We live in a highly competitive era when admissions to reputed universities are getting increasingly more demanding by the day. With more and more colleges and universities worldwide convinced that academic grades, though necessary, cannot be the sole criterion to judge a student’s caliber, the latest buzzword amongst students and parents is PROFILE BUILDING.
WHAT IS PROFILE BUILDING?
Profile building, in general terms, is a systematic process of building your portfolio in such a manner that it provides a snapshot of your scholastic and non-scholastic distinctions. It is a process of carefully selecting and engaging in activities, courses, hobbies, projects, etc., to develop skills and knowledge, which can be showcased on your resume, helping you stand out from the crowd. As a student, when you create a learner profile for yourself at an early stage, you not only make an impression on others later but also discover your true calling – the recipe for a successful career and a happy life.
WHY IS PROFILE BUILDING SO CRUCIAL FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS?
These days, reputed colleges and universities employ a holistic assessment to winnow down the applicant pool. A robust application is thus one that exhibits excellence in the following areas – academic grades, entrance test scores, community work, extracurricular, and leadership activities. A profile that showcases the elements above will most likely catch the eye of the admissions committee. Thus, whether you are a high school or a college student, planning to study in reputed universities either in India or abroad, prepping for an admission interview, looking for a generous scholarship, or searching for internships during school or college times, a strong profile is crucial.
A strong Profile sets you apart from other candidates and is the key to getting into top colleges.
PROFILE BUILDING: WHAT IS THE RIGHT TIME TO START?
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour. High school students targeting top-rated universities should ideally begin building a solid profile when in grade 8/9th. Starting early allows you flexibility in your prep schedule and allows for any distraction, including unpredictable events such as the COVID pandemic. 10th graders can also do a great job with their profile building exercise if they are fully aware of the activities to be carried out and from where to do them. Those who are in 11th could still do a lot provided they manage their time effectively.
Though the 12th standard is late, you should not let that stop you because, as they say, “Better late than never.”
Thus, whether you intend to pursue a bachelor’s, a Master’s, or an MBA degree from reputed Indian or foreign universities, a great profile is mandated.
WHAT KIND OF CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER WHEN YOU WORK ON BUILDING YOUR PROFILE?
The following are a few common challenges that one encounters during the entire process:
- With so many activities to choose from, how to pick the most appropriate ones?
- How to decide whether you are wasting your time and money on unnecessary activities or making the appropriate investment?
- How to manage time effectively during the entire process?
- Where to find an experienced and knowledgeable mentor who could guide and motivate you in reaching your goals?
The entire exercise of constructing your profile is an enriching journey that can help you form an everlasting well-rounded personality. If you are embroiled in a similar situation, do not leave your career to random chance. Seek Professional Career Guidance that helps you plan, and design your Career Road map.
HOW CAN GLOBAL CAREERS HELP YOU?
The career coach at Global Careers will help you create a plan leading to a strong profile exhibited by your resume. You will learn how to build a strong profile from one of Surat and India’s most experienced career counsellors and educational consultants. We will handhold you through the entire profile-building process.
Our profound understanding of Career Counselling, Study Abroad Consulting, and Test Preparation make us a highly trusted name in the business. In the past two decades, we have helped thousands of students find their forte.
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS BUILDING YOUR PROFILE?
The journey of building your profile begins with your self-discovery. This is when our Academic and Career planning service steps in. We employ assessment tools such as the MBTI, DAT, and RIASEC tests to help you gain better insights into your interest, personality, and aptitude. After you find out who you are, what your potential is, and what you want to pursue as a career, you know the direction you want to head towards.
Thus, once you have discovered your suitable career pathways, you start the process of building your profile. Our Career Counselling page pens down the methodology we employ to help you solve your career puzzle.
Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity. Don’t underestimate the importance of Profile building. If you are serious about your career, you must get over the ‘I will do it later’ syndrome and adopt the “Do It Now” attitude. Have a well-constructed plan of action, spend your time efficiently, and begin as early as possible.