I finished B.E. Civil Engineering in 2023 and worked for a year. I resigned because I couldn't prepare for the UPSC. I would like to do other courses as a backup. I thought of B.Sc. Criminology but some say it doesn't go with my degree. What other options do I have? Karshi

Dear Karshi,

Doing B.Sc. Criminology now is a significant pivot. Why do you want to do this course? Are you willing to invest another three years when you already have a valuable Engineering degree? Consider staying within Civil Engineering and exploring related or new fields that offer shorter course durations or postgraduate programmes. Your degree, combined with a year of experience in steel detailing, provides a solid foundation. Look at enhancing your profile and leveraging your credentials.

Consider becoming software proficient in BIM, Structural Analysis Software, GIS, and Project Management Software. Certifications and short-term courses in core disciplines like Quantity Surveying and Estimation, Construction Project Management, Quality Assurance or Control, Structural Design, Environmental Engineering or Sustainable Construction, and Geotechnical Engineering will open doors to better-paying, more diverse roles within your domain. An MBA or a PG Diploma in Project Management will allow you to transition into management.

Beyond the UPSC CSE, look at UPSC Engineering Services Examination, SSC Junior Engineer exams or State PSC Assistant Engineer or Junior Engineer exams or take the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering for recruitment in public sector undertakings or M.Tech. admissions.

I have a PG in Advertising and PR and want to study further. I may want to get into teaching later. What are my options? Adithi

Dear Adithi,

Your degree gives you a strong foundation in communication, brand building, and strategic messaging. While a PhD. is the traditional route for a full-fledged academic career, you can explore taking the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) to become an Assistant Professor, and qualify for the Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. You can also consider a PG Diploma in Teaching or Education to equip yourself with the pedagogical skills required for teaching.

Other options include an MBA specialising in Marketing or Brand Management or a Master's in related fields like Mass Communication and Journalism, Digital Marketing or Communication, Media Studies, UX/UI Design or Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). There are also specialised industry focussed programmes such as Advanced Digital Marketing and Analytics, Crisis Communication Management, Brand Strategy and Management, Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and Event Management and Experiential Marketing.

Try to gain relevant industry experience and try working as a freelance PR consultant, content strategist, or digital marketer. This will build a portfolio, allow you to network, and showcase your practical skills.

I am in Class 12 (PCMB) and want to transition towards a career in Law. I tried my best to prepare for JEE, but the subjects did not interest me. I was bullied for being inattentive and scoring poor marks. My resources and opportunities are limited. I sometimes find myself questioning my potential and place in this field. Abhinav

Dear Abhinav,

It takes courage to acknowledge that a path is not right for you. Your feelings and choices are valid. Your performance in JEE does not define your intelligence or potential for Law. I hope your decision to pursue Law comes from a genuine love for the subject.

You can do a five-year integrated B.A. LL.B. or B.B.A. LL.B., or B.Sc. LL.B. Focus on the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), as it decides admissions to 24 out of 25 National Law Universities (NLUs) and other reputed private law colleges in India. The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is for admission to National Law University, Delhi, specifically. Other exams to consider are SLAT (for Symbiosis Law Schools), LSAT India (for Jindal Global Law School and others), and various university-specific exams (Christ University, IP University, BHU, AMU).

Understand the syllabus and the exam pattern thoroughly, get the right study material, and create a disciplined study plan. Look after your mental well-being and get professional support if needed to let go of the past negative experiences. The bullying and academic struggles do not define you.

I am in Class 12 (PCM) but strongly interested in a B.A. (Hons) History at Delhi University. Do students from a science background face any academic or admission-related challenges? What will my future opportunities be? Swaroop

Dear Swaroop,

Genuine interest is the crucial factor for success and satisfaction in any field. Develop core skills like creative thinking and analysis, research, problem solving, communication, empathy and contextual understanding, as these are of high value and transferable to a variety of industries and sectors.

A History degree from a top DU college will build a strong foundation for many careers. You will have to take Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG). You will have an initial adjustment period transitioning from the sciences to the humanities, as History involves extensive reading, critical analysis of texts, essay writing, and developing arguments.

Career opportunities are diverse and rewarding. You could be a government servant via the UPSC CSE or the State PSC exams. Other avenues include working in museums, archives and heritage management, journalism and media, content writing, tourism or academia and research.

Disclaimer: This column is merely a guiding voice and provides advice and suggestions on education and careers.

The writer is a practising counsellor and a trainer. Send your questions to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com with the subject line Off the Edge

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