'What do you want to be after you finish Form Five (SPM)?'

The question would have, at one time, produced answers like engineer or doctor, to the sound of 'waaaa' and other approving noises. Those answers were good enough at the time.

Today, a response like 'engineer' would be dissected further - mechanical, civil or chemical? Will this be followed by specialisation in electronics, finite element analysis or robotics? In the case of 'doctor', then specialisation and interest in sub-specialising are dissected.

In an era of science and technology, the demand for quality graduates has increased. Employers today are seeking graduates who are innovative, problem solvers and excellent team players.

Now that we know what to expect, how does one impress with a resume that makes an impact over a hundred others and leaves a potential boss saying, "That's it! That's the person I want!".

Companies hire and fire employees routinely. But graduates will not find job opportunities every day. What makes a resume shine? Is it the fact that the right career choice was made?

Choosing the right career is not easy. Education is very competitive among students and universities. Students must know what they want and not leave this to fall in place by chance.

The Malaysian education system emphasises education for all, so it is up to the student to study and work hard for a better life.

Making a decision

I would like to take a step back and touch on important factors that influence a career choice.

1. Determine your area of interest. As a kid or a teenager, it is very easy to speak of your ambition but as the time comes close to making the final decision, you may find yourself walking away from the topic altogether. Tough isn't it? Of course it is and the way to solve this problem is by seeking information.

It really helps to know where the job market is heading and where the demand will be. If you have found your interest, great, but if not, you may want to talk to people already working to assist in your decision making. One important tip is not to be fooled by the glamour of the job. Go behind the scenes and see what is really happening.

In our forefathers' time, there was no Internet - today, it is one of the best means of communication, so use it. Don't be afraid of facts and figures. How many times will you have to make a career choice? Hopefully just once. It is also the first step to many more decisions that will have an impact throughout your life.

2. Parental pressure. I would like to think that parents today allow their children to choose a career. However, some may not. If you find yourself in a confliction position, back your choice with facts and figures. If this is purely based on interest, prove it to them by gaining their confidence. You owe them that much, after all they have seen you through.

From my observation, my friends who voluntarily listen to their parents seldom regret their decisions. Parents always have their children's best interests at heart. When making the decision, be honest - don't embark on this journey only for the sake of turning around one day and saying, "See, I told you so". The only person who will lose out is you.

3. Money. This is very important for education. There are plenty of opportunities through scholarships and loans but I am going to share with you a special story of someone whose determination to study was amazing. After gaining admission to a university in the UK, he went around looking for a study loan. He received rejection after rejection and finally gave up. He then requested the university to postpone his entry and went to Singapore to work.

He saved up enough to pay the first year's tuition fees and headed for the UK. There he worked part-time while studying, and graduated with a first class honours degree. Then he received an American scholarship to pursue his PhD, which he has since been awarded. For those pursuing scholarships, loans or parental guidance, just remember this person's determination.

4. Peer pressure. Friends can help, but also destroy you. A friend who was passionate about going to the US found himself changing his mind at the last minute, and pursued another course just to follow his best friend. He admits that the decision was not in his interests.

As you go around talking to friends, you will find them talking convincingly about their career choice. You may even be amazed by their confidence. You should know your friends by now. Always take note of the facts and verify these. Don't take what your friends say for granted and make the choice that suits you, not your friends.

5. Rules and regulations. You must know the education system well. You must know what qualifications you need to qualify for your career. It also helps to know the institutions around you, as each will provide a different set of knowledge. Remember, your ultimate aim is to obtain a degree and after that, to seek employment.

Good luck in your quest for knowledge.

ABDUL MALIK HUSSEIN is an engineer with a multi-national company in Kuala Lumpur. He believes that the Malaysian education system should be more industry-driven so that students need only learn what is required, and have more time to excel in co-curricular activities in a more balanced learning environment.