I am a class XI student exploring higher study options. What are the benefits of a liberal arts education?— Siddhika Rai, Pune
Liberal arts study programmes educate students in the social and natural sciences and humanities. They promote interdisciplinary study in subjects ranging from literature, languages, art history, music, to philosophy, history, and psychology. Liberal arts education stimulates students to develop their creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills through extensive reading and experiential learning.
Liberal arts graduates tend to be well-equipped to pursue careers in journalism, business, advertising, civil services, research, social work, academics, policy and financial analysis, banking and public relations, among other career options.
I am a graduate keen on signing up for the Indian Army. Please advise. — Prisha Chanda, Hisar
Women graduates aspiring to sign up with the Indian Army need to apply online (www.upsc.com) to be commissioned as short service officers in the graduate UPSC (non-technical), graduate UPSC (technical) and graduate non-UPSC cadres. Shortlisted candidates are called for interview by the Staff Selection Board in December/January or June/July.
I am an engineering graduate interested in a career in research. What are the eligibility requirements for the post of research assistant in DRDO, ISRO or BARC? — Manya Sirohi, Delhi
DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) are the country’s top defence and space science, and astomic research and development organisations that receive over 60 percent of the total R&D budget of the Union government. They have a two-stage process for recruiting research assistants — a written exam followed by an interview. To qualify for the written exam, you need to clear the national Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
What are the employment prospects of pure sciences graduates? Which higher ed institutions offer pure science study programmes?— Ansh Mehta, Gurgaon
Career opportunities in the field of pure science aka fundamental science, are primarily in the field of research and development. Among the top higher ed institutions in India offering pure science study programmes are: the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research at multiple locations; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram.
I am an English literature graduate exploring content writing as a career option… — Sambhav Jain, Lucknow
If you have a penchant for translating thoughts into words, content writing is a suitable career. A rapidly emerging 21st century vocation, content writing offers abundant opportunities to full-time and freelance writers in several fields. Explore opportunities in viral marketing, technical content, product listing, brochures and collaterals, in-house blogs, textbook writing, websites and business content.
I am a class XI science student (physics, chemistry, maths and biology). What are my study options after completing Plus Two?— Naman SINGH, Jalandhar
A PCMB combination qualifies you for undergraduate study programmes in medicine, engineering, allied medicine, architecture, aviation, life sciences, etc. However, to choose a suitable undergraduate study stream, it is advisable that you first select your prime subject of interest. Subsequently, you can focus on preparing for the various admission entrance examinations.
I am a class X student good in math and with a flair for design. What are my study options?— Namya PANDE, Panipat
Consider signing up for study programmes in product/industrial/automobile design and graphics/web design offered by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, Industrial Design Centre (IIT-Bombay), Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore and Maharashtra Institute of Design. Admission into these institutions is through a national entrance exam.
Architecture could also be a good option as architects are creative people with math and design capabilities. The premier IITs, NITs, Sir JJ School of Architecture, Mumbai are some of the best institutions which offer the five-year B.Arch study programme. Admission is on the basis of a good score in the entrance exam.
Will I be qualified for a job in the IT industry after completing my bachelor’s in computer applications (BCA) or do I need a Masters degree?— Siddharth Iyer, Bangalore
Employment depends on your academic record and reputation of the college from which you graduate. An MCA degree definitely gives you an edge in the jobs market.
(Responses in collaboration with Mindler Education Pvt. Ltd, a Gurgaon-based online career counseling company)
