Analytics-driven tool to help choose career

KOZHIKODE: It is often a difficult proposition for both students and parents to decide  on the right  subjects, course and college for higher education.   Each  student needs  personalised recommendation  based on several factors,  including behaviour, abilities, motivations and interests.  An answer to the issue is the  newly- developed analytics-driven career assessment tool.

A few graduates of  IITs in the country and foreign universities  have joined hands to develop a concept called  LCAT (Lead Career Assessment Test) under their initiative of  ‘vLEAD Eduventures.’   The team was selected for the recently-held World Innovation Summit for Education in  Doha, where the members  presented the science behind the initiative to the innovators from different parts of the world.

Noufal Ali, one of the brains behind LCAT,  said, “although many parents feel  that career guidance and counselling has become obsolete due to the widespread availability of internet and computers,  most students do not get proper direction or guidance due to the lack of professional methods or personnel.  We decided to solve this problem  by developing LCAT  based on  extensive and cutting-edge  research.”

A student who enters LCAT will go through a test, which is formulated after an extensive data survey among a  large group of students and experts.   The test employs advanced scientific methods like artificial intelligence, machine learning and uses sophisticated statistical tools like factor analysis and analytical hierarchy process. “Through the students’ performance, we can  judge  their  interest  and where  they could achieve it,” he said.

Over  80 students from different parts of the state are part of LCAT now.  Students from classes 8 to 12 are eligible for the test.

Muhammed, LCAT member,  said, “a  comprehensive test report consisting of more than 50 pages is provided after the test. The report includes  expert analysis and suggests improvement strategies tailormade for each person based on his/her test results. For the 8/9th category, the two  suitable streams they can purse after their 10th (science, commerce etc.) are  suggested. For the 10, 11 and 12th and the college category, five best career matches (engineering, education and training, social sciences and humanities, medicine, design, legal etc.) are suggested. Additionally, each test candidate gets a detailed overview of the various aspects related to the  top two stream choices and five  best  career fields in  easily understandable Mind Maps.”

Hanaan Irfan, class 10 student, St Antony’s Girls’ School,  said, “the aptitude test was  worth it. The questions were  interesting. I understood who  I am and what my passions are. The questions were easy to answer and the navigation was  smooth. Throughout the session, I was at ease unlike in any other test when we are in a state of stress.”

Salma Sabir, class 12 student of  Prestige Public School,  said, “the Lead Career Assessment Test has  helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses. It has also  tackled my confusion regarding higher studies after class 12. The consultation with team   ‘vLead’  was effective,” she added.