TEN MYTHS ABOUT CAREER PLANNING BUSTED!

MYTH 1:
Arts/humanities majors usually are unemployable after college.

FACT:
Skills matter in every stream

Arts majors are employed in a wide range of careers.

Although humanities graduates sometimes take more time finding a
“niche” in the working world, it’s usually because they don’t know what
they can or want to do or they are not aware of the options available to
them.
MYTH 2:
Selecting what’s ‘hot’ at the moment is safe.

FACT:
What’s hot today may not necessarily be 10/20 years later.

There are two things you must understand before opting for this
approach.
 First what is ‘hot’ today may cool down, or disappear completely,
in the near future.
 Secondly, such a choice fails to take into account interest and
abilities of the student, or the kind of environment in which they
are most likely to succeed.
MYTH 3:
Career assessments/counselors will not be any use for me.

FACT:
You must know what your aptitude is before choosing a career.

Psychometric Assessments (Aptitude Test) can provide additional

information that may be helpful as a part of the career planning
process.

Assessments would provide a clear idea as to ones aptitude,

strength and weakness and their mental capabilities, which aids in
selecting a career, but with through brainstorming with the career
counselor, who can chalk out various career options based on the
match between the student profile and the career.
MYTH 4:
If X is happy in a particular field, I will be happy too.

FACT:
You are not X

Everyone is different and what works for one won’t necessarily work
for another, even if that other person is someone whom you have a lot
with common.
If someone you know has a career that interests you try and get more
details about the career in terms of the job description, the skills
required and market demand of the career.
Then match the description with your traits and then make a choice. Be
aware that what you like may not necessarily be a good fit for you.
MYTH 5:
If I wait long enough, luck will eventually bring me to the right career.

FACT:
Procrastination is no substitute for laziness.

It is unlikely that you will just “bump into” the occupation that will
perfectly match your skills and interests.
The more information you gather about yourself and the occupations
you are considering, the more likely it is you will make a wise career
decision.
MYTH 6:
Making a lot of money will
make me happy.

FACT:
The ingredients of fulfilling
career also includes passion
and commitment to growth.

While salary is important, it

isn’t the only factor you
should look at when choosing
a career.
Countless surveys have shown that money doesn’t necessarily lead to
job satisfaction.
For many people enjoying what they do at work is much more
important.
MYTH 7:
Once I choose a career I’ll be stuck in it forever.

FACT:
You are never too old to switch careers.

Not true. If you are unsatisfied in your career for any reason, you can
always change.
Discussing your interests with knowledgeable people who could guide
you towards another career could land you in a satisfying job profile.
Many people do change careers several times over the course of their
lifetimes.
MYTH 8:
If I change careers my skills will be wasted.

FACT:
Being multi-skilled allows you to learn and adapt accordingly.

It is true that certain jobs require some specialized skill set

But note that mostly jobs require a common type of skills which most of
the individuals possess.
Your skills are yours to keep. You may not use them in the exactly same
way, but they won’t be wasted.
MYTH 9:
I will decide after the results are out.

FACT:
Impulsive decisions lack planning and direction.

Planning in advance prepares you better to deal with the if-and-or

situations better.
MYTH 10:
I love this hobby, but I don’t think I can make money out of it.

FACT:
If you love what you do, you will not feel like you are working.

An oft repeated line, it explains why part-time hobbies like cooking,

photography and design that were once pursued during weekends are
now being pursued as full time careers. And most of these hobby-
turned vocations pay really well is pursued professionally. If your hobby
becomes a career, then there’s nothing stopping you from being
satisfied in your job and life. So, go ahead and make a wise choice!