Reframe your thinking – The Hindu

I am in Class 12 (Humanities). My interests are History and Literature, but people say it is better to pursue Economics or Psychology. Would International Relations, which will enable me to study global history, be an option? Literature is one of my passions. I love reading and the creative aspect of the arts. What courses can I take that align with my interests? Naina

Dear Naina,

The key is to find ways to connect your interests to careers. International Relations and Global Studies address your interest in global history and provide a structured, respected academic and career path. Look up programmes such as B.A. (Hons) International Relations, Global Affairs, or Political Science with an IR specialisation, which can lead to careers in diplomacy, policy research, international development, journalism, or public affairs and risk analysis.

If Literature and Creative Arts excite you, consider a B.A. (Hons) in English Literature or Comparative Literature or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (offered by some institutions). Career paths could be content strategist, copywriter, editor, technical writer, journalist, social media manager or teaching in schools/colleges.

You can also look at a hybrid interdisciplinary path which can combine your interests. For example, History, Literature and Media Studies can lead to a career in documentary filmmaking, historical research for films or television, or arts journalism. A combination of History, Literature and Cultural Studies or Museum Work can lead to jobs such as curator, archivist, museum educator, or cultural resource manager. History and Public Policy or Public Administration can lead to paths such as policy analyst, legislative assistant and so on.

Look at History and Literature as foundational subjects and research for specific courses within the larger degree. For interdisciplinary majors, look up JNU’s School of International Studies, Ashoka University, Christ University and St. Stephen’s College and Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi University that allow you to take electives across departments.

I am a Political Science student and want to pursue a PG Diploma in Rural Development. Which are the best institutions for this? Also, what will be the job opportunities? Susan

Dear Susan,

A PG Diploma in Rural Development is a strategic value addition to a Political Science degree. Research programmes offered by IIM-Ahmedabad, TISS Mumbai and Tuljapur, Xavier Institute of Social Service and Institute of Rural Management, Anand, that offer related courses. Other institutes that you can consider are National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad; and Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Bengaluru and Jaipur. Also research State and Central Universities for programmes.

Job opportunities exist across the government and public sector, in NGOs and non-profits, the banking industry, and in the corporate sector. The first offers roles such as rural development or block development officer in organisations such as NABARD and State Rural Livelihood Missions. NGOs require people to coordinate and manage projects and monitor and evaluate them. The corporate sector will offer roles across CSR projects and managing projects in rural areas. Banking and Microfinance offer roles in regional rural banks and in branches in rural areas.

I finished B.A. (Hons) Hindi in 2023 and teach at an NGO. I’m preparing for the SSC CPO exam. I worry that I might fall behind in my career. Aayushi

Dear Aayushi,

Leverage your Hindi expertise and look for content or copy writing roles in digital marketing agencies, news portals, ed-tech companies and marketing companies. Create a portfolio with samples of your writing in Hindi. Consider translation or subtitling in OTT platforms, media houses, publishing companies and other agencies.. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have many translation gigs to build experience. Your experience at the NGO can also lead to a CSR job in a corporate or other NGOs.

Beyond SSC CPO, try for the UPSC, State PSC Exams, Railway Recruitment Board, and Staff Selection Commission exams for roles across various ministries. Banks also need candidates proficient in the local language, so attempt the banking exams. Be active on LinkedIn, Naukri.com, and Indeed.

I am doing B.Tech. Civil Engineering. I am from a lower-middle-class family and everyone expects me to prepare for the Civil Services. What are my other options? Sai Ganesh

Dear Sai,

Reflect and decide your action plan and then talk to your family about your path. For now, focus on your course, as it can lead to a good job via campus placement and allow you to address the financial pressure at home. Apart from considering jobs at core construction and infrastructure companies, also consider an MBA in Project Management from a good institute or a Master’s in Public Policy from institutes such as IIM-Bangalore or TISS or a Master’s in Urban Planning or Transportation Engineering. These are much in demand and will prepare you for high-level roles.

You can also consider jobs in PSUs such as ONGC, BHEL, or NTPC, for which you may need to take the GATE or their own exams. Also, look at taking State PSC Exams where the competition is less intense than the UPSC. Government Fellowship Programmes, like the Young Professional Fellowship or roles with NITI Aayog, are fixed-term roles that involve working directly with government ministries on key projects.