As a teacher in the Pune education community for many years I have seen how at the end of 10th grade students put at a crossroads which path to take. This decision goes beyond just picking which subjects to take; it is a foundation which will play out in your career and in who you become a person. With such many choices out there, it is only natural that students should feel at a loss. But I did not! In this blog I will walk you through a step-by-step process which will help you make a choice that is based on what you really want out of your education and life.
Why Choosing the Right Stream Matters
Your decision to choose a stream after 10th is what sets the base for your higher education and professional life. It also determines what skills you will put into practice, what opportunities you will have, and even the sort of people you will associate with. At times this may go wrong, which in turn leads to frustration, lack of motivation, or even you may decide to drop out. That’s why it is very important to take your time, reflect in depth, and get counsel before you make up your mind.
In the city of Pune where institutions such as Suryadatta Junior College (SIVAS-SJC) provide world class infrastructure and dedicated faculty support students are very lucky to have at their disposal resources which help them do well academic and personal growth. But that which is best in terms of facilities isn’t going to count if you aren’t in the right field. Let’s see how you choose wisely.
Step 1: Know Your Interests.
First in line to choose your stream is to identify what really gets you going. Ask yourself:
Do you have a go at complex problems and do experiments which is what science is about? If so, Science may be for you.
Are you into creativity, literature, history, that kind of thing? Then Arts is for you.
Do you see yourself in numbers, business strategies, and economics? That’s what we do in Commerce.
Take some moments out to recall the subjects which you did best in while in school. What issues got you so interested that you went beyond the text in which they were presented? Also bear in mind that which you love you will be more motivated to pursue in an academic setting.
Step 2: Identify Your Strong and Weak Points.
While interest is a factor, at the same time it is important to look at what you do well and what you don’t. For example:
Science: In terms of skills, we are looking for analysis which should come easy to you as well as great problem-solving abilities in the fields of Math and Physics. If those are your strengths, then Science may be the field for you.
Arts: Focuses on critical thinking, communication, and creative expression. If you enjoy writing essays, debates, or analysis of art, this may be for you.
Commerce: Demands in tomes of numerical ability, organization, and finance. If you are into balance sheets or analysis of market trends that excites you, Commerce may be the field for you.
At Suryadatta Junior College (SIVAS), we provide career counseling sessions for our students to identify their strengths which we then match with the right stream. We have a very dynamic faculty which pays personal attention to each student to ensure they make the best decision.
Step 3: Research Job Openings.
Each stream has a different set of career options. Here is a look at it:
Science: Suitable for aspirations in the medical, engineering, scientific, research fields as well as for those that go into biotech, environmental science or data analysis.
Arts: We present a wide range of careers from journalism, law, psychology, teaching, social work, archaeology and more. Also, we see how this also gives you a great base for doing well in exams like UPSC.
Commerce: In professions such as chartered accountancy, company secretary, banking, finance, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing.
According to a report by LinkedIn which forecasts that in the coming years up to 2029, the STEM fields will see an 8% growth globally. Also, in India we are seeing an increase in demand for business professionals which is a result of the very dynamic startup scene. At the same time, we see that Arts degree holders are doing very well in creative and public service sectors.
Through research of these options, you can determine which field best fits your long-term goals.
Step 4: Turn to Experts for advice.
Choosing a stream is a decision which you should not make by yourself. Talk to your parents, teachers, and career counselors. They have lots of experience and knowledge to share which they can pass on to you. At SIVAS we have a faculty that serves as mentors for our students which they take through that very important stage of life. We also organize workshops, seminars and interactive sessions with industry experts which in turn expose our students to real world issues and help them make up their minds.
Also consider reaching out to seniors or alumni that have gone into the fields which interest you. They can provide you with clarity and confidence.
Step 5: Assess Practical Aspects.
While of course passion and aptitude are a must, we also see a role for practical aspects like job prospects, earning potential, and what society at large expects of us. For instance:
If you have a desire to become a doctor but are uncertain about in-depth study of Biology, perhaps you should reevaluate your choice of Medicine as a field.
If you go into the Arts but are concerned about job prospects, what you may not realize is that soft skills like communication and creativity are in high demand in today’s global market.
At SIVAS, which is what we at the institute are all about to promote total growth, we aim for our students to acquire theory as well as practice. We have put together world class labs, a constantly updated library and a modern infrastructure which we believe is the platform for optimal learning and growth.
Common Myths About Streams
Let me address some common misconceptions: Here are some of the most popular misconceptions:
“Science is only for brilliant students.”
Not so! What we see is that anyone with an interest and putting in effort does in fact succeed in science.
“Arts don’t lead to lucrative careers.”
False! Many that have succeeded in the fields of entrepreneurship, law and policy came from the Arts.
“Commerce is all about Math’s.”
While we do get into Math, in Commerce we also look at subjects like Business Studies and Economics which are very practical.
It is a fact that you should base your decision on facts, not fall for illusions.
Final Thoughts: Believe in yourself.
Choosing the right stream after 10th is a big decision which you must make thoughtfully, but it is not a permanent one. It is true that should you decide down the road that you have made a choice which wasn’t the best for you, you do have options to change directions and try out other options. The main thing is to go with your gut, keep an open mind to learning, and have a support system of mentor and peer support.
If you are looking for a college which cultivates talent and excels in education, I highly recommend you check out Suryadatta Junior College (SIVAS-SJC). Which is approved by the Government of Maharashtra and presents Arts, Commerce and Science under the Maharashtra Board syllabus, SIVAS does what it does best which is to provide quality education. With dynamic staff, state of the art labs and a focus on total development, SIVAS gets your child geared up to face the challenges of the future.