“Parents should guide their children to select a career and not force a career on them,” said Ibn Sina Medical College Dean Dr. Rashad Kashgari. A large number of parents and students were present at the seminar, which was presided over by Arab News Editor in Chief Khaled Almaeena as the chief guest. Indian Consul (Haj) B.S. Mubarak released IYWA's new CD on career guidance, which lists study opportunities in Saudi Arabia, India and elsewhere in the world.
Kashgari, who is also associate professor of surgery at the college and the guest of honor at the event, said the college he represented was the city's first private medical institution and was open to all including expatriates.
He advised students to go in for medical courses not on impulsive decisions or because their parents wanted them to become doctors, but only if they had an aptitude and interest in them. Almaeena advised children not to see education as a means to obtain degrees and make money, but as something that would shape their total personality.
“It is not that they should aim at becoming doctors or engineers. There are many vocations and professions. No profession is bad. It's ultimately how good a person you are or become with the profession you are in and not someone who breaks the law or is against humanity. He should rise above negative qualities like jealousy, greed and hatred,” he said and advised them to prepare themselves for meeting the challenges of the interconnected world.
He urged parents not to push or cajole their children in the matter of course selection and becoming a topper. “Every student has a limit. What is of importance is they should not lose control over their emotions. Teachers on their part should deal with and guide each student on case by case basis,” he said, adding that even masters and Ph.D. holders have failed in life because they don't have emotional control. He urged the students to uphold the values and choose a career that gives them the maximum satisfaction.
Almaeena recalled a meeting with a Saudi youth with a medical family background who had given up his medical studies in the United States and branched out into becoming a chef. The youth said he enjoyed cooking and had the support of his father in making the change. “Do what you consider the best and be proud of that,” Almaeena said.
Speakers drawn from different professions and vocations gave presentations on courses, institutions they can join in India and overseas, at the program designed to assist students in making informed educational and occupational choices. Parents and students who were present said such career guidance and counseling programs helped in developing an individual's competencies in self-knowledge, educational and occupational exploration, and career planning.
Muzammil Hussain, chief coordinator, gave the welcome speech, IYWA President Anees Haider Zaidi made introductory remarks and event coordinator S.P. Singh briefed on the guidelines.
Noufal Palakkoth spoke on “Visualize the future.” Sara Ali of King Abdul Aziz University spoke about a career in IT. Mohammed Mukhtar Khan, regional director and educational counselor at Intercontinental Education, detailed the career options available in engineering including at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, near Jeddah. Khalid Hassan, a product of International Indian School-Jeddah, spoke about a career in commerce.
Dr. Iqbal Moosani of Ibn Sina Medical College and Jedani Hospital, spoke at length about courses in medicine and medical specializations available locally and India.
Journalist L. Ramnarayan Iyer detailed the opportunities available in mass media and communication. Indian Consul (Haj) B.S. Mubarak focused on civil services as a career option and the kind of prestige and status their products enjoy in society. Indian Consul for Education Shakeel Ahmed gave an overview of the institutions like IGNOU Saudi Arabia, Madurai Kamraj and other institutions that organize their courses locally.
Ameena Aziz dealt with entrance exam coaching through e-learning modes. “Students should ensure that the online tutor is a certified one and has expertise in the subject being taught,” she said.  
Muhammad Anis ur Rehman, manager, international development, Asia Pacific University College of Technology and Innovation, Malaysia, detailed the range of courses and facilities available at the college in Kuala Lumpur. M.K. Ilyas, group account director of Ad-Ventures, and his wife Shireen Sherwani gave a presentation on “Planning a career and Informed Decision Making.” IYWA General Secretary Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki gave the  vote of thanks.