Career Choices in India

 The first thing that strikes an Indian parent's mind when they hear the word career are Doctor and Engineer. India is becoming monotonous when it comes to choosing careers. Students are no different than domestic animals. Most of 'em can't think for themselves, and even if they manage to do that, their words fall on deaf ear's.

Even among these two careers, the number of engineers is overwhelming. "1.5 million engineers pass outs in India every year." Close to Qatar's population. It would have been cool if at least 80% of them were employed but facts have something else to say. According to Economic times, 20-33% of 1.5 million engineering graduates passing out every year run the risk of not getting a job at all and for those who manage to find a job, the entry-pay is pathetically low and stagnates at that level for 8-9 years while the prices of groceries and fuels shoot up during the same period. Even among the ones who land a job, most are those who settle down for jobs that are well below their technical qualifications.  

This has much do with the quality of education provided by colleges and also the number of colleges in India. Engineering colleges keep popping out of nowhere. In 2006-07, the number of colleges shot up from 1,511 to an astounding 3,345 in 2014-15. Andhra pradesh alone hosts 700 of 'em.

The unemployment is because the demand of engineers is almost half of the number of pass outs each year. The number of engineers produced by India is more than that of USA and China combined.  

These facts forges itself on the Indian populace that are still holding on to the stone age ideology that being an engineer is the best way to secure a successful career and life. 

Slowly but surely,  this is changing.

Currently there are 18.3% Indians in the 44+ category. The change will take shape only when the remaining 81.7% comes into power, that is to say when the mass idea of "sirf engineering" dies out. Easier said than done. Even among that 81.7%, there'll be ones who'll retard the growth rate. 

Once when the change is set in motion, it'll keep rolling but providing the initial momentum is toughest part and it is up to you and me to do it. 

Don't just shout out for the change, be the change.

Choose your career basing on what "YOU" want to do and on your special set of skills. You're going nowhere if you're a soft hearted person who loves peace and are a soldier. 

Experiences, skills, interests, goals, values and education are what should be summing up your career.