I’m spoilt for choice. And for once, plurality doesn’t seem like such a nice thing.
Yes, I did the rigmarole of school, then followed the herd to a graduate degree – and like Aamir, I’m now asking ‘Next is What’? Suddenly the security of a college student ID is past tense and the road ahead is multi-forked – do I take the job with its plum pay package and postpone studying for a while or ‘specialize’ in what-I’m-guessing is my area of interest. My mind is arguing both sides of the picture, weighing pros against cons. And the noisy clamor in my head also realizes that this time, ‘my’ decision is solely ‘my’ responsibility. Sometimes, it’s just easier to do as you’re told.
Amrutha Kuber, a fresh MOP graduate, puts it succinctly. “I was first choosing between an MBA and a PG in Mass Communication, and then between working and studying and now I think if I do get the job I really want, I might have to choose between the job and studying and working part time with an ex-boss.”
Or, she could dig a hole in the ground and hide.
The dilemma is no joke though. Ever since the invention of campus recruitments, students with under-graduate degrees have had to choose between enticing pay packages in uber cool work environments and signing up for a post-graduate course. Work does seem advisable as experience in the industry (although not mandatory for a Masters in India) helps in not only applying what you’ve learnt and streamlining your skills; it also teaches ‘perspective’ and moulds your individuality. As opposed to rushing through degree after degree like a bull against matadors. On the other hand, very few who opt for a job will ever trudge back to a classroom.
Sometimes, the decision is not entirely yours; parents and mentors may play a role. But mostly, only the individual’s opinion matters. Preeti Pratap, a student at SSN College of Engineering, prefers to study further “just for the love of it. I expect the next two years of my life to be very enriching both scientifically and culturally.” But post-PG, jobs aren’t handed on a platter, especially for arts and science students who realize it’s their turn to pursue. So how much does a wrong choice cost? And is there a second chance?
Nithya Alse, a fellow Commerce graduate confesses, “It’s all been all so confusing and frustrating to understand how my decision now will reflect in the future. But I think it’s okay not to know the answers to everything. They'll come to us when we least expect it.” Manju Thomas, who’s chosen the studying route, is more gung-ho. She sums up a treatise on her decision-making process and how she’s game for the consequences with the classic line from casino circuits, “Hit me".
There are a few lucky ones whose stars are in line, who’ve always known where they’re headed besides knowing how to get there. For the rest of us it’s a journey of faith into an unknown future, with both blind faith and some apprehension in the rucksack.
Individual Views
Mr. Jayaprakash Gandhi, a leading career consultant, says students in the engineering stream should plan their ‘next’ step right from the second year. This gives them adequate time to assess their strengths and weaknesses. For a Master’s degree, plenty of unexplored career options like data storage, cyber or network security are waiting in the wings. The GATE examination is compulsory for those aspiring to associate themselves with leading institutions like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and also for higher education in India. GRE and TOEFL require adequate preparation time too. He believes it’s time colleges break out of the commercial mould and focus on the academic pursuits of students. Otherwise, we’re heading towards an alarming situation where 13 lakh engineering students pass out each year of which only 20% are employable. Academic inclination is better for career growth in the long run.
Initially, when people asked me what I planned to do in my future, I almost certainly said higher studies. Well, then came placements. Getting placed in an IT company added a hint of confusion to my plans. But having done a BE in Biomedical Engineering, it seemed almost unfair to join an IT company and take a 360 degree turn. And when it came to making a decision, my fascination for the subject and possible opportunities in the US scored over the job offer. Whether my idea of pursuing a career in this field will be successful or not will be known only after my stint in the University. Till then, I’m keeping my palms together in prayer.
Sandhya S
Final year, Biomedical Engineering, SSN College of Engineering
Campuses are abuzz with companies like IBM, L&T, Wipro and many others recruiting students. I for one have decided that my calling is to begin my career now. It’s time to apply the knowledge I’ve acquired over 16 years to my work environment. A job would require let me explore new horizons and test my abilities as a professional. I’ll how to work together in a team, how to constantly innovate and improve my work and also become a responsible adult.
S Bhavani
Final year, Biomedical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College
Just when I thought I could relax a tad bit after four strenuous years of B.E, I have
to take the next important decision of my life. Every person I meet has the same ingeminating question – “so are you doing your Masters or going to work?”. After a thorough analysis of both these options, my answer is – WORK, for two years. With some work experience, I can gain insight into what a company demands from its employees. It will alleviate my choice of selecting a course to specialize in when I do my Masters. Moreover I will not be treated as a fresher later, which will also expand my job options.
Naveen Vasu
Final year, Mechanical Engineering, R.M.K Engineering College.
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