COUNSEL QUERIES

Confusion regarding MBA

I am in SYBCom and I am keen on pursuing MBA after I graduate. I am an average student, so I know that there is a very slim chance that I secure admission to any of the top 10 institutes. My parents and family members are of the opinion that there is no use going to a lesser known institute. So I'm stuck. I don't know what to do. – Parag Chhotani

Dear Parag,

As much as parents feel that their children should go to the to institutes only, it is commendable that you are aware of your interests and abilities.

I, however, do not agree with your parents fully. I want to point out that all institutes work very hard for placements of their students every year. Most institutes have good placements as well. So, in that sense, of course you will have good prospects even if you go to a lesser known institute. It is interesting to note that a senior person from one of the institutes had mentioned once that the market/ industry had space for graduates from all kinds of institutes.

So even if top notch institutes may have well known companies on campus, there are other companies who recruit from other kinds of institutions.

I think you should not be afraid and march on ahead with your choice.

Teaching after BCom

I am in SYBCom, and I happy studying and participating in various activities in college. As a result, I have consciously chosen not to enroll for classes to go for CA entrance. Also, I am not interested in making it my profession. Until now, my parents were on board with my choice, and it was okay with them. But more they are getting impatient to know what I'm planning for the future. They are also pressurised because everyone they meet talks of the plans of their children. I'm not sure what I want in my future, but I am interested in teaching. What can I do? – Priyanka Jha

Dear Priyanka,

It is very likely that all parents feel a little pressurised when it comes to their children because they want the best for them. I'm assuming your parents are also feeling a little lost because you're graduating year is close and you don't have an idea what you want to do. Usually, the general perception is that when students don't have an idea, it becomes difficult for them to pursue a career very easily. As opposed to that if students know what they want to do in future, it becomes easy to choose the courses, study accordingly, and then look for opportunities thereafter. So I guess you need to talk to them regarding what you think, and what they want to know. Speak to them about their hopes and expectations and what they need to know from you. Also tell them about your idea to get into teaching.

Going into the specifics of teaching, there are a few options available to you. You have to decide whether you want to teach at school level or college level and which subject you want to teach. If you want to teach very young children, you can take up a course in early childhood care and education which will enable you to work with a preschool. If you want to become a teacher in primary or secondary school, you will have to enrol for the Bachelor in Education (BEd) programme after you graduate. The degree will equip you to work with any school in the city, depending on your subject expertise. Most BEd colleges also assist students with placements in the kinds of jobs they are looking for.

Finally, if you want to be a lecturer in college, you have to enrol for and take the National Eligibility Test (NET) or the State Eligibility Test (SET). That is the qualification needed to become a lecturer in a college. There are other needs and eligibility necessities, but those you can fulfill while you are preparing for your NET or SET. Once you get the job you want, you will know whether you want to study further or not and what you want to do.

Engineering to biology

I am almost done with the first year of my four-year BE programme. I have realised beyond doubt that I'm not interested in studying engineering at all. I was always interested in biology and wanted to take up BSc, but at the last minute I decided to take up BE because I scored well and my family thought I will do well. Is it possible for me to quit the BE programme and take up BSc in a biology subject of my choice? – Mona Patel

Dear Mona,

I understand it is quite a tricky situation for you since you have already spent a year in studying engineering, and now you want to give up that for a three-year course. However, it is a brave decision, and I am glad you realised soon enough that you are not cut out for this programme so rather than waiting until you graduate and then look for something you like. I also hope that since you haven’t mentioned anything about them, that your parents

are happy about this decision of yours and they are on broad with the idea of you quitting engineering to pursue a BSc.

As regards the admission is concerned, you don’t have to be too stressed. You need to look up which subject you want to major in and look for colleges which offer a BSc major in that subject. Go before hand and talk to the head of the department as well as the principal of these colleges regarding your situation, and most of them will be sympathetic and happy to guide you in the right direction. You follow the proper admission procedures and you will not have to worry, you will get admission. Don’t let the fact that you have spent one year in engineering get to you, it is okay, finally

it all adds o your experiences and knowledge. Also, make sure that you do not rely only on one college for admission to FYBSc, and that you at least have a few colleges in mind so that you are left with some safety net. You can have a list according to your preference, just make sure you apply to more than one college.

Interest in food

I am in SYBA and I now want to shift my career preferences from sociology to food. I am a good cook, but I have no avenues to pursue a fullfledged course now. I want to make a career in food, mainly baking. What can I do? – Bhairavi Mehta

Dear Bhairavi,

You do not have to worry too much. There are many options to learn and start networking for a career in baking through the internet. The first step would be to hone your cooking and baking skills, and then using social media to put up pictures and posts on what you do and intend to do. Look for openings with your friends, acquaintances to start small and take it on from there. Initially, you would have to be ready to work from home, and spend on some kitchen equipment, but then every career needs a little investment. For professional courses, look up these culinary institutes where short-term courses are offered. Also, many professionals offer private lessons at home in small groups and batches, and the duration of these courses is only a few days. Try and look up a few that might help you.