Introduction

“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” —Abigail Adams 

The importance of making informed decisions regarding education cannot be overstated, especially for high school students on the cusp of adulthood. At this critical juncture, students face numerous challenging questions related to their academic plans such as choice of subjects, stream of study and choice of major for their college education. It becomes even harder to make these decisions, as one recognizes how these choices may profoundly impact one’s future ability to navigate the complex and confusing career landscapes. The impact of many breakthrough technologies on existing business and professional environment, has only added a new layer of complexity to this jigsaw puzzle.  Without proper guidance, the overwhelming nature of these decisions can lead to confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities. 

What is career counselling – and why do you need this 

A career which is an aggregation of many roles one may play in the professional world over a lifetime can be seen as a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and skills in a particular field of work. Therefore, it is desirable that you enjoy pursuing such knowledge and skills, to be genuinely invested in your work to thrive professionally. Passion sustains motivation while facing challenges and keeps one engaged over the long haul. If you are not passionate about your work, burnout or disengagement may occur. Furthermore, students must understand that in the face of continual and rapid change, one must engage in continual learning and skills upgradation to adapt and stay relevant.  Having the necessary innate ability and passion to dedicate to honing and upgrading one’s professional skill-sets are essential to achieve such objectives. 

After grade 12, education takes on a distinctly career-oriented focus, and educational guidance helps bridge the gap between academic pursuits and career readiness. 

Choosing the Right Career: While high school is the pivotal stage when students need to start planning for their future careers, most students are unsure about the same for want of sufficient knowledge and guidance about the vast array of career options available to them. Expert guidance can help students to be informed about such careers that may be suitable for him or her. Having clarity about such future academic and career plan can also become a strong motivation for you to excel in your academic pursuits. 

• Course and Subject Selection: Educational guidance is essential for choosing suitable subjects, especially in grades 11 and 12, when students must select courses directly influencing their post-secondary education options. For example, a student aspiring to become an engineer must focus on science and mathematics, while an aspiring psychologist needs to prioritize subjects like biology and psychology. Making the wrong subject choices could limit their future career options or in the best care scenario, require them to study additional courses later in college.

• Entrance Exams and Admission Process: Getting admitted to your dream college or university invariably requires you to qualify in specific competitive entrance exams and meet specific academic performance benchmarks. Your career guide can provide essential support in understanding and preparing for these entrance tests, standardized tests (such as SAT, ACT) and managing the complex college application process. Being adequately prepared for these tests is the crucial first step to gaining access to prestigious institutions that can launch you into your dream career.

• Building a Long-Term Career Vision: The decisions students make in high school set the foundation for their long-term career goals. Educational guidance helps students envision where they see themselves in 5 or even 10 years from now. It teaches them to plan their education, internships, and extra-curricular activities in a way that systematically builds their knowledge and skills profile aligned towards a rewarding career. Having a clear long-term career vision helps students stay focused, avoid distractions, and choose educational paths that offer prospects of long-term rewards.

• Adapting to a Changing Job Market: The job market is constantly evolving due to technological advancements, globalization, and shifts in industry demand. Educational guidance helps students stay informed about these changes and choose fields that are growing or have future potential. For instance, jobs demanding skills in artificial intelligence, data science, and renewable energy are expanding rapidly, while some traditional jobs are being automated or phased out. 

Financial Planning and Scholarships: Higher education can be expensive, and many students need to consider the financial aspects of their post-secondary education. Educational guidance provides insight into scholarships, grants, financial aid, and other funding opportunities, which are essential for students to plan their higher studies better.

Psychometric Test and Counselling - the science and art of career counselling

What one chooses to study in high school provides the foundation for a career, and while not always related, having a solid academic foundation helps one attain skills that are relevant to a chosen career path. Hence, you must spare no effort in making the most well-informed decision with selection of subjects, stream and college major. And the surest way to achieve that is by seeking professional career guidance. 

A professional career guidance service begins with discovering a student’s strengths, interests, and potential through a psychometric test. Based on an assessment of Aptitude, Motivation, and Personality, educational guidance ensures that students embark on a path that aligns with their life goals and aspirations. By offering support in academic planning, career exploration, and personal development, career counselling serves as a roadmap that empowers students to make choices that lead to meaningful and successful professional prospects.

1. Aptitude - Aptitude refers to an individual's ability to learn or excel in specific areas, such as ability to grasp data and information, complex problem solving, comfort with numbers, physical and linguistic ability to name a few. Assessing a person's aptitude helps in identifying careers where their intellectual strengths will be utilized effectively. For example, having high numerical and complex problem-solving skills may be essential requirements for someone wishing to pursue a career in engineering, data science, or finance. On the other hand a person with strong verbal aptitude could thrive in careers like law or creative communication careers such as advertising or PR. 

2. Motivation - Motivation is intricately linked to an individual's interests and passions. It refers to what drives and excites a person, keeping them engaged in their work. People who pursue careers that align with their interests are more likely to find satisfaction and long-term success. A person who likes to deep dive and curious to understand any problem in greater detail may enjoy working as an engineering, computing scientist or pure science researcher. On the other hand, if you are motivated by a desire to help others, you may find a career as a healthcare professional or teacher highly fulfilling.  Similarly, an individual, passionate about business and commerce will find fulfilment in careers such as a finance or marketing executive.  

3. Personality - Personality, which defines a person’s inherent nature can be the defining factor in determining the type of work environment where a person can thrive. For example, some people excel in leadership roles, while others prefer team collaboration or solitary work. Personality assessments can offer valuable insights into how individuals interact with others, handle stress, and approach challenges. An extroverted, confident person may thrive in careers like sales, management, or public relations. On the contrary, an introverted, detail-oriented person may prefer careers in research, accounting, or technical writing. Individuals who are adaptable and open to change may excel in dynamic, fast-paced environments like startups or creative industries. 

Integrating Aptitude, Motivation, and Personality for Career Guidance is crucial as these three elements offer a comprehensive picture of an individual's potential and preferences   and thereby help make well-rounded career choices. Based on such concrete data points, your career counsellor can help you devise personalized academic and career pathways, set well-defined goals and action plans, leading to greater chances of excelling in one’s academics and subsequent professional life.  In summary, career guidance that integrates knowledge about your Aptitude, motivation, and personality offers a holistic approach to find your ideal career path—one where you can utilize your natural talents, pursue your passions, and build a satisfying and successful long-term career.

Our lives are like vast canvases, overflowing with experiences that paint a unique picture of who we are. Some stories make us beam with pride, while others teach us valuable lessons. But when it comes to university applications, the pressure to condense these narratives into a single, impactful statement can feel daunting.

This was certainly my experience when I was writing my UCAS personal statement. My gap year overflowed with activities, each vying for a spot in this crucial document. The solution? To prioritize. I created a list that identified the experiences that truly defined my passions and shaped me as an individual.

The initial writing process felt like navigating a minefield. An entire essay, holding the key to my dream university, hinged on these carefully crafted words. My weekly meetings with my editor at Lesli India were like brainstorming sessions. We'd toss around ideas, exploring every avenue and hidden corner of my interests. Slowly, my experiences began to take shape, forming the foundation of my essay.

The more I wrote, the more I realized my first draft resembled a scattered puzzle – interesting pieces, but no clear picture. Week after week, we refined the essay, ensuring each sentence propelled my application for the business course forward.

However, a new hurdle emerged: the character limit. Trimming my essay to fit the word limit felt like carving a statue from a massive block of marble. There was so much I wanted to say, but I knew I had to focus on the most essential details – the details that would make my application shine. With my editor's guidance, we learned to let go. This process forced me to prioritize, highlighting the experiences that truly showcased my fit for the program.

After enduring countless revisions, the essay was finally polished and completed. It had undergone rigorous scrutiny by counselors at Lesli India, who were always available to lend a hand, no matter the hour. The journey was challenging, but with the right support, I was able to transform a blank canvas into a compelling story that opened doors to my future. 

So, the next time you face the blank page of a personal statement, take a deep breath. Think of it as an exciting adventure of self-discovery, not a frantic race against the clock. With a little planning, perseverance and a willingness to refine your work, you too can have a statement that will open the doors to your future.

Imagine standing at a crossroads, with one path leading to the expected, traditional route of high school straight to university. But you wanted more. You craved adventure, self-discovery and a break from the well-trodden path. So, you made a bold choice: the gap year.

During my gap year, I dabbled in various things, but what really shaped me were the experiences I'm about to share. Working in my father’s business during this time was eye-opening. It was like peeking behind the curtain of the business world, gaining insights that would shape my future career. 

However, not everyone saw the value in my decision to take a gap year. I often faced criticism from my relatives who believed I was wasting precious time, but little did they know, it was laying the foundation for something greater. I saw this as an opportunity to change perceptions, which led me to start my Instagram blog - Journey Discovery, where I shared my gap year experiences and built a supportive community.

One of the highlights of my gap year was attending a summer school at Cambridge University. Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone! Those two weeks were more than just a chance to experience university life early; they were about pushing my limits, embracing independence and immersing myself in different cultures.

I even found myself getting into sports, a twist I never saw coming. Whether it was a morning run or a calming yoga session, these activities grounded me in the present moment. Yet, a core belief has always resonated within me: the responsibility to embrace and celebrate our cultural roots. This powerful conviction became the seed of my passion project, "Rediscover Bharat." Through this blog, I embarked on a journey to share India's rich culture and heritage. 

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my parents and the guidance of my teachers and mentors. Their belief in me propelled me forward, shaping me into the person I am today.

As I reflect on my journey of resume building, I realize it was more than just a checklist of achievements. It was a journey of self-discovery, where I uncovered my true passions and values. In the end, my gap year wasn't just about preparing for college; it was about stepping away from the traditional path to finding my own unique way forward. Thinking about taking a gap year? My biggest advice would be to embrace the unexpected! You never know how the things that surprise you the most might just unlock the door to your true self.