JEDDAH: Scores of Indian high school students and their parents benefited considerably from the third career guidance program organized by the Indian Youth Welfare Association (IYWA) here Friday. Various experts outlined and explained career opportunities to the students. A lecture entitled “Students Need Guidance” was presented by Dr. Sherin Shervani, Assistant Professor at King Abdulaziz University's (KAU) English Language Institute; and “Opportunities in Medical Education” was presented by Dr. M. Iqbal Musani, Consultant Pathologist and Director of Al-Jedani Group of Hospitals. Shervani said students need to focus on their “personal abilities, skills, family values and goals”. Grades achieved in examinations are “not sufficient for choosing a career because you are the creators of your own career and future”, he added. Musani explained the opportunities in the medical field, its challenges and hardships, colleges in India and Saudi Arabia, basic fees structures, and years of study. “There are a number of different specialties in the medical field not just MBBS, where students can develop their careers as per their interests”, he said. Sara Ali, a lecturer at KAU's College of Computing and Information Technology, spoke about the importance of Computer Science and Information Technology. She said the field of computers has become vast, and a computer professional can work in many disciplines and industries. “This is the era of the computer and we can't imagine a world without it. Choosing a computer career can realize all your dreams,” she told the students. “Careers in Commerce” was presented by Khalid Hassan Bayazid; “International Education” by Dr. M. Mukhtar Khan; and Rehan Khan gave a presentation on “Target careers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Bayazid talked about careers in commerce and opportunities for students to become accountants and managers. Earlier, Muzzammil Hussain, Chief Coordinator of the IYWA, welcomed chief guest Dr. Muhammed N. Shoukany, Editor-in-Chief of Saudi Gazette, Dr. Abdullah Saeed Al-Shehri, head of the KAU's Department of European Languages and Literature, guests of honor S.D. Moorthy, Welfare Consul and Pranav Ganesh, Consul at the Indian Consulate, and other distinguished guests. Anis Hyder Zaidi, IYWA President, highlighted the community welfare programs of his organization. Ganesh said those who have become engineers or doctors, are now writing books, traveling or painting. “The times we are living in now has a plethora of careers and my advice to the youth is to look at what many people are doing in different ways, instead of just becoming engineers or doctors,” he said. Shoukany and Al-Shehri praised the efforts of the IYWA team and their initiatives to serve the community. Shoukany called on academics and welfare organizations to use the media to educate the masses about the importance of education and choosing a career. He advised students to choose a career in which they can excel. “There are enough possibilities, so find something which is best for you,” said Shoukany. Al-Shehri said these programs are important. “I think there should be more such programs, not only for the Indian community but every other community, even we Saudis should learn from these programs,” he said. Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, General Secretary of IYWA, said that the main aim of the program was to offer guidance and awareness to parents and students of grade 12, because this was the starting point for them. IYWA's mission, he said, is to serve the Indian community in the Kingdom irrespective of religion, region, caste, creed and economic status.
