Navigating Career

Counselling in Pakistan
 CONTENTS

• Introduction
• Current State of Career Counselling in Pakistan
• Causes of the Problem
• Importance of Career Counselling
o Economic Development
o Mental Health
• Challenges in Implementing Career Counselling in Pakistan
• Impact on Youth
• Solutions
• Role of Government in Career Counselling
• Role of Private Sector in Career Counselling
• Role of Educational Institutions in Career Counselling
• Role of Parents in Career Counselling
• Role of Career Counsellors
• Best Practices from Other Countries
• Career Counselling Techniques
• Conclusion
• References
Introduction
Welcome to our presentation on the importance of
career counselling in Pakistan. As we all know,
choosing a career is one of the most important
decisions in a person's life. However, many
individuals in Pakistan lack access to proper guidance
and resources to make informed career choices.

Through this presentation, we aim to shed light on the

current state of career counselling in Pakistan, its
importance, challenges in implementation, and
successful initiatives taken by other countries. We
hope that by the end of this presentation, you will
have a better understanding of why career counselling
is crucial for individuals and the society as a whole.
Current State of Career Counselling in Pakistan
• Career counselling is a relatively new concept in Pakistan and
is not widely practiced. According to a survey conducted by
the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, only
5% of students receive career counselling services in Pakistan.
This lack of access to career counselling can have serious
consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

• The causes of this low adoption of career counselling are

multifaceted. One major reason is the lack of trained career
counsellors in the country. Another reason is the cultural
stigma associated with seeking help for career guidance.
Additionally, there is a lack of awareness among educational
institutions and parents about the importance of career
counselling. The impact of this lack of career counselling is
significant, as it leads to high rates of unemployment,
underemployment, and dissatisfaction with career choices.
Causes of the Problem
• One of the main causes of the lack of career counselling in Pakistan is the limited
availability of trained career counsellors. According to a survey conducted by the
Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, only 10% of universities in the country
have a dedicated career counselling office. This means that a large number of
students are not receiving the guidance they need to make informed career decisions.
• Another cause of the problem is the lack of awareness among students and parents
about the importance of career counselling. Many students and parents in Pakistan
view career counselling as an unnecessary expense rather than an investment in their
future. As a result, they do not seek out these services or do not take them seriously
when they are offered.
Importance of Career Counselling
• Career counselling is crucial for individuals as it
helps them make informed decisions about their
future. Without proper guidance, individuals may
end up in careers that do not align with their
interests or strengths, leading to dissatisfaction and
unfulfillment. Career counselling provides
individuals with the necessary tools and resources to
identify their strengths, interests, and values, and
match them with suitable career options.
• Moreover, career counselling is important for
society as a whole. It helps to address the skills gap
and unemployment by guiding individuals towards
high-demand industries and occupations. This, in
turn, leads to economic growth and development.
Additionally, career counselling promotes workforce
diversity, which is essential for creating an inclusive
and equitable society.
 CONTIUNE
Career Counselling and Economic Development
• When individuals are able to make informed career
choices, they are more likely to be productive and
contribute positively to the workforce. This, in turn, can
lead to increased economic growth and development.
• For example, in Germany, career counselling is seen as
an integral part of their education system. As a result,
Germany has one of the lowest youth unemployment
rates in Europe. Similarly, in Singapore, the
government has implemented a comprehensive career
guidance program that has helped to develop a highly
skilled workforce and drive economic growth.
 CONTIUNE
Career Counselling and Mental Health
• Mental health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being,
and career counselling can have a significant impact on it.
Research has shown that individuals who receive career
counselling are less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and
depression related to their work life. This is because career
counselling helps individuals identify their strengths,
interests, and values, which in turn leads to better job
satisfaction and a more fulfilling career.
• Moreover, career counselling can also help individuals
manage mental health issues that may be impacting their
career choices. For example, individuals with ADHD may
struggle with decision-making and time management skills,
which can hinder their career success. Career counsellors can
provide strategies and resources to help these individuals
overcome these challenges and succeed in their chosen field.
Challenges in Implementing Career Counselling in Pakistan
• One of the biggest challenges in implementing career
counselling in Pakistan is the lack of awareness and
understanding about its importance. Many individuals,
especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are not
aware of the benefits of career counselling and therefore do
not seek it out. This can be attributed to a lack of resources
and information available to the public regarding career
counselling.
• Another challenge is the shortage of trained and qualified
career counsellors in Pakistan. While there are some
institutions that offer career counselling services, there is a
significant shortage of professionals who are trained and
experienced in providing these services. This shortage is
particularly acute in rural areas where there are few
opportunities for individuals to receive career counselling. To
address this challenge, it is important to invest in training
programs for career counsellors and to promote career
counselling as a viable profession.
Impact on Youth
• The lack of career counselling in Pakistan has a
profound impact on the youth of the country. Without
proper guidance, many young people are left feeling
lost and directionless, unsure of what path to take in
life.
• This can lead to a range of negative outcomes,
including high rates of unemployment,
underemployment, and dissatisfaction with one's
career. In some cases, it can even contribute to
mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Real-life examples of this can be seen in the stories
of young people who have struggled to find their
footing in the job market, despite their best efforts.
Role of Government in Career Counselling
• The government plays a crucial role in promoting career
counselling in Pakistan. By investing in career guidance
programs and initiatives, the government can help
individuals make informed decisions about their future. In
countries like Canada and Australia, the government
provides funding for career counselling services in schools
and universities, ensuring that students have access to
professional guidance throughout their education.
• Moreover, the government can also work with employers to
create job opportunities and internships for graduates. In
Singapore, the government partners with companies to
offer career development programs and apprenticeships to
young professionals. By collaborating with the private
sector, the government can help bridge the gap between
education and employment, providing individuals with the
skills and experience they need to succeed in their careers.
The Role of Private Sector
• The private sector plays a crucial role in providing career
counselling to the youth of Pakistan. Private companies
and organizations can partner with educational
institutions to provide career guidance and mentorship
programs. They can also offer internships and job
shadowing opportunities to help students gain practical
experience and explore different career paths.

• One current initiative is the Corporate Social

Responsibility (CSR) program, where companies
allocate a portion of their profits towards social causes,
including education and career development. Some
companies have used this program to fund career
counselling workshops and seminars for students.
Another policy is the tax incentives for businesses that
invest in education and training programs for their
employees, which can lead to a more skilled workforce
and better career opportunities for the youth.
Role of Educational Institutions in Career Counselling
• Educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting
career counselling. They are often the first point of contact
for students when it comes to making career choices.
Educational institutions can provide students with access to
information about different career paths, job opportunities
and skill requirements. They can also offer guidance on
how to prepare for interviews and write resumes.
• In other countries, educational institutions have taken
various initiatives to promote career counselling. For
example, some universities have established career centres
where students can receive one-on-one counselling
sessions with career experts. Some high schools have
introduced career counselling courses as part of their
curriculum. Others have organized career fairs where
students can meet with potential employers and learn about
different career options.
Role of Parents in Career Counselling
• Parents play a crucial role in career counselling, as they
are the primary influencers in their children's lives. They
can provide guidance and support to their children in
making informed decisions about their career choices. It
is important for parents to understand their children's
interests, strengths, and weaknesses, and help them
explore different career options. They can also provide
valuable insights into the job market and industry trends.
• However, it is equally important for parents to avoid
imposing their own career aspirations on their children.
Instead, they should encourage their children to pursue
their own passions and interests, even if it means taking
a non-traditional career path. Parents can also help their
children develop important skills such as
communication, problem-solving, and time management,
which are essential for success in any career.
Role of Career Counsellors
• Career counsellors play a crucial role in guiding individuals
towards making informed career choices. They help
individuals identify their strengths, interests, and values, and
then explore career options that align with these factors.
Career counsellors also provide information about the job
market, industry trends, and educational requirements for
different careers. By doing so, they empower individuals to
make informed decisions about their future.
• Successful career counselling programs focus on building a
strong relationship between the career counsellor and the
individual seeking guidance. This allows for a personalized
approach that takes into account the unique needs and goals
of each individual. Additionally, successful programs use a
variety of techniques, such as assessments, interviews, and
job shadowing, to help individuals gain a better
understanding of themselves and the world of work.
Best Practices from Other Countries
• In Canada, career counselling is often integrated into
the education system, starting as early as elementary
school. This allows students to explore their interests
and strengths at a young age, and make informed
decisions about their future career paths. The approach
focuses on self-discovery, with counsellors helping
students identify their skills, values, and personality
traits that are relevant to their career choices.
• In Finland, career counselling is seen as a lifelong
process that starts in childhood and continues
throughout adulthood. The focus is on developing the
necessary skills and knowledge for making informed
decisions about one's career, rather than just finding a
job. Counsellors provide guidance on vocational
training, further education, and entrepreneurship,
among other areas. They also work closely with
employers to ensure that the needs of the labour market
Career Counselling Techniques
• Career counselling is a process that helps individuals make informed
decisions about their career paths. There are several techniques used in career
counselling, including assessments, interviews, and job shadowing.
Assessments are tools used to evaluate an individual's skills, interests, and
values. Interviews are conducted by career counsellors to gain insight into an
individual's goals and aspirations. Job shadowing involves observing
professionals in the field of interest to gain practical experience.
• Successful implementation of these techniques has been seen in various
countries. For instance, in the United States, career counsellors use
assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Strong
Interest Inventory to help individuals identify their personality type and
interests. In Japan, job shadowing is widely used to provide students with
hands-on experience in various fields. In Australia, career counsellors conduct
interviews to explore an individual's career goals and aspirations.
CONTIUNE
• One potential solution to improve career counselling in Pakistan is
to increase the accessibility of information. This can be done
through the creation of online resources and platforms that provide
guidance on various career paths, job requirements, and educational
opportunities. For example, the National Career Services Portal in
India has been successful in providing free career guidance to
millions of users. By creating a similar platform in Pakistan, more
students and job seekers can benefit from expert advice and support.
• Another solution is to establish partnerships between educational
institutions and businesses. This can help bridge the gap between
academia and industry, and provide students with valuable exposure
to different professions. For instance, the German Dual Vocational
Training System is a model that combines classroom learning with
on-the-job training at companies. This approach has resulted in a
highly skilled workforce and low youth unemployment rates. By
adopting similar practices in Pakistan, students can gain practical
skills and knowledge that prepare them for the workforce.
Call to Action (What we can do?)
As we have seen, the lack of career counselling in
Pakistan has a significant impact on the youth of
our country. It is up to all of us to take action and
support the improvement of career counselling
services in Pakistan.
Being a government official, there are steps that
you can take to make a difference. We need to
work together to ensure that every young person
in Pakistan has access to the guidance and
resources they need to achieve their full potential.
 Conclusion
• In conclusion, career counselling is crucial for individuals and
society as a whole. It helps individuals make informed career
choices that align with their skills, interests, and values. This leads
to higher job satisfaction and productivity, which in turn
contributes to economic development.
• To promote career counselling in Pakistan, it is important to raise
awareness about its benefits and importance. Educational
institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations
can work together to provide career counselling services to
individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, training
programs can be developed to equip career counsellors with the
necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective guidance.
 References
1. Ali, S., & Haider, M. J. (2019). Career
counseling in Pakistan: A review of
literature. Journal of Career Development,
46(2), 171-185.
2. Ahmed, R., & Mahmood, Z. (2018).
Career counseling and guidance services in
Pakistan: An overview. International
Journal of Research in Social Sciences,
8(4), 123-135.