Kerala, a state renowned for its high literacy rate, is witnessing a surge in student migration towards foreign shores. The allure of a promising future, coupled with exciting job prospects and financial opportunities, has always enticed Malayalis to explore opportunities abroad. This phenomenon, driven by a confluence of factors, is reshaping the educational landscape and career aspirations of the youngsters from the state.
The recent surge of students flocking to European nations for higher studies is the latest trend in Kerala's migration landscape. Thanks to easy access to educational loans and a plethora of institutions welcoming international students, the idea of studying in Europe has evolved into a coveted goal for students who have completed their schooling or undergraduate studies.
Student migration on the rise
The data presented by the Ministry of Education last year in the Parliament reveals a 68 per cent increase in the number of students pursuing higher education abroad. 2022 saw a peak in the number of students studying abroad in the last six years, with a total of 750,365 individuals.
Shameer C K, noted career counsellor, opined that lack of employment opportunities is a reason many youngsters wanted to leave the state. " It is not just about the employability factor. Nowadays, the youth are not interested in government jobs, and the private sector doesn't provide many perks. Consequently, many young people are drawn to foreign nations."
Finance Minister K N Balagopal informed the Kerala Assembly that around 30,000 students are moving abroad for overseas education each year. Not only did it raise alarm bells, but it revealed the inefficiencies of the educational system as well as the career prospects of the younger generation in the state.
A recent study by the Kerala Academy of Science (KAS) says that most students opt to study abroad due to a lack of job opportunities, the absence of globally recognized institutions, outdated curriculums, and unsatisfactory learning conditions in their home state. Despite various studies echoing the same sentiment, the concerned authorities have downplayed the severity of the problem and termed it as mere migration.
In February 2024, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the state government would adopt "a special scheme in the education sector to bring back those who have left the state." On the flip side, the ambitious plan to welcome foreign university campuses in the state has hit a roadblock, painting a contrasting picture.
If we dig deeper into the issue, one may accidentally stumble upon some worrying questions --Do we severely lack proper institutions for students to thrive? Are students heading to foreign countries without adequate guidance? Does our education system lack a focus on career-oriented learning?
To answer these questions, one must initially comprehend how a student picks a specific career trajectory. For instance, a student in higher secondary school determines her future path on the guidance, suggestions, and experiences of those in their surroundings. At times, peer pressure plays a role in these decisions. Suggestions and advice typically stem from teachers or parents. If the student comes from a less privileged background, their mentor might be a friend or a teacher. Occasionally, students turn to the internet to choose a college or university for further education. This is where students encounter a real challenge.
How am I sure whether this is the right career path for me?
Anjal, a native of Aluva pursuing an engineering course in Europe, recalls how a wrong career decision could land you in trouble. "After finishing my diploma course in Kerala, I found myself unsure of what path to take next. I briefly worked at Cochin Shipyard for a few months, but deep down, I knew I wanted something more. Eventually, I made the bold decision to pursue higher studies abroad. Now I am pursuing a course based on my interest here," he says.
Ernakulam native Sarath found himself at crossroads, uncertain of which path to take after completing his undergraduate course. Seeking clarity and new opportunities, he decided to move to the UK. "After completing a B.Sc visual media degree from a reputed college in Ernakulam, I was not sure what to do next. I did have an interest in animation. However, the course I studied in college had little to offer to that subject. Eventually, I opted to go to the UK to pursue higher studies. I wasted a year, unable to decide what to do next," he says.
Lack of Guidance
Unlike European countries with a well-established system for career guidance, in India, it is often limited to occasional seminars and part-time counselling in schools. The existing teaching staff is usually trained in career counselling through occasional workshops and seminars to address student issues and help them make the right career choices. The issue is not limited to government schools in Kerala but also to the CBSE institutions as well. Unfortunately, the shortcomings of this system, without considering its impact on a child's future, are often overlooked. As a result, parents, agents with vested interests, and peer pressure influence students' career decisions.
Jalil M.S., Chief Career Mentor at Career Guru, gives a clear insight into how youngsters view the job market and eventually decide to pursue a course. "Nowadays, there seems to be a prevailing trend of peer pressure. If everyone is going abroad, I should also study abroad. This kind of mindset is quite common these days. If someone claims that biotechnology is the ultimate career choice, parents will readily choose it for their children. They don't bother to check if it's the right career choice for their kids. As a result, many students select colleges recommended by agents with vested interests and work on behalf of overseas education providers. It simply highlights how our children are deprived of proper career guidance and counselling," he explains. .
Around 95 per cent of those students who completed Plus 2 are unaware of the various streams of studies available for them. It is even more painful that almost 50 per cent of students from rural areas in the state are unaware of entrance tests like NEET in the country. Many are unaware of the difficulties of clearing these exams, causing them to approach them without adequate preparation, says Rajeev M.K, former District Educational Officer, Kozhikode and Centre Manager, CDC Perambra.
Experts also point out that even the parents, who sometimes read the career-focused columns in the newspapers, do not pass on the information to their children. Secondly, children are not given career counselling at the appropriate age.
"In Europe, the career guidance is given equal importance as education. Unfortunately, in India, we don't prioritise this. We don't have career counsellors in Kerala. Instead, we only have career information providers. We need to understand that there are various stages involved in career counselling, and the role of career information providers is only one of them," says Rajeev.
The private career counsellors also mention that parents typically approach them for guidance only a few days before college admissions or after finishing school. Key questions such as 'Is this the right career path?' or 'Is this truly my passion?' are often left until the last minute, leaving young individuals scrambling for answers and making hasty decisions.
Let's take the example of a pharmacy course - just because someone completes it doesn't mean their only option is becoming a pharmacist. There are numerous other options to explore. Unfortunately, students are often misinformed about the available opportunities. Many students pursue a course without understanding whether they have the aptitude or interest in the subject matter. They are unaware of what to do next after completing a course. For instance, nearly 80 per cent of students in Art & Science colleges in Kerala are not pursuing the area after graduation, Jalil M.S. said.
Benefits of Career Counselling in Schools
- Informed decision-making: Students are exposed to a vast array of career options, industries, and fields. This knowledge empowers them to make well-informed choices aligned with their interests and skill sets.
- Self-discovery: Through assessments and discussions, career counsellors help students identify their strengths, values, and passions. This self-awareness allows them to find career paths that are a good fit for their unique personality.
- Navigating the job market: The job landscape is constantly evolving. Counsellors stay updated on industry trends and equip students with the knowledge to make informed career decisions.
- Boosts self confidence: Understanding their strengths and potential empowers students to pursue their goals with greater confidence.
Initiatives that could help students/parents
Career Development Centre (CDC)
It is an initiative of the Employment Department in Kerala, envisaged as a destination where individuals can obtain authentic solutions for all kinds of career issues faced by them. Kerala is the first state which constituted such a centre. It provides career guidance services free of cost as per the concept of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Rajeev points out that CDC centres in the state help students get ready for their careers from start to finish free of charge. Around ten students from various families near the Career Development Centre in Perambra are now studying at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune.
In the CDC, both vocational guidance and educational guidance will be provided to all the individuals who require it. The fundamental aim is to help individuals keep informed of the choices about the next step they would take, whether it is for further education, training or work. Through CDC centres, the government is training teachers in government schools to act as counsellors for students.
Souhrida Clubs (Career Guidance & Adolescent Counselling Cell)
An initiative of the Education Department in the state, Souhrida Clubs, operates in higher secondary schools. The club aims to improve the physical, academic, social and interpersonal skills of the adolescents and lead them towards a successful adulthood. Teachers in schools receive specialized training on specific topics to act as counsellors. Additionally, schools are required to establish a Drop Box where students can confidentially share their concerns or issues related to their homes, classrooms, or other areas.
Still, experts highlight that the absence of privacy and the potential discomfort of students in confiding in teachers, whom they may encounter regularly, could hinder students from seeking support from these platforms for their problems.
Kerala Differential Aptitude Test (K-DAT): Conducted by the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE), K-DAT is a state-level aptitude test for students pursuing higher education. It helps assess their potential in various fields like verbal, numerical, mechanical, and abstract reasoning.
VHSE Career Guidance and Counselling Cell: The Department of Vocational Higher Secondary Education (VHSE) offers career guidance programs to students enrolled in vocational courses. This includes online entrance tests and career counselling sessions.
Start it young
High school is the perfect time to mould a child's future and prepare them for what lies ahead. With the guidance of parents and teachers, students can explore the many possibilities that the world has to offer.
"It is essential to ensure that career guidance is accessible to students starting from the 9th grade. While it cannot be denied that there are some career guidance efforts in the state, such as the Souhrida Club in schools, these initiatives do not fully meet the needs of the students. Additionally, it is crucial for students to take a skill aptitude test in high school to determine their strengths and receive appropriate guidance. Unfortunately, this is currently being overlooked," says Jalil M.S.
In 2017, the Compulsory Career Guidance Bill, introduced in Parliament, aimed to "provide for compulsory career counselling and guidance to the students at school level in order to help them chart a proper career path and choose their professions accordingly and for matters connected therewith." The bill says that it shall be the responsibility of the appropriate Government to provide compulsory career counselling to the students.
"First and foremost, career counselling is the right of a student. Therefore, we need counselling services in schools. Secondly, the government should set aside funds for the same. Finally, we need to address the shortage of qualified career counsellors. The government should be able to take the matter into its own hands and introduce career counselling courses to create qualified practitioners. There needs to be a focus on implementing mandatory career counselling in high schools in Kerala," Jalil M.S. said.
The Kothari Commission, also known as the National Education Commission (1964-1966), did acknowledge the need for improved guidance services in schools, though establishing a dedicated program wasn't its primary focus.
By prioritizing career counselling in schools, we plant the seeds for a future brimming with potential. Empowered with self-awareness and a clear vision of their strengths and interests, students can navigate their career paths with greater confidence and purpose. This not only benefits them individually but also strengthens the nation's workforce as a whole. Imagine a generation of graduates who are not just qualified for their jobs, but passionate about them. This translates into a more engaged and productive workforce, fostering innovation and contributing significantly to the nation's progress on a global scale.
Published: 14 Mar 2024, 08:01 am IST
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