I am doing B.Des. and would like to do M.Des. Transportation Design. Which colleges are good for this in India and abroad? Also will scholarships be available? Rohit
Dear Rohit,
Some of the top colleges for M.Des. Transportation Design in India are the Industrial Design Centre (IDC) and IIT-Bombay, Mumbai; National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad; MIT Institute of Design (MITID), Pune; World University of Design (WUD), Sonipat; Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), Chennai; and Strate School of Design, Bengaluru. Abroad, colleges to consider include Royal College of Art (RCA), London, and Coventry University, Coventry, the U.K.; Umeå Institute of Design (UID), Umeå University, Sweden; Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), Torino, and Scuola Politecnica di Design (SPD), Milan, Italy; ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, and College for Creative Studies (CCS), Detroit, the U.S.; and Pforzheim University, Pforzheim, Germany.
Scholarships depend on the college, academic merit, and portfolio. In India, many design institutes offer scholarships based on merit and the student’s financial situation. Industry-sponsored scholarships (Tata Trusts, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships) also offer financial assistance. Check specific admission criteria and websites for such opportunities.
I have a 9.2 CGPA in Electronics and Instrumentation but campus placements don’t seem to be happening. How can I find a job? Or should I do a Master’s? Ramesh
Dear Ramesh,
Don’t get discouraged. Your academic record is strong and, with a focused, proactive job search strategy, you will find a suitable opportunity. Get on online job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Freshersworld. Visit websites of companies that you are interested in and look for roles across Automation and Control Systems (e.g., Siemens, ABB, Schneider Electric, Emerson), Process Industries (Reliance, ONGC, BPCL), Power Generation (NTPC, BHEL), Manufacturing, Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing, Healthcare Instrumentation, Research and Development (ISRO, DRDO, CSIR labs), and Public Sector Undertakings. Keep an eye on their recruitment notifications.
Network and build a professional connection with alumni, industry professionals, and recruiters to learn about leads. Attend industry events. Ensure that your resume emphasises relevant technical skills for the role/s that you apply for by highlighting your projects and internship experience. Consider off-campus placements, job fairs and recruitment drives.
A Master’s depends on your career goals and circumstances. An M.Tech. will help you specialise in a niche area within your domain and enhance your job prospects for certain research-oriented roles thereby leading to a higher earning potential. If you enjoy R&D, you can consider a Ph.D. later. Consider taking the GATE, as it will open doors to M.Tech. programmes in top institutes as well as recruitment in some PSUs.
I am a first-year Geography Honours student and want to take the UPSC exams. But between commuting to college and coursework, I am not able to prepare. Sometimes I feel I will not clear the UPSC, that I am just wasting my parents’ money, and should just go back home. Please help. Nisha
Dear Nisha,
You seem overwhelmed between the demands of your coursework and your ambition. The first year is about adjusting to a new academic environment, exploring your subject, and building a strong foundational understanding. You are NOT wasting your parents’ money. Your course will help you build a strong foundation and critical thinking skills, which are valuable whether you clear the UPSC in your first attempt or not. UPSC is a marathon, not a sprint. You need sustained and strategic preparation over time.
Be true and honest to yourself. How much time does commuting, coursework and other activities? What are your energy levels after college? What is your preparation plan for the UPSC? Are you working on a structured plan or just feeling guilty about not studying enough?
A sustainable strategy might help! Prioritise your degree and do well in it. Slowly integrate the UPSC preparation by breaking it down into small, manageable steps into your existing routine. Read the newspaper for at least half an hour every day and focus on understanding current events and their socio-economic and political context. Try to read relevant NCERT textbooks for History, Geography, Polity, Economics. Even a few pages a day will help. Start thinking about potential optional subjects for the UPSC exam.
Create a realistic schedule beyond your college commitments and identify small pockets of time for UPSC-related activities. Be realistic about what you can achieve. Try to listen to podcasts or audiobooks related to current affairs or your subjects during your commute. Get enough sleep, eating healthy, and take short breaks lest you burn out. Explore the possibility of a study group where you can connect and study together. Study during free periods at college. Seek support when you feel overwhelmed and communicate these feelings to your parents, mentors, teachers. Discuss your concerns with faculty advisors who may be able to guide you in managing your time. Finally, don’t compare your progress with that of others. Everyone’s journey is different.
I graduated in Agriculture (2024), but don’t have the means to start a business. What opportunities do I have? Vijayalakshmi
Dear Vijayalakshmi,
Many state and central government departments of agriculture recruit graduates for Agricultural Officer or Extension Officer roles. Look for notifications for exams like the Indian Forest Service (IFS). The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its various research institutes across India hire scientists and research assistants. Check their websites for vacancies. Public and private sector banks often have Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) positions. Companies like National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) Food Corporation of India (FCI), State Seed Corporations, and others recruit agriculture graduates for various roles.
The private sector also has possibilities across agri-input, food processing, retail and agri-business, microfinance and other companies. Update your resume and register on job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and specialised agricultural job sites. Connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or talk to your professors about your job search. Consider an internship with a company or organisation in your field of interest to gain experience and build connections.
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
