How College Students Can Discover Their Ideal Career

How to Choose the Right Career in College

Getting admitted to college is a major turning point in any student’s life. It is the time when we lay the foundation of our future. But the biggest question that comes up after getting admission in college is – what next? Which career to choose? Which field to go into? What to study? Thinking about this, many students are not able to decide what they want to do in the future even till the last year of their college.

In this article, we are going to know how to choose the right career in college, that too in simple language and explaining each step in detail.

Step 1: Know yourself – Introspection and evaluation

Before choosing a career, it is important that you understand yourself. Unless you have a correct identification of your interests, strengths and life-values, you will not be able to choose the right direction for yourself.

1. Identify your interests

Ask yourself these questions:

• What subjects do you enjoy studying?
• What tasks do you do so tirelessly?
• Do you have a hobby that you can spend hours on and never get tired of?

Example:

If you enjoy interacting with people, then fields like counseling, public relations or journalism may be right for you.

If you enjoy designing, painting or redesigning things, then graphic design, fashion or interior design may be your career options.

2. Assess your abilities

Some skills are innate in us, some we learn with time and practice.

Try to find out:

• Do you write well?
• Do you understand technology or computers quickly?
• Are you good at teamwork or do you prefer to work alone?

Practical tip:
Look at your past school projects, extra-curricular activities and hobbies – this is where you will get an idea of your capabilities.

3. Determine your life values

Now think about what you value most in life:

• Do you want a career that pays you well?
• Is time freedom and time for family important to you?
• Do you want to do social service or prefer creative work?

Remember: a successful career is one that involves both the heart and the mind.

Step 2: Information and research – Know the career world

Now that you know yourself a little, the next step is to know the market and the opportunities.

1. Research potential careers

Today is the age of the internet. Anything you want to know is just a click away.

Useful sources:

• Websites like Naukri.com, Shiksha.com, LinkedIn etc.
• Career guidance channels on YouTube
• Forums like Reddit, Quora where people share their career experiences

Example:
If you are interested in psychology, then know what are the career options in it – like clinical psychologist, school counselor, HR professional, etc.

2. Pay attention to industry trends

Every field has its own demand. Some industries are growing very fast – like:

• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Healthcare
• Digital Marketing
• Cyber Security

At the same time, jobs in some traditional fields are decreasing. So pay attention not only to your interest but also to future prospects.

3. Choose the right course or subject

Now see which degree or course is required to go into the career you want to choose.

Example:

• If you want to go into law, do BALLB
• If you are interested in engineering, do B.Tech
• If you are interested in management, do BBA and later MBA
• If you like design field, consider institutes like NIFT, Pearl Academy

Tip: Don’t choose a course just by hearing the name or looking at others. First focus on your interest, skills and long-term goals.

Step 3: Gain experience and take proper guidance

Education and degree are not everything. Real experience is the greatest teacher.

1. Do internship and volunteer work

Do an internship in a company or NGO during college itself. This will not only give you experience but will also tell if that field suits you or not.

Benefits:

• Real world experience
• Strengthens CV
• Builds a network for the future

If you are not getting an internship, then work for free on a project. Experience is the most valuable.

2. Talk to professionals

Contact people already working in the field through platforms like LinkedIn or your college alumni network.

Some questions you can ask are:

• What do they like and find most difficult about their work?
• What skills are required to advance in this field?
• Is there job stability in this field?

3. Seek career counselling

Contact the college career cell. There you will get:

• Aptitude tests
• Guidance on career options
• Help in resume and interview preparation

Talking to parents can also help, as they have known you for a long time.

Step 4: Make an informed decision – don’t panic

When you have all the information, experience and advice, make a confident decision.

1. Compare all options

Each career has its own benefits and challenges.

• Will there be a work-life balance?
• How much is the income?
• Are there opportunities to move forward?

2. Be open to change

It is not necessary that what you have chosen today will be the same for the rest of your life. Sometimes choices change with experience – and this is absolutely normal.

Example:
You are currently studying computer science, but maybe you will be able to do something else. After two years, you may start liking UX design or product management more.

3. Take some risks

If you keep choosing only safe options, your real talent will never come out. Try new things – do a course, work on a startup idea, join workshops.

Final words: Career is not a one-day decision

Making a career is a long journey – which takes time, experience, and most importantly – self-confidence.

If you:

• Understand yourself
• Get the right information and experience
• Make informed decisions

Then you will not only build a successful career, but will also find true satisfaction in it.

Remember:

The career that matches your interest, ability and life values – only that will give you success and happiness.