COUNSEL QUERIES

App development

Since everything today works on apps, they have become an essential aspect of human life. That’s why I want to try and work a career around the field of app development. I am going to take up science after my class 10 result this year.The doubt that I have is that what if all the ideas for new apps that I have are momentary and may not work on the long run? Then the doubt creeps into my mind that I might be making a mistake by thinking of a career in this field. Please advise.

– Jayesh Soni

Dear Jayesh, It is commendable that you already know what’s in, and whether or not it will suit you for a career. I would, however, advise you to not be so sceptical in your thinking. The fact that you were thinking about apps that are missing and needed is the first step towards the career move. That means that you are truly interested in this field. Also, several people who work in this field think that you are too young to even figure out which apps would be built how, and how to make them sustainable. So, I would say that the path that you have thought of is quite right, taking up science. After that I’d encourage you to take up computer engineering with a thrust of software development.

When you start college for 11th, you know you will be busy with preparation for the board exams and the entrance exams like the CET, also looking at the possible colleges that you might want to study in. That’s why I suggest that now in the few weeks that you have before your results, read up on app development and look at the finer aspects of how the thought process behind app development works. That would give you a fair idea on how to go forward with your aspirations.

After you start your engineering, a few months down the line, you will have a much clearer idea on apps and their usage and sustainability. At that point you will know whether your ideas are worthwhile or not, and whether you need to tweak anything.

Interest in hardware engineering

I have figured that I’m very good with hardware of different devices like phones, tablets and laptops. My parents also feel that I would do much better in a skill based job rather than something like accounting or finance.The part that scares me is the interaction with others. I talk very little and then too I have great difficulty in getting my point across. Most often people don’t interpret my words the way I mean them. So I am an introvert and have very few friends. Will this affect my prospects in this industry?

– Samir Potke

Dear Samir, It is great that you have analysed what you like and what you think you would be good at so that you can make a career in it. You can look at several courses that are offered for hardware testing and repair. You can also think of hardware engineering for which there are diploma and degree programmes. But you should look at a skill-based programme.

As far as you problem with communication goes, you need to build that ability, no matter which field you choose to work in. I would not encourage you to move on ahead in your life always doubting your communication skills. If you think your skills are weak, then you must work harder to overcome the difficulties and improve them. Wherever you work, you will have to talk to others, either they will be team members, superiors or subordinates, and clients.

In a field like hardware, I understand you are likely to face fewer problems, but you still need to be able to make others understand what you are exactly trying to say. You need to be able to talk clearly about the problems you are faced with in the computer and the solutions that you can offer. You have to build your communication skills to a level where people can understand what you are saying. You should be fine with that.

When you look at studying for this field, you should look at options you should look for courses which will give you job opportunities. Several types of courses are available to choose from. Those working in the field feel that a professional study programme will enable you to build your knowledge, and acquire precision skills. Not only that, it will teach you to be a life-long learner. Technology is developing and changing faster than seasons change today, and only those who are willing to upgrade their knowledge constantly will survive.

To opt for a degree in computer engineering after class 12, you will have to take up physics, chemistry and maths, since these are the subjects considered mainly for engineering. You will also have to prepare for the various entrance exams for engineering in different colleges. Several engineering colleges affiliated with Mumbai University offer the computer engineering degree programme.

You could also look at the different courses offered by private institutes and computer classes. All of them have different objectives for different kinds of students. They offer flexibility and practical experience. In a few cases, students are also allowed to extend the time period for finishing the course as well. The disadvantage could be that the fees could be slightly higher.

Interest in science and pathology

I am going to take up science in college (I have just finished my SSC exams) because I am interested in the field of pathology. I am looking for job security with fixed hours and no emergencies or late nights. I think I will be good at this. How do I go about my higher education? Please advise.

– Priti Natraj

Dear Priti, I hope you know that every profession related to medicine will involve hard work, especially during the course. So, even if you have fixed hours and no late nights, it will still be a strenuous job. Other than that, I feel that you have decided on a good profession, since it will never go out of fashion, and there will be additional tests introduced in the future. The health sector is advancing so rapidly that pathology as a field is growing by leaps and bounds in the country.

For this field, after finishing your class 10 exams you need to take up the science stream for 11th and 12th with physics, chemistry and biology. Courses in the field of pathology are being offered by a number of medical colleges and universities in Mumbai. Most of them generally conduct courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels.

The admission to the undergraduate courses is based on the marks secured in the class 12 (HSC or equivalent) from a recognised board. Those who want to opt for a postgraduate programme, need to have completed the undergraduate degree in a related field. The institutes in Mumbai include:

■ Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Parel

■ Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai Central

■ Padmashree Dr DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai

■ Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Medical College, Navi Mumbai

■ Maharashtra Institute Of Medical Science & Technology, Byculla

■ NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Pharmacy, Nerul

■ Damyanti Institute, Bhayandar

■ MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Mumbai

■ Asian Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai