Career guidance event in Chandrapur reaches 930 students

Instead of chasing rote, traditional courses after Class 10 and 12, students should decide their careers by recognising their own interests, abilities and the opportunities available to them, and start preparing early with a clear goal in mind for the necessary studies, competitive exams and skills. This was the message given to students at a large career guidance programme held in Chandrapur.

The programme was organised by the district council's primary education department on September 22 at the Priyadarshini Indira Gandhi cultural hall, with support from the Lloyds Infinite Foundation, to help students from villages and remote areas learn about career opportunities in different fields and make informed decisions about studies and careers after Class 10 and 12. About 930 students from various district council high schools and private aided schools in Chandrapur took part.

The programme was presided over via video conferencing by the state's tribal development minister and Chandrapur district guardian minister, Prof. Dr. Ashok Uike. Also present on stage were MLA Kishore Jorgewar, MLA Sudhakar Adbale, district collector Vasumana Pant, superintendent of police Ayush Nopani, district council chief executive officer Pulkit Singh, and Captain Ashwin Anupdev, principal of Sainik School, Chandrapur.

A key feature of the programme was that students received guidance directly from officers, experts and professionals working in different fields, based on their own experience. IPS officer Kumar Sushant guided students on the format of the Union Public Service Commission examination and the study, planning and preparation needed for competitive exams to enter all-India and central services such as IAS, IPS and IFS.

Sub-divisional police officer Pramod Chougule gave information about different posts, the recruitment process and career opportunities in the police department. Korpana sub-divisional officer Balaji Kadam guided students on the different examinations of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, opportunities in administrative services and the need for continuous study for competitive exams.

Subedar Laxman Aulkar gave information about the various career opportunities available in the Indian armed forces. He explained to students the qualifications needed to join the army, the different entrance exams, physical and mental preparation, and the importance of discipline.

Departmental engineer Jai Tiwari gave information about the different branches of engineering and technology, higher education, and the new career opportunities being created by changing technology. Agriculture extension officer Aditya Mahalle guided students on agricultural education, agricultural technology, and job and self-employment opportunities in farming.

Dr. Bhagyashree Belsare presented students with information on veterinary education, the admission process and various career options in the veterinary field. Ratnesh Singh and Bhushan Wagh of Bank of India spoke with students about different positions in the banking sector, competitive exams and career opportunities in banking.

The career guidance programme did not just tell students which career to choose, but also guided them on what preparation to start today, what to study, which entrance and competitive exams to take, and how to develop the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen field. By bringing together information on administrative services, police and the army, engineering, technology, agriculture, veterinary science and banking in one place for students from villages and remote areas, the programme proved to be a source of direction for students.