A recent seminar in Pune involved students, parents, school principals, and counselors coming together to emphasize the significance of early counseling in educational choice-making and career planning. The seminar laid stress on the importance of students considering their future dreams and aspirations from an early age to make the right choices.
Dhaval Mehta, Founder of Globestar Edutech, emphasised the importance of the right questions. "It's time we asked better questions. Rather than asking 'Which college is best for me?' students should ask, 'What problems do I want to solve?' Begin with your 'why.' The rest will follow." This can assist students in aligning their academic decisions with their strengths, career aspirations, and opportunities.
Early career planning
The workshop highlighted that students need to start exploring careers in Grades 8 and 9, not at the end of schooling. Lt Gen Surendra K, Former Director of Mayo College, noted that today's students often feel confused by the many choices available. "We're spoiled for choice," he said. "Value doesn't come from knowing the answers, but from asking the right questions." He said that clarity is usually absent, inducing anxiety, and most decisions are made on incomplete information in conditions of uncertainty.
Mehak Sharma from the College Board highlighted that colleges now look beyond academics. "Colleges abroad look at full profiles. Grades matter, but so do essays, activities, community work, and challenges overcome," she said. A strong SAT score can help students in a competitive process, demonstrating readiness and preparedness for university.
Build strong college applications
The workshop emphasized the importance of choosing subjects and curriculum streams after Grade 8 that can help build strong college applications later. Dhaval Mehta advised students to "start with your 'why' and let your path reflect your interests and strengths, not just what seems 'safe' or 'popular'."
