ICMHS Blogs

"# Why Career Counselling Matters for Middle and High Schoolers\r\n\r\nCareer counselling is a systematic process in which an individual’s interests, aptitude, personality, and aspirations are factored in to assist them in finding their best-fit career choice. It is facilitated by expert professionals who may use standardised assessments to aid the process.\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\n## Career Counselling Process\r\n\r\nCareer counselling is an elaborate process that involves detailed discussion between the career counsellor and the client. The counsellor dives deep into each case as they inquire about the client’s educational background, likings, dislikings, strengths, achievements, aspirations, vision, family background and so on. This is often complemented with a psychometric assessment that helps in quantifying the observations of the counsellor.\r\n\r\nSome of the popular psychometric assessments used by career counselling professionals are David’s Battery of Differential Aptitude (DBDA), Differential Aptitude Test (DAT), Comprehensive Interest Schedule (CIS), Multidimensional Personality Assessment (MAP), and suchlike. However, with technology having rapidly evolved over the last few years, computer-based career assessments have begun to take over the traditional paper-pencil tests.\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\n## Why Career Counselling Matters for Middle and High School Students\r\n\r\nCareer counselling may typically begin when a student is in Class 8th, and there is no upper age limit as to which one could seek career counselling. College students, working professionals, those on a sabbatical, or even retired professionals may seek career counselling.\r\n\r\nLet us enumerate a few reasons as to why career counselling is important for middle and high school students:\r\n\r\n### 1. Expanding Awareness\r\nCareer counselling acquaints students with various fields or avenues that the student may not have known earlier. School students are usually focussed on academics and co-curricular activities, and may not be well-aware of what all career options the industry has to offer them. It is a good idea to keep meeting a career counsellor right from middle school onwards so one gets the appropriate guidance and handholding.\r\n\r\n### 2. Self-awareness\r\nTalking to a career counsellor helps a student introspect what subjects and co-curricular activities they like, what their personal strengths are, and their ambitions. This understanding is helpful when students have to eventually make a choice of subjects and courses.\r\n\r\n### 3. Eliminating Options\r\nAs much as it is important for students to know what they would like to pursue after school, it is equally important to know what they don’t want to do. Career counselling helps students understand their dislikes and weaknesses, such that they do not hinder their journey ahead.\r\n\r\n### 4. Goal Setting\r\nTalking to a professional career counsellor helps students set short-term and long-term career goals — for instance, choosing a stream, taking entrance exams, applying to prospective colleges, doing internships, and so on. This helps them feel a sense of predictability and structure, reducing the chances of feeling uncertain about their career plans.\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\n## Career Counselling at Cambridge Schools\r\n\r\nIn 2023, Cambridge Schools introduced a well-rounded career guidance programme to help students make thoughtful and informed career choices. Designed in collaboration with expert career counselling agencies, the programme includes both individualised and group counselling.\r\n\r\nSome highlights of the programme are as follows:\r\n\r\n### 1. Individual Counselling\r\nEach school is assigned a dedicated career counsellor who is available thrice a week throughout the academic year. These sessions offer personalised guidance tailored to each student’s interests and aspirations.\r\n\r\n### 2. Group Sessions with Experts\r\nSpecialist-led talks are organised for students and parents on key topics such as college selection, profile development, and preparation for entrance exams like NEET, JEE, CLAT, and CUET. These sessions aim to provide clarity and direction during crucial decision-making stages.\r\n\r\n### 3. University Engagement\r\nCambridge Schools host an annual college and career fair – MentorEd, featuring top universities from across India. Students also participate in university visits, gaining direct exposure to higher education institutions and their offerings.\r\n\r\n### 4. Internship and Volunteering Opportunities\r\nDuring summer breaks, students are encouraged to engage in internships and volunteering, offering them practical experience and insights into different career fields.\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\n## Conclusion\r\n\r\nSystematic and structured career counselling prepares students for a smooth transition from school to college and ahead. Not only does it enhance their awareness of self and the available options, but it also helps them cut through any confusion about career choices that may be clouding their minds."