The role of career counseling for students after their CBSE results

Class 10 career counseling is important because it’s a necessity to guide the students in making proper combinations of subjects for Classes 11 and 12.

More than 35 lakh students get their CBSE Class 10 and 12 results every year. They are all confused and overwhelmed with too many options at this stage. What stream to opt for? What career should I pursue? Which entrance exams to I prepare for? They are all confused and have no clue where to start. Career guidance can be offered to students in various situations.

Consider the case of a student who gets good marks in science and mathematics in a senior secondary exam but also enjoys reading and writing. Peer and parental pressure will likely compel the child to pursue science and mathematics in class 11, reasoning—wrongly—that the humanities will restrict future career opportunities! 

Anubhav Seth, Global Head, Career Counselling and University Guidance, Global Schools Group, lists that besides subject choice alignment with aptitude and interest, a career counselor in this instance could have done better by making students and parents aware of real career opportunities in literature, media, and journalism.

This might be simple at first, but can a single, brief, one-time counseling session work? For a short-term, temporary fix, a series of counseling sessions can provide information and awareness based on interests and intellect.

But are we certain that the student will be a good long-term match? – Is it really the study of literature and writing that is the student's true motivation? Do we have enough evidence? Are aptitude and other abilities in sync with the student's interest? Has the student had any other job opportunities?

After Class 10, career counseling plays a crucial role in assisting the students in selecting the appropriate combination of courses for Classes 11 and 12. Counseling, however, must be a continuous process and ideally start as early as Grade 8. It cannot be restricted to a couple of sessions. Successful career counseling is founded on the application of the appropriate instruments, i.e., psychometric tests, and complementing them with job exploration, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and academic achievement.

Seth states, "If the student in the given example case does go through an excellent process in which the counselor assists the student to identify strengths and talents and is introduced to a variety of career options, then perhaps the student would decide to become a journalist in the humanities, business/management, economics, or actuarial science! That choice will, however, be evidence-led, based on both academic study and experience-based wisdom, and it will enhance the prospects of a successful future career."

The first challenge, then, is selecting a suitable professional career and associated course combinations. Finding the most appropriate course and university for each student becomes the top agenda of career guidance in Year 11.

It is intimidating to think about the scores of Indian and international universities, degree courses, and admission tests available. Even with a clear-cut career choice, most students remain undecided. Engineering or pure science? MBBS or allied health? CUET or SAT? India or abroad?

1. By now, children are assisted by good counseling:
2. Choose the college, course, and examinations that best suit you.
3. Explore backup alternatives that best fit them.
4. Make strong applications by being well-prepared for the interview and adding personal statements.

Take the case of a student seeking to pursue engineering via JEE.

If the student is also gifted in chemistry and problem-solving, a counselor might also recommend allied career options such as pharmaceutical engineering, forensic chemistry, or material science. They might also recommend the CUET exam alongside JEE so that the student is prepared for the future, even if Plan A fails. Lastly, they help students make informed decisions to select academic courses after they receive admission offers and examination outcomes. 

Last but not least, career counseling provides expert advice and evidence-based information to bridge the gap between uncertainty and certainty. Recognizing the unique strengths, interests, and aspirations of each student and providing them with knowledge of the emerging world of the labor market equips them to make the best decisions and take the journey in the correct direction of their potential.