Career guidance must move beyond helping students choose a single profession and instead prepare them to make repeated, informed career decisions as technology and workplace requirements change, education leaders said at a round table conference organised by SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh Campus.
The conference, themed “From School to Skill to Career: Reimagining Career Guidance in the Age of AI,” brought together school principals, counsellors, career guidance professionals and education leaders to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, skills and career choices.
Participants said AI is becoming an integral part of how students learn, explore opportunities and make decisions about their future. This, they argued, requires schools and counsellors to rethink traditional approaches to career guidance.
The discussions emphasised that preparation for an AI-driven workplace should begin during the school years. AI literacy, ethical use of technology, research skills, critical thinking and skill-based learning were identified as areas that should be introduced early. While students should be encouraged to use AI as a learning and exploration tool, participants stressed the importance of developing independent thinking, curiosity and judgement.
The role of teachers and career counsellors also emerged as a key area of discussion. Participants called for clearly defined responsibilities, structured training and continuous upskilling to help educators provide students with relevant guidance in a rapidly changing employment landscape.
The conference also highlighted the need to connect classroom education with practical experience. Experiential learning, industry exposure and practical skill development were identified as important ways to help students understand the changing world of work. Participants also stressed the importance of involving parents in career discussions and strengthening collaboration among schools, higher education institutions and industry.
Speaking at the conference, Prof. (Dr.) Jyotsna Singh, Campus Director, NMIMS Chandigarh, said schools and universities need to work together to help students identify their interests early and develop the skills and responsible technology use required to navigate an evolving career landscape.
The conference brought together education and career professionals including principals and counsellors from schools across Chandigarh and the region, along with representatives from career guidance and consulting organisations.
The participants included representatives from The Max Academy School, American Pixilane Schools, Air Force School, LBS Group of Educational Institutions, PC Cambridge Senior Secondary School, P.E.S.-1, DAV Senior Secondary School, Satluj Public School, St. Kabir Public School, Brookfield International School, Manav Rachna International School, Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Shishu Niketan Public School and Vivekanand Millennium School, among others.
The discussions ultimately pointed to a shift in the purpose of career guidance—from preparing students for a fixed career path to equipping them with the adaptability, skills and confidence to navigate multiple career transitions.
NMIMS Chandigarh said the conference was part of its efforts to strengthen engagement with schools, educators and career guidance professionals and contribute to discussions on the future of education and career development.
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