Recently I had a chance to interact with well-known career counsellor Mrs Swati Salunkhe. This Interview was taken during Ramnivas Ruia Junior College’s Interdisciplinary Educational Event – Enriching Minds, presented by the college’s Arts Association. Here are the transcripts of the interview.
Mrs Swati Salunkhe during Ruia College’s event Enriching Minds
Welcome to Spectralhues Mrs Salunkhe. People are concerned about careers but you are a career counsellor yourself. What struck your mind and you thought of becoming a career counsellor?
It all started with me when I came across a phase where I needed this guidance. And when I was looking out for it, I saw there were people around who were doing it, but it was someway trivialized. I am talking about the time before Google, when getting across people was difficult. I then studied and thought why not enter into this profession, as there would be people like me who might require it. This is how I thought of becoming a career counsellor.
How it is to be in a completely different profession, surrounded by several doubts pouring day in and day out?
That’s a really nice question, I must say. Well, I would say it is a very satisfying thing which I have chosen for myself. I entered into this field when it wasn’t a field. The challenges faced by me in the initial stages were completely different. But as years went on and projects came in, we started working out. And, again I would say it is the most satisfying thing.
Swati Salunkhe while interacting with Spectralhues
What does the job of a career counsellor involve? Is it only limited to guiding students or are things beyond that?
Things are much beyond that, as you can see this program (happening in Ruia College) which was never a part of career counsellors’ agenda, but it is now. I can talk about me and my team; it is more of the moral responsibility. When a parent and child come to us with their queries, we do it with full responsibility. Not just personal sessions but also through media we are able to interact with youngsters having their queries about career. Like, through Education Times, I am reaching to students up to 22 cities in India and there are students who are in touch with us regularly.
Today, there is a spectrum of career choices, wide open for the youngsters to choose, and choosing career has become synonymous to looking a needle in a haystack. Why do you think there is always a dilemma on the part of students when it comes to selecting and finalizing their career?
Basically, I think there is a lot of career information available at a go, and often there is information overload. I also think that there are very unclear interests of students. Many only consider one side of a coin whereas the other side also needs to be considered. These two are major reasons for the chaos that happens.
Mrs Swati Salunkhe says her profession is a very satisfying one
Tell us something about changing and advancing scope in the field of career counselling.
I have seen a lot of changes while conducting sessions. What started as a question has gone much beyond that. Infact, we have come across parents coming right when the child is in kindergarten, to inquire about career options. We come across youngsters who are confused between what to pursue exactly, and how to pursue it. So, the scope in the field of career counselling has really advanced.
How vital and important are career counselling sessions, aptitude tests and guidance, in today’s time?
It is definitely important and it should be done from professional career counsellors. Aptitude is just a part of it which I have been seeing in almost all the forums. You need to have a holistic approach- considering your IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and your personality. There are so many choices and considering the information overload, getting yourself proper guidance is of utmost importance. Similarly, sorting out all your queries from a proper career counsellor too, is important.
Ma’am, we have seen that despite of undergoing career counselling, many mess up later. Why does this happen, according to you?
See, here we need to consider from whom and where they have got their counselling done from, because ultimately psychometric assessment is on how you answer or how you fair in the test. So if it is not from a qualified counsellor then such problems may arise. And yes, we’ve also seen people who go by their own guts despite counselling. Taking an informed decision is better than impression based decisions.
Suyash Karangutkar interacting with Mrs Swati Salunkhe
Lastly ma’am, what would your message be for youngsters and teens, still baffled about their career choices?
I would say, come to a career counsellor. But firstly, do not take impression based decisions and take information based decisions, as it very important.
Thank you so much for speaking to us! It was indeed pleasure interacting with you. Surely, this interview is going to enlighten the minds of youngsters and help them in choosing their career! Thank you, once again!
Photo courtesy – Umang Samapth and Nehal Wadkar.
Tags: interview Swati Salunkhe spectralhues Swati Salunkhe
