What is your Plan B?

Do you feel uncertain about a career option? Do you lack the freedom to choose a subject that you really want to pursue? Do you always feel low on self-confidence? Are you constantly doubting yourself? A Q&A column to assuage your doubts

September 21, 2019 12:10 pm | Updated September 23, 2019 02:49 pm IST

I am pursuing B.Sc Biotechnology in a government college. I did not get a seat for MBBS in my last attempt and am now preparing for it privately. My goal was to opt for research in the cancer or DNA stream. Do I choose MBBS or biotechnology? — Suma Swarajya Lakshmi

Dear Suma,

You are doing the right thing, so please don’t doubt yourself. You will need to do a master’s after this and then identify a college of repute to do your PhD from. AIIMS Delhi, IISC- Bengaluru, Institute of Bioinformatics - Bengaluru, Institute Of Life Sciences (ILS) - Ohisha, Tata Memorial Centre – Mumbai are all good places to collect information about, to help you decide whether you want to pursue cancer research or genetic research. There are many institutes internationally too, that provide aid and scholarship/s for a doctoral and a postdoctoral fellowship in research. All the best.

I am a postgraduate in anthropology. I aspired to become a civil servant. But with time and increase in competition, I now lack the confidence. I don’t know what else I should do. — Mamta

Dear Mamta,

I am not sure how young you are and so, if you are still eligible to take the IAS exams, please go ahead and write it. Stay persistent and committed, consistent with the preparation. Join classes if needed to stay serious, work hard and there is no time to loose self-confidence. A smart thing to do is also have your plan B chalked out — there are many lucrative jobs that you can apply for, with your current qualification — write to the Anthropological Survey of India and explore possibilities and opportunities with them. Alternatively, there are good openings across anthropology departments in colleges and universities, public health department, educational institutions, schools to help and assist with admissions and advisory roles. See what resonates with you and what you have a flair for. Good luck.

I am a BDS graduate who is nearing the end of my internship. I would like to pursue my master’s along with practice, in Germany. But, I am unable to gather any authentic information regarding master’s and work in Germany, after BDS. Please help. — Karthik Lal

Dear Karthik,

I don’t want to discourage you. The truth, however, is that the BDS/MDS obtained in India is not considered equivalent to the German Dental Degree. To be considered equivalent, one must pass the Dentist Approbation Examination. This entails that the candidate is excellent in German. Language skills (C1 level), and must be conversant in medical terminology with specific emphasis on dental topics. There are institutions in Germany that assist one to prepare for this. I am told there is little or no opportunity for foreign dentists in Germany, as there is no skill shortage whatsoever. Getting a job is tough, though not impossible. Please visit Goethe-Institute and enquire the prospects with officials directly as they promote and encourage international cultural exchange and relations.

I am pursuing my my second-year of graduation in analytical chemistry from Kirorimal college, Delhi University. I want to know about colleges that offer M.Sc analytical chemistry in India, and the eligibility criteria to gain admission to these colleges. Which colleges across India can I pursue my M.Sc analytical chemistry from? — Ruchi Chaudhary

Dear Ruchi,

Candidates applying for M.Sc. in analytical chemistry must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria — he/she must be a graduation in science (B.Sc.) stream with chemistry as one of the main subjects, and must have scored a minimum aggregate of 50% from a recognised university. The admission process varies across institutions. Some have an entrance test and a personal interview, where students are selected on merit. Yet other top institutions offering this course are Christ University in Bengaluru, N.I.T Warangal, V.I.T, Vellore, Ferguson, Pune, University of Mumbai, and so on.

Disclaimer: This column is not a substitute for long-term therapy. It is merely a guiding voice. Some issues may need medical intervention.

The writer is a practising counsellor and a trainer. She will answer questions sent to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com. The subject line should be: ‘Off the edge’

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