Get a fair advantage
— Photo: N. Sridharan
BE INFORMED: Students discuss choices at Informex 2004, held at the Madras University Centenary Auditorium.
IT'S that time of the year again when students who are fresh out of schools are on the lookout for the road to be taken to succeed in their careers.
While some browse through a spectrum of websites to gather information about courses of their choice, others pore over the brochures, which they collected from various colleges.
How about education institutions visiting students to provide guidance on careers and courses instead? This was made possible by way of a career guidance expo held at the Madras University. "Informex 2004" — a weeklong event, which was inaugurated last week, showcased the educational offers of about 50 colleges and public sector job providers. Right from engineering, computer science, fashion technology to maritime studies and internal auditing, the exhibition threw light on the gamut of courses and careers available.
The event was jointly organised by the Madras University Students Advisory Bureau, Science City-Chennai, and the GSS Jain College.
Students crowded around every stall and hurled questions about the courses available and what difference would it make in their careers. "What should I study to join merchant navy?" wondered G. Sujith.
"Well, there are many courses. You can join B.Sc. Nautical Science," came the reply from the girl at the stall. Representatives from various colleges in the state briefed about courses and infrastructure available with the aid of televisions, computers and display screens. A few stalls such as the one of Syed Ammal Engineering College, Ramanathapuram, had the facilities and courses listed out on a display board.
Besides engineering colleges from all over the State, the Institute of Company Secretaries, the Institute of International Auditors and Small Industries Service Institute were some of the institutions that participated in the event.
The exhibition also had display boards that gave a detailed account on the various examinations, including Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. "It was really interesting to learn about courses and career options. This exhibition gave us a clear picture of the new courses," said S. Parthiban who came along with his friends to see the exhibition. T. Karthiga who was holding a bunch of pamphlets and brochures of colleges said, "The event was an eye-opener to me. Now, I have more options to choose from."
An added attraction for the exhibition was a model of solar desalination plant designed by students of Sriram Engineering College, Perumalpattu, which was displayed in one of the college stalls. The event also featured institutions that offer distance education courses, such as the Indira Gandhi National Open University.
The Benefits
So, what is the benefit of such career guidance exhibitions? Take it from someone who knows: M. Anandakrishnan, former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, says: One of the weak points in Indian Education — both at school or higher learning institutions — is the lack of a structured career guidance system for students. Rural students hardly have anyone to turn to for guidance on what to study, where to study, and how and when to join courses.
As for urban students, parents hardly spend time with children to provide valuable advice. Worse still, even educated parents are hesitant to provide it to youngsters. They ask the students to turn to their teachers.
"This gap is now being increasingly filled by private providers, and by media organisations," he says. .
One good news for rural students. Madras University Advisory Bureau has videographed the entire fair with some interviews with providers. This is to be shown in colleges and schools in rural areas as a small film.
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