There are hardly any individuals in this era who are not conscious about their careers. However, not everyone achieves success. The reason behind this is often the lack of a definite plan to follow. Lakhs of students apply for government job positions for the limited available seats.
While there is nothing wrong with pursuing government jobs, it is crucial to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and explore alternative options before applying and preparing for a specific job. In this blog, we will provide you with a definite roadmap if you are soon to graduate from college. The information provided may also help you change your career direction if you believe you are not on a suitable path.
Know yourself
Imagine your father being a top-notch neurosurgeon, and everyone in your family expects you to pursue a medical career. However, your true interests lie in journalism and film studies. You are a creative person with sharp speaking and acting skills. What would you do? Would you succumb to your family’s expectations, or would you carve your own path?
It may sound straightforward, but taking a bold step and expressing your opinions is crucial. You need to communicate with your family and convey that you can excel in a field you are passionate about. Does this remind you of Farhan from the movie ‘3 Idiots’? Yes, you may have to act similarly in such situations, although Farhan convinced his parents after completing his engineering. Therefore, the sooner you understand this, the better it will be for you.
Thorough research on career options
Every career demands specific skills, a timeframe for excellence, and financial considerations. Some careers may be expensive but have lower academic requirements. Conversely, certain colleges and schools conduct their own entrance exams and require extensive effort to secure admission.
Conduct thorough research on the eligibility criteria, examination patterns (if applicable), and financial implications. For instance, to gain admission to top MBA colleges like IIM, one needs to achieve a high percentile in the CAT (Common Admission Test), but the fees can be challenging for some candidates to afford. In such cases, student loans may be necessary, which come with their own criteria, setbacks, and advantages.
In contrast, banking and SSC (Staff Selection Commission) exams involve annual form-filling, allowing any graduate to participate and secure a job directly. However, the competition in these exams is fierce. While pursuing a career in banking or SSC is more economical, this competitive exam requires strategic preparation.
The first option, though relatively more expensive than the second one, is the dream of many. Not only does it offer a career path desired by many, but it can also provide long-term rewards. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what is best for you based on your aptitude, interests, and financial situation.
Detailed analysis of the previous year question papers
No matter if you are preparing for IAS, GATE, CAT, or MAT, cracking any exam requires going through old question papers. Understanding the exam pattern and regularly taking mock tests will always give you an advantage.
Additionally, it is crucial not to overlook the importance of detailed analysis. Imagine taking 10 mock tests in a day but failing to analyse why you made certain mistakes, identify your weakest subjects, and determine how to improve. The result will remain the same as you are not addressing your weaknesses.
Don’t run after unrealistic goals
Life is short. We need not waste time on something we are not made for. The sooner we realise this, the better. If you are not good with mathematics, there is no need to apply for jobs that require quantitative skills. Instead apply for a job where you can give your hundred percent and excel. Take a skill test before deciding your starting your career journey to get a clear-cut idea about your capabilities
Enrol yourself in skill-based courses
Gone are the days when degrees used to work wonder. Today, you are nothing if you are not a pro in your field. This is why we recommend students to apply for a skill-based course. Now you must be wondering, how to decide which course to enrol in. This is where our first pointer “Know Yourself” comes into the picture.
- Are you good with your analytical skills? Or is the technical field not your cup of tea? No need to fret! There are plethora of options to choose from
- You can be a PH.D in English literature from renowned institute, give NET (JRF) or just apply in a certificate courses to acquire s specific skill
Start searching for internships
Fortunately, we live in an era where finding 2 to 3-month internships is easy. If you reside in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, or Mumbai, you can readily find internships that offer a monthly stipend of at least 10K.
Moreover, certain online platforms not only provide skill training courses but also internship opportunities. These courses cover various areas such as digital marketing, SAP, data science, and certificate-based HR courses.
Interview preparations
How is preparing for an interview during graduation days important?
- Gain a competitive advantage by starting early.
- Manage time effectively amidst other graduation responsibilities.
- Develop key skills through coursework and activities.
- Thoroughly research companies to demonstrate genuine interest.
- Utilise networking opportunities and make lasting connections.
- Build confidence through practice and refinement.
- Be prepared for the job search process ahead.
Last but not the least, it is never too late for a career change. It is completely fine that your plan failed or you were unable to crack an exam of your choice. You can always change your career and start afresh. Life is too short for regrets.
Always remember, acquired knowledge never goes in vain. It will definitely work in your favour if not today then tomorrow. For example, a candidate who was short by few marks in MBA entrance might crack the banking exam in one attempt. This is just one example. There are many cases where a failed candidate made his mark in another field.