Counselling for Career-Restart is a type of career counselling that is designed to help individuals who are looking to make a significant change in their careers. It's for individuals who are looking to start a new career, re-enter the workforce after a period of time off.
The goal of career-restart counselling is to help individuals identify their strengths, interests, and values, and match them with meaningful and fulfilling career paths. The process may involve skills assessments, career exploration, resume preparation, interview coaching, and job search strategies.
The process of career-restart counselling is typically collaborative, with the individual working closely with a trained career counsellor to develop a personalised plan for their career change. The counsellor provides guidance, support, and motivation to help the individual successfully transition to their new career.
There are several benefits of counselling for career-restart, including:
Clarity and Direction: counselling for career-restart helps individuals gain clarity about their skills, interests, and values, and align them with meaningful and fulfilling career paths.
Confidence Building: By working with a trained career counsellor, individuals gain confidence in their abilities and in their decision to pursue a new career.
Job Search Strategies: counselling for career-restart helps individuals develop effective job search strategies, including resume preparation, interview coaching, and networking strategies.
Stress Reduction: Making a career change can be stressful, and counselling for career-restart can help individuals manage the stress and emotional challenges that come with a transition.
Improved Job Satisfaction: By making a career change that is aligned with their skills, interests, and values, individuals are more likely to experience job satisfaction and fulfilment.
Increased Earning Potential: By transitioning to a new career that is a better fit, individuals may also have the potential to increase their earning potential.
Networking Opportunities: counselling for career restart often involves networking opportunities, which can help individuals expand their professional network and increase their chances of finding job opportunities.
Overall, counselling for career-restart can be a valuable investment in one's personal and professional growth, helping individuals transition to a more fulfilling and successful career.
Gender Gap: According to a report by McKinsey, only around 22% of women in India are employed, compared to around 82% of men. Women who take career breaks for personal reasons, such as raising a family or caring for elderly relatives, often face barriers when they try to restart their careers. Career counselling can help women identify strategies to overcome these barriers and re-enter the workforce.
Age Discrimination: According to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry, around 46% of employers in India prefer to hire younger workers. This can make it difficult for older individuals who have taken career breaks to re-enter the workforce. Career counselling can help individuals identify their transferable skills and develop strategies to overcome age-related barriers to career-restart.
Limited Access to Information on Job Opportunities: According to a survey by Jobvite, around 72% of job seekers in India found it difficult to access information on job opportunities. This can make it difficult for individuals who have taken career breaks to identify suitable job opportunities and restart their careers. Career counselling can provide information on available job opportunities and help individuals navigate the job market.
Limited Access to Training and Development: According to a report by the National Employability Report, only around 36% of Indian graduates receive formal training from their employers. This can limit individuals' ability to acquire new skills and restart their careers after a break. Career counselling can provide information on available training and development opportunities, and help individuals identify strategies to acquire new skills.
Limited Access to Mentors: According to a survey by LinkedIn, around 56% of Indian professionals feel that they do not have access to mentors who can guide them in their careers. Mentors can be a valuable resource for individuals who are restarting their careers after a break, as they can provide guidance and support. Career counselling can help individuals identify potential mentors and develop a mentorship relationship.
Stigma Against Career Gaps: According to a survey by FlexiLoans, around 30% of employers in India view career gaps as a negative factor when considering job applicants. This can create a stigma against individuals who have taken career breaks and make it difficult for them to restart their careers. Career counselling can help individuals develop strategies to address the stigma against career gaps and highlight the skills and experiences they gained during their breaks.
Lack of Confidence: According to a survey by JobsForHer, around 77% of women in India lack confidence when returning to work after a career break. This lack of confidence can make it difficult for individuals to market themselves effectively and pursue job opportunities. Career counselling can help individuals identify their strengths and develop strategies to build confidence and self-esteem.
Limited Access to Flexible Work Options: According to a survey by LinkedIn, around 52% of Indian professionals feel that they do not have access to flexible work options. Flexible work options, such as remote work or part-time work, can be important for individuals who are restarting their careers after a break. Career counselling can provide information on available flexible work options and help individuals identify strategies to negotiate for these options with employers.
Limited Awareness of Networking Strategies: According to a survey by LinkedIn, around 34% of Indian professionals feel that they are not aware of effective networking strategies. Networking can be an important tool for individuals who are restarting their careers after a break, as it can help them identify job opportunities and build relationships with potential employers. Career counselling can provide guidance on effective networking strategies and help individuals develop their networking skills.
Limited Awareness of Entrepreneurship Opportunities: According to a report by the National Sample Survey, only around 14% of India's workforce is employed in the formal sector. This can make it difficult for individuals who are restarting their careers after a break to find suitable job opportunities. Career counselling can provide information on entrepreneurship opportunities and help individuals identify strategies to start their own businesses.
Limited Access to Skill Development Opportunities: According to a survey by the World Economic Forum, around 56% of Indian workers are not equipped with the skills they need for their current jobs. This can make it difficult for individuals who are restarting their careers after a break to compete in the job market. Career counselling can provide information on skill development opportunities and help individuals identify strategies to acquire new skills.
Age Discrimination: According to a survey by Monster, around 45% of Indian professionals feel that age discrimination is a major barrier to career growth. This can make it difficult for individuals who are restarting their careers after a break and are older than other job applicants to find suitable job opportunities. Career counselling can help individuals develop strategies to address age discrimination and highlight the value of their experience and expertise.
Lack of Supportive Family and Social Networks: According to a survey by FlexiLoans, around 31% of Indian women who take a career break do so due to family responsibilities. The lack of supportive family and social networks can make it difficult for individuals to restart their careers after a break. Career counselling can help individuals identify strategies to balance family and work responsibilities and develop supportive networks.
Limited Access to Mentoring: According to a survey by JobsForHer, around 70% of women in India feel that they do not have access to mentors who can guide them in their careers. Mentoring can be an important tool for individuals who are restarting their careers after a break, as it can provide guidance and support as they navigate the job market. Career counselling can provide information on mentoring opportunities and help individuals identify strategies to find mentors.
Limited Access to Job Search Resources: According to a survey by LinkedIn, around 38% of Indian professionals feel that they do not have access to effective job search resources. Limited access to job search resources can make it difficult for individuals who are restarting their careers after a break to identify suitable job opportunities. Career counselling can provide information on job search resources and help individuals develop effective job search strategies.
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