The one fundamental thing that the Indian education system lacks is career counselling. At no stage, well for most of us, comes a process where our strengths are evaluated and aspirations listened to, and we are directed to an appropriate career. Middle class growing up means our choice of a career is governed by metrics such as:
1. What is the “package”? Believe you me, the chase for “package” – the bigger the better – is the single largest reason for random career shifts, most of which don’t lead a meaningful career evolution or even significant wealth creation opportunities to materialize.
2. How far is it from where mommy lives? Some of the parents lay great stress on their ‘kids’ staying with them or close to them even though great career opportunities may come up in a different city. Watch out for the emotional blackmail!
3. What does mama / chacha / cousin say about the job? Unless the mama / chacha / whoever are familiar with your industry, its growth prospects and have themselves worked in the corporate (comparable industries), they’re not the best counsellors.
We have felt the need for appropriate counselling in various stages of our corporate careers. We’re here to help. Drop a mail with your questions at corporatezindagi@gmail.com.
