CAREER PATH?

This is the time of the year when the youth of this country are forced to face the reality and take some Hard decisions.  Yes, this is the time of Board Exams for Class X and Class XII students.  This is a testing time for the Parents as well.  It is a litmus Test for the Parents in taking the appropriate decision – rather supportive decision for their Wards.

The Class X students need to decide on their Stream of education, if they have not decided already.  Some students who have decided to change their School, wait for their Marks to select the Stream.  Can a Students’ liking towards a subject change drastically based on the Marks obtained in Class X?   Is the decision taken based on the personal choice or based on the prospects of scoring more marks?  Like it happens every year, many parents who have their Wards in CBSE system are planning to move their Wards to State Boards, as they feel, getting marks in State Board is easier.  Selection of the right Group in Class XI is the first step towards the future.  But, unfortunately the likes of the Wards are ridiculed and the focus is shifted towards Marks.  Parents duty is to provide a platform to their wards where they can gain good Knowledge NOT good marks.

The Class XII students need to decide on which University and Bachelor’s Degree they need to get into.  They keep browsing at several portals to see the reviews of a University or Course.  Little do they realize that in many cases, the existing Students of those Universities are forced to write nice about their University.  Selecting a Course is the toughest decision to make.  One parent was heard talking to his friend about the great advice he gave to his Son about getting into a Marketable Course.  So, is the Journey only about getting a Job or chasing the dream. 

At 17-18 years, Students are expected to be clear about their Career Path.  Here again, there are many who want to wait for the Results to decide on their Career Path.  Is Career Path driven by the Marks obtained or the Inner Voice and Liking of a Student?  Someone who likes Physics wants to become Mechanical Engineer, someone who get more marks in Chemistry want to become Chemical Engineering.  Little do they realize Engineering is different and their liking of Physics or Chemistry is based on the Pure Science that was taught.

Despite all chaos, arguments, assumptions, likes and dislikes, they enter into a University only to end up with a Job in the Campus Interview in an IT Company.  So, what happened to the likings and passions shown while getting into the University.  Do passions and dreams have a shorter life span?  Definitely not. 

The role of parents is very important when a Child finishes Class X and Class XII.  The role of the Parents are as follows:

(a.)  Not to live their life through their ward.   

(b.)  Help their child identify their likes and guide them to select an appropriate Group or University. 

(c.)  Help the Child retain intensity on the Passion he/she has.   

(d.)  Allow the Child to chase his/her dream and 

(e.)  Do not emphasize too much on economic problems or liabilities as they distract the Child.

Allow the Children to be themselves.  Focus only on the Process and the results will come automatically.  The only thing the Parent has in their control is the transfer of Values and Cultures.  The Value Systems that are carried over from generations to generations, is a time-tested system.  Focus on transferring the Values and understand the reality that the Children are growing up and they will have to face the world on their own.

 

(The above article was written as an Editorial for publication in Mar. 2019 issue of PRINCE'S VOICE - my Community eMagazine.)