KARACHI:
Most Pakistani colleges and universities are focused on finishing the academic curricula and providing students with degrees. Consequently, students are left on their own when it comes to navigating their careers and future goals after finishing their degrees. Most universities do not offer career counselling services because of this many students end up in jobs or professions that are not a good fit for them. This is a waste of students’ time and potential and can also be demotivating for them. It has also resulted in a mismatch between skills and job opportunities, which is hampering the overall growth and development of the country.
There is a dire need for free career counselling sessions in educational institutes to help students find subjects and fields that are suitable for them. Students must be given exposure to different professions through field trips, seminars with industry leaders and professionals and subsequent networking sessions. Additionally, students should be informed about relevant scholarship and training programmes that they can benefit from. Educational institutes must take steps to improve students’ awareness about different subjects and career prospects. They should ensure that all graduates are well-prepared for their professional lives instead of being left in the dark.
Aisha Lareb
Kamber Ali Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2023.
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