Understanding Student Challenges: A Data-Informed Lens

By Manasvee Bahal

My First Steps

I began my career as a summer intern at Book My Career, a career counseling firm committed to empowering individuals through personalized guidance. This experience provided me with hands-on exposure to conducting assessments, understanding client aspirations, and delivering meaningful career advice. It laid a solid foundation in counseling techniques and industry practices, while nurturing my ability to support clients in making informed decisions about their futures.
Currently, I serve as a beginner counselor with KRI Trust, where I guide individuals in identifying suitable career paths based on their assessments and personal aspirations. I work closely with clients through one-on-one sessions, helping them interpret their reports, explore their interests and skills, and design actionable development plans. My role includes building client confidence, offering insights into educational and career options, and encouraging personal growth—all under the mentorship of seasoned professionals such as Mr. Jaishankar Gopalan and Ms. Madhushri Ravi, and with the valuable support of veteran Cdr. Pradeep Prasad.

From Audience to Panel: My Journey as a Career Guide

For years, I’ve been on the receiving end of career guidance—listening intently to seasoned experts and soaking in their wisdom. But recently, the tables turned. I was invited to sit on the other side, as a panelist and career guide, helping young minds navigate the very questions I once asked. What followed was a deeply rewarding and eye-opening 
I was invited to be part of this session as a career guide, supporting an initiative funded since 2024 by Rukmani Trust, in collaboration with KRI Trust. This joint effort was designed to empower 273 students aged 14 and above through a structured career guidance program that includes career assessments and focused group sessions. The goal: to help students make informed choices about their futures—enhancing educational and career prospects in a way that aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for inclusive and sustainable growth.

A Shift in Perspective

Joining the panel gave me an entirely new lens. From the audience, career guidance can seem straightforward. But once I stepped into the counselor’s role, I realized how layered and delicate the process truly is. Behind every question lies a mix of curiosity, uncertainty, and emotion. I began noticing subtle cues—tight smiles, hesitant tones, hopeful eyes—and understood just how much students bring into these sessions.

At VIDYA, Gurugram, I was soon immersed in both group discussions and one-on-one consultations. Tailoring advice based on individual reports gave my weekdays a renewed sense of energy and meaning. This was no longer just a break from routine—it became the heart of my purpose.

Learning Through Experience

My initial sessions were a blend of nervous excitement. Though I had a strong foundation in cognitive development, motivation, and personality assessments, translating theory into empathetic conversation took practice. I watched and learned from exceptional counselors—Madhushri, Aishee, Kritwika, Madhura—and drew immense guidance from Jaishankar. Slowly, I began developing my own voice, blending technical understanding with authentic connection.

As the sessions progressed, I encountered recurring themes in student concerns. Here’s a snapshot of insights from my own sessions, supported by broader research:

·  Limited Awareness: Around 85% of underprivileged students are unaware of available scholarships, skill-based courses, or alternative career paths.
·  Financial Barriers: 35% cited financial challenges as the primary reason they might not pursue higher education.
·  Short-Term Focus: Roughly 20% of students prioritize immediate earnings over long-term career growth.
·  Parental Pressure: A striking 80% feel pushed toward conventional paths like engineering or medicine, even if it doesn’t align with their interests.
·  Low Self-Esteem: Over 50% struggle with self-doubt, often hindering their aspirations before they begin.
These figures underscore the need for holistic guidance—one that addresses emotional resilience as much as academic clarity.

A Moment of Trust: Nishta’s Story

One session that left a lasting impact was with Nishta (name changed), a student who initially spoke only of exam stress. As we talked, she confided that she had been self-harming—seeking escape from overwhelming emotional numbness. Her voice trembled as she shared stories of neglect at home and discrimination at school.
Instead of rushing in with solutions, I listened. I acknowledged her pain, then gently pointed her toward professional help, reinforcing what her report already suggested. Her expression softened. She said she felt heard—perhaps for the first time in a long while.
In similar settings, research shows that 80% of students feel “light” or “liberated” after confiding in someone they trust. That moment, for me, reaffirmed the true power of this work. Career guidance, at its core, is about far more than job advice—it’s about holding space for healing, self-discovery, and growth.

Transformative Impact

Every session has become a doorway to transformation. The data may drive our approach, but it’s the human connection—the breakthroughs, the trust, the clarity—that gives it life. Whether I’m steering a group conversation or sitting in quiet conversation with a single student, I’m constantly reminded of the privilege and responsibility this role carries.

Key Takeaways

·  Active Listening Empowers: Over 70% of students feel more confident when their individual needs are truly acknowledged.
·  Data Shapes Dialogue: Knowing that 85% lack awareness of available opportunities helps us guide them more effectively.
·  Emotional Insight Matters: Addressing financial constraints, self-doubt, and societal pressure is crucial for lasting impact.
·  Trust Transforms: As seen in Nishta’s case, empathy and connection are often the gateway to true change.

Closing Reflection

My journey from the audience to the panel has been transformative—personally and professionally. Each session reinforces the idea that every statistic hides a face, a story, a dream. And behind every dream lies the potential for profound change.
If this story inspires you to consider a path in counseling—or even just to be more present for someone seeking direction—remember: transformation doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with simply showing up, listening, and believing in someone until they begin to believe in themselves. Let’s keep showing up—for every question, every doubt, every dream.