What next for your career?

Updated on: Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Career coach Zubin Malhotra Decodes C – confusion over college vs course, as the admission season heats up across the country

It's that time of the year again. Many of you will find yourself lost whilst navigating the maze of admissions procedures, and cracking the coursecareer choice conundrum will leave you terribly confused.

For those of you standing on the cusp of beginning an undergraduate education – welcome to the adult world! A world where choices have to be made. Difficult choices. Conflicting choices. Choices that, as Pythagoras insightfully remarked, are the hinges of (your) destiny.

What to do? Take a deep breath.... Calm down... And read on...
Some reassurances first.

You are not alone.

There are lakhs of students in the very same college admission confusion boat

Don't panic.

Numerous studies have shown how panic results in knee-jerk reactions and sub-optimal decisions

Be positive.

There is always a way forward/out. It may entail a longer and/or difficult path, but if you want it badly enough you can achieve your dream

Spare a thought for those around you.

In India, career decision-making is still a family affair. How you react to the situation will set the tone for how your parents, siblings, friends, and relatives react And the biggest one of them all ...

Maintain perspective.

It's not the end of the world. Your undergraduate course-college decision is not THE biggest determinant of the path and altitude of your career. This is especially true for those NOT pursuing technical or professional courses. You may not realise it now, but from an overall career perspective, your UG course in today's scenario is merely a stepping-stone ; a necessary qualification that enables you to seek that all-important PG course. It is your PG course and college choice that has a far far greater impact on your career and realising your life's goals and ambitions

How should you go about resolving the college vs course question?

> First choose a course.

Choose a course based on your understanding of what you'll be studying over the next three years, your suitability and interest in the area, and where it will lead you. Don't blindly follow fads. Don't choose a course because it's "prestigious" or has high cut-offs . Don't just opt for any old course offered at a prestigious or "hip" college. Beware: Courses such as philosophy, sociology have limited options outside of teaching and academia.

> Then short-list colleges

offering that course based on marks, and extracurricular activities & facilities it offers. A common refrain heard on college campuses is about quality of students (" crowd" in university lingo) and range of extra-curricular activities. Please understand — it's YOU who makes the "quality." As for clubs, societies, fests, and other activities — take initiative. Be the change you want to see.

Times of India

What next for your career?

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