'A majority of students know of only a few career options, even as there are over 250 of them'

As per a recent survey, around 93% of the students are aware of just seven career options, while there are more than 250 career options. But more focus has only been on engineering, medical, architecture, pharmacy among others, which is why career counselling becomes key to those facing challenges in finding their career paths, said Shivakumaraiah, CEO and Joint Secretary, Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), Tumakuru, inaugurating the 23rd edition of The Hindu Education Plus Career Counselling - 2025 session, held at Birla Auditorium, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumakuru on Sunday.
Over 500 students and their parents participated in the event.
He said even as new opportunities were emerging, new innovations were also transforming traditional careers like engineering, which remains the most popular career choice. He said new subjects like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Blockchain Technology, Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Robotics, Cyber Security among others as the new game changers.
'Career counselling is the stepping stone for all young minds. Generally, a majority of students follow the crowd, especially follow their friends, a mistake many make. You should have a passion for the stream of study and career you choose to pursue,' he advised students.
Jayasheel P.J., former Assistant Nodal Officer, CET Nodal Centre, Tumakuru, explained the process of the Common Entrance Test (CET) for various professional courses like Engineering, B.Sc Agriculture, BVSc, Pharmacy, B.Sc Nursing and others.
Ravikumar L., vice-principal, BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru, said that in engineering studies, choosing the best course and college was key. 'Choices are plenty. But the infrastructure at a college, the quality of its faculty, and companies visiting the college for placement are key to selecting a college,' he said, adding, 'improving skills to meet the expectations of the industry was key to the success of engineering students'. 'Improving communication skills, technological skills, team building, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial skills is very important,' he said.
Ameen E-Mudassar, career counsellor and CEO of CIGMA India, said for success in any career students choose, they must learn multiple skills, upgrade themselves and try to acquire knowledge online by taking up courses. 'Doing online courses and learning a foreign language will always help any career you choose to pursue,' he said.
Speaking about Chartered Accountancy, Manjunath M. Hallur, Chairman of ICAI-Bengaluru branch, said, 'Chartered accountancy is not just about numbers, but it's about trust, responsibility and making smart decisions in the world of finance and business. CAs are the most trusted professionals in India,' he said.
'Civil Services best gateway to make a difference'
Anupriya Sakya, IPS Probationer (2023 batch) and All India Rank (AIR) 120 in Union Public Service Commission Civil Service Exams - 2024, who addressed students at the event, said how civic services were the best gateway for especially people from the middle class to make a real difference in the society. 'I come from a very humble and middle class background. I had not been to any fancy schools. But during college days, I had friends whose parents were civil servants. Inspired by them, I decided to become a civil servant. Even in my distant and extended family, I am the first person to pursue civil service exams,' she said.
She shared her journey and how her persistence to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer was finally paying off. 'My first attempt was in 2022 and I missed out from being selected by six marks. And then, in 2023 I was fortunate to get into the Indian Police Service (IPS), but I again missed out becoming an IAS officer again by 6 marks. And finally in my third attempt I have got a good ranking and hope to be selected as an IAS officer,' she said.
'If you pass civil service exams, you will be a direct part of administration and governance. In your initial days of your career, you will be posted as Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police (SP) among other posting depending on your service. When we talk of policy implementation on the ground, it is the DC who will play a key role. In the later phase of your IAS career, you will serve as a Secretary of the government and you will have the opportunity to draft policies,' she explained about the career of a civil servant.
'As a civil servant, you not only get diverse opportunities and experiences, but also come face to face with the society's challenges and faultlines. The common saying goes that no two days in the life of a civil servant are similar,' she said.
'I am very much interested in Aeronautical Engineering, and I am planning to join a good college in the State. So, this career counseling was really helpful and I got a lot of information.'
Kiran Kumar, II PU Student, Tumakuru
'I passed out of II PU this year with 75% of marks in the Science stream. I am planning to pursue engineering, specialising either in Computer Science or Mechanical. I could gather information about college selection and other issues. It was a very good session.'
Harshitha G. Kadadevarmath, Tumakuru
'My daughter has passed II PU, and she is planning to pursue engineering. We did not have enough information about colleges, courses, fees, and other things. This career counselling helped us a lot.'
Chandrika, Parent, Tumakuru
'My daughter joined I PU this year. However, this career counselling has helped us decide the future course, college, various career options and placements.'
Rangaswamy, Parent, Tumakuru
The sponsors of The Hindu Education Plus Career Counselling are:
Platinum sponsor: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Presidency University; Reva University;
Gold sponsors: R.V. University, Bengaluru, Chanakya University, Bengaluru, East Point Group of Institutions; Cambridge Group of Institutions; Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences;
Silver sponsors: GSSS School of Architecture for Women, Mysuru; JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru; JSS Science & Technology University, Mysuru; Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru; Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan; Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru; Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru; Soundarya Group of Institutions, Bengaluru; Adichunchanagiri University; The Christ (Deemed to be University); CMR University; Indian Institute of Fashion Technology; Karnataka Milk Federation; MSIL, and K.S. Group of Institutions.
Associate sponsors: Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi; SDM Educational Society (R), Ujire; The Institute of Cost Accountants of India; Karnataka Bank; Shaheen Group of Institutions, Bidar; Bapuji Educational Association (Regd), Davangere; Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society, Kalaburagi; VTU; Navkis Engineering College, BLDE Association, Vijayapura; and IDBI Bank.
Regional sponsor: MVJ College of Engineering, Bengaluru.
Snack partner: Naturo.

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