SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh Campus organised a Round Table Conference on the theme “From School to Skill to Career: Reimagining Career Guidance in the Age of AI”, bringing together school principals, counsellors, career guidance professionals and education leaders for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of education and career decision-making on Oct 6.
The conference provided a platform for distinguished educationists and career guidance professionals to exchange perspectives on how students can be better prepared for an increasingly dynamic, technology-driven world of work.
The discussion highlighted that Artificial Intelligence is here to stay and is transforming the way students learn, explore opportunities and make career decisions. Participants emphasised that career guidance can no longer be limited to helping students select one career for life. Instead, it must equip students with the ability to make informed and adaptable career decisions repeatedly as careers and workplace requirements continue to evolve.
A key insight emerging from the discussion was the importance of starting career preparation early. Participants stressed that AI literacy, ethical use of technology, research habits, critical thinking and skill-based learning should be introduced during the school years. Students should be encouraged to use AI as a learning and exploration tool while developing independent thinking, curiosity and sound judgement.
The discussion also underlined the need to strengthen the role of teachers and counsellors. Participants highlighted the importance of clearly defined roles for school and career counsellors, structured training and continuous upskilling for educators. Equipping teachers and counsellors with the right knowledge and resources is essential to ensure that students receive relevant and informed guidance.
Another significant aspect discussed was the need to connect classroom learning with the real world. Experiential learning, industry exposure, practical skill development and meaningful involvement of parents in career conversations were identified as important elements of effective career guidance. Stronger collaboration between schools, higher education institutions and industry can help bridge the gap between academic learning and the changing expectations of the world of work.
The Round Table Conference witnessed participation from distinguished education leaders and career guidance professionals, including Ms. Manisha, Principal, The Max Academy School; Mr. Pushpinder Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, American Pixilane Schools – Elite American Corporate School; Ms. Ramneek Ghuman, Principal, Air Force School; Mr. Binu George, Principal, LBS Group of Educational Institutions; Ms. Meena Sharma, Vice Principal, PC Cambridge Sr. Sec. School; Dr. Rajeev Makkar, Principal & Assistant Director, P.E.S.-1; Mr. Pritam Dass, Principal, Smt. N. N. Mohan DAV Senior Secondary School; Ms. Meenakshi Uppal, Psychologist, Certified Counsellor, Therapist and Motivational Speaker, Satluj Public School; Ms. Prabhjot Kaur, Head – Career and College Guidance, St. Kabir Public School; Mr. Muktesh Kumar, Sr. Coordinator & Career Counsellor, Brookfield International School; Ms. Nidhi, Head – Admissions, Outreach and Parent Engagement, Manav Rachna International School; Ms. Aakanksha Rana, Counsellor, Shemrock Senior Secondary School; Ms. Neelam Chauhan, PGT Psychology and School Counsellor, Shishu Niketan Public School; Ms. Upasana Dhiman, School Counsellor, Vivekanand Millennium School; Ms. Roopali Charana, Senior Career Counsellor, Career Design; Ms. Bhoomika Padhalni, Founder, VBGR Consultants; Ms. Bhavya Singh, Co-Founder, Youth & Fem Mosaic; Ms. Robina Mittal, Founder, Career Shobha; Ms. Harshita Juneja, Co-Founder, Apticube & FORMBazaar; Ms. Nidhi Srivastava, Career Counsellor, Synergist Career Solutions; and Mr. Sourabh Gupta, Founder, Wonderskool & Careerprabhu.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Jyotsna Singh, Campus Director, NMIMS Chandigarh, said, “In today’s era, it is important for schools and universities to come together to help students identify their areas of interest at an early stage and equip them with the skills and responsible use of technology they need to navigate an evolving career landscape.”
