Assess your interests
Uncertain about your career options? Low on selfconfidence? This column may help
branches of Geography such as physical geography, human geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and environmental geography. Identify the areas you are interested in. Go in for internships or practical experience opportunities to gain handson experience and apply your knowledge in realworld settings. You could also consider a Master’s in Geography or a GIS Certification.
Career paths include Urban Planning, Environmental Consultant, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst, Cartography, Geospatial Data Scientist, Natural Resource Manager and Remote
Sensing Specialist.
Work on developing your technical skills and stay updated on advances and trends in Geography by reading academic journals, attending conferences, and participating in online courses. Try and join professional organisations in your region to network. Create a professional LinkedIn profile and engage with professionals to stay informed. Seek guidance from your academic advisors or a career counsellor for further advice.
I finished B.Tech. Mechanical Engineering in 2021 and started preparing for the UPSC exams. Even after three years, I have not cleared the Prelims. My family is optimistic but I am worried about my future. What other jobs can I look for? Johnson
Dear Johnson,
While you continue working for the UPSC, explore alternative career options that align with your background in Mechanical Engineering such as
Technical Consultant/Advisor, Project Manager (Engineering Projects), Quality Assurance Engineer, Research and Development Engineer, Production Manager, Sales Engineer, Energy Analyst/Consultant, Supply Chain Analyst, Technical Writer, Teaching/Training, Government Jobs in Technical Departments, Manufacturing Engineer, Technical Support Engineer, Automotive Engineer.
Assess your interests, skills, and longterm goals when considering these options. Get a career profiling to guide you based on your specific situation and aspirations.
I am a second-year M.A. Sociology student and have qualified for the NET exam. What jobs can I pursue immediately? Lakshmi
Dear Lakshmi,
Congratulations! You have various opportunities in academia, research, and related fields. You could apply for teaching positions as an Assistant Professor/ Lecturer in universities, colleges, or educational institutions; be a research assistant and contribute to scholarly publications; become a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and apply for research projects funded by various government agencies; be a content developer; explore Data Analysis or Research
Analysis; become a policy analyst, market researcher, social media analyst, Human Resources (HR) specialist, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager or apply for government jobs. You can also be a freelance consultant or get into career counselling.
Disclaimer: This column is merely a guiding voice and provides advice and suggestions on education and careers.