Narrow down your interests

Dear Sir,
I am a Class 12 Commerce student (ISC). I had secured an aggregate of 85% in my Class 10 exams and scored the highest in Commerce (99%). Along with my studies, I also have a variety of interests such as painting, baking and writing. As a result, I am at crossroads now as to which career to choose.

I am interested in baking and wish to open a bakery someday. I am also interested in Actuarial Science and would like to know more about it. I am also interested in social service. Please guide me on what to do next.
A student

Dear Student,
You have a very wide range of interests which cover different lifestyles, expertise and skills. Though it is good to be an all-rounder, you need to start narrowing down to what your long-term career is going to be, keeping other interests as hobbies or part-time activities.

Since you are a student of Commerce, only engineering, medicine and other science-related fields are closed to you. Of the remaining, you can opt for any of the long list of interests you have mentioned, but it is essential to check whether you have the necessary talent and aptitude in the field you are about to choose.

If you cannot narrow down by yourself or with the help of your parents, you may opt for an aptitude test that is being done by many professionals across many cities. The assessment process will identify what you are really good at, and hence you can start the process of narrowing down your field and then selecting the most appropriate college for pursuing your degree.

Dear Sir,
I am a PhD student. Writing is my passion and I have written many short stories and essays which are yet to be published. I wish to take up freelance online content writing to meet my expenses. May I know some genuine websites that pay for content writing, especially the ones that are based abroad? Also, kindly let me know how the payments are done.
Manasa

Dear Manasa,
There are very few organisations that compensate substantially for content writing, particularly from new writers. If you can take up a short-term course in content writing through a reputed institute, they will be able to connect you to genuine websites. But be aware that it is going to be a slow and long process before you can establish yourself.

Dear Sir,
I am a Class 10 student. My main aim is to become an astrophysicist. I have a good focus on my studies and never found them tough. I have studied basics of Astrophysics too. Kindly guide how to work towards achieving my goal.
Aditya Miskin

Dear Aditya,
At this stage, you will need to take up Science at the Plus 2 level. Continuing in CBSE will train you to compete for all-India exams of the best science institutions like IISERs, NISERs, IISc, IITs or NITs.

When you are in Class 11, you can appear for the KVPY exam (www.kvpy.org.in) which will qualify you to take up a degree course in pure sciences, specialising in Physics, and then further specialising in Astrophysics. You will need to work hard as the exams and courses are quite competitive.

Dear Sir,
I have joined BSc (PCM) against the wish of my family members who wanted me to pursue engineering. They say I have bleak chances of prospering in my career. Kindly provide information about the various options that I have in future?
A student

Dear Student,
A degree in pure sciences lays the foundation for you to take up careers in a wide range of fields. You will need to identify which of the three subjects you are studying you have strongest affinity for and are good at. Based on that, you can decide on your higher studies.

If you wish to continue in the scientific field, you can opt for Statistics, Economics, Data Sciences, Astrophysics, Computer Sciences, Decision Sciences, Nuclear or Solar Energy, Nano Sciences etc. Alternatively, you can move into Management, Teaching, Administration, Writing, Mass Communication, Sustainable Development and Marketing, just to name a few.

Try and ascertain your talent, aptitude and interest by the time you complete second year, so that you can start preparing suitably for entrance exams.

Dear Sir,
I am a final year Mechanical engineering student. Please suggest how I can prepare for campus interviews, aptitude tests and group discussion rounds. Do also suggest some good books that can be helpful for my preparation.
A student

Dear Student,
It will be better if you get detailed guidance and coaching, but here are a few practical tips: Improve communication skills, test out your speaking, delivery, language and diction. Get up to date in current affairs and general knowledge. Think out a clear goal as to what area of Mechanical engineering or management you would like to pursue and list out your abilities or shortcomings in that area.

Organisations prefer candidates who are clear, focused and assertive. Get practice of answering aptitude tests. Reading books on these practical skills may not be as useful as taking guidance from an expert or a senior who has the time and inclination to mentor you and to point out areas where you need to improve.

Dear Sir,
I am a Class 11 student. I wish to pursue Bioengineering after Class 12. Please provide information about this field and it’s scope. Also, suggest other research-oriented fields.
Jagruti

Dear Jagruti,
Bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biotechnology are slow and steady fields which offer good prospects to those who are passionate and knowledgeable. So, first look up all the data you can get, speak to a few students pursuing these courses, and also speak to teachers or professionals from the field. There are many colleges all over India who offer these branches of engineering.

Once you complete about five to six semesters, you can decide what specialisation you would like to pursue. If you wish to get into research, you should upgrade to post-graduate degree, preferably from a reputed all-India institution or from an advanced country, and then move on to finding your domain expertise.

Dr Ali Khwaja is the founder and chairman of Banjara Academy, Bengaluru.

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