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In the
earlier days it was a mechanical approach. Counsellor
would just give series of tests. Depending upon the
answers, the marks were awarded and
score was determined without bothering whether answers
were written after proper understanding and thinking.
Thus through these tests a course or field of career
would be prescribed (without gauging the full
potential and aptitude of the aspirant.) |
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Today
the scenario has changed in as much as counsellors
suggest to pursue the current hot favourite careers
for entering the job market. Even courses are
prescribed without keeping candidate's aptitude,
ability or broader perspective and knowledge of
emerging fields. Sometimes a counsellor works as a
marketing person in disguise for the institute that
appoints him, so he pushes the courses conducted by
the institute. Thus the counselling is more like a
mouse trap and counsellor gives an exaggerated picture
as a bait. |
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The
right method of counselling requires that student
should be thoroughly interviewed and understood
through interaction. The counsellor should possess
vast “info-base” on emerging careers and he should
prescribe not just a course but give a detailed career
plan including guidance and blue print of how a person
would grow in a particular field. Then and then only
the social obligation of counseling is properly
discharged ensuring secure future plan for the
aspirant. |
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As for
the individual students, barring a few intelligent,
ambitious and career oriented students, others follow
the crowd through typical herd mentality. Some even
forget career and join call centres to get fast bucks
to meet their fun expenses. By the time a career sense
dawns on them it is already quite late. |
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Ideally
at school level itself, when students are in SSC, a
general awareness of various career options should be
given. In junior college during F.Y. and S.Y. career
information should be given more specifically and
through personal interview so that after HSC the
students have a clear picture about their vocational
choice. The students can continue with the career
courses alongwith their graduation studies. This is
especially important for those who are not eligible
for medicine, engineering, CA, MBA, Law or IT. With
the help of this parallel plan, by the time students
complete their graduation, they would have got not
only the proper vocational qualifications but also the
exposure to working environments by taking up part
time job alongwith their college studies. |
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Readers
of OT residing in Mumbai can avail of ”Total Career
Guidance”. Those interested may send their requests to
OT editorial office. |
