At every step of our modern-day life we are inundated with choices and options. Right from something as insignificant as which brand of tooth-paste to use, to major life choices such as career paths, every aspect of our life today demands careful consideration. But it's ironic that there exists more credible information in the public domain to support our choice of toothpaste than our career paths.
Globally, there exist over 20,000 career options, paths and occupational roles. But how many of them are we even aware of ? My guess is, not many. On the flip-side the India job market faces a critical crisis. By 2030, India will face a talent deficit of 85.2 million workers. While close to three million graduates and postgraduates come out of colleges every year, hardly 10-15 percent of them are industry ready. They have the requisite qualifications but not the skills needed for the job. Add to this conundrum, the fact that most fresh applicants make ill-informed career choices resulting in several new recruits switching jobs quickly.
It's evident that students, companies, the industry and Indian economy are all being negatively impacted by this cycle. The only link that can help alleviate these challenges is career counsellors. Armed with the right information and resources, well-meaning career counsellors can help India counter the Great Indian Talent Conundrum and put together a knowledge based economy.
Reports however suggest that the Indian market is plagued by a counselling deficit. As compare to one counsellor per 492 student ratio in the U.S., India has only 500 counsellors per 1.5 million students. A majority of young Indian students face challenges and confusion while choosing the right path for higher education. However, Indian schools are not equipped enough to guide them through these major life decisions. Going forward, India will require close to 1.4 million career counsellors to cater to the vast number of students passing through the Indian education system.
The challenges however do not end at the picking the right higher education path. Young professionals too look out for assistance of able career counsellors to guide them while making high stakes career moves. To support the students and professionals of today, it is imperative that career counsellors must be in-line with the aspirations and desires of today's youth. A well informed and well-meaning career counsellor can surely make a huge difference not only in individuals' career but also positively impact the Indian job market.
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