Let your passion decide your goals
Studying in India
Dear Sir,
I am a 46-year-old housewife with a BCom degree. I would like to do an MBA through distant education. I am a resident of Bangalore. What are my best options?
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
If you can set yourself a few long-term goals, it will help you decide what course would be most suitable for you. Without being career-oriented, an MBA may not be of much use to you. You may consider other meaningful fields like psychology, teaching, social work, documentation, computer applications, etc. and your selection should be based on a combination of your interest + aptitude. Getting a post-graduate qualification in any of the above fields will enable you in the future to do part-time work, work from home, or even to do freelance honorary work, which can be quite fulfilling in later years.
Dear Sir,
I am a Second PUC student, with Science as my core subjects. I would like to eventually work in Event Management. How do I get there?
Yogesh
Dear Yogesh,
Event Management and Product Development are steadily growing fields, and even with science at the PU level you can pursue these careers. It may be good for you to initially take up a degree course in Business Management or Marketing Management. Reputed colleges have their own entrance exams, and many others go by your PUC marks. While pursuing your degree, you can take up a part-time vocational course in event management, and get hands-on experience by working for events or product launches. Then you can decide whether to go in for higher education and specialisation, or proceed with your career in that field. The prospects are quite good if you are an extrovert, people-oriented, like travelling, can think creatively, and have a good business sense.
Dear Sir,
I have completed an engineering degree in Electronics and Communication. I also did a short-term course in networking (MCTIP, CCNA). I am now considering joining a BPO in the technical support division (non-voice process). But my friends don’t think this is a good idea. What should I do?
Krishnamurthy
Dear Krishnamurthy,
If you have enjoyed your engineering studies and have scored fairly well, then do not go in for a BPO job, even as technical support, as your progress may not be satisfactory. Do put in all efforts and try to secure a job in your own field of electronics or networking, even if it is in a small company with minimal salary. That experience will give you a boost and will then open doors for further progress. If you feel you are not getting a job due to poor performance in interviews, it will be useful for you to get training in soft-skills and/or personality development.
Dear Sir,
I am a Class 10 student, studying in a CBSE school. My Math and Science grades are between A2 and B2. I have scored well in English. I want to become a Chartered Accountant. Which stream should I join at the PUC level? Should I go with Commerce or Science? Which stream of Science should I choose? How will my Math and Science grades affect my chances of taking up the necessary course?
Meghana
Dear Meghana,
If you are absolutely sure that you would like to be in the field of Accountancy, then it is better if you take up Commerce for your +2. If you are confident of studying hard then you may continue in CBSE, otherwise switch over to the state syllabus. Once you pass your 10th, you can apply to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for the CPT (Common Proficiency Test) study material and register your name. You can appear for the CPT after completing 12th, and if you get through in the first attempt, you know that you are capable of becoming a CA. Your percentage in PUC, whether you take up Science or Commerce, does not affect your chances of becoming a CA.
Dear Sir,
I am studying in Class 10 and I have scored 80 per cent in Math and Science, 90 per cent in Social Science. What stream should I choose next? I don’t want to take up Commerce. What do you suggest I do?
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
The subjects you take up in PUC should depend on the long-term goal you wish to attain eventually, and not just on the marks you have scored in any particular subject. If you are clear that you do not wish to take up Commerce, then Science may be a better option for you (provided you like and enjoy Math and Science), as it will keep all options open for you. By the time you complete PUC I, you should be able to narrow down to specific career goals, and accordingly prepare for entrance exams at the degree level.
