Students seek greater clarity and personal counselling

Has the Internet made career counselling redundant? Is the vast sea of information available there likely to eliminate the concept of mentoring sessions? Will computers replace human guides and advisors? These are some of the questions that have been asked regularly given the rising computer penetration levels and easy access to the internet at cyber cafes in urban areas. Visitors at the DNA EDUSCOPE Education Fair, held on May 7-8, 2011 answered all these questions with a resounding 'No.'

As each student and parent walked in, it was obvious that they were well-informed about career options and courses offered by institutes.  It was also clear that the internet is a frequently accessed source for information about career-oriented courses. So why then did they make the effort to brave the summer heat and visit DNA EDUSCOPE?

Vikas Patel, a student, who had appeared for his graduation exams, put the situation in perspective, pointing out that “These days all students have ample career information but they still need guidance. They know about all the courses but need someone to explain their intricacies.”

Kalpana Dandekar, a student awaiting her HSC examination results, said, “Since we have Internet access at home, finding out about courses and institutes is quite easy but it becomes difficult to take a decision based on just that. What I liked about this event was that we were first explained about the basics of choosing a career and the scope for different careers during the seminars.

After that, we could sit with the institute representatives and understand what each course entailed, the benefits of specific courses vis-a-vis others. Now it will be easier to discuss the career path I want to take with my parents. Being better informed means that my views will be taken seriously and there will be less opposition.”

Most students echoed these sentiments and pointed out that parents do not take their career choices seriously if they are based on information gleaned from the Internet. The message being given out to students is that they are free to opt for any career but only if they have a holistic perspective about the current market scenario, future potential, the scope at various levels, how each course would be a stepping stone in that direction and so on.  

Students poised at the threshold of their careers feel that it is extremely important that their parents take course decisions keeping their preferences in mind. Parents, on the other hand, argue that their selection needs to be based on not just what the industry requires today, but what it will need the day after tomorrow. It’s all about getting ready now for the future that awaits.  

This was why in spite of having unlimited internet-based information at their fingertips, these students and their parents visited DNA EDUSCOPE. It was all too obvious that when it comes to taking important decisions, the human interface matters.

After all, when a senior mentor explains the necessity and importance of career planning for students, or provides guidance on how to choose your career and advice on how to increase your employability in the corporate sector, it’s definitely more helpful than just surfing web pages!