Did you know over 2500 students dropped out of 23 IITs in 2018-19? What do you think was the reason for this?
Well, the reason for dropping out could be anything, ranging from lack of interest to high fees to fewer career options, etc.
Similarly, six out of every ten students also tend to change their minds about career choices after completing the 12th class.
What could be the reason? Same?
It’s possible!
The common reason for both scenarios might be the wrong stream selection after the 10th. If students do not plan their careers wisely, they might change their minds and leave the course they have opted for!
Therefore, one has to select the right stream early, i.e., in class 10th. Also, it is best to begin exploring your interests and create a career plan at that point.
Today, in this guide, we will focus on common mistakes a student makes while selecting streams and how to select the right stream early.
So, without digressing much, let’s begin!
Common Mistakes Students Make While Stream Selection
Selecting the right stream early is the first prominent step towards creating a bright future. It is the first time a student gets to make vital decisions about their life.
Essentially, a stream not only includes the study of subjects, but a student’s entire future depends upon this particular decision.
However, students make some mistakes while choosing a stream. Sometimes, they get confused and opt for a stream without knowing where their interests and abilities lie.
Below are the common mistakes that students commit while selecting the stream.
- Lack Of Proper Research
15-20 years back, there were limited career options available. For example, people used to work in healthcare, education, or the IT sector. However, the current scenario is very different. At present, India offers more than 250 career choices & students can opt for any of them as all lead to excellent careers.
A vital thing to note here is that most students & parents aren’t familiar with these career options. As a result, they don’t do proper research to know what career will be the best for their child. Thus, lack of research makes them choose the right stream that might not suit their child.
- Ignoring Interests & Following Others
This is one of the common mistakes most students make. In some cases, students don’t have a goal, so they select a stream with significant advantages. They assume that the stream will offer vast opportunities in future. But they don’t realize that choosing a popular stream might not be in their best interest!
Moreover, in many other cases, many students tend to follow their friend’s or parents’ suggestions without knowing their actual interests. Therefore, they choose a stream someone else recommends and ignore what they want.
- Peer Pressure
In order to select the right stream early, you have to do away with peer pressure. Unfortunately, it is one of the common barriers you might face.
Many students opt for a stream just because their friends have selected it. They don’t evaluate their abilities or interests and blindly follow their peers. This could turn out to be the worst decision!
Here is an example for you to understand better:
Three friends, Albert, Christine, and Joanna, are studying in class 10th. Albert and Joanna took the science stream because they were interested in it. However, despite being interested in Arts, Christine also chose the science stream.
The reason can be peer pressure or merely an influence that she doesn’t wish to study without her friends.
The reason could be anything, but her decision to choose the science stream without having any interest in it could be detrimental in the long run!
Also Read: Career Path – Create Opportunities For Yourself
How To Select The Right Stream Early
In order to select the right stream early is integral to creating a solid foundation for your career. And how do you do it? By prioritizing what you want and how you wish your career to be.
Have a look at the tips you can follow to select the right stream early.
- Identify Your Interests
Primarily, you need to recognize your area of interest. For that, begin by understanding which subjects you enjoy studying the most. For instance, you could be passionate about art, science experiments, cultural studies, history, etc.
Depending on your interests, you can make a fair choice between choosing a commerce, science, or arts stream.
- Discover Your Strengths
After recognizing your interests, the next thing is to discover your strengths. For instance, you are great at learning and scoring pretty well in social science.
Depending upon the subjects that you are likely to score in, choose a relevant stream that favors your scoreboard the most!
- Future Prospects
Gain an in-depth comprehension of how likely you can grow in a particular field in future. However, keep in mind that your career entirely depends upon the choice you make right now.
Therefore, you must thoroughly research the career prospects and see if you want to transform them into a successful career or not!
- Career Counseling
If you are really confused about which stream to choose, you can opt for career counseling sessions. Career counselors can help you clear your vision to a great extent so that you can choose what stream you must select.
Moreover, you will also be able to comprehend your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and much more. Also, you will get to know whether a particular stream will benefit you in the upcoming years or not.
Thus, seeking professional help can benefit you manifold. So, try counseling sessions if you are confused and don’t know where to head!
- Budget
Considering the financial budget is crucial when choosing a stream. For example, there may be chances that you might have the ability to pursue a particular stream, but your parent’s budget might not allow it.
Thus, discuss the budget with your parents and plan your finances well in advance so there is no hindrance while pursuing your desired stream!
Which Stream Is The Best?
The selection of the stream depends solely on your interests. Well, studies state that science offers the most promising career to students and provides them with excellent packages.
However, if you wish to explore creativity and aspire to become a master of your dream career, you can opt for humanities and give your passion wings to take a great flight.
Moreover, students passionate about business can opt for the commerce stream. Finally, the vocational stream is best for students who wish to do something different from others.
No matter what stream you choose, don’t forget to select the right stream early in your career for the best results. Make use of the tips mentioned above and refrain from making common mistakes.
After all, the best way to predict a future is to create it!
Suggested Read: Career Interests v/s Suitability
