Do you feel uncertain of a career option? Do you lack the freedom to choose a subject that you really want to pursue? Do you always feel low on self-confidence? Are you constantly doubting yourself?A Q&A column by Nandini Raman, practising counsellor and trainer, to assuage your doubts.
I scored 94.7% in my class X boards. However, the main motivation for me to study was to impress a girl. When she rejected me, I totally lost a reason to study. Even then I tried hard in class XII. But, my efficiency plummeted. I scored 93.8% in my boards but failed to crack IIT. I joined NIT Durgapur for my B.Tech in ECE and I do not like the curriculum. I have lost the drive and thus score average marks. Please help me to regain my drive. – Anonymous.
Wow! 95% and 94% is rather impressive. You are still the same person who scored these marks in the X and XII! You need to believe it, that’s all. Please thank that girl for having ignited the motivation in you. Now you know you can, if you really want to. You seem to be disinterested, bored or perhaps heartbroken? You just need to switch on again! Equip yourself with a sound education (and you know you can do this), set a goal that you want to achieve and work towards that. You will find the girl of your dreams when the time is right. Can you move from ECE to another stream now mid-semester? What would you enjoy studying? Where do you see yourself post your B.Tech? Masters? India or overseas? Work aspirations? What industry? The best will happen, believe it and visualise it.
I completed my graduation in 2013 and started preparing for Civil Services. I wrote IAS and PCS Mains and still in the process of PCS Mains’ second attempt. I could not get the best guidance at the right time, otherwise I might have done a post graduation in some field. Now I wish to know what options I have to start earning by working in something? Are there any opportunities for those who prepared for IAS and can directly do something based only on interview, without pursuing further education. I need to start earning now. Also what courses I can opt for while working? Are there any good distance education courses in fields like journalism or law which I can join while having a career after a few years? – Sumit Sharma
Dear Sumit,
Yes, it is a tiring, excruciatingly tough, painfully long, and difficult process to crack. Unfortunately despite your attempts, there is no extra privilege provided during hiring and interviews for those who have prepared for IAS for many years though you can certainly share the information with the HR / interview panel.
What have you done your graduation in? Yes, it’s been a while since you graduated and you should start earning. Find a job that interests and excites you, get in touch with good friends and family (that are well placed and can provide you with suitable openings and leads), meet HR placement consultants and explain to them what you would like to do. You can shortlist a list online, with your city preferences. There are various online and distant education courses certified from national and international universities that you can sign up to, once you find a job. You will find a rich directory for these online as well, if you look for the specific courses. Good Luck!
I scored 70% in Class X and XII, after that completed my Bachelor’s in Technology (Mechanical) and secured 65% marks. I never had any interest in engineering. When I was in the final year I accidentally cracked my GATE exam, and everyone started thinking I am studious. But honestly I am not and I have no idea how I cracked it. Although my GATE score was just at par, it was considered a huge achievement since there were only two of us from my branch who cracked this exam. At that time I had no idea what the benefits of clearing this exam were. After completing my Bachelor’s I didn’t get campus placement and afterwards I wasted about nine months in Delhi preparing for SSC CGL. After completing the course I returned home and found a job as an installation engineer for three months and later realised that it wasn’t for me. Later I decided to go for Masters and got admission in Thapar University. After completing Masters, I worked hard with my partner and opened an automobile company. It’s been two years of successful working in the company and now I’ve realised that I am still not happy and want to go into civil services via SSC CGL. I am already 27 now and worried because the age limit for SSC CGL for the general category is 30. Should I try for SSC now or should I continue with my business? — Nischay Chauhan
I do believe that you are seeking the true meaning of your name — “Nischay”— a resolve, a final decision, and surety of your identity perhaps. What do you want to do in life? What gives you joy and happiness? You have a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering and running a successful company but what is it that you are seeking deep within? How are you so sure that you are cut out for SSC CGL and that it will be an answer to your search now? Would it be possible for you to meet with a proficient counsellor who can work with you in greater depth and help you understand and identify your interests, hobbies, fears and concerns. I would like you to be a little more realistic and not romantic. You certainly don’t want SSC GCL to be another escape exit for the next two to three years.
My daughter completed her Class XII with a very good score of 95% in the commerce stream. With a keen interest, she took up economics as joined B.A Economics in Chennai. She wants to do her postgraduation with economics as major subject. What are her options in Chennai and other cities. She is not keen on pursuing MA or M.Phil. Please advice. — Sandhya
Dear Sandhya,
Your daughter can do a MBA in Business Economics, M.Sc. in Applied Economics or, Mathematical Economics, a MBE — Master of Business Economics or a PG diploma course like Applied Economics or Econometrics. What does she want to do? Depending on that she will need to start looking out for colleges and universities across the country that offer the course of her choice. Madras School of Economics, Delhi School of Economics, St. Stephen College, Delhi University, Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata, Sri Ram College of Commerce, IIT Kanpur and Banaras Hindu University are some of the very well reputed institutions.
Disclaimer: This column is not a substitute for long-term therapy. It is merely a guiding voice. Some issues may need medical intervention.
The author is a practising counsellor and a trainer. She will answer questions sent to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com. The subject line should be: ‘Off the edge’.