There are many jobs available for young people. Variety, challenges, and money are flowing as never before. And this is not just restricted to the IT sector. The Indian economy is booming, and globalisation is giving opportunities to anyone who has the talent, drive, and willingness to work hard. The temptations are so great that you may prefer to stop studies and take up the lucrative job that your friend or the jobs portal is tempting you with. Maybe you have already done so.
The boom is not going to last forever. There will be a shake-up, and those who have not built up their market value will find themselves being laid off or stuck in monotonous jobs. Acquiring job experience and hands-on skills has become more vital than paper qualifications, yet one has to look at long term prospects. A few years into your career, and you may start feeling the lack of higher qualifications or specialisation – and then it will be that much more difficult to enhance your academic achievements.
A few years ago the choice was limited to quitting your job and getting back to full-time studies, or at best taking up a distance learning course. No longer. Today there is a plethora of courses that are offered full time, part time, flexi-time, on-line and through self-study. The range of courses also varies – from management and quality control, to technical, computer applications, soft skills, and so many others. Admissions are also being offered almost throughout the year.
If you are wise, you will take advantage of this great opportunity. Firstly, do not get into a job that leaves you with no time or energy for anything else. However good the income, you will head for a burnout. Secondly, ensure that your job is strengthening your skills in the field that you wish to make as your long-term career. Then start exploring and looking around for the most appropriate courses, not only in terms of subjects, but also in terms of methodology of study. While full-time contact courses would still be the best, on-line and part-time courses, or distance education courses with restricted contact classes, can be a good option if you are otherwise busy with your work.
