Srinagar: At a time when many students struggle to align education with long‑term goals, 31‑year‑old career counsellor Aaqib Parray is working to bring clarity and direction to youth across Kashmir.
A resident of Rawalpora in Srinagar’s Sanat Nagar area, Parray focuses on guiding students who feel uncertain about academic choices and professional pathways. His work addresses a growing concern in the Valley — the disconnect between education and employment.
Key Highlights
- Age: 31
- Profession: Career Counsellor and Youth Mentor
- Education: B.Com (GDC Bemina), MBA (University of Kashmir)
- Initiatives: Career seminars, student counselling, social awareness
- Publication: “From Curiosity to Success”
Educational Background and Professional Journey
Aaqib Parray was born in 1994 and completed his early education in Srinagar. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Government Degree College, Bemina, followed by an MBA from the University of Kashmir.
In 2020, he began his journalism career as Bureau Chief (Srinagar) with Roznama Wadi Kashmir. The same year, he moved to Delhi to complete a professional certification in career counselling, finishing the course within nine months.
By March 2021, Parray joined a multinational organisation as a career counsellor, where he began working directly with students and parents. According to him, trust and awareness grew steadily over time.
Counselling, Social Work, and Student Outreach
Beyond one‑to‑one counselling, Parray has organised career awareness programmes and seminars across Jammu and Kashmir, including sessions on Bridging the Gap Between Academics and Corporate Life.
He has also conducted awareness drives addressing drug abuse and its impact on youth, while remaining active in journalism, student mentorship, event anchoring, and social initiatives.
At the age of 19, he launched ‘Helping Hands J&K’, a platform aimed at supporting financially weaker sections of society.
Authoring a Student Guidebook
Adding to his initiatives, Aaqib Parray authored a student‑focused booklet titled “From Curiosity to Success.” The publication is designed to help students prepare for examinations, develop discipline, and build confidence through structured planning.
The booklet serves as a practical guide for students seeking clarity during critical academic stages.
Student Challenges in Kashmir
According to Parray, over 73 percent of students in the Valley lack clear career direction, often focusing solely on academics without long‑term planning.
He stresses the importance of early self‑assessment, encouraging students to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges to build realistic career paths.
FAQ
Aaqib Parray is a Srinagar‑based career counsellor and youth mentor working with students across Jammu and Kashmir.
He holds a B.Com degree from Government Degree College Bemina and an MBA from the University of Kashmir.
He has organised career counselling seminars, social awareness programmes, and authored a student guidebook.
It is a student‑focused booklet aimed at exam preparation, mindset development, and career clarity.
Read Also:
