If you were asked to choose between two options, ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ for the statement ‘A youngster walks alone at 10 months,’ there would be no rational basis for choosing one option over the other.

What should I do going forward? Is this a multi-billion-dollar industry question? Anyone who creates a machine to answer this question will become the most valuable brand and perhaps one of the most profitable businesses. On the other hand, individuals seek advice on higher education, which leads to the prospect of a profession, from their family, friends, parents, extended family, and career counselors through evaluations.

Career assessments can be an expensive process, and the recommendations can be challenging for parents to accept. However, this could aid in navigation. Some kids, on the other hand, realize they only want to do something to help themselves and their community at large.

If I ask you, how do you determine whether IITs or becoming a doctor is the better option? Ranking agencies, media, competitive enterprises, higher education experts, employment outcomes, and so on all tell us they are the best. IITs, or medical education, are desired because countries, schools, and parents hope that people will become productive and valued. It is also straightforward for businesses to select candidates based on their university rating and academic grades.

With the possibility of elite institutions having productive and valuable human resources, parents may generally believe that bigger salaries and positions would improve their children’s lives. Some choose IITs or medical professions for the social perks, such as earning respect or finding a life partner.

This all seems like shouting into the wind for children who would rather have the world listen to them. They choose a course suggested by their parents or extended family because they believe they have a purpose and are willing to make sacrifices to accomplish that goal. These kids are joyful because they like discovery, experimentation, and adventure. They are continuously on the lookout for resources and mentors.

Let us return to our original statement: ‘At 10 months, a youngster walks alone.’ Which would you choose? There is no reason to choose one option over another. Which one did you choose? ‘Yes’ and ‘no,’ as some walk alone for 10 months, but the majority do not. Similarly, some do not make it to IITs, NEETs, or medical school due to a variety of factors, including a lack of a sufficient source of motivation, children experiencing emotional difficulties, and possibly an unsatisfactory family background leading to poor concentration in learning, resulting in incompatibility with parents and teachers. Some children may have an overabundance of enthusiasm for sports or other activities due to ambitious or working parents. There are various other reasons why people do not get into IITs or medical schools.

Several students attend coaching institutions in places like Kota, Rajasthan, and go on to attend IITs. What makes this possible? As we examined the statement with two options, we discovered that some people gravitate towards it quickly, while others try to force-fit themselves into an ecosystem that receives excessive attention. Unhealthy competitiveness can lead to giving up interests that once brought them happiness, all in an attempt to fulfill their parents’ ambitions.

There will be some who do not get into IITs or medical schools. What about their prospects? We have a large number of people in the system who did not attend IITs or other prestigious universities. They have designed their own processes, worked harder, and created opportunities for themselves and others. Non-IITians have gradually understood that college education is a necessary part of the process, allowing them to attempt, explore, experiment, and fail safely. Some of them may grow up to be empathetic parents who recognize all sides of the story. They let their children fail safely and listen to them before offering advice. Learning and working have given them a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Some smart people have understood that ‘the world doesn’t care what you want or who you become; it cares about what you do with who you become.’ A career isn’t just about money, because everyone makes money. Rather, it’s a way of life that will leave you with lovely memories to smile about. As Carlyle stated, ‘The greatest of faults is to be conscious of none.’

Santosh Avvannavar, CEO QtSTEAM and Mentor QtPi Robotics