Q&A: Get practical exposure

STUDY IN INDIA

Dear Sir,

My brother has completed his graduation in Mechanical engineering but was placed for Facilities Management. He switched to another company for the same position. There is not much growth in his field as I see. Can you please tell me what is good for him — changing the career line or studying further in his field?

Ashwini Rohidekar

Dear Ashwini,

It is not that there is no growth opportunity in Facilities Management. With giant infrastructure projects coming up regularly, he will be able to get better jobs if he keeps upgrading himself in the latest development, especially artificial intelligence controlled buildings, risk management etc. Having worked in two organisations, he should be in a position to decide whether he is enjoying the work, which should be a basic factor in whatever career decision he takes. Even if he decides not to continue, it is better that he does not give up his job till he finds a clarity in what field he would like to work long-term. What is ‘good for him’ can only be determined by evaluating his skills, aptitude, interest and personality traits.

Dear Sir,

I have completed my Masters degree in 2016. I like physics and always wanted to become a physicist. I did well until BSc, but could not get good marks in MSc. Prominent science institutions require good academic performance with first class (60%) in MSc as eligibility to apply for PhD. Is there any way I can pursue my dream of studying at a good institution?

Shivaling Desai

Dear Shivaling,

It is sad that you just missed getting a first class in MSc, but you should not give up your dreams due to one setback. Many research institutions have projects in which they are looking for associates to work on stipend. You can approach them and take up an assignment. Once you work well with a scientist/professor, there is a fair chance that they will accept you in their PhD programme. In the meanwhile, you will have meaningful learning that will enhance your capabilities in the field of physics. Do keep exploring till you get an opening.

Dear Sir,

I am pursuing Mechanical engineering and currently in the third year of my course. I’m interested in taking up a career in the civil services after graduation, but I am unsure of how to start about with the preparations. Is it the right time for me to be attending coaching classes? Or should I wait until graduation? After having referred to many coaching institutes I learnt that most of them are not offering weekend batches and rather insist on weekday batches of six hours per day. Please suggest.

Kavan

Dear Kavan,

To get into Class I Civil Services (i.e. IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS etc.), you need to appear for the CSAT exam held once in a year by the Union Public Service Commission, and there are also separate exams for specialised services such as Indian Engineering Service, Indian Forest Service etc. From an early stage, you need to keep up extensive study habits, build your personality to be presentable in interviews, keep physical fitness, keep abreast of all current affairs and general knowledge. You can also start self-study using manuals that are available in the market, and decide which optional subjects you would like to prepare for. When you complete your engineering, you can take up full-time coaching and then appear for the selection exams.

Dear Sir,

I am studying in Class 11 (PCMC). I want to study share market. Please provide me with some options or courses related to this.

Chinmay

Dear Chinmay,

Share markets do not follow strict laws of economics and finance, hence you need to build up practical skills that come more from exposure than study. There are a few simple books available in bookshops that will give you the basics. Periodically in every city some experts run short-term workshops, and you can contact your local Stock Market and get details from them. Subsequently, you can do mock investments in shares, monitor their movement and record whether you would have made profit or loss if you had actually invested in them. Subsequently, if you wish to make a career in it, you can take up study of commerce with share markets as an optional or credit course.

Dear Sir,

I am studying in 10th standard. I would like to join Science stream in PUC. I want to do Masters and PhD in Biology and enter teaching profession as a professor. How can I pursue my dream?

Yashaschandra

Dear Yashas,

It is good that you have an interest in pure science, and also in teaching. To start with, you can take up PCMB at PUC level, ensure that you maintain good grades. While in first PUC you can apply before September for the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana exam which is held in November each year (www.kvpy.org.in). Clearing this exam will not only get you a scholarship, but also, depending on your performance, admission to prestigious institutions like Indian Institutes of Science Eduation and Research (www.iiseradmission.in) or Indian Institute of Science ( www.kvpy.iisc.ernet.in). If you miss getting admission in those institutions, you can select the best local college, complete your BSc and move on to an MSc in the area of biology you are most interested in i.e. botany, zoology, genetics, microbiology etc.

Dear Sir,

I’m in my third year BTech (CSE) and lately, I found that my interest is in Management and so, I want to do MBA in Finance. But I’m confused whether I should take up coaching classes for CAT and how I should prepare for it. Also, is it better to pursue MBA after a few years of work experience or should I take up higher studies right after my BTech?

A Student

Dear Student,

It is true that the real benefit of a management programme is obtained only when you have seen the real working world, experienced corporate life and human interactions. Also, you should be fairly clear what domain specialisation you would be pursuing on a long-term basis. So, you are right if you decide to postpone getting into an MBA programme. Since you are interested in the Finance field, ensure that you take up a job relevant to it, and preferably in a smaller organisation where you get an opportunity to do hands-on work in different aspects of finance, and where you get to see the ups and downs of the company. After you have gained sufficient experience and the confidence to go ahead, you may decide whether you would like to do an MBA, a specific management diploma in finance, or even a programme in Chartered Management Accountancy. Till then keep exploring and keep all options open.