Career Counselling: Choosing The Right Stream After 10th

IN BRIEF: In this post Career Counsellor Mausumi provides clarity and tips for students to choose the right career stream post 10th Standard.

Board exam just got over and a lot of students seem to be confused about choosing their stream after 10th. Some very common answers by students when someone asks them about their choice of a stream after 10th are:

1. I am focusing on my preparation now. Let the result come out, after that, I will decide.

2. Of course science, all my friends are going to opt for science.

3. My parents want me to become engineer. So, I will opt for science.

4. I am confused what to choose. I would choose the stream that has more demand in job market

Normally, students are unaware of the fact that 10th is the initial and crucial stage of building a career. They take the decision with puzzled and ambiguous mind and end up selecting a wrong stream thereby opening the door to worst consequences in the long-term career prospects.

Choosing the right stream has a long lasting impact on a student’s future. It has been often noticed student start hating their subject after some time or quit their subject midway or start feeling frustrated about the wrong move or decision.

The decision they once took out of peer pressure or parental pressure or due to lack of knowledge now becomes the burden of their life. Hence, it is very important for any student to choose the stream carefully for better career prospects in future.

How to choose the right stream after 10th:

Roles of students

Self-awareness: The first stage of stream choice is self-awareness. This involves identifying your interest and understanding your aptitudes and skills. Analysing at their own end is essential while taking a decision. An example is given below to understand the scenario.

1. Do I really like maths? (to identify the interest)

2. Am I good at maths? (to judge the skills)

3. Can I be good in maths if I get all coaching and guidance? (to understand the aptitude, i.e ability to reach the required skill)

A detailed strength-weakness analysis should be done while choosing the stream. Interest, skill & aptitude combination help to make a successful career.

Discussion with your seniors/parents/teachers: Sometimes students take wrong decisions due to lack of knowledge. So, guidance from experts and experienced people always matters. On many occasions, students ignore their passion and follow parent’s decision. So, a healthy discussion with parents and conveying about own real happiness should not be missed out during this phase.

Visit a career counsellor: For more clarification, a student can visit some career counsellor who will conduct tests which have been scientifically designed and formulated and help the student to know the right stream after 10th class. Attending career guidance, seminars, educational fairs would also be a good idea to explore career choices and to help a student plan his/her next step.

Decision making and taking action: This is the final stage of choosing a stream. Choosing the right stream makes a significant improvement in one’s career path hence get inputs from people and various sources but take your own decision. There is no good and bad stream and a lot of opportunities are there in every field. One just needs to put all his/her efforts to make a successful career. Choose wisely and all the best.

The role of parents

Parents have a crucial role in forming student’s career. Parents should help in the exploration of the right career option for their children. However, they should not impose their decision on children while choosing stream and should encourage their kids to follow their own dream. Positive parenting like giving valuable advice and support help children to grow in an area of his interest and abilities.

More Resources On Career Counselling

Career: How Do You Know What You Want?

Here Is Your Career Guidance

How To Convince Parents About Alternative Careers