How many of us have the liberty of making our avocation our vocation? Career counselors, I believe, are some of the blessed few, who have been able to do that. The passion, the grit, the sheer love for students and revelling in their success, is what landed us our jobs as counselors and helps us wake up every morning, happy and ready to take on a new day and a new student. In this edition, I bring to you the voice of Khushboo Taparia Bedi, Head of the Career Cell in Sanskaar Valley School, Madhya Pradesh. Khushboo has been recognized as LinkedIn's Top Career Counseling Voice, a certified International Career Coach by NCDA and Times Higher Education "Counselor of the Year". Khushboo throws light on how counselors can pursue their personal passions, with purpose, and all this while effectively guiding students, through her Green Guidance model.
Green Guidance: Revolutionizing Career Counseling with Purpose and Impact
As the world turns “green” and sustainability becomes a buzzword across industries, it’s time for career counseling to embrace this wave of change. Enter Green Counseling — an approach where career guidance aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering students to craft careers that not only fulfill personal ambitions but also contribute to a better world.
How It All Began: Real Stories, Real Impact
It all started with a call from our alumni, P. Dutta, an IIT Delhi graduate in Textile Technology. He let go of lucrative offers to pursue social entrepreneurship after witnessing the impact of urban pollution. His startup, Kriya Labs, now develops sustainable packaging from farm waste, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Another conversation with our alumna, L. Garg, a Yale graduate in Development Economics. Deeply moved by the plight of factory workers in the fashion industry, she chose to work with Good Business Lab, contributing to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 12(sustainable fashion).
These stories sparked a realization — career counseling can inspire purpose-driven choices. But why wait for the UN to assign us an SDG? I created my own: SDG 18: Green Counseling!
What is Green Counseling?
Green Counseling equips students to:
1. Think beyond traditional career paths.
2. Address real-world challenges aligned with UNSDGs.
3. Integrate purpose into every career choice.
Whether it’s an Environmental Lawyer fighting for forest conservation or a Sustainable Fashion Designer championing ethical practices, Green Careers are emerging across sectors. But even traditional careers can adopt a green lens:
- Doctors supporting SDG 3: Good Health
- Professors contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education
- Lawyers advocating for SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Urban Planners innovating for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities
- Engineers driving SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
How Counselors Can Drive the Green Shift
To create a generation of Green Warriors, counselors can:
- Alumni Talks: Connect students with alumni working in sustainability.
- Site Visits: Explore sustainable factory models and eco-projects.
- Green Clubs: Encourage grassroots environmental action in schools.
- SDG Internships/ summer schools: Inspire purpose-driven career exploration.
- Passion Projects: Support students in designing eco-friendly solutions.
- Competitions & Shadowing: Offer platforms for hands-on learning.
Why Green Counseling Matters
A purpose-driven career isn’t a trend — it’s a global shift. Studies show:
- 45% professionals would switch jobs without a pay hike for purpose alignment.
- 60% new startups are purpose-driven, integrating positive social impact.
When counselors champion Green Guidance, they:
- Empower students to reflect on global challenges.
- Encourage them to merge passion with purpose.
- Build an ecosystem where career choices contribute to sustainability.
Big Questions to Inspire Students
- What kind of world do I want to live in?
- Which global challenges need urgent attention?
- How can my talents and experiences contribute to change?
The Ripple Effect of Green Counseling
Career counselors have the power to influence millions of students who, collectively, can reshape the world. Let’s embrace SDG 18: Green Counseling and nurture a generation that doesn’t just chase careers — they create impact.
Green Counseling: Because a career is not just what you do, but how you change the world.
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