Aparna Jain

As a student, I belonged to an era when societal expectations dictated that those good at math should become engineers, while others were encouraged to crack medical exams. I pursued a B.Sc. in Biotechnology after failing to clear medical entrance exams, as it seemed a close alternative to life sciences. However, I soon realized that biotechnology did not captivate my interest. With MBA being a popular choice, I transitioned into that field and eventually secured a job at a bank. Due to personal reasons, I left the bank and began teaching at a school.

To enhance my teaching skills, I pursued a B.Ed. and spent a decade teaching in CBSE and IB schools. Throughout my teaching career, I noticed that the education system often failed to help students recognize and pursue their passions. Students either knew what they wanted but were too afraid to follow it, or they lacked clarity about their personal values, strengths, and goals. Fear of making wrong choices and pressure from societal expectations further compounded their dilemmas.

Witnessing these struggles disturbed me deeply as an educator. I saw bright young minds being held back by fear, confusion, and external pressures. This inspired me to become a certified career counsellor. I wanted to guide students in discovering their true passions and help them make informed career choices. By becoming a career counsellor, I aimed to empower students to navigate their paths with confidence and clarity, ultimately leading to fulfilling and successful careers.