Mystory@Megha Bhardwaj: How I chose my course and career path

Megha Bhardwaj

Board exams got over! I had a mixed feeling with a sense of responsibility to make the first career related decision. I had studied at a reputed government school and secured around 65% (not bad for an average student!) and had distinction in almost all the languages. I too was curious like others about the stream to choose for 10+2.

I had made up my mind not to opt for Science or Commerce stream because of lack of interest in the subjects that come along. I was more focused on literature, languages, sports, music etc. (believe me friends, I am still good at those subjects). It was indeed tough to take that call keeping in mind the future opportunities. I chose to keep it simple and something that I could familiarise myself with (sounds rare, doesn’t it?). How can I forget mentioning that I was also rewarded with trophies/certificates for my active participation in sports like volley-ball, kho-kho, essay-writing, singing and dance during many cultural activities.

In a counseling session, after Xth Board results, one of the faculties told me with a smile, “you’ve got good marks, you should go for Commerce and I know you’re suitable for it,” but I was not convinced. I had to identify both my strong and weak points as far as education was concerned. I gave it a second thought by questioning myself, “do I really like Accounts, Mathematics, Economics and Science?” (I am sure that I am not the only one to dislike them!). Finally, I planned to opt for Arts, as simple as that.

I kept my choice simple and straight without thinking of a very big picture.

After schooling, came the time to take another call. Of course, everyone wants to get into a nice college after obtaining good marks but what if someone does not go for regular studies after XIIth, in spite of having enough marks (it happened with me, ha-ha-ha. Rare again, isn’t it?). Since English was/is one of my favourite subjects I decided to do English Honors (a 3-year course) from South Campus, Delhi University (I had secured 87% in English in my XII^th). But somehow, I could not take it forward after 2^nd year and took a drop mid year.

After a long gap in my studies, luckily I managed to just complete my graduation by pursuing BA Pass through correspondence. Simultaneously, I did a few part-time courses and couple of contractual jobs-cum-projects. I eventually started my career with a call center and other places later on where I got very less to learn. By then, I had realised that both my skills and passion were going downhill. I needed a place where I could be assured to make the most of my interpersonal and multi-tasking skills and here I am (Yes, I got my dream job @Shiksha).

Did I choose the right career – My tips to students

Who does not want to enter a field of his/her passion? I also could have chosen any of my hobbies as my career. If I get a chance today to do something different, I would put every possible effort to be either a News Reader or a Music Professional.

It’s not always good to have too many choices, especially when it comes to career selection.

I often try analysing whether I made the correct choices for myself! And I can undoubtedly confess that I am satisfied with my each decision and I don’t feel a sense of guilt. I learned in each phase. A mistake does not feel like a mistake when it’s made but by the time you realise it, it’s too late. Yes, I too made mistakes as most of us do. When I started my career I was ready for the challenges that I was expected to encounter. One of my ex-employers I worked with, had been a great motivation to me. Taking a good job for granted was my foolishness and so was making frequent switches from one work place to another. Till the time I could realise all this, I had already wasted couple of important years of my career. “You are the most suitable employee we have ever hired,” praised one my ex-bosses. It happened because of my sincerity and smart work. How could I not feel motivated when got to hear such a lovely compliment.

It’s not always good to have too many choices, especially when it comes to career selection. One should choose his/her career keeping in mind what one is good at. You can choose a right career for yourself only when you follow your passion because that is something you know completely about and nobody can take it away from you. So it is very important to choose something that excites you. I am sure everyone has watched the movie “3 Idiots” wherein these young guys are forced by their parents to become what they didn’t want to and ultimately none of them was satisfied with what was chosen for them; Am I wrong? Identifying your skills can help you judge what can be right for you. Choosing a right /wrong stream surely affects one’s career opportunities but I was happy about my decision because ultimately it came from introspection and not through any influence.

To reach the desired place; you need to be patient and focused. Keep going because once you stop, perhaps you won’t be able to go ahead. Every situation that brings you frustration surely makes you stronger and not weak. Take your time but go for long lasting decisions. I kept my choice simple and straight without thinking of a very big picture.

Well, I’ll wrap up now. Do tell me how you liked “My Story”!

About the Author:

I joined Shiksha, Product Operations in 2014 in the capacity of Senior Executive and have been enjoying every bit of my work. I love writing, drawing, singing and playing badminton (whenever I get a chance). I’m very talkative and a jolly kind of person. I like being around fun loving people and have a good sense of humour (ha-ha-ha).