Career guidance session organized by Mumbai Smiles

Ms. Dhvani discussing about ‘Career Decision making’

Today’s competitive world requires one to be updated and have a proper vision and knowledge as to what one wants to achieve in his/her life. Having such a clear vision at a young age is a very arduous task. With a large number of streams available for students such as Commerce, Arts, Science and other Diploma/ Vocational courses, it is natural for these students to get confused at some point or the other. So, in order to help our beneficiaries carve out a path for themselves, our Future Smiles team decided to conduct a career guidance session for GCE students, who recently  appeared for their SSC exams. the session was organized by Ms. Dhvani Toprani, Psychologist who covered topics like decision making in career choices, information about various fields of study etc.

According to us, it is at this age that students need the maximum guidance, since their subject choice determines the field they want to pursue a career in. A correct guidance at this age can go a long way in helping a student chart out his career. Through this session, we informed the students about various streams in which they can pursue their careers. The session was held on may 13th May 2014 at Mumbai Smiles Andheri office. 18 GCE beneficiaries attended the session.

To reach out to the maximum number of beneficiaries, Future Smiles team undertook the initiative to coordinate with the GCE students. Whenever required, the team members also followed up with the beneficiaries through a call or a personal visit. These students were mainly from Marol and Vikhroli area.

In our opinion, at this age, students have a very naive idea as to the meaning of the word  “career”. Therefore, it was essential that students be first made to understand the meaning of this word. Our resource person did exactly the same and then further apprised them of various career choices. He made them realize that its only through diligent planning and hard work that one can have a successful career.

Students were very intrigued by the lectures and the exercises that were undertaken as part of this session. One of such exercises required them to write their own personal achievements other than academics. This exercise made them realize that one needs to understand individual Interests, abilities and aptitude to make the right career choice.

The entire Session was very beneficial for the students and their parents as it helped them realize that one should not blindly follow conventional practices while making a career choice.

Facilitator interaction with the girls