India, Aug. 17 -- Picking the right career counsellor is crucial. This decision is extremely important and yet, most students and parents are often rushed into it. Over the years, I've spoken to thousands of students and the ones who felt the most lost were the ones who had ample amounts of talent but received unclear advice at a pivotal time. So who is a good career counsellor? It's definitely not someone who mechanically asks you to go abroad because of the quality of life or to choose commerce because it's the safest option. The best guide will listen carefully and ask you smart questions after understanding your background, your aspirations and where you hope to be in five or ten years' time even when you can't answer these questions for yourself. I often find students and parents hyper-fixating on a counsellor's achievements, their experience, or the number of successful visas they have secured. While experience goes a long way, the real measure of a good counsellor is how focused they are on you. Do they spend more time hearing your story or simply telling you what to do next? Do they have customised advice for you or are they repeating similar course options to all students? I would strongly urge students to focus on whether a counsellor truly comprehends contemporary trends and what's happening around the world. In an era where jobs are evolving faster than ever, a good counsellor will always remain updated on industry discourse and skill development, university requirements and policy changes. If you find yourself sitting across the table from someone who continues to suggest that only an MBA or a BTech are safe options even though it does not suit your temperament, it may be time to walk away. Furthermore, honesty and transparency are true hallmarks of a good counsellor. A reliable counsellor will highlight both the opportunities and the risks of your choices without overexaggerating and always focusing on the facts. We at Silver Fern stick to these principles even if it means suggesting a programme that is better suited to you in comparison to the one initially considered. Finally, the best career counsellors are rarely rigid and will support you with clarity and logic. Take time while choosing the right guide and never accept advice that feels rehearsed because your choice is not just about your college education but rather about your entire career. The author of this article is CEO and partner, Silver Fern Education Consultants. For more information, contact +91-964-627-7857...