Career Counselling: 7 Steps To Get Your Career Back on Track

The Road to Success can have many paths with the destination remaining intact

Ever heard of the story of the fruit-seller who couldn’t write an email while applying for a job. He then went on to employ a dozen management executives at his multi-million grocery chain. Adversity, usually is just another window, to an even greater opportunity. You went through the motions. Sat through endless rounds of group discussions and interviews and still did not make the cut. Fret not. Life may have better things in store for you.

The campus placement was just one window to a corporate career. Maybe, it was a learning lesson for you which you could use during future endeavors in your professional career.

The best way to identify what went wrong in your college days is by connecting the dots. By going back to those days, you will find that there are many positive things that you have done which can turn out to be stepping stones for a successful career. There will always be a light at the end of the tunnel but it is you who has to make the journey.

Here are 7 simple steps that you will get your professional career back on track:

Step 1: Identify and Prepare For Competitive Exams

Competitive exams for government jobs are regarded as one of the top choices for students these days. More so, because of the social status associated with a govt. job and the the job security that it provides. There are many types of government jobs which will suit your study background.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Staff Selection Commission (SSC) mainly announce various central government jobs. Public Service Commissions of various states announce the state government jobs of the respective states. Check their websites regularly for notifications regarding job vacancies and their entrance procedure. You can also appear in the IBPS exam if you want to work in public sector banks of the country which is also a lucrative profession.

Remember, no exam is beyond your will, if you put in the effort to crack these competitive exams for government jobs and have a firm strategy to back your efforts. If observed point blank – the competitive scene does look scary with the huge number of candidates registered. Look closer and you will figure out that it is students just like you who go on to crack these exams. You, therefore, are competing with no one but yourself.

Go on tiger, prepare a list of exams that you like, make a plan and get down to business!

Step 2: Scout For Off-Campus Placement Options

The untold truth about campus placements is that the number and quality of companies depends on a multitude of factors which are beyond anyone’s comprehension. So, if the company that is suitable for you hasn’t come to your campus seeking you – what do you do? You head out and seek your company. If you are not inclined to study anymore after your college days, it’s time to hit the road and start applying for jobs that suit your education and profile. Its time to target companies that are ready to offer you jobs because they are looking for professionals like you. This process will also take effort because you will also have to perform a thorough research on the companies that could be suitable for you.

Additionally, submit your resumes to be included in the database of various leading job search platforms such as Monster.com and Naukri.com. If you are resilient and show relentlessness in your approach, then your hard work will pay off sooner or later.  

Step 3: Apply for Internships

Most companies these days hire interns to scout for talent which otherwise would be difficult to hire. While looking for viable job options, interning is an excellent way of networking with professionals from the industry. They could mentor you and lead you to the right career option. There are dedicated platforms like Internshala.com and LetsIntern.com which have listings for a wide range of internship opportunities in every nook and corner of the country across companies from almost every sector. If you are from a technical background an internship will give you a glimpse of what goes in a company where you are looking to commit your future. If you play your cards right, more often than not, you will get a full-time job offer from the company once your internship is over.

Step 4: Step into the  Freelancing World

The global business landscape has to a large extent become virtual. Why can’t you harness your potential and become a part of this phenomenon that is sweeping every industry? If you want to hone your skills and gain expertise, then there is nothing like freelancing. If you have an individual skill which companies can outsource – that skill could change your life. Register on various freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer and start bidding for projects regularly to streamline your income. The best part is – you will have a portfolio of projects completed to your name which can add the cutting edge during your job interview if you ever need one.

Step 5: Become an Entrepreneur

Beware! This is the most challenging path. The more challenges you overcome, the bigger your fruits of success will become. You can start your own business by targeting an opportunity which is in sync with your capabilities. Scan the competitive scenario and the supply-demand before taking the plunge. Initially, you may bootstrap your business by beginning from home and expand as your business starts gaining traction.

Step 6: Seek Professional Help From A Recruiting Agency

Recruiting consultants and agencies have become a go-to option to hire personnel for many companies. They award contracts of scouting for suitable candidates to these agencies. They usually conduct the initial stage of interviews themselves before placing your candidature with their client companies.

Step 7: Upskill Yourself

Conduct a detailed analysis of your skills and capabilities and benchmark them against what is in demand across the industry. If your college education isn’t sufficient enough to land you the job of your choice – you need to upskill yourself in line with industry standards. The idea is to opt for job oriented online courses which will make you industry ready. Search for skills which are in demand currently and are slated to remain for the foreseeable future. Register for online courses to attain those skills. You can also start your own business from that skill which is also a great option. Digital Marketing, Java, Python, Website Development, these are some of the most sought-after skills in this age which you can look to attain through online courses.

Final Thoughts

Failing in the campus placement is not the end of the world, but a harbinger of endless opportunities and possibilities. Seize those opportunities in a professional manner and observe how the career landscape is transforming around you – upskilling along the way. Who knows, not getting a job offer on campus may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

However, at any point of time if you need the help of a Certified Career Coach who could help you in your quest for success by helping you discover your USP and creating an action plan – reach out to us at hello@scholarsmojo.com or Call 83358 72100.

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