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How to Choose the Right Career And how Social Emotional Learning can help : A Guide for Students

Choosing a career is a big decision for students, but many in India face challenges due to a lack of guidance and information. A study based on responses from over 10,000 students in the age group of 14-21 across India, shows that 93% of the students are aware of only seven career options, such as law, engineering, and management, even though there are over 250 career paths to explore. Also, a nine-month survey conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's (CSIR) National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) among 4,000 students of 44-odd schools found that 40% of teenagers are confused about what career to choose. This guide will help you understand how to pick a career that matches your interests and strengths while developing key life skills along the way.


Step 1: Discover Your Strengths

The journey to finding the right career begins with self-awareness. Reflect on questions like:

  • What activities or subjects do you enjoy the most?

  • Are you naturally good at solving problems, communicating, or working with your hands?

  • Do you prefer working independently, or do you thrive in team settings?

Recognising your strengths is not just about choosing a career—it’s also a critical part of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL helps you understand yourself better, which is essential for making confident career decisions.


Step 2: Explore Career Options

Once you know your strengths, start exploring careers that match them. You can:

  • Talk to professionals: Ask people in different careers about their work to understand what a day in their life looks like.

  • Try internships or volunteering: Gain hands-on experience to see if a career fits your skills and interests.

  • Research online: Read about various jobs, their roles, and future opportunities in your chosen field.

By actively exploring, you’ll develop critical thinking and decision-making skills—both integral to SEL and career success.


Step 3: Make Informed Choices

When narrowing down career options, consider these factors:

  • Job demand: Are there opportunities in this field?

  • Required education and training: Can you pursue the necessary qualifications?

  • Your values: Does this career align with what’s important to you?

SEL comes into play here too, as it teaches you how to weigh options thoughtfully and make decisions that align with your long-term goals.


Step 4: Set Goals and Take Action

Having clear goals can make your career path feel more manageable. For example:

  • Research colleges or courses related to your chosen field.

  • Develop relevant skills through part-time jobs or online certifications.

  • Create a timeline for achieving specific milestones, like applying for internships or building a portfolio.

Goal-setting is a fundamental SEL skill, helping you stay focused and motivated. By breaking your larger dreams into smaller, actionable steps, you can track your progress and celebrate your successes.



Social emotional learning and Career Guidance


Step 5: Embrace Flexibility

It’s important to remember that career paths are rarely linear. Your interests and goals may change over time, and that’s okay. Many people pivot to new careers or find unexpected opportunities as they grow. SEL teaches resilience and adaptability—skills that help you navigate life’s uncertainties and make the most of new opportunities.


Careers and Life Skills

Career planning is not just about finding the right job—it’s about building skills that help you thrive in all areas of life. SEL plays a big role here by helping you develop:

  • Self-awareness: Understanding your strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Empathy: Building meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and colleagues.

  • Resilience: Staying positive and adaptable when facing challenges.

These life skills not only make you more employable but also empower you to lead a balanced and fulfilling life.


How A Square Foundation Supports Career Readiness

Here at A Square Foundation, we believe that every student has the potential to succeed when equipped with the right guidance and skills. Our programmes integrate SEL principles to help students develop self-awareness, decision-making abilities, and resilience—key qualities for both career and personal growth.

By offering mentorship, skill-building opportunities, and holistic development initiatives, we aim to inspire students to dream big and take confident steps toward their future careers.


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