The root of all the problems is due to the mismatch between their inherent potentials and requirements of the course – Halima

Amarjeet Sharma (AS): Please brief us about your Educational background?

Halima: I am from Humanities stream. I have taken up psychology in intermediate level and then completed B.A in Psychology(Hons) from Berhampur University.Then I went for my Master’s in Psychology from Osmania University with specialization in Counselling and Guidance. After that, I have done an International Diploma in Guidance and Counselling(IDGC) from RIE, NCERT and in collaboration with COL, Canada.I have done Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology and Computer Applications.

AS: What has your time as a Career Counsellor meant to you personally and why?

 Halima: On a personal level, my time as a career counselor has given me a deep sense of satisfaction, as I steer students away from negativity and confusions and inspire and challenge them to write a new chapter of their life with full confidence. Personally, learning from the mistakes and experiences, highs and lows of my clients has given me a lot of insights into the field, and it’s ongoing. Even now I am learning…  

AS: How did you get into Career Counselling? What interested you into Career Counselling?

Halima: Right after my Masters in Counselling, I got an Opportunity to Launch and Head the ACADEMIC COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE CELL, under the aegis of SSF Trust in Department of professional studies, Govt. Women’s College. As I helped students in improving their academic performance, I realized that the root of all the problems is due the mismatch between their inherent potentials and requirements of the course. My heart moved when I saw students struggling so hard to keep pace with the competition. Then, I went for IDGC program &started career guidance and counseling to orient students towards Career Planning and its importance in life.

AS: Which tools do you use for guiding careers?

Halima: I have developed an Assessment test “Career Appraisal” that helps to find out a person’s aptitude, orientation, personality, interests and skills.  Then I provide “Dimensions of Career Information” like information regarding Nature of work, working conditions, employment trends and prospects, educational, financial and personality requirements, earnings and methods of entry in a particular domain.

Finally, I connect both of them to a particular career most suitable for an individual.

AS: Why do you think it’s important for students and parents to undergo Career Counselling together?

Halima: Parents should be on board while crystallizing any aspiration of the student as the experience, maturity, support and understanding of parents is crucial, especially when children opt for financially challenging careers. Career counseling provides a platform for open communication and the differences in perspective are very well worked upon. Mutual effort guided by a counselors balanced evaluation helps in deciding an appropriate career for an individual.

AS: What are the top 3-5 skills you should have to become an effective Career Counselor?

Halima:

• Excellent Communication and Motivational skills.
• Understanding and Empathy
• Compassion and interpersonal Skills
• Insightful and detail oriented
• Technological and networking skills