The Paradox of Multiple Choices

THE PARADOX OF MULTIPLE CHOICES

“More the options, more the confusion.” This saying stands true to many situations- be it filling your shopping cart with products from catalogues, restaurant menu cards where one takes ages to pick a food item or deciding which path you want to pursue after graduation, where one often makes a wrong decision owing to societal expectations.

Back in the day, your career path was predetermined by your sex at birth. The men were expected to graduate and uphold the family business/ be the breadwinners while women were destined to be homemakers. But this trend saw a gradual change when women too started going to schools and taking up jobs. My parents often narrate that in their “zamaana”, it was extremely easy for them to pick a career as there were fewer streams and jobs were more conventional. People would resort to these conventional jobs after studies. It was a given, that the bright students would pursue science, if one’s grades were moderate, they would opt for commerce, and arts was seen as a last resort.

But today, due to the plethora of unconventional career choices and the sheer number of courses offered after graduation, our generation is under tremendous pressure to pick what fits them best. Moreover, the peer pressure and societal expectations add to the burden of decision making. This diverts our focus from what is actually important, like our passions and strengths, to other menial thoughts such as What others are doing? How much are they earning? Which job is more respected in the society?

In the midst of juggling so many thoughts at once, the individual often ends up making a choice that they regret.

So, what career options exist?

There are multiple career options available to graduates on the basis of their stream and passion. For instance, a commerce graduate can either opt to study further (pursue an MBA or a master’s degree/ specialization) or take up other courses such as CS, CFA, and CA. These are a few academic options you can choose from. Alternatively, you can enter the job market based on your key areas of interest, for example, finance, marketing, HR, etc.

How to choose a career path best suited to you?

1. Identify your key areas of interest and strengths.

Observe, analyze, and determine your interests based on your lived experiences and knowledge. College must’ve given you a fair idea about your likes and dislikes. Jot those down, identify your skills, strengths, and talents. This will form a foundation for you to introspect your true potential.

2. Degree v/s Job

It is crucial to understand how your graduation degree can shape and enhance your career. In cases where you think your degree isn’t enough to land you a good job, you can sign up for extra courses and earn professional certifications to elevate your portfolio. Other times, your degree certification alone is enough to provide you with a good job if you are well-versed with your subjects, have a good academic track record and possess the required skill set. If you are offered a good job with growth potential post graduation, you can consider taking up the job since the job market is already very competitive.

3. Take up as many internships as you can.

Internships are a sneak-peek into the corporate life you will be living in the future. Thus, it is important for you to seek an internship relevant to your field and passion. It is the best way for you to know whether you are suited for the job or not. Internships will give you real time experience and a better understanding of job roles and skills required. Internships will also help you realize whether you are ready to dive into the job market or you need to diversify your resume and go for further studies. So, get a flavor of as many different organizations as you can.

4. Networking, Networking, Networking!

The best way for you to determine your next move is to talk to experts, seniors, and career counsellors. You should start building a professional network on various social media platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, and connect to people working in your field of choice. Their experience and insights will provide you with a fair idea about what you should pursue and how you should proceed.

5. And most importantly, believe in yourself.

Lastly, all you have got to do is believe in yourself. As long as you are following your passions and chasing your dreams, trust me, there is nothing that can stop you. You are the maker and breaker of your future. Every day is an opportunity for you to pursue what you want. Do what you think is best for yourself and not others, and that will help you overcome the various hurdles thrown at you.