic media and web networking to online business portals and fashion designing, are available for the young people.
(3) However, there still remains the question of choosing the right profession. Unfortunately, for most of us the right career merely means a profession that guarantees a profitable livelihood, but considerations like interest in the job and mental satisfaction should also be given importance.
(4) The scope of any field in terms of market demand should also be considered very seriously. We cannot practically deny the significance of hiring trends; for example, a decade ago when computer science professionals were in demand, masses of MCS (Master of Computer Sciences) students flooded the market with extremely disappointing results.
(5) Career counselors are generally well informed about such trends. They can play a key role in guiding the youth towards a rewarding profession. This highlights the importance of a full time career- counseling department at the school level. The job of this department should be to determine the personalities of students, to observe and analyze their interests and to suggest suitable careers according to their aptitude. Most of the parents and students find themselves in a fix when deciding on a career. Parents are unaware of market trends, educational systems and the scope of any particular discipline. Similarly 14- 15 year old students are not mature enough to make such life- changing decisions. So it is widely felt that career counseling must be promoted from school level.
(6) Once a field has been selected, the next step is to enter that particular field. Which degrees, certifications, courses and subjects should be opted for? A student should also consult successful students and professionals of that particular field.
Following is a brief introduction to various career choices. This is the outcome of a survey conducted among senior students and professionals to know the most suitable pathway for their selected field.