The most important decision in life is choosing the correct profession. There are so many career options after the 12th grade. Hence, students become overwhelmed when researching all these options. Here is where you play a role in providing career guidance to students. You can inspire your child to choose the best career after 12th based on their dreams for the future.

Here is how you can assist your child in making an informed choice. Let’s see how to choose a career for them!

1. Know Their Strengths and Interests

Each child is unique. They have varying talents and strengths. Rather than imposing your expectations, take time to know:

• What are their favourite subjects?
• What activities interest them?
• Do they like working with people or technology?

For instance, engineering is ideal if your child likes solving problems and is a tech enthusiast. They can opt for a BBA if they are leadership-oriented.

Tip: Ask them to reflect on their strengths. Ask what makes them content in an academic or working environment.

2. Investigate Different Career Options

Long gone are the days when students had limited career options. Modern times offer varied disciplines. Students can now pursue digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and liberal arts.

Engage your child in contemplating options such as:

• Management and Business (BBA, B.Sc. Economics, Business Analytics, Computer Applications)
• Technology (Computer Science, AI, Robotics)
• Humanities (Liberal Arts, Mass Communication)
• Science and Research (Applied Statistics, Data Science)
• Sports (Sports Science, Physiotherapy)

Tip: Assist them in researching various career options and networking with professionals in each field. Help them in getting real input.

3. Discover Their Skills and Aptitude

Some professions need specific skill sets. Aptitude tests and career guidance can assist your child in identifying their innate skills.

Some students are good at:

• Analytical Thinking → best for Engineering, Data Science, and Finance
• Creativity and Communication → Best suited for Mass Communication, Marketing, and Liberal Arts
• Logical Reasoning → Ideal for Management, Economics, Business Analytics
• People Skills → Best for HR, Event Management, Public Relations

Tip: Use professional career assessment tests to clearly understand their strengths and ideal career options.

4. Guide Them in Selecting the Suitable Entrance Exam

The majority of undergraduate programs mandate students to pass entrance exams. Two of the most sought-after entrance exams by students seeking the best private universities are:

• SET – For BBA, Liberal Arts, Mass Communication, Applied Statistics, Economics, and other management and arts courses.
• SITEEE – For B.Tech courses in AI, Mechatronics, Robotics, and Data Science.

Ask your child to prepare for the appropriate entrance exam. Choose the exam according to the course they want to pursue.

5. Encourage College and Course Research

The next decision is to choose the correct college and course. Here's what to verify:

• College ranking and reputation
• Course curriculum and specialisations
• Internship and placement opportunities
• Industry collaborations and exposure
• Campus facilities and student life

For instance, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) has future-proofed its programs with the support of its 52-year academic legacy and global industry associations.

6. Allow Them to Acquire Practical Experience

Most students are uncertain about their careers since they haven't worked in the industry. Make them do the following:

• Attend workshops or internships
• Take online courses or attend industry seminars
• Follow industry professionals in their field of interest
• Join extracurricular activities aligned with their career aspirations

This hands-on experience will enable them to learn about the work culture, challenges, and opportunities for growth in their professional area of interest.

7. Educate Them to Set Long-Term Career Objectives

Selecting a degree is not merely about the next three years—it's about creating a long-term career plan. Ask your child:

• Where do they envision themselves in 5-10 years?
• What lifestyle and work-life balance do they desire?
• Do they wish to study further or work abroad?

Urge them to have small aspirations, such as finishing internships, making connections with professionals in the field, and furthering their abilities through certifications. 

8. Support Their Choice Without Pressure

You are a parent, not a decision-maker. Don't push your desires onto your child. Instead:

• Hear their hopes and worries
• Inspire them to pursue their passion with reason
• Offer advice, but let them make the decision

Students flourish when they receive emotional and financial backing to chase their dreams.

9. Have Backup Plans in Hand

Career choices might change in the future, and that's just fine. Get your child to have other career options if their initial option does not pan out.

For instance, if they want to pursue computer science engineering but later develop a passion for business management, they can shift to business analytics or digital marketing.

10. Foster a Growth Mindset

Success does not occur overnight. Show your child to:

• Stay inquisitive and continue learning
• Be flexible in new skills and industries
• Study hard and never be afraid to fail

A growth mindset lets them excel in whatever career they choose.

Conclusion

Choosing the best career after 12th grade is stressful. However, the right career guidance for students helps them find a fulfilling career path. Your support and encouragement will make all the difference. You will help shape your child’s future.

Make them discover their capabilities through entrance tests such as SET and SITEEE. Let them select a career that aligns with their abilities and interests. A knowledgeable choice today will lead to a successful career tomorrow!