Choosing a degree is among the earliest and most consequential decisions in a young person’s life. Yet, at a stage when interests are still evolving and career possibilities remain largely unexplored, students often have to navigate competing expectations from family, peers and society. The challenge is not simply identifying a course, but understanding whether it aligns with their strengths, aspirations and long-term goals. As education pathways expand and online learning creates new opportunities, informed decision-making and access to credible guidance are becoming increasingly important in helping learners make choices that serve them well beyond the classroom.In this exclusive interaction with ETEducation, Rohit Gupta discusses the influence of family on education choices, the importance of credible career guidance, and the key factors students must evaluate before committing to a degree. He also examines how online education can enable more informed learning decisions and create flexible pathways for working professionals and women navigating career transitions.
Gupta is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of College Vidya, a platform that helps students explore, compare and choose UGC-approved online and distance education programmes. A first-generation entrepreneur, his journey from student counsellor to entrepreneur has shaped his understanding of the challenges learners face when making education decisions. At College Vidya, he focuses on operations, technology-driven solutions and student-centric guidance, with an emphasis on making education choices more accessible, transparent and informed.
Here are the edited excerpts from the interview.
Q1. Many students choose a degree at 17 or 18 that can influence the next decade of their lives. How can they make that decision when they may not yet know what kind of work they want to do?
Rohit Gupta: Students do not need to have their entire careers mapped out at 17 or 18, but they should understand their interests, strengths and possible career paths before choosing a degree. The aim is to make an informed decision rather than follow a popular trend.
Our survey of 885 respondents found that 48.8% experienced some degree of misalignment between the degree they wanted and the one they pursued. Researching courses, exploring career options and seeking relevant guidance can help students make more confident choices.
Q2. In India, career decisions are often family decisions. How can parents guide their children without unintentionally steering them towards careers that reflect their own ambitions rather than their children’s interests?
Rohit Gupta: Parents bring valuable experience, but education decisions should also reflect a student’s individual strengths and aspirations. Families can make better choices by exploring career options together and understanding the opportunities each pathway offers.
Our survey found that 54.2% of respondents identified a parent as the primary influence on their degree decision. The opportunity is to make family guidance more informed while giving students ownership of their future.
Q3. Students receive career advice from family, teachers, friends and social media. How can they distinguish reliable guidance from opinions that may not be relevant to their career goals?
Rohit Gupta: Students should consider whether the person advising them has relevant knowledge or experience in the field. Speaking to industry professionals, verifying information and exploring different perspectives can help them understand what a career actually involves.
In our survey, only 37.3% of respondents received advice from someone with direct experience in their chosen field. This highlights the value of combining advice from family and friends with informed, field-relevant guidance.
Q4. A degree involves years of study and a significant financial commitment. What should students investigate before enrolling to avoid discovering halfway through that the course is not right for them?
Rohit Gupta: Students should assess a programme’s recognition, curriculum, total cost, learning format and relevance to their career goals. Understanding the skills they will gain and the opportunities the qualification may support is equally important.
Our survey found that 75.2% of respondents reported at least one consequence associated with their degree decision, including lost time, financial loss or career setbacks. Researching options carefully can help students make more informed commitments.
Q5. Online education offers greater flexibility, but how can students identify a programme that genuinely supports their career goals rather than choosing one simply because it is convenient?
Rohit Gupta: Flexibility is valuable, especially for working professionals, but students should also evaluate programme recognition, curriculum, academic support and career relevance. The right programme should fit both their learning needs and their professional objectives.
A recent graduate exploring career options and a working professional seeking advancement may require very different programmes. Students should compare available options against their individual goals rather than relying on cost or convenience alone.
Q6. Women may have to navigate additional considerations when planning their education and careers, including family responsibilities and career breaks. How can online education help them pursue opportunities on their own terms?
Rohit Gupta: Flexible learning can help women pursue qualifications while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. It can also offer a pathway to refresh skills or explore new opportunities when returning to work after a career break.
Education providers can support this by making programme information, learning options and student support more accessible. The focus should be on helping women choose pathways that align with their ambitions and circumstances.
