With board results being round the corner, it is time for students to make choices that will determine their career path. The big question — Arts, Commerce or Science? It is a general assumption that people who score high in tenth end up taking science, above average students take commerce and the rest arts, but it is not like that anymore. There are so many options other than medicine and engineering out there. It takes a little bit of time and research to figure out what is best for you.
Riya N, who is waiting for her tenth results said, “I have no idea what to do next. My parents think I should do commerce as it is a 'safe' choice but I like art and want to pursue it. I am in a bit of a fix because I really want to take up arts but then again I am not sure.” This seems to be the case of many others like Riya who have arrived at the crossroads but do not know which way to turn.
When we asked Dr Ali Khwaja, Counsellor, columnist and life skills coach, Chairman, Banjara Academy what is the best way to solve this dilemma, he said, “Such exciting and rewarding opportunities have emerged in the last decade alone that a young person can truly take up a career he or she is good at and also enjoy it immensely. Financial returns have also increased exponentially.”
He pointed out that there are two steps to be crossed, first to become aware of all alternatives available. For instance, commerce and arts students are not even aware that other than engineering, medicine and life sciences, another 100 lucrative careers are open to them, and they need not restrict themselves to BCom and BA.
And secondly, according to Dr Ali Khwaja, it is extremely important for one to matching their own interest, personality and abilities to the careers they choose. Since most students (and even parents) are not very sure how to go about the above process, there is a tremendous need for career counsellors, both at the 10th and 12th crossroads. A few teachers on their own do try to fill the gap, but professional and expert advice is needed by many students whose entire future depends on the decision they take now. Dr Khwaja truly believes that there are a lot of options to choose from. "With the right guidance and support from parents, students can pick the right career path for themselves that they think will succeed in," he said.