Not suited for a career in Law?

Pervin Malhotra

Q. I'm studying in Class XII. My parents want me to join Law coaching like some of my classmates are doing. But I'm not very sure that I want or am suited for a career in law. What should I do?

— SameerTandon

A.If you’re not very sure if you want to practice law, don’t worry. The options are limitless.

Getting a law degree is among the best education you can get. And the career possibilities are ample. Combining internships, moot courts and additional related courses in other social sciences, the study of Law  equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to kick-start your career as a lawyer, besides arming you with an intellectual rigor and array of skills that are necessary to succeed in virtually any profession or job, including in business, politics, journalism, and virtually any other profession that requires strong oral and written communication skills, an ability to approach tasks in a clear, reasoned and logical manner,  and an ability to think through and solve problems effectively.  While LLB graduates appear for the Judicial Services or UPSC exams, several others go on to become politicians, CEOs, mediators, arbitrators, consultants, union leaders, agents, journalists, professors, and much else. 

In India, you have two options to choose from. You can either opt for a 5-year integrated degree straight after Class XII or a three-year degree after graduation.

In case you're absolutely unsure about a career in law, you can opt for the latter option which will take a year longer, but allow you to keep your options open.

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The flip side of foreign varsity degree

Q.Will a master’s degree from abroad make any difference to my career prospects? I have done my bachelor’s in psychology but am confused whether I should do my master’s from India or abroad. I want to eventually be a child psychologist. — Upasna Krishnan

A. While a post graduate degree from a reputed foreign university would definitely make a difference, it’s important that you look at the ranking and accreditation of the university where you’re applying. Not everything foreign is good. There’s no point in going overseas if the university is not great; in which case you might as well do your master’s in India from a good Indian university. Also, do check out the eligibility requirements which vary from institution to institution and country to country. For instance, reputed universities in the US may require 16 years of undergrad studies (ours adds up to 15).

It may also help to consult a knowledgeable professional counsellor who will help you choose the right course in the right country and advice you on the funding and application timelines.

Be that as it may, in academic fields like psychology a PG course leading to a PhD would carry greater value than a mere master’s.

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Route to work as an engineer in ISRO

Q.I’m currently doing my BTech (final year) from a private college. I’m very keen to work in ISRO as an engineer. But some people say that ISRO only hires students from the IIT and NITs. Will I need to take special coaching?

— Avinash Mehta

A. That only IITians and NITians make it to ISRO isn’t true. Anyone who says that is somewhat ill-informed; hence best ignored.

ISRO regularly posts notifications for recruitment to several posts, including scientists/engineers — SC, on their official jobsite: www.isro.gov.in/careers

To be eligible to take the entrance test for  the post of scientist/engineer-SC, you should have completed BE/BTech/BSc (Engg.) or equivalent (the complete list is mentioned in the notification) with a 1st division (minimum aggregate of 65 per cent or CGPA 6.84/10 (avg. of all semesters for which the results are available). There is absolutely no relaxation in academic qualifications or marks for any reserved category applicants.

Oh, and just in case you don’t spot your college name amongst those listed on the form, don’t worry. You can select the “other Universities” option which is available in the drop down menu.

Once you’ve filled in the online application form, make sure you immediately make a note of the registration number and preserve it for any future correspondence.

While you’re at it, do also download the exam syllabus so you can compare it with your college syllabus. Then try solving the previous year’s question paper/s which are available on the site.

The syllabus of the objective-type written test which is typically held in December, is based on the BE/BTech curriculum (Electronics/Mechanical/ Computer Sc) whichever is applicable.

Instead of cramming up, make sure you clearly understand the concepts. Thoroughly mastering the core concepts from Year-2 onwards will help you crack the first round of the ISRO exam without having to go for special coaching.

Incidentally, all women candidates; SC/ ST; Ex- servicemen and PWDs are exempted from paying the Application Fee.

Once you’ve cleared the written test and Interview you will be sent on probation for a prescribed period after which you will be confirmed as a permanent scientist/engineer.

There are several other posts in ISRO for which candidates are recruited from time to time e.g. Assistant/Upper Division Clerk (administrative support staff) for which only Graduates in arts/commerce/management/science/computer applications (1st divn) are eligible to apply.

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How can I get into merchant navy

Q. I have been working for the past three years in an instrumentation factory after completing my BTech. Please tell me how I can get into the merchant navy?

— Milan Khanna

A.You can do so by enrolling for a one-year Graduate Mechanical Engineer (GME) course. The age limit for admission to this Pre-Sea Training course is 28 years.

Make sure you are medically fit. Glasses are permitted but the power in each eye should not exceed +/- 2.5. Colour blindness is an absolute disqualifier.

As far as the academic qualifications are concerned you need a BE / BTech (Mech), BE (Naval Arch; 50 per cent) with minimum 50 per cent in English in Class X or Plus II or Diploma in engineering or in BE or BTech.

Upon completion of the course and after obtaining Part ‘A’ of the MEO Class IV Certificate of Competency of the M/o Shipping from the Directorate General of Shipping, you’ll be recruited as a Junior/Assistant Marine Engineer.

It’s best to approach these companies directly. With further experience at sea and upon obtaining higher Certificates of Competency you can rise to the level of Chief Engineering Officer.

For the complete list of approved institutes that offer this and other courses in shipping, log on to the DGS website: www.dgshipping.gov.in

Selection to these courses is typically through a written exam followed by an interview and a medical exam.

The written exam consists of following:

a) Objective-type questions on basic engineering knowledge.

b) An English Essay on current topics.