I am a BBA graduate and have worked in one of the big four audit firms for a year. I have always wanted to do something creative, and now I have decided to pursue a master’s in Design Management. Does this career have a good scope as not many people are even aware of this course? Also, the course structure of Design Management in many universities is too technical. Coming from a business background, I am not aware of the design tools, nor do I have a portfolio. The kind of design management I am looking forward to is where business is mixed with design, where creative solutions are formulated for business problems. How do I, as a non-design student, deal with admissions for art schools which offer design? What are the best universities for the course? What should I do for a transition from a business career to a design career?-- Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I conduct personality, interest, motivation and aptitude-based psychometric career assessments with a detailed subjective personality profiling, and hence will not be the right person to advise you on this. I think you would benefit from a face-to-face meeting with an educational consultant, who has hands-on knowledge and information on Design Management courses: admission criteria, cut-offs, colleges and career choices. Yes, it might be a tough bet to get an entry into a college of repute with no prior credentials and a portfolio to boast of, given that they also have a stringent entrance exam for the same. NID, IDC, IIT Bombay, NIFT Delhi, Srishti Bangalore, Pearl Academy have the course of your choice in India. Good luck.
I am 22 years old. I completed my graduation in BE Mechanical Engineering with 77%. Since I was careless during my final year, I did not get placed. I have searched for jobs, but the salary is very low. Hence, I have started preparing for SSC exam, but this time I have missed it. This has made me feel demotivated and depressed. One day I want my parents to be proud of me. Please suggest a solution. -- Bijoy
Dear Bijoy,
No point crying over spilt milk! If you haven’t cleared the SSC exams this time, try again. Prepare a few hours a day, sincerely, for the same. Why don’t you keep looking for a job as well? You just might find something that pays you well. That will also make your parents happy. I would think that at 22, you are seeking your identity, and the sooner you find yourself a job, the better you will feel about yourself. Please upload your CV on the top job portals and employment websites. I am sure you will hear from them in the affirmative, sooner than you think.
Best wishes.
I am in my final semester of master’s and am not able to motivate myself to do my project work. I have tried working in the library, home, hostel, study room, but to no avail. I seem to be unable to come out of this low feeling. Making schedules has never worked for me. I have qualified for the entrance exam to apply for PhD, but am not sure if I'll be able to finish my master’s in the first place. What steps do I take to have a more productive day? -- Preethiba
Hi Preethiba,
I understand that you are unable to motivate yourself to work on your project. Are you experiencing fatigue, weariness and exhaustion, or are you just overwhelmed and bored? I am sure it must be voluminous as well. What would it take for you to have a B-R-E-A-K? Depending on the submission date, you can take a quick rejuvenating, short break for a few days of complete peace! Switch off, breathe and relax! Come back refreshed and start afresh. Not completing it is not an option, as you do understand that it is a necessary prerequisite for your PhD course. You could be heading for a burnout. Break it down into small achievable goals and deal with one thing at a time. Set realistic goals with regard to accomplishment and time. Take care and good luck!
I am 14 years old and currently studying in Class IX in a reputed school. I have always been at the top of my class right from the beginning. But as the classes are progressing, I seem to be quite debilitated at the current state of affairs. I have started encountering competition more than ever. Owing to this fact, I easily get upset and confused at times. I try my level best to remain clear-headed but apparently can’t do so. I often try to regularise my timetable and am able to do it often, but that state usually remains for only a couple of days and then the inspiration just fades away. I might be able to study clearly for one or two days but the third day, I just don’t like doing anything and consequently waste the whole day without any progress. What should I do in this condition? – Mani
Dear Mani,
You are my youngest writer till date. I pick up your grit, determination and passion to excel in your academics from your email, which is praiseworthy at your tender age, but beware not to lose the joy of school life by getting trapped in the vicious race of competition and marks! Don’t get stressed out. ‘The only person that you should try to be better than… is the person you were yesterday’.Make sure you go through your classwork and read up just enough to stay connected for the next day’s class. Study in flat blocks of 50 minutes each and then take a break for 10-15 minutes. Get outdoors - exercise and play, it is necessary for you. Please make a realistic timetable, not a gruelling schedule (to please your parents, teachers and yourself), one that helps you reach your goal, not one that demotivates you. Plan what is genuinely doable week-wise, and make sure you get up from your study only once you accomplish that. Reward yourself post that. You will visually be able to map your progress through the year. All the very best to you!
Nandini Raman, a practising counsellor and a trainer, will answer your questions. She has worked extensively with students and young adults across a range of issues.
Disclaimer: This column is not a substitute for long-term therapy but merely a guiding voice. Some issues might be serious and may need medical intervention.
