When I was reading a newspaper in January 2023, I was amazed to see the variety and kind of careers that young people today work at, and their juniors can aspire to do likewise. And I think back to the times 60 years ago, when I was young and the choices were—science, commerce and arts. And after that, doctor or engineer; accountant or administration; teacher or lawyer.
Now, I see a write-up on GE’s engineers, who are at the core of its new-age aviation engines. There is this young lady who is a specialist in advanced design tools at GE Aerospace; and another young lady who is a technology manager, electric power, at GE Research; and another young man who is the sector leader, advanced technology, GE Aerospace! In another section of the page, I read about which languages are used most and learn that the volume is heavily concentrated on the top five languages—Java; Python; SQL; C++; Javascript. I also read that the fastest-growing languages are – Typescript; PHP; GO. Vidya (ADT_GE) says that her team includes materials engineers, mechanical engineers and thermal engineers - all those who understand engine systems. And they are people who are also interested in coding and software. The team of experts makes sure to convert the physics into a code that can manifest in a tool, so the design engineers can click on a button and do the analysis!
And the thought struck me—Do our children have an opportunity to know such careers exist—except by chance, or a family involvement?
Then, I happen to pick on a copy of the Economic Times of the same date, where they talk about choosing your specialisation wisely. It is no longer just MBA—but within MBA, specialising in niche areas like healthcare, hospitality, tourism, and sustainability—all of which are careers on the rise! And there are still others who opt for newer specialisations like business analytics; digital marketing; global MBA, etc. Good business schools are said to facilitate the process of self-discovery of its participants through leadership labs, involving psychometric assessments and exposure to foundational courses across disciplines like marketing, finance, HR, etc.
Kagzi, the founder of an EdTech startup, gives sound advice to the young, as follows:
# Be sure you have a clear vision of your career goals
# Choose a course that will help you to achieve these goals
# Assess your strengths and weaknesses, and choose a course that works best for you
# Consider your job prospects and career trajectory before deciding on your field of specialisation
# Then keep exploring different curriculums and focus on what fits you best
On a visit to Goa, to a small village where my ancestors came from, I visited the home of a relative. Having met them after a very long time, I asked what the two daughters were now doing. Surely, they must have finished with their college studies by this time? (They were both studying in colleges in Bengaluru). The answer surprised and pleased me at the same time.
One of them was in Sweden now, doing a Master’s degree in design; and the other was in France, specialising in luxury product/ service marketing! Truly, they were unknowingly following the Kagzi formula enunciated earlier above!
In looking at this broad picture, I was pleasantly surprised to get the news, by chance, that there was a new mobile app—mycompass today—which is an online, progressive, interactive EdTech platform for children of ages 8 to 16.
This platform showcases over 500 current and futuristic jobs that can be explored and compared, to help children develop insight and interest during their growing years, leading to correct subject selection, along with significant self-assessments to help them to achieve excellence in their chosen careers later. This platform also tracks their individual performance through analytical reports, personalised dashboard and reward system, eventually leading them to pursue a career of their interest with confidence and clarity.
They have language options and use worksheets and interactive games to engage the young people better—and all for a very reasonable yearly fee! Apparently, mycompasstoday.com is a part of Start-up India—and the first of its kind in Asia.
Yes, it is a changing world from 60 years ago when we were young and not so clear about what we wanted to do and why. Now, thanks to start-ups like mycompasstoday.com, we can begin thinking about a future from the age of 8 or 10, and be more certain not just about success but about a fulfilled and happy life, where because your “work is your hobby, you really do not ‘work’ every day of your life.”
(Walter Vieira is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants of India- FIMC. He was a successful corporate executive for 14 years and then pioneered marketing consulting in India in 1975. As a consultant, he has worked across four continents. He was the first Asian elected Chairman of ICMCI, the world apex body of 45 countries. He is the author of 16 books, a business columnist and has been visiting professor in Marketing in the US, Europe, and Asia for over 40 years. His latest books are ‘Marketing in a Digital/Data World’ with Brian Almeida and ‘Customer Value Starvation Can Kill’ with Gautam Mahajan. He now spends most of his time on NGO work and is presently Chairman, Consumer Education and Research Society, India)
can u suggest any good institute for Young chilren 8-10years old aptitude test