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 to assuage your doubts.
I completed my BE in 2010, joined an IT company, and quit the organisation in 2014. I tried to appear for public sector exams, but I was not able to clear them. So, I started taking math tuitions at home. I also joined as a teacher in a school for a short while. Today, I feel lost. At home, there is parental pressure to get married, but I am not interested. Kindly suggest what my next course of action should be. — Prashant Kumar
Dear Prashant,
What would one expect with no direction in one’s prime? What would you want to do? Are you currently a full-time math tuition teacher? Does that make you happy? Why can’t you get back to IT again? Marriage can wait till you and find your identity. Please try and meet a good counsellor and get some clarity.
I am a class XI PCM student and want to pursue B.Arch. However, I hear that architects are not paid much, despite working hard. Is it true? What should I do to build a strong career in architecture? What are the career prospects? — Shanthi Vijay
Dear Shanthi,
I am not sure what the source of your information on architects not making good money is. A beginner can expect to earn anything between ₹3 lakh to 4.5 l per annum; the salary increases gradually with experience and further education. An experienced architect can command up to ₹8-10 l per annum, in the current market. As with many industries, salaries vary based on your location, companies that you work for and other factors. Please speak to a few architects in the business and then make your final choice. NATA is the basic eligibility test for admission into architecture. You need a minimum of 50% marks in 10+ 2 in any stream (Commerce/ PCM) with math. You could start basic NATA coaching classes over the weekends, to get an edge to prepare for the entrance.
I am a B.E. mechanical engineer graduate. I worked for seven months in a tier-2 automotive company, but resigned and have been preparing for UPSC CSE for the last two months. I am interested in it and working hard everyday. But my family’s condition is not conducive. As I am the eldest, I don’t know whether to work, or pursue my interest at a later stage. Please help. — Vasiq Riaz
Dear Vasiq,
I understand your dilemma and the conflict it is creating for you. Right now, focus completely on your exam and give your best for its preparation (two months is hardly any time to be ready for it or give up). However, be mindful, realistic and practical of how long you are willing to give yourself to crack this exam. Set a realistic time period and should you, for any unforeseen reason not make it to this, move to plan B and take up a job again in your area of competence and expertise.
I am 23, and completed my B.Tech in chemical engineering in 2017. I was unable to find a suitable job. At present, I am preparing for government exams such as banking, SSC, and so on. However, I am interested in space science, especially in the field of propulsion of rockets. Is there any PG course in India to further continue my studies in rocket science? — Vijay Simha
Dear Vijay,
We are fortunate to have some of the finest aerospace and rocket engineering colleges in India. If you could balance your electives, IIT has a list of eligible courses for each specialisation. Visit the websites, go through the admission processes, look up the eligibility criteria, and start communication directly with the faculty through emails. All the best.
Disclaimer: This column is not a substitute for long-term therapy. It is merely a guiding voice. Some issues may need medical intervention.
The writer 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’