The impact of career guidance on students’ futures

An increasing number of young graduates in Tanzania and across Africa are entering the job market without a clear career direction, contributing to rising youth unemployment rates.

Many students complete their secondary or tertiary education unsure of which professions to pursue or how to align their skills with job opportunities. Experts attribute this trend to the lack of early career guidance in schools, which leaves students feeling unprepared and uncertain about their futures. 

Recent initiatives such as the International Career and College Counselling (IC3) Regional Forum are working to change this narrative. 

The second edition of the IC3 Regional Forum, held recently in Dar es Salaam, brought together educators, policymakers, and students to discuss how structured career counselling can guide young people toward more informed career choices. 

The event attracted participants from 31 schools across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, and other regions, signalling a regional commitment to addressing the issue. 

The role of career counselling in schools 

In her opening remarks, Dr Shelina Wali, CEO of Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) Tanzania, emphasised the critical role of career counselling in student development. 

“I think there is always time for counselling in every school, but the timing must be convenient. The key concept, I believe, is the importance of counselling in every classroom, whether in early years, primary school, or secondary school,” Dr Wali stated. 

She highlighted the Tanzanian government’s ongoing educational reforms, which include training teachers to provide better career guidance to students. 

“Our children deserve nothing but the best, and it is important that we bring to our teachers the kind of training, exposure, and opportunity for them to learn from each other and our partners how best they can counsel and help our learners progress in life,” Dr Wali added. 

Dr Wali underscored that the success of such initiatives depends largely on teachers’ commitment. 

“If a teacher is committed to supporting a student in becoming a global citizen and the best version of themselves, that teacher will guide the student to the best of their ability,” she said. 

Students reap the benefits

For students like Prisha Chheda, a participant in the Aga Khan IC3 programme, the impact of career counselling has been transformative. 

“I’ve been attending counselling classes since seventh grade. Before that, I used to be a shy girl, but here I am talking to you… hahaha, that development!” Prisha shared enthusiastically. 

She explained how the counselling sessions helped her grow both personally and academically. 

“It made me grow as a person. I realised I’m passionate about helping people—like right now, I’m participating in organising this event,” she said. 

Prisha also highlighted how counselling has helped her balance multiple interests. “Counselling has made me realise I can do two things at the same time—follow my dreams and still help people since I’m passionate about that too,” she added. 

Her story reflects the broader goals of the IC3 programme: to equip students with the confidence and clarity they need to navigate their futures successfully. 

A broader educational reform strategy

The Director of Educational Material Design and Development at the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE), Fixon Mtelesi, echoed Dr Wali’s sentiments, stressing the broader impact of career counselling on students’ lives. 

“Some students face economic hardships, family issues, or struggles to understand what they want to do with their lives. All these decisions depend on good guidance, and students can get that from their teachers, who are with them most of the time,” Mr Mtelesi said. 

He further noted that the IC3 forum serves as a foundation for helping students navigate these challenges, adding that the programme will support students in making informed decisions as teachers receive proper counselling training. 

“Without teachers guiding them, students’ options can be limited, so the government must ensure that teachers receive counselling and guidance training so they can support students,” he emphasised. 

Youth unemployment: A continental challenge

Youth unemployment remains a significant issue across Africa. Many students who complete secondary education struggle to transition into meaningful employment or further education, exacerbating the unemployment crisis. 

Dr Jane Rarieya, Dean of the Institute for Educational Development in East Africa, stressed that career and college counselling should no longer be viewed as optional but as an essential right for every student. 

“Career guidance should not be a privilege. It needs to be a right. Every student, regardless of their background, school, or economic status, deserves access to structured guidance and clarity about their future,” Dr Rarieya said. 

She proposed an educational framework where career planning starts as early as primary school. 

“Imagine a system where students are introduced to career planning in primary school, encouraged to explore their strengths in secondary school, and equipped with practical pathways by the time they graduate,” she added. 

Dr Rarieya also called on counsellors, teachers, and career mentors to act as “architects of possibility,” helping students see the value of their skills and the validity of their dreams. 

“Students want to know that their dreams are valid, that their skills have value, and that there is a path forward that makes sense for them. Without proper guidance, many will follow the well-worn road of limited choices, unaware that alternative, more fulfilling paths exist,” she explained. 

Policy and industry collaboration is needed

For career counselling to have a lasting impact, Dr Rarieya stressed the need for policies that ensure every school has trained counsellors and career development programmes. She also advocated for stronger partnerships between schools and industries to expose students to real-world opportunities. 

“Policies need to be put in place to ensure that schools are equipped not only with academic tools but also with career guidance frameworks. Moreover, collaboration with industries will give students firsthand insight into various professions,” she stated. 

Veronica Sarungi, a mathematics and information technology teacher, highlighted the importance of teachers taking an active role in career guidance. 

“It’s important to talk to students about their future: What do they want to be? And more than that, what can their skills achieve?” Ms Sarungi said. 

The IC3 Regional Forum provided educators and students with opportunities to learn about embedding counselling into the educational culture, shaping potential career paths, and fostering authenticity in education and the admissions process. 

This year’s forum demonstrated the growing recognition of career counselling as a critical tool for shaping students’ futures. 

By incorporating structured guidance into school curricula, educators can empower students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue fulfilling careers. 

With continued efforts from educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, career counselling is poised to become a cornerstone of education in Tanzania and beyond. The hope is that, with the right support, today’s students will become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.