As Amplified Career Center (ACC), we know that the decision of one’s career is one of the most crucial decisions of one’s life. We noticed that sometimes, students end up making this decision on the basis of inadequate knowledge, and maybe societal pressure. Such decisions may often direct them into careers that are unsuited for them, and thereby lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Therefore, it’s very important to make an informed decision about one’s career choices. Getting proper guidance from our trained career counsellors can help you set long term career goals, and also find the pathway to achieve them. This article discusses in detail what is career counselling, the importance of career counselling, types of career counselling, and much more. Stay on this page to read more.
Understanding the Definition
Career counselling is a systematic process that helps an individual understand one’s self, as well as the world of work, to choose the right career. It is the process of helping students and professionals to analyze their strengths, interests, abilities and skills. We have noticed that the right career choice is often an intersection of a student’s interests and abilities, and industry trends.
Everyone requires career guidance at some point in their lives; whether you are a O’ Level student who is confused about choosing the right combination for A’ Level, or an A’ Level student looking to get admission into a college, or a professional who is looking for a career change. It provides you with the knowledge and skills that will help plan your subsequent career and life decisions.
Importance Of Career Counselling
Now that we have got a little idea about what is career counselling, let us understand the importance of career counselling. With multiple career options available to students nowadays, the importance of career counselling has most definitely increased. When a student is at a crucial crossroad where they may have to choose a combination for A’ Level, or the right course after A’ Level for their tertiary education, a professional ACC career counsellor might make the decision making easier for them.
The importance of career counselling is across all age groups. Along with helping to chart a future career path, career counselling may also help to manage several other related issues, such as low motivation and lack of confidence. Career counsellors offer unbiased advice, and may help tackle the impasse between parents and children on which career to choose. Career counselling also helps make the transition from one chosen career field to another, easy and non-stressful.
Who Are Career Counsellors?
Career counsellors are trained professionals who provide guidance and counselling. They have extensive knowledge about different career paths and occupations. Career counsellors typically hold at least a degree qualification in counselling psychology/applied psychology, and are proficient in applying career development theories, counselling techniques, administration and interpretation of psychometric tests.
A good career counsellor is a keen observer, problem solver, and has in-depth knowledge of various fields. They always keep themselves updated with the new trends and career information resources.
Career Counselling Process
Career counselling is a process, that mostly involves multiple steps.
Step 1- Developing Self-Awareness – This is the first step where you gather information about yourself, understand yourself by introspecting on your abilities, interest, personality and skills.
- Ability – It is something that you can do well and easily. For example – Numerical ability is where you can solve mathematical problems easily.
- Interest – Something that you like and enjoy doing. For example – playing sports, playing an instrument or painting/drawing
- Personality – Something that defines you, like your social traits, motivations and the kind of person you are. For example – Are you an introvert or extrovert? How sociable are you?
Some questions to build self-awareness:
- What am I good at?
- In what subjects do I score well?
- What are my strengths?
Step 2- Gain Information About Different Career Options- The next step is to research various career options. You can get relevant information about the work and job roles, personal attributes required, eligibility and selection process and start eliminating the career options that don’t appeal to you. You can get relevant information from:
- Newspapers, books and magazines
- Internet
- Career counsellors (ACC)
- People working in the industry, and so on.
Step 3- Connect the Information from The Above Two Steps – Finally, it’s time to match your understanding of yourself with the understanding of possible career options. Let’s take an example of a key and lock – Your potential is the key, and the requirements of the career is the lock. Each career has a unique set of requirements, and each one of you has unique potential. If you insert the key in the right lock, the door to success will open in front of you.
Step 4- Take Action- After you have selected the best possible career options for yourself, you prepare a plan of action. This step-by-step career action plan serves as a guide in achieving your ultimate career goals.
Example of an action plan-
- What subjects should I choose?
- What are the requirements to get into the desired college?
- What is the study path and duration for the course?
- What colleges offer the course?
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