Whew!! One of the MOST CRUCIAL yet confusing moments in our lives is when we are about to complete the 12th standard. Whether you have completed your 12th a decade ago or you’re about to complete it this year, we all have gone through this daunting task…………….

“CHOOSE A JOB YOU LOVE AND YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE”

CONFUCIUS

…Soon you will be out of your school and will be looking forward to join college life, now you are readying yourself after 12th but the dilemma is which course to choose. Yes, we require the guidance of our parents/Career Councilor for this. There are lots of factors that decide our career. The expectation of our parents is one such factor. But we should choose our own career depending on our tastes and interests.

Before we get into these career paths and the options you will have to Do something you love! We should select our career depending upon our tastes and likes, this way; we will always give our 100% to our jobs. Career is a lifetime commitment, so before you choose anything, ask yourself, “Can I do this for the next 20 years of my life and not get frustrated?”

Now, here is the some action plan to choose the right career:

• Create a list

Make a list on things you like and dislike. Example-which subjects you like the most, are you interested in drawing/arts, are you adventurous, are you interested in computers and programming etc. Also remember to note down your dislikes. Based on these lists, note down 10-15 careers that suits you.

• Analyze each one of the selected careers

After noting down careers that suits your needs, analyze them in detail. Consider facts like minimum qualifications, potential dangers and hazards, starting salary and opportunities to progress in that particular field.

• Shortlist

After analyzing the details, create a shortlist consisting of 4-5 jobs. Be practical and careful while making this shortlist.

• Field Trip

After zeroing in on 4-5 jobs, now it is time for field trip. Go and take a field trip of the workplace you have set your eyes on. If your shortlist consists of a job in the armed forces, visit an army camp. Similarly, visit hospital, or other offices related to your shortlist.

• Shortlist again

After the field trip, it is time to trim down the list again! Choose 1-2 jobs that you like the most after your field trip and note them down

• Job Shadowing

Now try to spend time with a person who already works in the field that you are interested in. For example- if you want to become a doctor, get to know more about the profession, its demands etc. Try to spend some time with him. This is called ‘Job shadowing’.

Note: Some of the recurring courses don’t require a specific stream. They can be pursued regardless of your stream in 12th.

Concluding, there are countless options for students who are worried and have the question, “What to do after 12th?” Whether you’re a science, commerce or arts student, there are several options in diverse careers for you.

But the most important of them all is to find something you love to do for the rest of your life.

Good Luck!