Are you feeling stuck or unhappy in your career? Do you dream of doing more meaningful work but aren’t sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many professionals in Bangalore struggle with these same issues. As a career counsellor in this city for over a decade, I’ve helped hundreds of people discover their true calling.
I provide a practical step-by-step process to help you gain clarity and take action. Whether you’re a new grad or a mid-career professional looking to switch fields, quality career counselling can help you thrive.
Read on as I share insider tips and my proven methods.
Table of Contents
Why Career Counselling Matters in Bangalore
Bangalore provides abundant opportunities yet the paradox of choice leaves many overwhelmed. Counsellors provide external perspective and tailored roadmaps helping you capitalize on possibilities. We guide clients towards high-demand skills early, positioning them for success.
Benefits Of Career Counselling
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Clarifies career goals and objectives | Career counselling helps individuals identify and define their short-term and long-term career aspirations. |
| Identifies strengths, skills, and interests | Through various assessments and discussions, career counselling helps individuals recognize their unique abilities, skills, and passions. |
| Provides guidance on educational and training requirements | Career counsellors offer advice on the necessary education, certifications, or training needed to pursue specific career paths. |
| Helps develop a personalized career plan | Together with the counsellor, individuals create a customized action plan to achieve their career goals. |
| Boosts self-awareness and self-confidence | Through the process of self-discovery, individuals gain a better understanding of themselves and develop increased self-confidence. |
| Enhances overall career satisfaction and success | By aligning career choices with personal values, interests, and skills, career counselling promotes long-term job satisfaction and success. |
Career Counselling Steps
There are multiple steps in Career counselling you have to go through to find your ideal career.
Step 1. Assess Your Skills, Values and Interests
The first step is self-reflection. I advise all my clients to take stock of their innate skills, core values and passions. This lays the foundation. To help, I utilize assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and other tools.
For example, Raj always loved reading mystery novels. Through testing, we realized his sharp analytical abilities fit well with investigation-type work. He had never considered becoming a criminologist, private detective, or fraud examination as career paths before. But diving deep into his interests revealed these as strong career options.
I encourage you to make self-reflection a regular habit. Over time, pay attention to what energizes you. Note activities where you lose track of time. That’s a hint at what engages your talents and passions. Keep an open mind, as your calling may lead to unexpected but fulfilling places.
Step 2. Research Potential Careers
Once you better understand your unique wiring, the next step is researching aligned careers. I advise leveraging sites like Vault and LinkedIn to explore possibilities.
As an example, Priya had a flair for creative writing and desire to help people. We researched how those interests might translate into career roles. Copywriting, content marketing, technical writing and counselling were some options that resonated with her values and skills. She ended up becoming an academic content writer, and she is so satisfied and happy with her career choice.
Read more on what is career satisfaction
I have clients complete career research as homework before our next session. This gets the wheels turning. Look for themes and careers that spark curiosity to discuss further.
Step 3. Informational Interviews
Jumping into a new career can feel daunting. That’s why I’m a huge proponent of informational interviewing. This involves talking to professionals already working in roles you’re considering.
Over coffee or a quick phone chat, ask about their day-to-day work, how they broke in, challenges they face, and advice to offer. Not only will this help vet careers, but it expand your network.
Informational interviews allow you to gather insider intel before fully committing to a new career direction. I help prepare clients with questions to ask that illuminate day-to-day realities. This step proves extremely clarifying.
Step 4. Evaluate Education and Training Requirements
As your career options crystallize, the next step is determining what education or training may be required. This allows you to weigh investments of time and money needed to qualify.
Roles like data science, physical therapy and HR management often require additional schooling to access. Let’s consider the next steps if advanced degrees are needed. What programs are available locally or online? What are the costs and time commitments? Is financial assistance available? Preparing a proper Career development plan plays a crucial role here, it can help you in so many critical situations.
For some careers like UI/UX design or digital marketing, nano-degrees or certificate programs may sufficiently prepare you. These take less time and allow you to start working sooner.
Finally, some career pivots like real estate or bookkeeping may not require extra schooling, especially if you have transferable skills. A period of on-the-job training may be enough to switch fields.
Step 5. Carefully Research Prospective Employers
As you zero in on desired careers, thoroughly vet potential employers. Browse sites like Glassdoor to see ratings, reviews and salary transparency. Check the company’s website and social channels to understand their mission, values and culture.
For example, after earning an accounting certificate, Amar began targeting roles at fintech firms. Through employer research, he identified companies leading with positive cultures and innovative technologies to focus on.
Vetting employers upfront allows you to assess alignment with your principles and purpose. Why do you want to work there specifically? Make sure good reasons exist beyond just a paycheck. Thorough employer research sets you up for long-term job satisfaction.
Step 6. Craft a Strategic Resume and Online Presence
Creating or updating your resume and online presence are also key steps. I advise clients to highlight transferable skills from past experiences that apply to newly targeted career directions. For example, focus on project management, communication abilities or analytics skills that pertain to desired roles.
Additionally, crafting a strong LinkedIn profile allows you to join industry conversations and connect with insiders at potential employers. Take time to clean up your online presence to put your best foot forward.
For example, to transition into health care administration, Maya showcased her past coordination and program development experience on her resume and LinkedIn profile. This helped her stand out and quickly land interviews.
I provide clients with templates and specific suggestions to showcase their talents persuasively. A strategic resume and thoughtful online presence open professional doors.
Take Control Today
I encourage you to seek support if looking to enter the workforce or pivot trajectories. Quality career counselling provides that critical edge to thrive in Bangalore’s bustling job market. Take control and manifest your career aspirations.
