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Choose your A-Level combination wisely
Students in school need to seek the advice of their careers masters to make informed decisions. FILE PHOTO
With an increase in the number of career options, choosing the right stream is a key decision to make, writes Rajan Iyer of Iyer Consulting and business Services.
Ahmed Kaizen, 28, is a happy man. After completing his degree in engineering, he took up a plush job in a top ICT company. After a decade, Kaizen found his true calling. He is now a successful restauranteur, owning a chain of restaurants in Tanzania and spending most of his time doing what he loves – cooking and travelling.
He certainly has no regrets. But not everyone gets a second chance.
For those who want to be the architects, the first step in building a career is choosing the right stream after their O-Level. This could be the golden moment of reckoning in a student’s life, when he has to choose between the three streams – Science, Commerce or the Arts.
The dilemma of choosing a stream is a crucial decision. The decision, once made, makes it difficult to turn around and begin all over again. One needs to keep multiple factors in mind while choosing a particular stream.
Careers masters
Aptitude tests help students recognise their personal skills and intelligence in a particular field. A number of times, these aptitude tests highlight career options that were earlier not considered by the student. A number of times, students go through multiple aptitude tests, to review their decision.
Personal interest
Personal interests of a student have the same importance as aptitude, and the two factors combined can help in determining the right career choice for a student. If a student chooses a caree\r only depending on his interest without considering his aptitude for that field, then he may not be successful in that field and vice-versa. It is important for students to pursue a stream of their interest so that they are able to choose a fulfilling career for themselves.
Career prospects
Once students decide their stream of choice keeping both the above factors in mind, it is necessary for them to conduct extensive research on job opportunities and career prospects in that particular field. Student counselor Allan Zori feels, “A student is barely 16 years old when such an important decision is thrust upon him/ her. With little knowledge about career prospects in a particular field, they are incapable of making decisions on their own.
It’s very important that students do extensive research in their field of interest and keep themselves abreast with latest developments in their field of choice.
Speaking to professionals from within the industry can also give them better insight. A summer internship to understand the work environment in a particular field can also be of great help. Also, this would give the students an extra edge over others.
In this age of cut-throat competition, parents are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that their children have a bright future. Farida, 15, is among the top-rankers in her school.
With the result date nearing, she has had to endure many sleepless nights. Although a bright student, Farida had not decided what she wants to pursue as a career further. Her parents, both working professionals, then decided to seek professional guidance to help their daughter choose the most appropriate stream. The process has now not only helped her make her own choice, but has helped her chart her career path.
Unfortunately, there are several students, who unlike Farida, take a decision without putting in much thought. They either concede to their parents’ wishes or give in to peer pressure.
Students must ensure that their decision of choosing a stream of choice is independent of that of their parents and/ or friends. Parents may give their suggestions and support their children but must not, in any way, force their decision on them.
Also, a student should keep in mind what stream his/ her friends are opting for, but not blindly follow them.
Choosing the right stream is not just a game of elimination. It is a scientific process wherein one needs to evaluate one’s aptitude and interest in a particular field. It is not a solitary effort but a combined one by students, parents, teachers and friends. It is a life-altering decision for a student as the decisions he makes in the present will be responsible for his future.
