‘Look before you leap’ is an old adage that best describesmaking a career choice. In my student days (some 50 odd years now) careerguidance was not heard of –in fact colleagues of those times, often tell methat they wished they had someone like me to help me in their choices.
What does one doafter retirement? Some say, retireesshould give back to society, others say they must relax/ go fishing. Yes, Ifelt the former was something I could do – since in HR, one gets used to beingvery busy and - so I chose career guidance.
My HR experience over three decades, in textiles,pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, trading, aluminum and aviation gave me a good platform topractice. This experience was enhanced as it occurred in Mumbai, Goa and in theinternational arena. Undoubtedly, my post -graduation in HR at Tata Instituteof Social Sciences, Mumbai helped immensely. When I was abroad, I went one stepfurther and was accorded Chartered Member status of the Institute of PersonnelManagement UK.
I realised that thingshad not changed dramatically, on my return, in terms of Career knowledge orchoices. So I decided to leap into it. I needed to have appropriate skills, todo the job well, so I armed myself with a post graduate diploma in counseling.I joined ranks with the ‘Lights of the world Movement’, a Jesuit volunteerenterprise. On the invitation of Schools –both High and Higher Secondary – ateam of us would go and spend a whole morning –talking career choices, timemanagement, goal setting etc. I enjoyed these outings and continue to do soeven after a decade.
I also simultaneously did career counseling on a one to onebasis. This was an eye opener as students wanted to take up careers due toparental pressure or the lure of bigbucks , but few with due consideration to their interests and abilities. Conducting aptitude tests andguiding both student and parent helped many to see light of day. My book ‘Choose your very own Career’, whichis now running into its second edition helped further.
Our team noticed that many bright students could easily goplaces, with better training in public speaking, group discussions /interviewtechniques, etiquette etc. We now dothis too, though regretfully, we have to motivate students to take up thisoffer.
I was approached by Suhan Karkal of GOA 365 through the kindcourtesy of Jeffrey Manuel to do a series of interviews on TV with heads ofeducational institutions, to bring greater awareness of career opportunitiesand requirements to be selected in these Institutions. I believe it helped.
So, why did I now agree to do this fortnightly column oncareers –it has now become my mission. Icould take questions, sometimes challenge or quiz students. Knowledge is powerand what greater power than enjoying a correctly selected Career. Giving backwill bear fruit.
Basil D Cunha is a career counselor, a celebrated author anda man on a mission to extend a helping hand to those who seek guidance
