It is said that ignorance is bliss, but what if that ignorance costs you heavily? Where do you draw the line and start looking for answers? For a student entering the formative years of their career journey, this ignorance can be a devasting mistake in the long run. In a country where “free” advice and misinformation are widespread, how do you make an unbiased, informed career choice?

The answer to this and all other career worries and fears is career counselling! While career counselling is increasingly seen as the ideal solution, not everyone knows exactly how it can help them or when to opt for it. This article will go through some of the top reasons why you might need career counselling and give you insight into how the process works and how it can help you, but first:

Career counselling is a process where professionals with in-depth knowledge and know-how of the various careers guide individuals by helping them understand their selves and their surroundings to eventually make a well-informed career choice. This understanding of self, their surroundings, and the right career fit are crucial for young students to make the right career decisions.

The common misconception amongst people is that career counselling is only needed at the start of one’s career. The reality is that career development is a life-long process. Modern career counselling can help an individual evaluate their career at any stage in life and provide a solution that suits their current needs and also aligns with future career goals. Hence, there are many different stages of career development where career counselling could prove helpful.

There are many reasons why someone might need career counselling. Some people might not know what to do, some go straight into a job after graduating from school or university. Others may have been in the same job for years and feel like they’ve hit a wall in terms of progress. Here are some of the top reasons why someone might need career counselling:

• You finished your 10th and don’t know what stream and courses to go for
• You’ve finished your 12th but don’t know what you want to do in your future
• You feel overwhelmed and stressed when trying to decide what your future should be
• You have an idea of what career you’d like, but don’t know where to start
• You are passionate about a career, but don’t know if it’s a viable option
• You need help putting together an effective resume, cover letter, and interview strategy
• You have entered a job, but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you
• You want a career that suits your personality, values, and principles
• You feel stuck, unmotivated, and lost in your current job
• Your current job doesn’t align with your career goals and you want a new challenge