By Arshid Qalmi
In a fast-evolving world marked by changing career landscapes, technological advancements, and increasing socio-emotional complexities, the need for robust Career Guidance and Counselling (CGC) in schools has never been more urgent. Particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where lack of access to diverse career information, and limited mentorship contribute to students’ career anxiety, a well-structured CGC framework can serve as a transformative tool.
As a Resource Person for Career Guidance and Counselling, I have witnessed firsthand how students in Classes 10 and 12 , standing at crucial crossroads, grapple with confusion, pressure, and misinformation.
Why Career Guidance and Counselling?
Decision-making at Crossroads: Class 10 and 12 students are required to make critical academic and vocational choices with long-term implications.
Psychological Well-being: In the absence of guidance, students experience high levels of stress, low self-esteem, and fear of failure.
Changing Employment Landscape: Students need updated exposure to emerging careers.
Local Challenges: Rural students often lack mentors, digital access, and exposure.
Core Objectives of a Career Guidance and Counselling Program
To provide accurate and updated career information.
To assess aptitude, interests, values, and personality.
To address emotional and motivational blocks.
To enhance decision-making and planning skills.
To expose students to emerging fields, scholarships, and opportunities.
To involve parents and teachers as facilitators of the student’s journey.
The Framework: A Step-by-Step Model
1. Pre-Session Planning: Conduct surveys, prepare resources.
2. Student Group Segmentation: Based on class, aspirations, motivation.
3. Career Awareness Module: Explain career journeys, introduce stream-subject-career linkage.
4. Psychometric Support & Self-Discovery Tools: Use tools to assess aptitude, personality, interests.
5. One-on-One Counselling & Group Guidance: Clarify myths, discuss alternatives.
6. Parental and Teacher Involvement: Conduct awareness sessions, train teachers.
7. Use of Technology & Resources: Introduce portals, provide printed/digital guides.
Post-Session Follow-Up and Mentorship
Develop Career Tracker Files.
Provide mentorship and alumni networks.
Collaborate with NGOs and colleges.
Set up a school-level Career Cell.
Challenges and Cultural Sensitivities
Stigma around failure or vocational courses.
Limited options for girls.
Over-focus on government jobs.
Fear of stepping outside the valley.
Conclusion: Building a Culture of Informed Hope
Career Guidance is not just about selecting a stream or profession, it is about building informed hope. We must recognize the unique struggles of Kashmiri youth and walk with them as co-dreamers.
A strong CGC framework is the foundation for an empowered, skilled, and emotionally resilient generation.
- The author is a Kashmir-based educator. Views expressed in this article are author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect KO’s editorial policy.
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