Earlier, there were not many options available to choose from. Students had four major streams (Non-Medical, Medical, Commerce, and Humanities), and whatever career one had to choose could be taken from these four main streams. Today, apart from these streams, there is an integration of skill-based subjects into the curriculum, which gives students a lot of choices. This is also one of the major reasons for students' confusion. Additionally, professions like photography, sports fitness coaching, health management, education management, digital marketing, etc., have gained due credibility, but these require a combination of subjects to study.

Take photography, for example. To truly stand out, a student must learn editing, animation, and even writing along with photography. A person who can take pictures, edit them, and write captivating captions would set themselves apart from other photographers. This combination to study is not possible for students unless guided by an experienced counsellor.

Gone are the days when students primarily asked how to become a doctor or engineer. Traditional career paths are giving way to emerging fields and opportunities. Today, students aspire to careers as cricketers, seek opportunities in IPL and online gaming, or ponder backup plans if their dreams of singing or filmmaking don’t pan out. The rise of digitalisation has introduced high-paying, sought-after careers in fields like data science, financial analysis, and financial forensics—professions that didn't exist a decade ago.

Moreover, contemporary careers often demand expertise in AI, a commitment to sustainability, and a strong sense of corporate social responsibility. Students are increasingly curious about how to harness these elements to gain a competitive edge. As the system of careers evolves, so too must the questions and answers adapt to meet these new aspirations and challenges.

It is difficult to be both a parent and a career coach or a teacher and a career coach simultaneously. It's akin to going to a vegetable market, buying several vegetables, but cooking only one; very few households may use more than one, but not all that was bought. Similarly, a student may want to explore various options and typically choose one, or in rare cases, two. A parent or teacher may not always be in a position to explain all the career options a student is considering because they are preoccupied with their own responsibilities.

Students today have access to a vast amount of information, but they often question its authenticity. A professional career coach can provide reliable and accurate information. For instance, to become a doctor in India, one must clear the NEET exam. If a student doesn’t secure a seat, a career coach can help plan a backup option in another country or an alternative career in medicine.