Choose your mentor wisely to get privy to different career options, potential growth prospects, and the job market.
When our mind is unclear and the future uncertain, we often turn to external voices for advice/guidance, or endorsement. Sometimes we know what we want in life, but we tend to not have the courage to have our thoughts authorized by our families and parents. At that time if we get a third person to tell us what we want to hear, not just about our career but our future as well, then we are all ears. But then again, there are times when we are genuinely confused. We are unable to decide what is best for us. That is when career counselors become essential. They help you understand what you already know in a completely new light. They may help you give a wider outlook on something you know little about. They will also act as a mentor, help you understand your goals better, and explore different career options that suit your skillsand interest. Though the word ‘counselor’ may have an iota of taboo in India, it is no more a mental block for Gen Z.
Why should we reach out to career counselors?
- They can help you clarify your career goals and identify your strengths, weaknesses, values, and preferences.
- They can help you understand your career options and provide information and insights on various industries, job roles, and career paths.
- They can help you make informed and meaningful career decisions and plan your future accordingly.
- They can help you develop skills for salary negotiation, resume writing, interviewing, networking, and personal branding.
- They can help you overcome challenges and difficulties in your career journey, such as low confidence, stress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction.
What can we ask career counselors?
Career counselors can help you with various aspects of your career development, such as identifying your strengths and weaknesses, exploring your interests and values, choosing a suitable course and career, preparing for college admissions and interviews, and coping with stress and anxiety. They may just help you de-clutter your mind to start afresh and realize that you need to figure out something for your life yourself.
Further, they may help you understand something as simple as building on your strengths and improve your weaknesses. This can help you identify the skills and qualities that you have and need to work on for your chosen career. A career counselor can also suggest psychometric tests or assessments to help you discover your personality traits.
Sometimes you wonder how to select your course and career. A career counselor can help with that too. They can help you narrow down your options based on your academic performance, future goals, interests, values, and market demand. Moreover, they can guide you through some courses, and career selection tests to help you make an informed decision.
Just like we all need to make professional CVs before applying for a job, we also need to build a strong profile for college admissions. You may approach a career counselor for this as well. They can help you understand the requirements and expectations of professional courses after 12th and early career programs. A career counselor can also advise you on how to showcase your achievements, extracurricular activities, internships, projects, and other relevant experiences in your resume or portfolio in the right way highlighting the appropriate skills.
Besides, career counselors can also do the regular – help you reduce anxiety while making career decisions. They can help you cope with the stress and pressure of choosing a career path. Career counselors sometimes teach you relaxation techniques, positive affirmations, or coping strategies to deal with uncertainty and fear of failure, if any.
Last but not least, counselors may share resources or tools that you can use to explore different careers. They can help you learn more about the various careers that are available and suitable for you. They can also recommend some websites, books, podcasts, videos, or blogs that provide information on different careers, such as job descriptions, salary ranges, growth prospects, skills required, etc
If you’re looking for a career counselor or mentor, you can search online for various platforms and services that offer professional career guidance and support. You can also ask for referrals from your friends, family, teachers, or colleagues who have benefited from career counseling. You should look for a career counselor or mentor who has relevant qualifications, experience, and expertise in your field of interest, and who can provide you with personalized feedback and advice. You may also watch some videos of career counselors here https://www.hcltechbee.com/career-guidance-session/ . This will help you overcome the first hurdle of reaching out to an expert mentor whose advice you can trust. This may help you kickstart your journey in the right direction.
