Identify your interests

The Hindu

2 days ago

I am in Class 12 (CBSE - Science with Biology). I am interested in a career in wildlife conservation but how do I go about it? Anna
Dear Anna,
Wildlife conservation is a rewarding field. Do well in your Class 12 board exams, especially Biology, as it will form the basis for your undergraduate studies. Look for colleges offering B.Sc. Wildlife Biology, B.Sc. Zoology, B.Sc. Botany, B.Sc. Environmental Science, B.Sc. Forestry, B.V.Sc. (Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry) or B.Sc. Biotechnology/Genetics. Check the curriculum, faculty, and research opportunities. Some prominent institutions in India for wildlife-related studies are the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun; National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru; the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal; and the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. Look at the websites for admission-related information, entrance exams and eligibility criteria.
To enhance your career prospects, a Master's degree in a specialised area is recommended. Some options include M.Sc. in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, Forestry (with specialisation in Wildlife Management), Environmental Science (with focus on Biodiversity and Conservation) or Conservation Biology. Potential job roles are a wildlife biologist or researcher, conservation biologist, forest officer, environment educator or outreach specialist wildlife veterinarian, policy analyst and so on.
I completed my degree in EEE in 2020. Though I cleared the prelims of some State PSC exams, I am yet to get a job. I am not interested in working as an engineer or investing more time in higher studies. I am interested in social service. How can I make a career in it? Gopika
Dear Gopika,
Social service is a broad field. You need to identify your area of interest. Which issues resonate most with you? Some options include the education sector (working with underprivileged children or adult literacy programmes), healthcare industry (public health initiatives or creating health awareness and access), environment (sustainable development, climate change advocacy or conservation), Human Rights (advocacy for marginalised groups, legal aid awareness, working for disability rights), and so on.
Gain experience through volunteering and internships, understand the realities of the field, and build connections. Look up NGOs, social enterprises, and government agencies that align with your interests. Websites like GiveIndia, Volunteer for India, and local NGO directories can be helpful.
Consider short-term courses or certifications in areas like Project Management, Social Work/Development, Communication and Advocacy, Monitoring and Evaluation.
I have done a PG in Social Work and am doing an internship. I am not interested in this field, but feel guilty because my family has invested so much in my education. My passion was to be a pilot, but I did not meet the height requirement and couldn't afford the course fee. I am now 25 and yearning for aviation. I am conflicted about whether to remain in the current field or pursue my passion. Name withheld
You seem to be in a rough situation. While respecting your family's investment and feelings is important, your long-term happiness and career satisfaction are a priority. Take another look at the requirements for being a pilot, especially specific height regulations of different aviation bodies (both Indian and international) to see if there is any way you can make the cut. Research different flight schools and training programmes. Costs can be significant as well. Research scholarships and financial aid or modular training programmes, which may be a more cost-effective way to gain pilot licenses compared to integrated programmes.
Are you willing consider other careers in the aviation sector such as Air Traffic Controller, Flight Dispatcher or Operations Officer, Airport Manager, Aviation Safety Officer, Cabin Crew, Aviation Ground Staff (Engineering or Maintenance) or Aviation Training and Education?
Please meet a professional career counsellor and get a profile test done to assess your skills, interests, and values, and explore potential paths that align with who you are now. This will also help you navigate the emotional aspects of this decision. Also have an honest and open conversation with your family about your feelings and explain that, while you appreciate their support, your internship has shown you that social work might not be the right long-term fit. Emphasise your desire to find a fulfilling career where you can thrive.
I finished B.Sc. Maths a year ago. What are the opportunities? Anishar
Dear Anishar,
If you are interested in higher studies, consider a Master's programme such as M.Sc. Maths or Applied Maths, Statistics, Data Science/Analytics, Actuarial Science, Master of Computer Applications (MCA), or an Master of Business Administration (MBA). Job opportunities for a B.Sc. Maths graduate could range from being a data analyst, actuarial assistant, banking associate, probationary officer, accountant, market research analyst and so on. If you would like to teach at the school level, you must do a B.Ed.
Many government organisations (both union and state) conduct recruitment exams for various positions that require analytical and problem-solving abilities. Keep an eye out for exams like SSC CGL, UPSC, and State PSC exams.
Research the different career paths and further education options. Look at job descriptions and course syllabi to see what aligns with your interests. Identify any additional skills you might need for your desired path like programming, statistical software, and so on and work on developing them.