I would like to start a business after I complete my specialisation and gain more knowledge on the technical aspects of my field. I prefer being on the conventional side simply because I’m way too qualified to take up something unconventional now. But if given a chance, I would love being a skydiver like Felix Baumgartner, or an F1 driver. Who wouldn’t love being Lionel Messi either?-MOHAMED ABRAAR AHMED, Final Year, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sathyabama University
I would love taking up an unconventional career like that of an artist, or a Yoga teacher, because I am passionate about both. However, logically speaking, I have a responsibility towards my family and I don’t think my unconventional career choice would help me support them. Also, our education system does not provide us with the confidence to choose a different career. I would love to pursue my passion while in a regular job, as it all boils down to job security. Once I am successful in my venture, only then I will take it up as a full-time career. I think if I stick to a conventional job I don’t like, the possibility of establishing a successful career will be lost. -LOKESH KANNAN, II Year, Mechanical Engineering, Sree Sastha College of Engineering
If a person’s work life lasts for around 40 years, then you won’t be very satisfied if you work in a conventional job simply for money. I know many students who are brilliant photographers, or are good at webpage designing or event management. However, despite their passion, they sit for campus placements simply because they want to get into a “safe” job. Look at unconventional professions like circus artists, tour guides, or even writers! Imagine a life without them! They may be unconventional for the world but the people who do it love it. Personally, I would love to work as a storekeeper or an e-marketer as I would like to learn more about production and manufacturing. I can also apply my education and innovate in the work I do! - AKSHAY KUMAR L. JAIN, III Year, B.B.A., Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College
I am definitely one to choose an unconventional job. Speaking from the 21st century teenager viewpoint, I would opt for an unconventional job if mine were to tick the points of job satisfaction, steady income and stability. Gone are the days where engineering and medicine were our only sensible options. Nowadays, we have a wide range of daring, innovative new jobs to choose from and make a steady career out of, so I am definitely game for that.
My current field of study is Neuroscience which in itself is an interesting field with emerging prospects. Having done my under graduation in Zoology and Biotechnology, I have my choice of teaching prospects or I can tread on the path of research. I could also take up another unconventional but possible desk job. Having all these choices, I would mostly likely pursue a doctorate and then teach. In today’s world it is definitely possible! - AMRUTHA KALYANSUNDER, I Year, M.Sc Neuroscience, Sri Ramachandra University
I believe that the term “unconventional” is relative. If I belonged to a family of musicians, then a career in engineering would be unconventional. Looking at the general scenario, I think I love the idea of a job which would satisfy my creative hunger. As someone who likes to experiment all the time, the idea of a job where I could do my heart’s desire in a particular field (be it writing, or painting or singing) would be a dream come true. However, it is true that like most people, I want a career that enables me to live a life of luxury. So as long as a job pays decently well, and fulfils my creative ambitions, I’d prefer it over a job that pays better but doesn’t give me an opportunity to work in my area of interest. I am a writer by heart, and I love to debate. If I could be anyone, I’d be a journalist, a writer who not only goes around in search of truth, but gets to write about it. That way, I will have the power to force people to think on everything that happens. I could be the first step towards a changed society. -JAYA JAIN, III Year, Electrical and Electronics Engineer, VIT University
I would not be too comfortable taking up an unconventional job especially if I’m going to be living in a developing country like India where there is more demand for doctors and charted accountants and such. But doing something different is cool because there is always demand for everything. If there are going to be so many MBAs, someday MBAs aren’t going to get a job because there are already too many of them. I love writing and I am pursuing it as a side project right now. I would love to be a full-fledged writer someday! - R.B. LAKSHMI, I Year, BA Corporate Economics, Women’s Christian College
Usually, B. Tech students specialise to learn more about their stream, or get into a job. But I would like to sit for the UPSC exams. While most youngsters today prefer job security and money, I think if they are confident about their passion for an unconventional job they will pursue it. - RACHANA WESLEY, Final Year, B.tech, IIT-Madras
I don’t think there is any thing wrong with taking up an unconventional job. While conventional jobs may bring you money and job security, they make life bland and monotonous, without giving any satisfaction in return. Since I love travelling, I would love to be a travel writer. I also love cars so customising them would be an interesting job too! - MOHAMMED SALMAN, III Year, Mechanical Engineering, SRM University
As told to NOORAIN MOHAMMED NADIM
