Daily Times

Sir: While getting into university, majority of the students face a hard time choosing courses that match their interests and capabilities. This perplexity comes as a result of no career counselling back at schools. Consequently, a lot of students end up opting majors they fail to develop interest in. On the other hand, some are never given the liberty to make that decision owing to pathetic social pressures and are forced to study something against their will. Another group encompasses students that choose to follow what most of their fellows do, while many of them study only with the intention to get a degree.

In all these above mentioned categories, common thing is the lack of satisfaction. Students with no set goals are mocked for not being motivated enough and are looked down upon. In my opinion, the students are not at fault here, as they are never given enough guidance regarding career development. They are clueless as to what direction to follow. They need someone to help them through the process, therefore it is essential for them to consult career counsellors to get rid of any kind of uncertainty.

Career counsellors help individuals identify the potential in them they are oblivious of, by analysing their strengths as well as weaknesses.  In Pakistan, the educational system is such where career counselling does not get the importance it deserves and there is not much awareness about it even. Only a few schools have on-campus career counsellors whereas the rest seem unfamiliar to the concept. Reportedly, 1 in 3 is not happy about the career they have. The courses taken by students determine the career they pursue in future, so making the right choice in first place is extremely crucial.

The government should also play its part by arranging different workshops and seminars for enlightening youth and raising awareness, as education is the most important thing. It is not redundant to say that schools need to come up with a variety of different activities which students can indulge in, that facilitate them discover their interests at an early stage. Besides, schools must set up sessions frequently where all students can engage with career counsellors to get helpful advices as to build a successful career, they never regret about later.

The contentment of pursuing the right career enables one to yield greater output and that directly affects the progress of a country. It is high time to realise its significance so that students can take the right career path, before it’s too late.

BIA AHTASHAM

Lahore

Published in Daily Times, October 13^th 2018.