Corporate job or Academic profession or civil service – Part 1

Hello and welcome back. Hope you could choose your stream wisely. In response to the previous article I received a lot of queries from many – esp.  in college regarding what to do next. It was really overwhelming and I appreciate that you all consider my articles helpful for you in your Student Life. Well, in reply to the queries whose main theme was – with the Job scenario, emerging start-ups and competitive Civil service or govt. sector jobs which one should be opted for. And, as govt. job aspirant would mean a lot of preparation – many even had this query – in the end if we really do not get through given the competitive nature and so many Quotas and reservations, what would be the return on investment regarding the time invested. Further, many from engineering and commerce background had this query – What Next? MBA or MTech / MCom? Corporate or Academic or Govt. Sector?

Well, today in this article I will answer all your queries. And, thanks for permitting me with the time which was required to conduct a research for writing this.

First – For the students of Technology – What to do Next

So, you are a student of Technology.

Final Year - If you happen to be in final year – read on, else refer to your relevant year. You have indeed very little time left – with your final year semesters and Projects. So, a careful assessment can not only help you in time management rather also enable you to take a decision you would cherish the rest of your lives.

First – decide what is it that you have learnt the best in your college years that you would love to carry forward. Is it any programming language – like Python or C++ or HTML or Javascript or MongoDB or SQL etc. Or is it any subject specific area which inspired you or you felt you could understand and connect better like – Computer Networking or Signal Systems or Database management or Digital electronics or Communication systems or VLSI technology or Wireless communication systems etc.

Next – Find out from the internet or relatives or professors or relevant people more about actually working with these day-in and day-out. Get to know better about these both in terms of academic scope and industrial avenue.

Next – match the job with your other traits and abilities. Also keep in consideration the extent of passion you have for which you can adapt even if your present traits do not fit the bill right now. Also make a tab of how much resources you would need to invest to pursue that particular area of interest. Find out if it needs any certification or a bachelor would be enough or if you would need to go for your masters. Have a career map. That will surely guide you clearly – what you should do.

If you are one of those who didn’t really find any subject interesting – well, relax. There are many like you. For you – decide upon which area in general attracts you. And then, follow the steps mentioned against ‘Next’  above. A tip for you – do not assume three things – a) learning ends with BTech degree.   b)IT sector or BPO-technical is something for every  engineering graduate      c) If Technical studies were a misfit – doing an MBA will surely enhance pay prospects.

Remember – people often compromise upon there interests based on futile misconceptions and later regret their entire life.

Do an MBA if you really wish to do it – have a passion for business and economics – or wish to have your own business where you feel some knowledge training or business exposure of an institute is necessary. Merely contemplating MBA will never raise Pay Package.

3^rd and 2^nd year – You still have time to explore. Do that. Take more time in understanding your subjects and developing your interests. You could also use your summers and winters to do internships and get trainings from organisations of repute that will enhance your practical knowledge. This way – you will be able to understand the practical world along with choosing your specializations wisely.

Also follow the steps mentioned above for the final year students. If you wish to appear for govt. jobs – it is the ideal time to start preparing. If your affinity lies in doing Mtech – start preparing for gate. You will have enough time to decide and prepare for the best performance.

1^st Year – Its just the beginning of your journey. Congratulate yourself for getting admitted into a college. Relax and calm yourself first.

Now, in your case two things can arise - one, is that you do not happen to like your college or the course you have been admitted to. Second - you love your journey and wish to delve deeper and deeper within.

In the first case - the solution that you should abide by is - never let the gloom set in. You can choose to spoil your life by following a regime of depression and stress. But, it will lead you nowhere in the end. Rather, you can equip yourself with an advantage granted to you in disguise. The key here is smart fusion of area which can be easily done in a hyper-interdependent world.

How? Well, first you aren't in the place you are supposed to be. But with MOOCs and You tubers and Internet resources you can have a fair idea of what would be the place like where you would love to be. And, the absence of those stuffs in your present situation will give you the opportunity to think and implement the changes - sometimes in an absolutely alternative way most suited to your surroundings. This is called creativity-innovation-change implementation-leadership-visionary in general which you can develop.

Second, if you happen to be upset over the fact that you weren't admitted to the course of your choice, well - you can have this rare advantage of being stronger in two areas - one in a new regime which you are admitted to and second, in the area where your new regime marries your interest. For instance - say you wanted to be a mechanical engineer but you could secure admission in computer science engineering. In this case - equip yourself with programming knowledge like Python and C and learn how they are used with electronics like running raspberry or Arduino or other sensors and microcontrollers. And next, learn AutoCAD and follow the products and website of Autodesk. You can get their Fusion360 software for free by registering as student. Learn from their plethora of tutorials. Next, combine the knowledge areas into creating smart designs for buildings, bridges, homes and office spaces.That way you can live your Mechanical engineering dream in a different way. Just a shift of notion that a core computer science background would lead you into software jobs.

Likewise you can make alternative choices for other streams as well.

Now, if you are one of those who already loves what you are into - kudos!! Go ahead with your dream. Delve into several extra resources too which would take you deeper into the subject. It is also the time you start preparing for Engineering service exams.

Well, that's all for now. Hope this will help you in realising your engineering dreams and also enjoy your journey. 

For Commerce and Arts, stay tuned. For personalised queries, your suggestions and feedback - do send in your emails at - 

aamiprabhasini@gmail.com

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Meet you Soon with my next article, till then Stay Healthy, Stay Happy, Stay Safe