Why Experience Matters in Career Counselling
Career decisions are among the most impactful choices a person makes in their lifetime. These decisions influence not only professional success but also self-confidence, mental well-being, and long-term life satisfaction. In today’s fast-changing world—marked by evolving careers, academic pressure, and social comparison—the role of a skilled career counsellor has become increasingly vital.
However, effective career counselling goes beyond listing career options or interpreting test results. It requires psychological understanding, ethical practice, and real-world experience. Experienced career counsellor Dr. Balaji Niwlikar, the founder of Career Shodh, embodies this holistic approach. With a strong background in psychology and years of hands-on counselling experience, Dr. Balaji Niwlikar has helped students, parents, and professionals move from confusion to clarity.
Who Is a Career Counsellor?
A career counsellor is a trained professional who supports individuals in making informed academic and career decisions. This includes helping people:
- Understand their interests, abilities, and personality traits
- Explore suitable education and career options
- Develop decision-making and career-planning skills
- Manage career-related stress and uncertainty
According to the National Career Development Association (NCDA), career counselling is a collaborative process that integrates self-knowledge with career information to support meaningful and satisfying choices (NCDA, 2015).
An experienced career counsellor does not simply “suggest careers” but facilitates long-term career development and adaptability.
Meet Dr. Balaji Niwlikar
Dr. Balaji Niwlikar is a trained psychologist and career counsellor whose work is grounded in psychological science. This foundation allows him to address both career-related decisions and the emotional challenges that often accompany them—such as anxiety, fear of failure, low confidence, and external pressure.
Dr. Balaji Niwlikar
Research shows that career decision-making is closely linked to identity formation and psychological well-being, particularly among adolescents and young adults (Savickas, 2013). Dr. Balaji Niwlikar is a Professor of Psychology in Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly university of pune), Pune, India. He has 12 years of experience in teaching psychology and 10 years as career counsellor and mentor. This background enables him to approach career counselling with depth, empathy, and evidence-based practice.
The Journey Toward Career Counselling
Dr. Balaji Niwlikar’s journey into career counselling developed through years of observing a recurring issue: many capable students and professionals were making career choices based on marks, societal expectations, or short-term trends rather than self-awareness.
Over time, this often resulted in dissatisfaction, stress, or frequent career changes—not because of lack of ability, but due to misaligned decisions. This insight shaped Dr. Balaji Niwlikar’s commitment to providing ethical, individualized, and reflective career guidance.
The Vision Behind Career Shodh
Career Shodh was founded with a clear and purposeful vision:
to help individuals discover career clarity through self-understanding, exploration, and structured guidance.
The term Shodh reflects inquiry and discovery—core values in Dr. Balaji Niwlikar’s counselling philosophy. Career Shodh does not believe in quick answers or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it emphasizes:
- Understanding the individual before exploring career options
- Encouraging thoughtful reflection rather than rushed decisions
- Supporting independent and informed choice-making
This approach aligns with modern career development theories that emphasize adaptability and lifelong career growth (Super, 1990).
Dr. Balaji Niwlikar’s Philosophy of Career Counselling
One of the defining aspects of Dr. Balaji Niwlikar’s work is his belief that career counselling is a process of discovery, not a prescription of careers.
His philosophy emphasizes:
- Self-awareness before career awareness
- Responsible use of psychometric assessments
- Open dialogue instead of fixed answers
- Respect for individual values, context, and goals
This client-centered approach is widely recognized as best practice in professional career counselling (NCDA, 2015).
Ethical and Non-Directive Guidance
Dr. Balaji Niwlikar follows a non-directive counselling approach, meaning:
- He does not impose career choices
- He avoids promoting “popular” or trending careers
- He encourages clients to reflect, question, and decide independently
Ethical career counselling respects autonomy and empowers individuals to take ownership of their career decisions (Holland, 1997).
Working With Students at Critical Career Stages
Dr. Balaji Niwlikar has extensive experience working with school students at key academic decision points, including:
- Stream selection after Class 10
- Career awareness during middle school
- Course and career planning after Class 12
Students often report reduced anxiety, increased confidence, and greater clarity after counselling—outcomes supported by research linking career clarity with improved well-being (Santilli et al., 2017).
Guiding College Students and Young Adults
College students frequently face confusion related to:
- Choosing specializations
- Planning internships and skill development
- Deciding between higher education and employment
Dr. Balaji Niwlikar helps students align academic choices with long-term career goals rather than short-term pressure or comparison.
Supporting Parents in the Career Decision Process
Parents play a significant role in shaping career decisions. Dr. Balaji Niwlikar works closely with parents to:
- Help them understand their child’s strengths and interests
- Address concerns about stability and future prospects
- Reduce conflict arising from mismatched expectations
This collaborative approach creates a supportive environment for informed decision-making.
Career Counselling for Professionals and Career Transitions
Career counselling is not limited to students. Dr. Balaji Niwlikar also works with professionals experiencing:
- Career stagnation
- Burnout or dissatisfaction
- Desire for career change or growth
With changing job markets and increasing career transitions, guided reflection helps professionals reassess skills, values, and long-term goals (OECD, 2021).
Tools and Methods Used at Career Shodh
Dr. Balaji Niwlikar uses a structured yet flexible counselling framework that includes:
- Validated psychometric assessments
- In-depth one-on-one counselling sessions
- Career mapping and goal-setting exercises
- Decision-support and reflection techniques
Importantly, assessments are always interpreted in personal and real-world contexts, ensuring ethical and meaningful use.
Why Psychological Insight Is Crucial in Career Counselling
Career decisions are closely connected to:
- Identity development
- Self-esteem
- Motivation and values
Studies show that career adaptability and clarity are positively related to life satisfaction and mental well-being (Santilli et al., 2017). Dr. Balaji Niwlikar’s psychological training allows him to integrate emotional well-being into career guidance—an essential element often overlooked.
Impact Through Career Shodh
Through Career Shodh, Dr. Balaji Niwlikar has helped individuals move from:
- Confusion to clarity
- Pressure to confidence
- External expectations to informed, self-directed choices
The focus remains on sustainable, well-understood career decisions, not quick or superficial outcomes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right career counsellor is as important as choosing the right career. Experienced career counsellor Dr. Balaji Niwlikar, through his work at Career Shodh, combines psychological insight, ethical practice, and practical experience to support individuals at crucial career crossroads.
His approach reflects the realities of modern career development—where self-awareness, adaptability, and informed decision-making matter more than ever.
If you’re seeking thoughtful, ethical, and professional career guidance, connecting with an experienced counsellor can make a meaningful difference.
To learn more, contact psychologist and career counsellor Dr. Balaji Niwlikar at careershodh@gmail.com.
References
Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments (3rd ed.). Psychological Assessment Resources.
National Career Development Association. (2015). Career counseling competencies. NCDA.
OECD. (2021). Career guidance for adults in a changing world of work. OECD Publishing.
Santilli, S., Nota, L., Ginevra, M. C., & Soresi, S. (2017). Career adaptability, hope, optimism, and life satisfaction in Italian students. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 103, 102–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2017.08.002
Savickas, M. L. (2013). Career construction theory and practice. In S. D. Brown & R. W. Lent (Eds.), Career development and counseling (pp. 147–183). Wiley.
Super, D. E. (1990). A life-span, life-space approach to career development. In D. Brown et al. (Eds.), Career choice and development (pp. 197–261). Jossey-Bass.
Niwlikar, B. A. (2026, January 15). Career Counsellor Dr. Balaji Niwlikar: Experience Behind Career Shodh. Careershodh. https://www.careershodh.com/career-counsellor-dr-balaji-niwlikar/