College Student's Draw to Civil Services for Power & Privileges
A college student aiming to become a civil servant in India shares with a senior officer that they are drawn to the position by a desire for power and privileges. How can the senior officer guide the student in this situation? Provide a range of advice options and recommend the best course of action along with the reasons.
Analysis:
Civil services are built on the foundation of public welfare and ethical behavior. While power and privileges might come as a part of the job, they are not the core essence of civil services. Hence, it's essential to ensure that aspirants have the right motivations.
Potential Solutions & Recommendations:
Guided Self-Reflection:
Action: Engage the student in a conversation to introspect on their motivations.
Outcome: The student might discover deeper or additional motivations, or recognize the mismatch between their aspirations and the core values of civil services.
Emphasize Service Over Power:
Action: Highlight real-life examples of civil servants making a difference. Share stories of personal satisfaction derived from serving society.
Outcome: It might shift the student's focus from power to service.
Introduction to Core Values:
Action: Discuss the importance of ethical behavior, integrity, and honesty in civil services.
Outcome: The student understands the non-negotiable foundational values of the profession.
Projection of Long-Term Career:
Action: Discuss the long-term implications of joining with the wrong motivations and the potential dissatisfaction it can lead to.
Outcome: The student might reassess their decision considering the long-term journey.
Suggesting Alternative Paths:
Action: Discuss other professions or roles where their motivation for power and control might be more aligned, like entrepreneurship or corporate leadership.
Outcome: The student might find a more suitable and satisfying career path.
Recommended Course of Action:
Given the student's current mindset, it's vital first to engage in Guided Self-Reflection. This will help them understand their motivations better. Following this, emphasizing the Service Over Power and introducing them to the Core Values of civil services can provide a clearer picture of what the profession truly entails. If their motivations remain unchanged, suggesting Alternative Paths is a proactive approach to ensure their long-term satisfaction and success.
By guiding the student through these steps, the senior officer ensures that the student makes an informed and thoughtful decision about their career path.
