Career counselling can help individuals identify their strengths and interests, explore different career options, and understand the job market trends
Shoukat Lohar
Career counselling is a crucial aspect of guiding individuals in their professional journey. It involves providing advice, guidance, and support to individuals to make calculated decisions about their career path. However, in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan, the concept of career counselling is often met with skepticism due to issues like corruption, nepotism, and lack of opportunities.
In countries like Pakistan, where corruption and nepotism are prevalent, the idea of career counselling may seem futile to many. The rich and influential easily occupy high-ranking positions, while meritocracy takes a backseat. The elite class often sends their children abroad for higher education, giving them an advantage in the job market upon their return. On the other hand, those from struggling backgrounds end up in average public universities, only to find that job opportunities are scarce and often controlled by the wealthy.
Despite these challenges, many individuals from underprivileged backgrounds work diligently to secure jobs and support their families. They pay taxes and struggle to make ends meet in the face of rising inflation. However, the outdated curricula in academia often fail to equip them with relevant skills for the job market. From an early age, children are pushed towards traditional careers like becoming doctors, engineers, or bureaucrats, without considering their personal interests and aptitudes.
It is important for parents to support their children in pursuing their own passions and interests, rather than molding them into societal expectations. This is where career counselling plays a crucial role. Career counsellors can provide guidance and support to individuals in exploring various career options, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and making informed and calculated decisions. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of career counselling in backward countries like Pakistan.
To ensure effective career counselling, there is a need to address issues like corruption and nepotism that hinder meritocracy
Career counselling can help individuals identify their strengths and interests, explore different career options, and understand the job market trends. It can also provide guidance on educational and training opportunities, help individuals set realistic career goals, and develop action plans to achieve them. Additionally, career counselling can assist individuals in building their professional network, improving their job search skills, and preparing for interviews and assessments.
To ensure effective career counselling in underdeveloped countries, there is a need to address issues like corruption and nepotism that hinder meritocracy.
It is crucial to create a fair and transparent job market where individuals are hired based on their skills, qualifications, and experience rather than their connections or wealth. The government, educational institutions, and other stakeholders should work together to modernize the curricula in schools and universities, incorporating practical skills and relevant industry knowledge.
Parents also have a significant role to play in supporting their children’s career aspirations. They should encourage their children to pursue their passions and interests, and provide them with opportunities to explore different career options. Parents should also be aware of the importance of career counselling and seek professional guidance for their children to make informed career decisions.
In last: career counselling is a vital aspect of career development, even in underdeveloped countries. Despite the challenges of corruption, nepotism, and lack of opportunities, career counselling can play a significant role in helping individuals make informed career decisions and pursue their passions. It is essential to address the issues that hinder meritocracy and create a fair and transparent job market. Parents should also support their children’s career aspirations and seek professional career counselling to ensure their success in the ever-evolving job market. Parents must not force their children to follow the footprints of bygone professions or studies. Let’ them explore new worlds of their choices and welcome their opinions.
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Shoukat Lohar is Assistant professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro. He can be reached at Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk
