Can a Teacher be a Career Counselor?

The answer to the above question is ‘yes’ they can be a very good career counsellor for the students.

Choosing a profession is not a one day decision. It is simply not an either ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The students take a lot of time to arrive at a decision. Though what we read in newspapers or media is an opposite story.

In the recently held NEET EXAMINATIONS, 111 students scored 700 out of 720 marks. It is an all time high number of students. Hence the clashes for the seats has increased. Two new colleges have been added ie AIIMS and JIPMER(Puducherry)

I read about the story of a boy from Uttar Pradesh. He wanted to become a doctor but failed to clear NEET for 5 years. It was his childhood dream. During that time he completed his graduation.  then took another chance by joining a particular institution for coaching. In his sixth attempt he cleared and secured a seat in MBBS.

But the above-mentioned cases are rare.

Students are absolutely confused about their careers. I believe they need continuous counseling sessions to arrive at a proper decision. Choosing a career is a journey it is not a destination.

It is important that we adults understand this process of helping students choose a career. A school counselor would be of great help here.

We are well aware of the existing fad which has been going on for years and years. The fad and excitement surrounding the JEE and NEET examinations.

Every student who scores above 90% wants to appear for these examinations and try their hand at becoming an engineer or a doctor.

Suicides due to the pressure of parents or society is another stigma which is sucking up our systems. So definitely help should pool in from all sections. Everyone must lend a helping hand to assist the students in making a career choice.

Schools have been performing many functions and so a teacher can very well act as a career counselor.

If I talk about it vaguely, then I will mention things like focus on a student strength, identify his skills and highlight them, listen to the students confusions and doubts, etc.

No there are concrete structures which can be used by a teacher to play the role of a career counsellor for his or her students.

A professional career counselor has the expertise and the professional know how related to different streams. They are aware about the trends existing in the labour market. They are also directly connected to Universities and employers.

So how can a teacher level up to a professional career counselor?

Here is how:

Have Career Conversations:

Every teacher has her own professional journey which consists of pitfalls and appreciations. Sharing your journey about how you reached the current point in your professional life will be a beacon for the students.

A teacher can share the confusion and confidence that she experienced at each step of her career.

Having these career conversations will help the students understand that there are many mountains and valleys to be crossed before being employable.

Brainstorming about professions:

There are different careers so brainstorming session would be really beneficial.

 Teacher’s frequently discuss ‘What is your aim in life?:

This is a good question to help the students. 

A better approach would be to discuss what they would have to do to reach their goal. That means the steps required like competitive exams, colleges which offer that course or financial aspects, etc.

So instead of a vague idea the students will have a concrete structure as to what steps they should take to reach a particular destination of a profession that they have chosen to become.

Fit the academic content in the real world:

Link the curriculum to the real world.

While teaching in the classroom the teachers can speak about where that concept fits in the real world.

For example while teaching  writing in the English class the role of publishers and the vastness of the publishing industry can be discussed. Careers in content writing or blogging can be taken up for discussion.

Certain scientific procedures and their implementation in the industry can be discussed.

So while  teaching just an extra plugin can help a lot.

Relieve the stress:

Students are confused and so get stressed easily. The teacher can relieve the stress by talking to them personally and showing them a clear pathway. 

Teachers know the students personally.  It is better for a teacher to understand the problems of students and provide an explanation.  Talking to the parents will also help the student.

Soft Skills:

Apart from the technical knowledge, the students need soft Skills like team building, collaborating, leadership skills, Communication Skills, anger management, etc.

A teacher should discuss the importance of these skills to succeed in the profession. Only a degree doesn’t guarantee success but an overall development does!

So I truly believe that teachers should talk to the students and subtly lead them towards a full filling career choice!