Rethinking Higher Education: Choosing a Career Path with Intention (ICC Blog # 87)
- Dr Sp Mishra
- May 3
- 5 min read
Higher education is frequently viewed as the key to a successful career. However, pursuing it without considering one's passions, strengths, and future job trends can result in years spent on an unfulfilling career path. Current industry trends influence many enthusiastic parents and aspiring students, and they make career choices based on external pressures rather than internal motivation. While some succeed in building a satisfactory career, many discover halfway through that the educational path they selected is not one they genuinely want to follow for the rest of their lives.
If this resonates with you, you're not the only one. Numerous people find themselves at a turning point, wondering if their educational journey matches their long-term career and personal goals. The answer? Adopting a more deliberate, comprehensive strategy in selecting a career path.
Here are some key insights to help young aspiring students—and their parents—think objectively about education and careers:
1. Consider Your Passion vs. Long-Term Viability
Consider entering a career solely for financial gain and job security, without genuine passion. Can you truly dedicate yourself to this field for the next 50 years? For instance, if you're an extroverted person who loves the outdoors, would you find satisfaction in a desk job, spending eight to ten hours coding or analysing data? Likely not. Ultimately, your true inclinations will guide you toward work that better matches your interests and skills. Rather than following trends without thought, students should contemplate the type of work that genuinely excites and engages them over time.
2. The Changing Nature of Jobs in the Next Decade
The job market is changing constantly. As per WEF's latest report, in the next five years, 170 million new jobs will be created and 92 million existing jobs will be displaced.
Many students in higher education today will not pursue traditional career paths; instead of holding a single corporate job for many years, they might manage multiple contracts, freelance projects, and international assignments. To succeed in this environment, students need to cultivate profound expertise in their chosen field. While general knowledge is beneficial, real career security will stem from becoming a specialist in a valuable area.
3. Embracing AI and Automation
The role of artificial intelligence and automation in daily life is expanding.
Professionals must learn, adapt, and integrate emerging technologies into their workflow to stay relevant. Students should be encouraged to use AI to enhance their knowledge and efficiency. Future career success will depend on effectively leveraging technology rather than resisting it.
4. The Importance of Human Skills
With automation handling routine tasks, human skills will be the key factor in achieving professional success. According to the graph below, technology's role is expected to rise from 22% to 34% over the next five years, decreasing purely human roles from 47% to 33%. Therefore, roles that incorporate the human element will be more sustainable.
Critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, effective communication, and perseverance will matter more than ever. Schools, parents, and educators should nurture these skills early so that students not only excel in technical knowledge but also build a foundation of interpersonal and leadership abilities.
5. Mastering the Art of Influence and Selling Ideas
No matter which career path one chooses, the ability to sell ideas and influence others is crucial for success. Whether pitching a project, negotiating a deal, or inspiring a team, strong persuasion skills can set one apart in any industry. One of the best ways to develop this skill is through internships, real-world exposure, and practical learning. Encouraging students to gain hands-on experience in different organisations during academic breaks will provide them with broader perspectives and teach them the importance of earning money and making an impact.
6. Learning Beyond the Classroom
Formal education should not be the sole avenue for learning. Students ought to proactively pursue mentorships, industry networking, online courses, internships, and self-initiated projects to broaden their knowledge. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning will enable individuals to adapt to evolving industries and maintain the relevance of their skills over time.
7. Building a Personal Brand
In today's world, people are more than just employees—they are brands. By engaging in personal branding through social media, creating portfolio work, blogging, or participating in speaking events, students can display their skills and attract professional opportunities. Urging students to record their experiences, share their insights, and engage in conversations within their field will enable them to establish credibility from the start.
8. Taking Calculated Risks
Many successful individuals reach their peak because they dared to take unconventional paths. While stability is important, students should be open to exploring opportunities outside traditional career routes. Whether it’s starting a business, freelancing, or shifting industries, taking calculated risks rather than blindly following conventional paths can lead to fulfilling and unique career trajectories.
9. Recognising Opportunities in an Expanding Global Population
The global population is on the rise, expected to hit 9 billion by 2050. This growth leads to a rising demand for essential human necessities—such as food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, entertainment, communication, travel, and infrastructure. These areas introduce new challenges that will influence future careers and enterprises. Students should consider exploring beyond conventional career paths and seek out innovative solutions to worldwide problems, thus preparing themselves for success in developing industries.
10. Thinking Globally and Learning Foreign Languages
The world is interconnected through trillions of dollars in global trade, with the global trade volume in 2024 reaching a record $33 trillion, reflecting a 3.7% increase from the prior year. This growth was mainly fueled by services, which increased by 9%, contributing $700 billion to the overall expansion, while trade in goods grew by 2%, adding $500 billion.
Global markets offer young professionals the chance to advance their careers outside their home nations. To succeed in a globalised economy, students need to cultivate a global perspective early on. A key way to get ready is by acquiring a foreign language, as it can lead to cross-cultural opportunities and international networks down the road.
Conclusion
Selecting a career should not be based only on current trends, societal expectations, or financial rewards. A deliberate approach—taking into account passion, skill development, adaptability, and practical experience—will help students pursue meaningful, successful careers that align with their innate abilities and goals.
Parents, educators, and students must alter their view of higher education and understand that future success relies not only on obtaining degrees but also on ongoing learning, adaptability, and a strategic approach to career development.
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