I have been associated with Xomidhan, a not for profit organization of career counselling for last 8 years and addressing the student’s query in various platforms. Few of the very frequently asked query are ‘I want to join this (e.g. Hotel Management or Civil Service) profession, is it a right decision or ‘I am confused about selecting my career path, can you guide’, ‘which is better option after M.SC, Job or Ph.D”. I have tried to address these queries in different ways. Though there may not be a universal answer for every student, but one exercise can help a student to solve their concern. No Job or Profession is Good or Bad, only thing is what is more suitable for you. Through this article I am presenting 10 questions for you which may guide you to choose a right direction. The thumb rules for answering these questions are- a) You do it yourself, there is nothing right or wrong so don’t discuss with others in first attempt b) After answering these question you keep the answer paper with you. c) Repeat the same exercise after one week, by that time you can discuss the question with others but do not see the old answer paper d) Repeat this exercise for at least 5 times.

1. What is your dream: Just write down what you want to be. It may be- I want to roam the world or it may be I want to work with the Animals or I want to be an owner of a company or a politician etc. Write anything you think, sometimes it might sound chilly. But just note it down.

2. In what profession you want to join? It may be Doctor, Pilot, Teacher, Actress, Air-Hostess, Defense Personal, Development Professional, Farmer etc.

3. Why you want to join this profession? What inspired you to choose that profession. For e.g. It may be because your elders are in similar profession or your friends are opting for that, or you have read about that profession, or anything else.

4. What do you expect from your career? The answer may be Money, Fame, Stability, work culture or something else.

5. Do you have any idea, how to proceed for the career? This question is about, what to study, where to study, what is the cost of study etc.

6. What are the other career options known to you? This question is to know whether you know only career option or you are aware of the other available options also.

7. What you know inside the profession? Many a time we see a profession from outside only, but roles and responsibilities sometimes differ from what we expect. So it is important to know inside the profession, challenges etc.

8. Do you know your strength and weakness? Everyone has their own strength and weakness, for e.g. you are good communication skills in both written and verbal, or you have a weakness that you cannot stay far from your native place or anything else. This will give you a reason to choose a career direction.

9. What are the limitation or challenges you may face? What are the probable challenges you may face, e.g. you want to study abroad but financially your parents are not so strong to support you, you want to join defense but your physical height is not upto the standard etc. If you know the challenges, then only you can look for way-out.

10. Have you ever interacted or discussed with person who have similar job/professional experience? This interaction will help you to know the profession in more detail which will give new dimension to your thought process.

Consolidate the answer papers and evaluate them religiously. In your first attempt you may not have the answer with you but it is expected that you will search for the answers before the next attempt. These answer will reflect your vision and inspire you to think ‘outside the box’, you will know yourself and confidently proceed for your career. Also, it is to be noted that, decision of career is dynamic in nature which might change with time but in most cases the dream and interest remain same.