Keep a Plan B ready!

I am in the second year of B.A. Economics (Business Studies minor). My primary career aspiration is Civil Services. Which Master’s programme would be best to prepare for this? Ashrita

Dear Ashrita,

You could do an M.A. in Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Development Studies or even an MBA if you are inclined towards the business side of governance. It depends on choosing your core interests and strengths while preparing for the Civil Services.

Identify your career goals beyond Civil Services and have a Plan B before you make the choice.

What are the prospects of an online Data Science course from IIT-Madras in terms of its relevance and demand in the job market? My son is studying science in Class 12. Prasun

Dear Prasun,

This could be a great opportunity, especially considering the growing demand and industry relevance for Data Science professionals today. Since the course is online, it offers flexibility in terms of time and location. It is well-structured and focuses on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in Python programming, statistics, machine learning algorithms, and data visualisation, all of which are crucial in the data science domain.

After the course, your son can explore roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, and more. These are highly sought-after roles, with competitive salaries.

If your son is planning to pursue higher studies in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, or Statistics, a foundation in Data Science will give him an edge both academically and professionally.

I am in the second year of M.Sc. Zoology. I attempted NEET six times but didn’t make it. I am wondering whether to take the CSIR-NET exam or the TNPSC exams. Which would be better? Rithik

Dear Rithik,

Both are great choices and offer distinct career opportunities. The choice depends on your long-term career goals and aspirations.

CSIR-NET is ideal for research and teaching. If you pass this exam, you become eligible for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professorship across universities and colleges. With your background in Zoology, you can opt for the Life Sciences paper in CSIR-NET, which will allow you to pursue PhD programmes and build a career in scientific research, including government-funded projects, university roles, or even in the private sector as a research scientist.

The TNPSC exams are ideal for jobs in the government. This will provide you with a secure and stable job in the administrative or public sector. You can qualify for a range of positions such as Assistant Director, Sub-Registrar, Deputy Collector, District Educational Officer and so on depending on the exam grade. It will provide a good salary, and benefits such as job security, promotions, and pensions. The exam assesses your knowledge of general studies, aptitude, Tamil culture, and administrative skills.

Base your decision on your career interest. Do you want to stay in Zoology and research or transition into administration and public service?

I completed M.Sc Maths in 2020 and am preparing for the Civil Services. I have developed an interest in social and environmental work and would like to be an entrepreneur. How can I transition to social entrepreneurship? Sima

Dear Sima,

Transitioning to social entrepreneurship requires combining your passion for social change with business acumen. Leverage your mathematical expertise and build knowledge in entrepreneurship, to create a meaningful enterprise that addresses critical social or environmental issues while staying financially sustainable.

What is the cause you are passionate about: sustainable development, education, healthcare, rural development, or climate change? Research and understand the challenges, gaps, and specific needs within that space. Apply data analysis, statistics, and problem-solving skills to develop solutions in areas like impact measurement, creating efficient models for social interventions, analysing data to drive environmental change and showcasing the impact through data-driven insights to attract funding and partners.

Understand the ecosystem of social entrepreneurship, study how social enterprises work, the business models, and how they differ from traditional businesses. Familiarise yourself with successful ones to understand how they operate and scale their impact. Volunteer or work with an established NGO, social enterprise, or environmental organisation in project management, community engagement, or fundraising to gain insights into how they function and network with people in the field.

Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and learn about business development, financial management, and marketing to create a sustainable business model. A course or training in social entrepreneurship will help. Connect with mentors, advisors and peers through communities like Ashoka, The Global Impact Hub, or Tata Social Enterprise Challenge.

Published – December 29, 2024 11:30 am IST