Dr. Buljit Buragohain
(buljit@gmail.com)
A student’s hobby and personality play a vital role in shaping his or her career. In today’s complex and competitive world, career choices are no longer confined to academic achievements or societal expectations. A career is a long journey where personal satisfaction, interest, and mental peace go hand in hand. In this journey, a student’s own interests (hobbies) and personality traits can act as the foundation for a stress-free, successful, and fulfilling life.
A hobby is something a person is naturally drawn to and enjoys doing spontaneously. A student’s hobbies often reveal their hidden talents. If these hobbies are carefully identified and nurtured, they can guide students toward promising career paths. For example, a student interested in drawing, painting, or design can excel in fields like graphic design, animation, fashion design, interior design, architecture, etc. Those who enjoy reading and writing can pursue journalism, content creation, literature, translation, editorial work, blogging, etc. Students passionate about music, dance, acting, or photography can thrive in the creative arts. Students who love coding, gaming, or working with computers may find ideal careers in software engineering, web development, game design, or data science.
Hobbies not only guide career choices but also enhance essential life skills such as creativity, discipline, focus, problem-solving ability, and self-confidence. Pursuing a hobby-based career fosters satisfaction and deep interest, making it easier to stay dedicated both academically and professionally.
Personality is a complex combination of thoughts, behaviours, feelings, and actions that shape the functions of an individual. It determines how a person behaves at work, makes decisions, and interacts with others. In career selection, personality traits are highly relevant. For example, extroverted students usually enjoy being around people. They often excel in fields like marketing, public relations, teaching, hospitality, etc. Introverted students prefer focused and independent work, often thriving in careers such as research, programming, analysis, accounting, data analysis, etc. Students with practical and analytical minds may lean toward technical, scientific, or mathematical careers. Those with empathetic and caring natures may find success in professions like healthcare, nursing, social work, counselling, etc.
When a student chooses a career that matches their personality, they experience more job satisfaction, reduced stress, and a more stable, long-term career.
When a student’s hobbies and personality traits align with the demands of a career, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their work, demonstrate excellence and productivity, experience less stress and burnout, remain in the same field for a longer time, and face challenges with confidence. This alignment transforms a career from just a means of earning to a meaningful and enthusiastic part of life.
Parents and schools play a crucial role in helping students identify their hobbies and personalities and guide them in the right direction. Schools can introduce vocational subjects, creative curricula, and subject-based projects to help students discover their interests. Practical exposure through internships, volunteering, or job shadowing helps students gain real-world experience. Regular career guidance should be offered in schools. Trained counsellors can use interest tests, personality tests, and aptitude tests to help students find the right path. Parents should recognize and support their child’s inner interests and natural inclinations. Choosing a career based solely on tradition or financial gains is not always suitable.
In today’s world, career planning is a challenging and multifaceted process. In this process, hobbies and personality traits are indispensable. While hobbies nurture inner interests, tendencies, and creativity, personality shapes behaviour, thinking, and workplace effectiveness. When both factors align, a career becomes not just a job but a meaningful and fulfilling life path. Thus, recognising and valuing these factors is essential for building a stable and future-ready career.
(Dr. Buljit Buragohain is a Career Counsellor and Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering at Assam Don Bosco University)