“Do you know that more than half of India's population is between the ages of 15 and 24?”

This has a significant impact on the demand for education services in India among students and parents. As a result, today's need for expert Career Counsellors is at an all-time high. There is a significant disconnect between parent and student perspectives on future employment options. Students and parents' most prevalent complaint is that there is either too much or too little information, necessitating the necessity for career counsellors in India.

There are more than 1 crore (10 million)students looking for college admissions after their class 12th exams and surprisingly more than 90 percent of the students don’t get any career related guidance from their school resources. At present, there are only 25 thousand career counselors available in India and as per this data, 15 lakh (1.5 million) career counselors are required in the future to balance an average student-counsellor ratio in India. 

Who is a Career Counsellor?

A Career Counsellor is a skilled professional who assists students and job seekers in choosing the best career path for them. A career counsellor examines the candidate's profile and applies domain knowledge and skills to determine the best career path for them. Career counselling is an active procedure in which the candidate may be asked to take tests, produce essays, or attend workshops. The candidate is left with the clarity and information he or she requires making the best career decision possible at the conclusion of the counselling session. To work as a career counsellor, you must be qualified and knowledgeable about the tactics and procedures used in the field.

Different Types of Career Counsellors

Counseling is a broad area. Every sector requires some kind of consultants/advisors or counselors. these sectors are: Psychological or mental health, Physical health, finance, investment sector, life insurance services, legal department, business and startups, and many more. Student counselling includes a subset of career counselling. Student counselling may be available in some schools. However, many Indian schools currently lack career counsellors or teachers who have received special training in this area. This situation is rapidly changing, with schools establishing career counselling divisions or recruiting counsellors from outside organisations. School career counsellors, HR sector career counsellors, college and institution placement cell career counsellors, industry and vertical-specific career counsellors, and independent career counsellors are all types of career counsellors.

Why is Career Counselling Important?

Career counsellors can help students and candidates find the proper career path by using their expertise and abilities. The work market is extremely dynamic, and industry demands are continually changing. A career counsellor plots out the changes and applies what she learns to student learning. For pupils, career counselling in schools is just as vital as classroom instruction. Students can learn about: 

1. Courses available after 10+2 in India and abroad by participating in the counselling process.
2. Eligibility requirements and admissions procedures 
3. Frequently used entrance examinations and aptitude tests
4. Vocational and skilling courses after 10+2 
5. Placement and job chances through these colleges
6. Possibilities for entrepreneurship after 10+2

During a career counselling workshop or in the career counselling library, schools can make all inputs or resources available to the students. A Career Advisory Cell can post critical dates and announcements on bulletin boards and online bulletin boards for the benefit of students. The Career Counselling Cell keeps a close eye on the business and can help students with application counselling so that they don't miss out on any crucial possibilities.

Professional Counselling, also known as Career Guidance, is a method of assisting students in selecting the best career route for them. Career counselling has grown increasingly significant in India, especially for children in grades 8 through 12.

Scope & Growth of Career Counselling

India boasts the world's highest student population, with more than 350 million pupils. To maintain an internationally acknowledged student-to-counsellor ratio, the country needs 1.5 million career counsellors. This creates several opportunities for eager specialists and aspiring businesses to enter the market..

With the increasing ambiguity of picking the proper vocation among today's students, the demand for career counselling is on the rise. In India, the market for career assessment and coaching is estimated to be worth about Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion) and increasing. This means that there is a built-in benefit of profiting from a flourishing industry while simultaneously serving a largely untapped market. According to industry sources, career counselling is now one of the most in-demand careers in the world, with a 19% employment rate.

There is a favourable counsellor -student ratio of 1:250 globally, but it is 1:3,000 in India, offering up HUGE prospects for professional counsellors. With employment portals offering thousands of jobs at any given moment, there is a great increase in career chances for Career Counsellors in schools, universities, freelancing, and other settings.

You can work as a career counsellor from practically anywhere in the country if you have the necessary qualifications and use an industry-leading career counselling platform. With new technological and societal advances occurring on a daily basis, choose which vocation to pursue is difficult. People will always resort to well-trained career advisors in the face of so many information channels. Career counsellors are always well-informed and up-to-date on market trends, allowing them to make valuable contributions to the development of specific career paths.

Industries that Hire Career Counsellors (Career Opportunities)

For many years, the practise of career counselling has been stigmatised. The majority of individuals are unaware of what a Career Counsellor does. They believe that only poor students seek help from Career Counselors. In fact, most individuals believe that career counselling is solely for students. That isn't the case. Career Counsellors are now employed by a variety of sectors. Let's have a look at some industries that are similar:

1. Education Industry
2. Non-Governmental Organizations/Non-Profit Organizations
3. Corporate Sector

1. Education Industry

The Indian education system has improved dramatically in the previous 10-15 years. One thing is certain: career counselling has become an integral part of every curriculum. The CBSE made it necessary for schools to establish a Career Counseling wing on campus since 2018. Consider how many schools and pupils there are in India. Most schools have trained their professors to provide counselling in class, while some of the country's most prestigious institutions have created a Counselling wing and recruited certified Career Counsellors for students in specific batches. Not only schools, but also prestigious universities want career counsellors in their admissions offices.

The following is a list of the most prevalent career opportunities in the education industry:

• School Career Counselors 
• University Admissions Counselors
• Private Coaching Centers counselors
• Study Abroad Counselors
• School and College Behavioural Counselor
   

2.  Non-Governmental Organization/ Non-Profit Organization

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) work independently to address a specific issue or cause. They collaborate with schools, corporations, private companies, lawyers, celebrities, and others in their field of activity. They typically need a Counsellor to help them inside as they cope with a variety of topics and individuals. These organisations also seek long-term partnerships with Career Counsellors who can assist them with their social efforts. This benefits both the NGO and the counsellor.

The following is a list of the most common NGO/NPO career opportunities:

• Motivational Speaker 
• Academic Trainer 
• Teacher 
• Freelancer Counsellor 
   

3. Corporate Sector

Employees' lives have grown increasingly stressful. Workplace stress isn't the only source of anxiety. According to a survey performed by the Times of India, almost 60% of employees dislike their current occupations. So, what gives? This is due to a scarcity of appropriate guiding materials. Employees improving themselves with online programmes practically every weekend is fairly usual these days. Some desire a promotion, some want to put it on their resume, and the remainder just wants to learn more. As a result of this tendency, businesses have been recommended to establish a counselling department as part of their human resources department. Counseling is usually handled by the HR training and development department in most businesses.

The following industries are included in a list of the most common job opportunities:

• Corporate Counsellor 
• Behavioural Counsellor 
• Career Growth Consultant 
• Corporate Trainer & Advisor

Salary/ Earning Package for a Career Counsellor

A Career Counsellor's typical salary is determined by a variety of factors. According to an ongoing poll conducted by indeed.co.in, the average monthly wage for a Career Counsellor in India starts at Rs 20 thousand and above in a school or company. It can go up to one lakh as well, depending uponthe years of service.  Or if you have established your own business, one session can cost from Rs 1500 to 6000 depending on the levels of experience and study. 

 As a Career Counsellor, it's critical to establish your market value. Your fees will be determined by the following factors:

• Session fee
• Years of experience 
• Educational credentials 
• Type of service (physical or virtual) 
• Range of guidance options
• The student's grade 
• The student's curriculum

Aside from the general service that Career Counsellors provide, there are a variety of options for a Career Counsellor to supplement their income. Yes, we're discussing a variety of products. It's not enough to be a certified Career Counselor! A excellent Career Counsellor should be able to adapt his or her services to changing periods and demands on a regular basis.

There are some more earning opportunities through different products as written below-

• Psychometric tests
• Profile mapping
• Short career based courses
• Virtual Internship Programs

Skills needed to be an Effective Career Counsellor

 To be a competent Career Counsellor, one must be truthful and dedicated to the job. Do not consider Career Counselling to be a career; rather, it is a service that a Career Counsellor delivers to help a child design their future. To succeed as a career counsellor in the sector, apart from the academic qualifications, one must possess the skills listed below. Keep your eyes open and see if you possess all of these characteristics.

Good listener- Be a good listener and attempt to read between the lines if you want to be a good job counsellor. Make sure you give the other individual the opportunity to speak first. you should  try to care about them and willing to listen to them attentively especially when they feel that there is no one else who does so. Pay attention to their story/problem; this will encourage them to provide additional information.

Good Communication skills - Can you strike up a discussion with a complete stranger? Do they feel at ease in your presence? Can you assess the situation and adjust your tone or behaviour as necessary? Can you say the most difficult thing in the nicest way possible? If you can answer yes to all of these questions, you have the potential to be an excellent guide.

Active learner - Learning never comes to an end! In both your personal and professional lives, you must continue to learn and grow. You might learn about the most up-to-date career counselling tactics and methods, or you might come across some digital tools that will help you improve your practice. Keep an eye out for developments and never pass up an opportunity to improve yourself.

Nonjudgmental - Gain your client's trust by being nonjudgmental. The most crucial attribute to look for in a Career Counselor is being non-judgemental. Nobody enjoys being judged. There should be no bias in their reaction or decision if they are sharing a concern with you.

Maintain confidentiality - In addition to being nonjudgmental, make sure you keep your client's information and issues private. This is how you may attract some of the most devoted customers.

Professional Challenges in Counselling 

When it comes to establishing an effective Career Counseling and Guidance process, Career Counsellors encounter a number of choices, obstacles, and hurdles. Clients frequently avoid disclosing their preferences to Counsellors, whether on deliberately or unintentionally. This increases the pressure on counsellors to persuade consumers to confide in them and regard them as someone with whom they can speak freely. Career Counselors in India Face Professional Challenges:

Where to Draw the line: Determining where and when to draw the line between career counselling and personal counselling might be challenging with some clients. It is critical that one should not get carried away during the sessions. remember that time is paid and  If the customer does not receive what they signed up for, all of the personal bonding will be wasted.

Dealing with challenging clients: A career counsellor will not always be able to counsel a calm, organised, and bright student. There are pupils who are extremely tough to work with on a regular basis. Some students are compelled to attend a counselling session, and parents may disagree with their children's wishes. For career counsellors, it's a rollercoaster trip, but it's one they enjoy.

Pressure to deliver guidance in a shorter amount of time: Career counselling is a lengthy process. It entails getting to know the client, establishing a relationship, and then delivering the appropriate counsel based on the client's needs and capabilities.

Gaining the client's trust: Most clients are unwilling to discuss or share their personal or professional issues during their first session,. As a Career Counsellor, it might be challenging to get people to open up and trust you. It is a time-consuming procedure.

Being mindful of your own words and actions: You will encounter a variety of personalities while counselling students. While guiding your clientele, be sure not to stereotype them. Treat everyone with respect and on an equal footing. Avoid making distinctions based on nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, caste, income level, and other factors.

Demonstrating your worth: Initial meetings are often compared to first impressions. If you have a client from the first session, you will almost certainly keep them till the finish. Clients, on the other hand, are looking for confirmation that you're worth it 8 out of 10 times. If they're paying by the session, it had better be worthwhile. There is ongoing pressure to prove yourself and ensure that your work is of the highest possible quality.

Lack of Legitimate Acknowledgment: One of the most significant professional problems that a Career Counsellor encounters is a lack of valid recognition to provide clients regarding his or her expertise in Career Counseling services. India is looking for programmes that will be accepted by all universities throughout the world.

How to Become a Career Counsellor?

To work as a Career Counsellor in India, you must have a strong desire to help students find the proper career path. With practise and patience, you will eventually develop into a competent Career Counselor. You must take the following measures to establish yourself as a professional Career Counselor:

Complete your undergraduate degree- This is a first step in becoming a professional. Anyone with a basic qualification can pursue Career Counseling in India, whether in the fields of psychology, science, or the arts. While working as a Counselor, one can continue their education or enroll in an online school. Graduation in Psychology is recommended, but it’s not essential. 

If you want to work as a Career Counsellor directly after graduation, you can save time by enrolling in a distance learning course that gives an organised form of information and training in the subject.

Research Work- Do you have an insatiable desire to learn new things? If you answered yes, you will benefit from this. Your research skills will help you discover new approaches to advance as a professional. Being able to find information in the correct place, whether for a job or an online or distance learning school, is critical.

Up-skilling and Training- You’ll get to the next step by following the first two steps. In order to practise career counselling in India, you must first establish a strong foundation. Those with a B.A / M.A. in Psychology may find it easier to begin working as a counsellor, but they will still need training and up-grading to become a Career Counsellor. With the correct training, people without a teaching or psychology background can easily become career counsellors.  An additional certification in Career Counseling  is Highly recommended.

Aside from education, being up to date on current events is essential. The majority of counsellors keep themselves up to speed by watching online videos and browsing career libraries. Edumilestones maintains an ever-expanding encyclopaedia of careers covering virtually every job option imaginable. These extra materials keep you current and relevant.