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My daughter has completed B.Tech. Food Technology and is wondering whether to pursue M.Tech or M.Sc. Food Science in India or abroad. How can we help her?Manoharan
An M.Tech. focuses on Applied Science and Engineering principles with an emphasis on practical applications, technology development, and industrial processes. An M.Sc. focuses on fundamental scientific principles and research which emphasises theoretical knowledge and in-depth scientific study.
What are your daughter’s interests and goals? Does she want to work in industrial settings, optimising processes, and developing new technologies (M.Tech.)? Or is she more interested in research, exploring scientific principles, and contributing to academic knowledge (M.Sc.)? Does she have specific interests within food technology such as food safety, nutrition, product development and so on? Where does she see herself in 5-10 years?
Studying in India has the following advantages: lower tuition fees and living expenses, a familiar cultural environment and chance to develop a strong network within the Indian food industry. Studying abroad will give her exposure to advanced research and technologies, international networking opportunities, enhanced career prospects in multinational companies and exposure to different cultures. Research countries that have strong food science programmes, their eligibility criteria, visa requirements and work opportunities after study. Check university rankings and faculty expertise, and review each programme’s curriculum to ensure that it aligns with her interests and career goals.
In India, the IITs, Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), and state agricultural universities are good. Let her gather relevant information and seek guidance from her professors. Get her to connect with alumni who have pursued M.Tech. or M.Sc in Food Science in India and abroad and see how their careers have taken shape. Help her identify the most important factors influencing her decision. Create a list of pros and cons and make a table comparing M.Tech. vs. M.Sc in India vs. abroad. Support her in exploring options and gathering information and encourage her to take ownership of the decision-making process.
I am doing B.A. (Hindi and Political Science) at Delhi University. I am from a lower-middle-class family from Rajasthan. Everyone expects me to prepare for the Civil Services because I am studying in Delhi. I don’t like the Civil Services but am confused about my career options. Please help me. Ravindra
It is okay to feel confused, especially with the pressure of expectations and the desire to find a fulfilling career. Think about and clarify what you are interested in: subjects or activities you enjoy, the work environments you see yourself in, and the values important to you? Are you good at writing, research, public speaking? How are your analytical and critical thinking skills? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Please meet a competent career counsellor to get a career profile that will help you. Options you can explore are journalism and media, content writing, teaching (for which you need to do a B.Ed.), translation and interpretation, public relations and so on.
Once you identify what you are interested in, gain practical experience via internships, volunteering and freelance opportunities. Network with professionals and reach out to people working in your fields of interest to get clarity. Also, have an honest conversation with your parents about your interests and career goals and explain your reasons for not wanting to write the UPSC exams.
I am doing a B.Sc. Climate Change and Environmental Science. What are the potential career paths? Aishwarya
There are a wide range of career paths: environmental consulting, climate change analysis and research, sustainability management, environmental policy and advocacy, environmental education and communication, geospatial analysis and remote sensing, corporate social responsibility and so on. Seek internships or volunteer opportunities with organisations and companies to understand the workplace and job roles. Attend conferences and workshops on these topics and connect with professionals in the field. Consider an M.Sc. in Environmental Science, Climate Science, or related fields or a Master’s in Public Policy or Environmental Policy or an MBA with a focus on Sustainability.
What is the scope of M.Sc. Environmental Science with GIS and Remote Sensing? Are there scholarships for Ph.D. programmes? Om Prakash
An M.Sc. in Environmental Science with GIS and Remote Sensing offers job opportunities in environmental consulting, government agencies such as ISRO and state pollution control boards, research institutions, NGOS, international organisations and the private sector. Specialised Master’s programmes are available in Geospatial Analysis, Remote Sensing Applications and Environmental Modelling. You can also consider a Ph.D. in Environmental Science or Geospatial Science.
In India, scholarship options include the CSIR-NET JRF, UGC-NET JRF, fellowships from the Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). International scholarships such as the Fulbright Scholarships (the U.S.), Chevening Scholarships (the U.K.), and DAAD Scholarships (Germany) are also available. Many universities also offer scholarships and research assistantships based on academic merit or research potential.
Disclaimer: This column is merely a guiding voice and provides advice and suggestions on education and careers.
The writer is a practising counsellor and a trainer. Send your questions to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com with the subject line Off the Edge
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