Ganesh Kohli talks to Sangeeta Yadav about why career counselling should be made compulsory in schools and colleges and the upcoming IC3 conference in Delhi
Tell us about the upcoming International Career and College Counselling (IC3) conferenceIJ
IC3 is not just a conference; it is a movement towards transforming young lives and shaping up their careers. The two-day conference scheduled to be held in the Capital on August 30 and 31, will feature a mix of workshops, roundtable discussions, panel discussions and even high school fairs. The conference will equip the college and career counsellors with the latest knowledge and it also offers them a great networking platform where they can learn about best practices from the experts and their peers. Another distinguishing factor with IC3 is that we look at career and college counselling as a “dynamic and evolving” field and therefore, encourage collaborative exploration.
What is the purpose of conducting itIJ
The key agenda is to bring together higher education representatives for a collaborative dialogue on issues that drive sustainable and inclusive counselling practices focused on student success. The goal is to sensitise all of us on how profoundly our actions and advice impact young people.
Who all have come on boardIJ
Six leading schools have signed up as host schools for the conference — Pathways schools, The Shri Ram schools, Vasant Valley, Heritage School, Sun City School and Springdales School along with FICCI, Education USA, International Baccalaureate and College Board, OP Jindal University etc.
How can counsellors be a part of IC3IJ
School based counsellors, teachers and principals can attend the conference to learn and share their experiences and volunteer in pre and post conference events. Registration for schools and colleges is open till August 26, 2017 at http://www.ic3conference. com/register/.
What are some of the latest trends you have seen in career counselling fieldIJ
With the widening of the education streams available, career counsellors have gradually started learning about newer areas of study such as Music therapy or Forensic Psychology or Motor Sport Engineering and some have even started encouraging the students to take up non-traditional majors. Career counsellors have also started using technology effectively to help students find the best-fit institution and career. All in all, there is an openness to learn, explore and experiment.
How difficult is it to get the right counsellingIJ
It can be quite challenging because many of us give less importance to guidance and counselling, and focus heavily on teaching Mathematics or English. So, it is not easy to find trained career and college counsellors at schools. There are also very limited professional development opportunities for counsellors, which in turn limits the quality of information / guidance students have. Currently some of the schools offer an introductory careers course which does not seem to make much of an impact on career development. Therefore, the education institution should focus on career exploration for students at a young age that provides them with a chance for more hands on experience like career-based workshops included in their course curriculum. This will help the students to explore possible career interests with deeper understanding.
Even after counselling, if the student is not sure about making the right decision, what would he/she doIJ
Counselling does not help find absolute answers but allows for comprehensive evaluation of options. As careers and jobs change dramatically, counseling needs to stay dynamic and relevant. Students also need help in choosing out of love, rather than fear. Most career choices are made because students are scared of choosing something that is non-traditional like music or painting.
What are the other options for students who don’t get through their choice of college with their choice of courseIJ
There is a college out there for every single student. Yes, it is not always possible for students to get into their first choice college or course, but there is plenty out there to explore. It's time students look at what is the best pathway to their dream job. Students need not get despondent about their inability to get into a particular college or course.
How can we make career counselling an integral part of the school educationIJ
Setting up a dedicated career-counselling department within the school is the first and foremost step. Equip the college and career counsellors with the up-to-date knowledge, tools and a comprehensive guideline on best practices. Along with this effort, schools need to arrange frequent workshops, seminars by guest speakers and encourage counseling sessions for their students. We need to also allow students to explore different career options. Since rigidity breeds repetitiveness, and flexibility breeds creativity, we need to let students discover their “true calling” & select the right career path for themselves.
How can we counsel the parents who impose career choices on their childrenIJ
Parents need to accept, acknowledge and allow their child to experiment and this is the only way we are going to be able to build a generation of happy individuals. They need to first take their children to the counsellor at school to understand their child’s career interest. Simultaneously, it is important that they remain open to the plethora of courses that are available today, which match the child’s interest and abilities. If a student likes to explore humanities or music as a career, then support their decision and encourage him/her to take it up.