Whether it is buying a cup of coffee or choosing career options, opportunities and choices have increased to the point where decision making occupies much of our time. When it comes to careers, Indians have been known to gravitate towards the more lucrative and “safer” fields such as engineering and medicine.
Parents also encouraged their children to select science subjects to ensure steady careers.
In school, the freedom of choice seems limitless. The decision ultimately comes down to choosing between science, arts, and commerce. When confronted with the prospect of choosing careers, how many students are equipped to make an informed decision?
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“Medicine, Engineering, and Law were the big three career options when I was studying in Bangalore,” says Varsha Ranjit, a student from Christ College, Bangalore. “I was going to pursue law but I wanted to study subjects which interested me. I had to do my research and decided to pursue life sciences in University of Toronto. The flexibility in choosing different subjects and majors offer a variety of career prospects”.
T.P Vasanth, Managing Trustee at Primus Public School, feels that people have begun to accept the idea of a career change. “Career has been money driven,” says Vasanth. “With the plethora of opportunities available nowadays, one need not conform to age-old norms.”
Having made the transition from advertising to education, Vasanth feels his shift was natural. “Any change is difficult. You have to unlearn and re-learn different aspects. It should be approached with an unbiased mind.”
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“Career counselling exists solely in an empirical capacity in India,” says Vasanth. “Children should be exposed to all career opportunities because their minds are impartial and open.” Vasanth believes that counselling should be done by people working in the respective field. “It is necessary to learn about your area of interest from an experienced person in that particular field.”
Different paths can be pursued after graduation as well. Academic degrees and certificates need not be requisites to discovering the right career. Reshmi Chandrashekar, an architecture graduate, feels that opportunities follow interest and determination. “You don’t have to do what everyone else around you is doing,” says Reshmi.
“I started the illustration series “Curiousity Kills The Cat” because I love doodling and it’s inspiring to see my artwork appreciated by others.” Reshmi is selling her artwork for her illustration series at Comic Con next week. “I’m not sure how this will pan out but I’m taking it one day at a time, doing what I enjoy.”
With numerous developments in technology and many emerging fields, finding the right match has become of paramount importance. Having a keen interest, aptitude, and a passion for your job has become a requisite. Social media and film have also had their share in influencing students to pursue their dreams and to pursue the paths less trodden. “We have so many interests that we want to pursue,” says Aryka Fyzee, an art student, currently studying Yoga Theory at The Yoga institute in Mumbai. “I took a break from my course to pursue something different. After completing yoga theory, I’ll resume my course and complete my degree.”
Students have also begun to realize their fields of interest through internships and volunteering opportunities. Shreya Lohia, graduate of R.V. college of engineering, believes that career opportunities may present themselves through volunteering. “I’ve volunteered before in Auroville and found that I could pursue many interests. I can learn on the job and gain work experience.” Shreya plans to volunteer at Khamir, a platform for the promotion of traditional handicrafts in Kutch. “I would like to become an entrepreneur while empowering local artisans. I feel that interning with similar platforms will provide the necessary experience,” she says.
With the increasing variety in courses and certificate programs in different subjects, students are able to discover different paths to realize their careers. “There is a phenomenal exposure to training that has made career change affordable,” says Vasanth. “But the change should be evolutionary rather than revolutionary.”