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Choosing the right educational path for your child is a crucial decision, shaping their academic journey and future endeavors. With plenty of curriculum options available, the decision-making process can be overwhelming. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice

1. Aligning with Career Goals:


Select a curriculum that harmonizes with your child's career aspirations. For those dreaming of engineering and aiming for prestigious institutions like the IITs, CBSE is a natural fit. Its syllabus seamlessly aligns with the JEE Mains, using NCERT textbooks for classes 11 and 12. Alternatively, if international education is in the cards, the IB curriculum stands out, preparing students for global studies and application processes abroad.


Pro Tip: Start by defining your child's career goals and determine the most suitable curriculum.




2. Catering to Learning Styles:


Consider the teaching methodology of each board, as they follow different content, structures, and pedagogies. Some boards adopt a traditional approach, while others embrace innovation and progression. If your child is a kinaesthetic learner, inclined towards practical and application-based studies, an international curriculum might be a better fit. For competitive exam preparations like JEE or NEET, look for a board that balances rigor with ample preparation time, making state or national boards more suitable.


Pro Tip: Identify your child's dominant learning style before deciding on the curriculum.




3. Holistic Development:


Modern universities in India seek well-rounded individuals during the admissions process. They value students who contribute academically and enrich the overall university experience. Opt for a board that seamlessly integrates extracurricular activities, contributing significantly to building a strong and well-rounded profile.


Pro Tip: Choose a board that encourages holistic development to enhance your child's university prospects.




4. Other Considerations:




a. Practical Considerations: Take into account practical factors such as cost and accessibility.

b. Parental Involvement: Consider the level of parental involvement expected by each board.

c. Recognition: Evaluate the global and local recognition of the chosen study board.


Pro Tip: Seek guidance from professional career counselors to address doubts and make informed decisions about subjects, streams, curricula, and colleges/universities.


In conclusion, remember that selecting a study board is not just about academics; it's about shaping your child's educational journey. By considering these factors, you'll be better equipped to make a decision that aligns with your child's aspirations and ensures a well-rounded education

Parenting teenagers is a balancing act between guidance and autonomy. As parents, our intentions are pure, but we may inadvertently make mistakes. Here are key pitfalls to avoid:

1) Taking decisions for them – As guardians, we tell them what they should do or enforce our will on them. Ask for their opinion. Encourage them to make & own their decisions. Stand by them if they fail. It will make them confident and responsible.


2) Rat Race - Your child is a top scorer at school & your natural impulse is to push them towards competitive entrance exam prep. It is a very competitive world, we tell them. But it is us who make it ultra-competitive by raising the bar every time the child achieves something. Don’t be a VIRU S (from 3 idiots). Encourage them to follow hobbies & extracurriculars. A good time to start preparing for competitive exams is after grade 8th.


3) No Plan B – Many a time, we are so focused on the goal of joining an IIT or a medical school that we fail to create a solid plan B. It is important to understand the high level of competition in these entrance exams. Instead, arm them with all that they need to reach their goals but be ready with an alternate plan so that they don’t lose hope and an academic year.


4) Comparing them – Consciously or subconsciously, we compare our child with others. Each child is unique with different interests, personality traits & skills. Comparing them with others leads to self-doubt. Instead, identify what they like, what are their strengths & development areas. Help them create their own career path.


5) Not including them in financial discussions – Lastly, we assume that the child is not old enough to understand money matters. Financial management is an important skill that every child should possess. Involve them in small financial decisions – money spent at the movies or during shopping. Let them understand the value of money by paying them for small household chores.

Is this relatable? Write in the comments below and share your thoughts. Share with other parents. Save & follow @aspirecareerplanning for more insights on parenting, careers, education & college admissions!

When was the last time you went to the bank to encash a cheque? Or stand in queue outside the theater to book tickets?


Pandemic pushed the digitalization process to the level where everything is now available at our doorsteps at the press of a few keys on the phone.


Artificial Intelligence & Machine learning has linked all our devices at home and we are ordering a device to play the music of our choice.


Marketing as we know it has been subsumed by Digital marketing.


TV & cinema has been taken over by OTT platforms shelling new content every minute.


Medicine & surgery is becoming more and more technology based with robotic surgeries and telemedicine.


Payment gateways like Paytm have transformed the way people do business.


E-commerce has brought the smallest of villages into the global marketplace.


And there is ChatGPT that everyone is talking about. People are drawn to it at a feverish pace and it is already changing how the internet will look and feel to users. Its applications can be seen in the fields of research, data science, content marketing to name a few.


As we speak there are more and more earth-shattering inventions & technological advancements being made. We might soon be able to visit other planets like we visit other countries.


So, coming back to the question - should computer science be an optional subject even now when everything is linked to technology?


The answer is a big NO. Whether the subject is compulsory or not, there is a dire need for everyone, young and old to learn technology and keep upskilling themselves with whatever is the latest.


Try graphic designing, website designing, basic programming, coding, whatever you can manage. There are many courses available online which you give you fundamental knowledge without breaking the bank. Try out what interests you the most.


Share your views. Tell us about what new technology have you learnt recently and what are you planning to learn in the near future?

• I want to become a pilot, a teacher, a doctor, a scientist…. These are the usual replies you get when you ask your kids what you want to be when you grow up.
And that is because of the limited knowledge the kids have about what options are available to them.




As much as you may wish that the career choices were as simple as this, it is one large maze out there.




What subjects should I choose in high school? What stream is right for me? What board is the right board for me? What career should I choose? What are the right courses for me? What colleges should I apply to? So many questions! This can get overwhelming for parents & students.




In the rapidly changing highly competitive world, a single wrong move can lead to stress, agony and sometimes even loss of an academic year.




Luckily, there are people who can guide you and answer all your questions rationally.




Career counselors use scientific assessment tools to guide you and their experience and skills can become the best support in your academic journey. Career counseling focusses on ensuring students & working professionals have the necessary information & guidance to reach a successful & fulfilling career.




Benefits of career counseling




Getting help from a certified Career Counselor can offer a lot of benefits. Here are some benefits that you get when you work with a career counselor.




1) Identify your strengths & development areas

2) Find your passion & interest areas

3) Find the best-fit careers that align with your personality, interest & skills.

4) Differentiate between interests and hobbies.

5) Create short-term & long-term goals

6) Create an detailed execution plan to reach your goals

7) Decide on the right subject, stream, board, college & course.

8) Start preparing for the relevant entrance exams early to improve your chances of admissions into your dream universities.

9) Work on your development areas early so that they don’t interfere with your goals.

10) Focus your energy and time in the right direction

11) Find your learning style and get strategies to improve your learning

12) Get information that is updated, reliable & relevant

13) Get insights about the college admissions strategies

14) Start working on your profile for a strong resume.

15) Find a mentor for life who can guide and support you all the way.




When should you hire a career counselor?

A good time to take help from a career counsellor is when you are in high school and/or you are confused about your career options. This will help you gain clarity and get focused in your academic & professional endeavour.




How to choose the right counselor?

A career counsellor’s role is to help you make informed decisions to reach a fulfilling career. Here are some things you must consider before you choose a career counselor.

1) Ensure they are certified and have the necessary experience and expertise

2) Ensure they make you feel comfortable and understand your specific requirements

3) Be clear about the cost involved

4) Understand the efficacy of the assessment tests

5) Understand the process including the timelines




We hope this article has provided you all the information you need before you find the best career counsellor.




Connect with us if you need help with your career choices. Write to us at poonam@aspirecareer.in

character from "The Devil Wears Prada," can overshadow the excitement of a new role, company, or position. While switching jobs due to managerial issues might not always be feasible, the strain caused by a difficult boss can lead to significant distress, reduced productivity, and low job satisfaction. Moreover, it can hinder professional growth too.

Before embarking on a search for a new job, consider these approaches to improve your work situation with your manager:

Know Your Manager:

Delve deeper into your manager's working style, motivations, goals, and accomplishments. Understanding their perspective enhances the likelihood of finding common ground and minimizing friction. If they prefer control, providing regular updates might help. For indecisive managers, presenting information with potential outcomes could assist in decision-making.

Recognize and Acknowledge:

Every manager has a distinct management and leadership style, which may not necessarily align with their subordinates' preferences. For instance, a micromanager might clash with those accustomed to autonomy. Understanding whether this is a fundamental issue or something negotiable is pivotal before expressing discontent. Recognize their style and determine if adjustments or compromises are feasible.

Communicate:

Enduring 8-10 hours daily with an unsupportive manager can be tiring. Don't suffer in silence. Engage in open, respectful discussions about work-related discomfort. Maintain reasonableness and focus solely on work-related concerns. Most issues can find resolution through dialogue.

It is not personal:

Office dynamics should remain professional. Criticisms or conflicts within the workplace aren't necessarily indicative of personal inadequacies. Guard against internalizing negative comments; they can dent self-confidence and aggravate the situation.

Report Misconduct:

If your manager's behavior crosses lines into abuse, racism, or discrimination impacting you personally, ensure the appropriate authorities are informed. Instances of abuse often go unchecked due to power imbalances.




If you value the role and its responsibilities but struggle with your manager, consider a candid conversation to align expectations and work styles for mutual benefit in achieving professional goals.




Tell us about your experience. How do you deal with your difficult manager?