Have you ever caught yourself staring at the ceiling, wondering what you’re doing with your life? Or maybe you’ve been scrolling endlessly through job portals, unable to figure out what really excites you. If that sounds like you, let me assure you: you’re not alone. In fact, confusion about careers is more common than you think, especially in India, where students are often pushed into streams by default, not by desire.
In this blog, we’re going to unpack what career counselling is, why it matters and when you should seriously consider it. Whether you’re in Class 10, just entered college or stuck in a job that makes you feel numb, this guide will give you clear direction.
So let’s dive in and understand how guidance and counselling in education can help you.
Table of Contents
- What is Career Counselling?
- How Career Counselling Helps You?
- Career Counselling Process
- When Should You Go for Career Counselling?
- Benefits of Career Counselling
- The Rise of Online Career Counselling for Students
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Career Counselling?
If you think career counselling is just asking someone, “What job should I do?” and then getting advice, you’re wrong. It’s a structured process where a trained professional helps you understand your interests, skills, values, personality and goals. It involves assessments, one-on-one sessions and strategic planning to help you choose the right career path.
In India, most people still see it as a last resort. But that mindset needs to change. Career counselling is not limited to those who are “lost”—it’s for anyone who wants to make smarter, more informed decisions.
How Career Counselling Helps You?
Let’s be real. India’s education system doesn’t always help you figure out who you are. You’re asked to pick Science, Commerce or Arts in Class 10 without fully understanding what those choices lead to. Most decisions are based on marks, not interests.
Add to that the pressure from parents, relatives and society. “Engineering kar lo, safe hai,” they say. But what if you hate maths? What if you love storytelling or solving social problems?
The result? You start feeling stuck. You don’t know what to do. You begin doubting yourself.
This is where career counselling steps in—not to give you answers, but to help you find your own
Career Counselling Process
Wondering what actually happens during a counselling process? Here’s a basic breakdown of how most career counselling programmes work:
1.Initial conversation
This is where the counsellor understands your background, concerns and what’s making you feel stuck.
2.Psychometric assessment
This test helps evaluate your interests, personality, aptitude and strengths. It’s not a “right or wrong” kind of test — it’s about insights.
3.Report analysis and discussion
Your results are analysed by the counsellor, who explains what they mean in simple terms — and how they connect to possible careers.
4.Career options planning
You’ll explore practical career options based on your results and talk through what excites you, what makes sense long-term and what aligns with your goals.
5.Stream/course/college guidance
You’ll get help deciding which stream to pick (if you’re in school) or which courses/colleges/entrance exams to go for (if you’re post-school).
6.Follow-up or check-ins
Many counselling services include regular follow-ups to see how things are going and make sure you’re on track.
And the best part? Thanks to technology, you can do career counselling online from anywhere. You don’t have to go to a physical office. Just a laptop or phone, internet and an open mind — and you’re good to go.
When Should You Go for Career Counselling?
Here’s the thing: there’s no “perfect” time. But there are definitely signs that it’s time to get help.
You should consider career counselling if:
- You feel stuck, and no amount of researching or thinking is helping.
- You’ve tried different things, but nothing really excites you.
- You’re in a course/job you don’t enjoy, but don’t know what else to do.
- You’re in Class 10, 11 or 12 and need to choose a stream or course. Learn more about it in our blog: Why is Career Counselling Important After Board Exams? What to Do Next?
- You’re about to graduate and feeling anxious about the next step.
- You’re considering a career change or want to explore other options.
- You feel pressure from others but don’t know what you actually want.
- You’re constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling behind.
If even one of these points hits home, you’re not overthinking it. You’re simply recognising that it’s time to pause, reflect and realign.The earlier you get help, the easier it becomes to make a decision that feels right for you.
Benefits of Career Counselling
Let’s break down exactly what you get from career counselling:
- Clarity: You’ll understand what suits your skills and interests
- Self-awareness: You’ll discover your strengths, weaknesses and work style
- Exploration: You’ll learn about new-age careers you may not have heard of
- Decision-Making: You’ll stop second-guessing yourself and start acting
- Long-Term Planning: You’ll get a roadmap for your career and higher studies
Most importantly, you’ll feel confident and in control of your journey.
The Rise of Online Career Counselling for Students
Thanks to the internet, career counselling is no longer restricted to big cities or elite schools. You can now get high-quality online counselling for students about career from the comfort of your home — whether you live in a big city or a small city, platforms like Oops Study are making this possible.
Oops Study’s Career Counselling Program is designed to simplify the whole process for students and young adults who feel lost.
Here’s what you can expect out of the course :
✅ Discover your natural interests
✅ Understand your personality type
✅ Explore real-world career options
✅ Shortlist the ones that fit your goals
✅ Get expert advice on what to study, where to study and how to plan ahead
And most importantly — they guide you with care, not pressure.
Final Thoughts
In India, guidance and counselling in education is still not mainstream enough. Sure, schools and colleges might mention it, but very few offer deep, practical support. And even fewer create a safe space where students can open up without judgement.
Here’s what happens instead:
- Parents push their children into careers they think are “safe”
- Students follow trends without knowing if they’re the right fit
- Everyone assumes that “marks = clarity”
- People waste years doing things they don’t enjoy, just because they were too scared to ask for help
This is why it’s so important to normalise asking for career help. Not just when things fall apart — but before they do.
Career counselling shouldn’t be a last resort. It should be a first step
Take Career Counselling on Oops Study today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why do we need career counselling?
Because choosing a career is a big decision and most of us don’t have enough clarity or guidance. Career counselling helps you understand your strengths, explore the right options and avoid wasting time on paths that don’t fit.
2.Is career counselling helpful for students?
Absolutely. It gives students the tools and clarity to make informed decisions about their stream, course and career. It’s especially helpful before or after Class 10 and 12 but really, anytime you feel confused.
3.Who needs a career counsellor?
Anyone who feels stuck, unsure or confused about what to do next, whether you’re a student, recent graduate or even someone thinking of switching careers.
4.Can I get career counselling online?
Yes! Platforms like Oops Study enable online career counselling in a very effective way. You can talk to experts, take tests and get personalised plans from anywhere.
5.How long does career counselling take?
It depends. Some may need just one or two sessions, while others might go through a detailed process with assessments and multiple discussions over a few weeks.
