As it was difficult to alter career choices in later stages of life, individuals had to choose careers wisely by considering their interest and aptitude, said N. Raj Mohan, behavioural scientist and founder of career consultancy organisation BODHI.
Speaking at The Hindu EDGE Career Counselling 2017 here on Friday, he said that career choices were often mistakenly made based on factors like choice of parents, peers, popularity and status associated with the particular profession. “It should instead be based on the individual’s interest, motivation, aptitude and personality,” he added.
Citing a study based on data from 2013, Dr. Raj Mohan said that nearly 15 % of the suicides committed in India in that year could directly or indirectly be linked to examination pressure or career issues. “Most of them might have made wrong career choices, resulting in stress,” he said.
He also blamed the importance given to marks and grades in today’s system of education, while giving scant regard for the learning process and practical understanding of concepts.
Dr. Raj Mohan’s session, which saw enthusiastic participation from the audience, included a psychometric text developed by his organisation, which, according to him, helped students in identifying their potential and consequently in making a wise career choice.
