Indian School Muscat (ISM) organized a two-day Career Awareness Seminar on 22^nd and 23^rd of April, 2006. The programme had at its core the objective to create awareness about the different types of career and to make career planning easier for the students  who had just moved into Senior Secondary classes.

On the first day of the seminar, Mr. T.R. Mohana, Vice Principal (Senior Section) gave the welcome address, in which he stressed the role of parents in helping their wards choose the right subjects. He stressed upon the parents not burdening their children with their own ambitions.

Mr. Ainsley L. Edgar, Principal , in his inaugural address reiterated the need to create awareness among students and to leave the final choice to the individual on the basis of his/her interest and aptitude.

Among the speakers on the first day was Mr. V. Preshob, Student Counsellor ISM who spoke on the need and usefulness of career seminars for students especially in the Gulf.

Mr. Shivkumar, Country Manager, Show Times, Oman International Electronics and Trading Co.LLC, in his presentation, enlightened the audience about the various openings in Humanities and Social Science subjects. He touched upon the various aspects of social conduct which these courses dealt with. The highlight of his talk was the importance of Humanities in life namely economics, morals, culture and lifestyle which open  career options ranging from teaching to research, journalism to jobs with the UN.

Mr. Mithun Srivastava, Lecturer of Management Sciences at Waljat College Oman deftly handled the Career options available for students of Commerce subjects. He informed the audience of the options available in the Entrepreneurship service sector which is the driving force in  modern day economy. He said, “Students should not be put up against competition, instead they should be encouraged to make the correct choice.”

The second day’s session began with the welcome speech by Mr. N.C. Vijaychandra, Vice Principal (Middle Section), in which he  spoke of the anxiety parents undergo when they have to guide their wards in the choice of subjects in classes 9 to 12.

Mr. A.R. Srinivasan, Project Manager, Directorate General of Information Technology, Oman was the first speaker on 23^rd April. He  gave a detailed power point presentation on the various disciplines of Engineering available in and outside India . He focused on the aptitude and attitude essential to become an Engineer. The talk also informed students about the subjects they have to study in classes XI and XII so that they could continue their higher studies in an Engineering College. Mr. Srinivasan  said, “A person is right for a career in Engineering if he has the skill to solve problems- any kind- from personal to technical. Select the subject you are good at and enjoy studying.” www.engineering12.org. was given for further reference.

Dr. Akram Ali, Divisional Manager (Drilling), Hamood Al Rashidi Brothers Trading Company Oman LLC spoke during the second half of the session. As an expert in Pure Sciences, he was able to brief the students about the major branches of science available for students with an aptitude for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology but not so inclined to train to become Engineers. The information given out by Dr. Akram about the courses of study available in the field of Geology, Geography, Bio Technology, Genetics etc excited students and parents alike.

 Both days saw lively discussions in which parents as well as students clarified their doubts. Questions like the advantages and disadvantages of being an NRI while seeking admission got satisfactory answers from the experts. It was encouraging to note that the seminar was well attended on both days with the hall packed to its maximum capacity.