From A Mess To A Direction - A Career Reshaped

Vimal Sharma is a 21-year-old living in a remote township. Vimal has completed his B.Sc. in Chemistry Honours this year. He feels lost these days, unsure about the path ahead. Cousins say, “Go for an M.Sc., then a Ph.D.” His father advises, “Start preparing for Government jobs.” His elder brother comments, “Why don’t you apply for teaching positions?” Friends rumble, “You are overthinking. You have done a B.Sc. Go for an M.Sc. Look for jobs and work. When money enters your bank account, you will be happy.”

Vimal’s mind feels trapped. Vimal feels confused, “What should I choose? What about my art? It’s taking a backseat.” He felt distressed. He talked to his favorite teacher from his childhood. Both were still in touch. Teacher Lata introspects, “What does your heart want to do?”

“I don’t know. I completed Chemistry Honours as my father insisted. But, I was never interested throughout my graduation. I didn’t quite like the curriculum. I feel I completed my graduation out of my father’s choice of subject”, was Vimals’s reply. Lata had an idea. “I will take you for a career counseling session tomorrow. Meet me at my residence tomorrow at 10 am.”

Vimal saw a ray of hope. The career counselor heard his problems. “Quite common among youngsters today”, she replied. She asked Vimal to try a self SWOT assessment - an assessment of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Vimal gave a blank look. The career counselor took a quick personality test. In the next appointment, his interest areas, aptitude, and IQ were assessed. The results were discussed openly among the three. 

Vimal discovered his aptitude for art. He configured how deeply ingrained his artistic skills were. He listened to everyone else so far but had never asked herself what he desired. He met his passion, his desire. The road ahead was quite unknown. Some live counseling sessions were scheduled. The courses to take up, the institutes to attend, and the variety of career options to choose from, all waited to welcome him with open arms. 

“Are all career options safe? Then, why do some people succeed and some fail?”, Vimal raised an alarm. The career counseling discussion continued on the pros and cons and the ongoing and upcoming industry trends in the field of art. 

Now, Vimal had a clear picture. Lata advised, “Take some time. Think about everything that we discussed and then take a decision.”

One week later…

It was Lata’s birthday. Lata, a 50-year-old, always preferred to celebrate her birthday on a small scale within her close-knit circle. And, Vimal was a part of this special circle. It was 8 pm. Her favorite student, Vimal, walked in with a bouquet full of orchids, Lata’s favorite. But Vimal announced the most special gift. “Ma’am, thank you for being my guiding light. Thanks for taking me for career counseling. I want to pursue a career in Art. I want to be an Art Director. And, I am sure about it. Lata didn’t need to question him further. Vimal’s dreamy eyes, the happiness on his face, and the relief in his words spoke out aloud.

The present market has plenty of options. The more options there are, the more competition there will be. It breeds confusion. Youngsters and even people in the middle of a career face the same dilemma. Parent’s expectations, peer pressure, desire towards unconventional roads, and several other factors come into play. Career counseling is a rescue for all such confusion. Career counseling gives you a direction. So, if you are resonating with Vimal and you are in a similar state of dilemma, act before it’s too late. Invest your time in getting a career counseling session and gain better clarity. You will have a vision to work hard for. And, here is a secret. It’s never too late!