I am a class X student and want to explore career options which don’t require study of maths. — Vishesh Kumar, Noida
Knowledge of mathematics at least of basic level is becoming increasingly necessary in all professions and vocations. However several career options are available for students with no love lost for maths. They include law; design (fashion, interior, leather, jewellery, user interface/experience, graphics, and product design); mass communication (advertising, content development, journalism, event management, public relations); business management (hotel, sports, fashion, advertising and branding); social sciences and humanities (psychology, social work, history, archaeology, international relations, administrative services, foreign languages) and medicine and allied disciplines.
I want to apply for a job as an investment banker after my graduation in commerce. Please advise. — Pranika Shah, Ahmedabad
To improve your chances of being employed as an investment banker, it would be advisable to sign up for an MBA or M.Sc postgrad programme with diplomas in chartered financial analysis, security markets and/or data analysis. To enhance your comprehension of the principles of accountancy, risk, markets, financial analysis and financial modeling, you should also apply for internships with investment banking firms/companies.
I am a class X student and my dream is to become an IAS officer. Which stream should I choose in Plus Two? — Sanya Khan, Lucknow
It doesn’t matter which stream or subjects you choose in Plus Two because you will be eligible to write the Civil Services exam conducted by the UPSC only after graduation. Therefore for now, focus on your class X board examination and choose subjects in Plus Two based on your interests and aptitude.
Subjects commonly taken at the undergraduate level by students who have cracked the Civil Services exam include Indian heritage and culture, history and geography, technology, economic development, bio-diversity, environment, security and disaster management governance, Constitution, polity, social justice and international relations.
Which exam board affiliation should I choose in my Plus Two to facilitate admission into foreign universities?— Sanyam Mathur, Gurgaon
Universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Singapore evaluate students on the basis of academic scores in higher secondary school, extra-curricular activities, performance in SAT/ACT and IELTS/TOEFL exams, letters of recommendation, essays and statement of purpose. High scores under these parameters will determine your admission into foreign varsities rather than the choice of exam board.
For your information, the Delhi-based CBSE, CISCE and state exam boards are widely believed to reward theoretical knowledge while offshore exam boards such as Cambridge International (UK) and International Baccalaureate (Geneva) reward applications-based and experiential learning. Make an informed choice!
I am a class IX student exploring the option of studying engineering or medicine after completing Plus Two. What are the new developments in the JEE/NEET exam formats?— Alisha Mehta, Mumbai
The JEE (Main) for admission into the IITs and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for admission into medical colleges countrywide will henceforth be conducted by the Union ministry of human resource development-promoted National Testing Agency — a specialist, autonomous examinations board. Hitherto, the Delhi-based Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted these public entrance exams. From 2019, JEE (Main) — an online exam — can be taken twice a year (January and April). However the JEE (Advanced) will continue to be conducted by a joint council of IITs. On the other hand, NEET — a pen-and-paper written test — will be conducted once a year in the month of May.
I want to study the humanities in Plus Two without leaving out maths. Will this be an advantage or disadvantage?— Murli Krishna, Chennai
The unique combination of humanities with mathematics enables students to explore contrasting disciplines. It will give you an edge if you apply for admission into study programmes in economics, business management, corporate law, experimental psychology, policy-making and data analysis of top-ranked universities. Moreover, most competitive entrance exams test candidates’ numerical and analytical skills.
I love cooking and want to pursue it as my career. Will a course in hotel management prepare me for a career as a master chef? — Shivam Singh, Bhopal
Many students aspiring for a chef’s career path make the mistake of signing up for a degree in hotel management which won’t develop your culinary skills. A better option is to sign up for a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts which will train you in the art of preparing, cooking and presenting food. This programme offers kitchen-specific paths of study with hands-on learning.
(Responses by Mindler Education Pvt. Ltd, a Gurgaon-based online career counseling company)