Consider long-term goals – The Hindu

I have an option of doing M.Sc. Bioinformatics or M.Sc. Biotechnology. I want to build an industry-relevant, financially rewarding career and pursue a PhD. What factors should I consider while making my decision? Sneha

Dear Sneha,

Your choice depends on factors such as your long-term career goals, core interests, industry trends, and prospects for Ph.D. Both fields offer good career opportunities but differ in their focus, skill sets, and industry demands.

M.Sc. Bioinformatics combines Biology, Computer Science, and Statistics and is data-driven and computational, focusing on tools and algorithms to solve biological problems. It is increasingly in demand in personalised medicine, genomics, drug design, and healthcare analytics and in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, healthcare, and IT.

M.Sc. Biotechnology involves Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Technology to develop products and solutions in areas like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental sciences, and genetic engineering. It has lab work, hands-on experiments, and involves working directly with biological materials. Biotechnology has more traditional applications in drug development, agricultural biotech (GM crops), biofuels, and bioprocessing in areas like CRISPR gene editing, biopharmaceuticals, and biomanufacturing. This field has more hands-on industrial roles, including product development, R&D, quality control, and manufacturing, in pharmaceuticals, agritech, and environmental biotech.

Your interest in lab-based work versus computational biology should be the guiding factor in your decision. Additionally, research how each field aligns with your goal of pursuing a Ph.D. to build a career in either academic research or industrial R&D.

I’m doing a Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism but am confused about how to proceed. How can I get a good job? Shubham

Dear Shubham,

There are numerous career paths and the key is to align your skills, interests, and networking efforts with the right opportunities. Identify the area of interest across print/broadcast journalism, digital media, public relations, corporate communications, advertising and marketing, film and television production, social media management, documentary filmmaking, content writing or copywriting.

Build a strong portfolio that includes articles, broadcast pieces, video projects, blog posts, or social media campaigns. Sharpen your digital skills and gain some practical experience via internships and freelancing opportunities. Network and build connections by being a part of associations or media groups that can showcase job openings, professional development opportunities, and mentorship. Leverage LinkedIn to connect with media professionals, follow relevant companies, and apply for jobs. Regularly post updates about your work, share articles, or discuss trends in journalism and mass communication. Explore opportunities across journalism, PR, digital marketing, corporate communications, advertising, broadcasting, and academia. Consider short courses in digital marketing, public relations, or filmmaking to diversify your skillset and make yourself more versatile in the job market.

My daughter has completed her B.Des in Interaction Design and is working for a start-up. She wants to do an M.Des. from IIT-Mumbai. What other options does she have? Dhiraj

Dear Dhiraj,

Interaction Design is a growing field, and many reputed institutes offer specialised programmes in design, technology, and user experience. In India, the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad; Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bengaluru; MIT Institute of Design, Pune; IDC School of Design (IIT Delhi); or CEPT University, Ahmedabad are great choices.

Top international design schools include the Royal College of Art (RCA), London; Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsuburgh; Parsons School of Design, New York;  California College of the Arts (CCA), San Francisco (all in the U.S.); and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands. Consider a programme that offers strong coursework and industry connections in Interaction Design, UX Design, or Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Institutes with strong ties to the tech industry, start-ups, or design consultancies provide better internships and job opportunities. Studying abroad is expensive but many institutes offer scholarships and financial aid. A strong design portfolio is crucial to demonstrate her creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of user-centric design.

Job prospects after M.Des could be a User Experience (UX) Designer, User Interface (UI) Designer, Product Designer, Interaction Designer, Design Strategist, Usability Analyst, or Service Designer. She can work in tech companies, start-ups, design consultancies, e-commerce, or even pursue entrepreneurship by starting her own design studio or consultancy.

My daughter is in Class 12 (Commerce). She wants to graduate in Commerce along with joining coaching for CA exams. Are there any colleges that provide integrated B.Com and CA coaching? Mahatungade

Dear Mahatungade,

Several colleges in India offer integrated programmes combining B.Com with CA coaching. Some of them are St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru; Loyola College, Chennai; Christ University, Bengaluru; Jain University, Bengaluru; and Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai. Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata, and H.L. College of Commerce, Ahmedabad, Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune, also offer an integrated course and are accredited to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).