Starting college is an exciting time in a student’s life, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and confusion. With so many possibilities and paths to choose from, it’s not uncommon for first-year students to feel lost regarding their career aspirations. But it’s nothing to worry about as you’re just starting out, and there’s a vast ocean of opportunities to explore and choose from. Students living in one part of the country often find it hard to know about good colleges in the other part of the country and this problem is faced by almost everyone.
Nowadays, college admission portals like College Dunia & College Search based in Gurgaon, Shiksha and Reviewadda based in Delhi have garnered quite a lot of popularity among aspiring college students. With so many colleges and courses to choose from, the students face the dilemma of choosing the right one and these portals help the students narrow down their searches. Rahul Jain & Prateek Bhowmick, Cofounder Reviewadda on interaction with most of the students, have found that uncertainty is the central area of the problem. Students hear about a particular course from their friends or family members and think it might also suit them. But that’s not the case. What works for one may or may not work for others. So your career decision shouldn’t be based on what your friends are doing or what your family wants you to do.
But it’s not the end of the world. Even if, after enrolling in a course, you don’t feel confident or comfortable enough to pursue it further, you can always change. At the same time, it doesn’t mean that you should make the decision to change your course just after a single day of not liking it. The transition from school to college is often not smooth, and one should give it some time. Seek guidance from your mentors and seniors. Networking is also key in finding direction and opportunity. Take the time to meet people, whether it be alumni or your seniors, who have experience in fields that interest you. Attend career fairs and networking events to connect with professionals and learn more about different industries. These connections can help you learn about potential career paths, gain valuable advice, and even secure internships or job opportunities.
Never stop exploring your interests and passions. The college offers many opportunities to try new things, whether it be joining a club, attending a lecture, or taking a class outside of your major. Take advantage of these opportunities and expose yourself to as many different experiences as possible. This will help you discover what you enjoy and what you’re good at.
“It’s important to be open-minded. You may have a specific career in mind, but it’s worth considering other options as well. Don’t limit yourself based on preconceived notions or expectations – be open to new possibilities and opportunities”, Rahul Jain, Cofounder Reviewadda.
As you navigate through college, your interests and goals may change over time, and that’s okay. You may discover a new passion or interest that you hadn’t considered before, or you may find that a particular career path isn’t what you thought it would be. Be willing to adapt and adjust your plans accordingly. It’s important to remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out immediately. Many students enter college with a vague idea of what they want to do or even with no idea at all. College is a time for exploration and growth, and it’s okay to take the time to figure out what you want to do. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have it all figured out in your first year.
