I have just graduated with a B.A. (Sociology-Psychology). I am interested in aquatics, e.g., diving, swimming, and learning about marine life. Fish-keeping and creativity are major hobbies of mine, however, I am unaware about the current careers related to my field of interest. I do not know how to go about it. Are there any institutes related to the field of aquatics? Is there scope for aquatics in India?
Melissa Pinto (21) / St Andrew’s College of Arts, Commerce & Science, Bandra

If you are passionate about underwater life, you may enjoy working as an aquarist. A professional aquarist is responsible for the caretaking of fish and underwater animals, their diets, overseeing tank cleanliness, and recognizing signs of sickness or distress. Many aquarist roles involve conducting field work by diving in oceans, rivers and lakes to collect samples and study underwater life.

To become an aquarist you should first have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in science subjects. You are also expected to learn scuba diving as it’s a requirement for almost all aquarist roles. You should also receive your cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certifications to ensure that you can provide emergency care to animals while spending significant time underwater.

Many aquarists work in zoos and aquariums. Fish and aquarium shops can be pretty lucrative provided you go about planning, stocking and running your business the right way. With a little determination, creativity, and forethought, you can turn your business idea into a successful aquarium shop in no time!

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I’m currently studying in Std XI. I want to become a data scientist. Which are the best institutions in India to study data science in? Can I study data science abroad? 
Rashi Chauhan

Data Science is one of the most sought-after and high-paying fields in the tech industry. You’ll need at least a degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, to work as a data scientist. Along with a degree, you are supposed to know some programming languages such as R, Python, SQL, C or Java and have strong database design and coding skills. Then you can go for PG course in business analytics, big data, and data science.

Some of the top colleges for these courses are IITs, IIM, NITs, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune (iiserpune.ac.in), Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad (isb.edu), S. P. Jain School of Global Management, Mumbai (spjain.org); Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai (greatlakes.edu.in).

You may also go abroad for studies in Data Science. But before deciding to study abroad, it is crucial to thoroughly weigh the costs and probable difficulties, such as tuition costs, living costs, and the difficulty of acclimating to a new place and culture.

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What is the scope for a B.Sc. in Biochemistry? Do I require Maths in Std XII for this?
Naina (15) / Pune

Biochemistry is a laboratory-based science that combines biology and chemistry. It explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. It focuses on what’s happening inside our cells, studying components like proteins, lipids and organelles.

To pursue a career in this field, you should start with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry. Eligibility is 10+2 with Chemistry and Biology. Mathematics is not necessary. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for advanced technician jobs, lab/research assistant positions, or testing and inspection jobs. An advanced degree is required for most other positions in the scientific field, for example, for jobs in management, sales, inspection, service, and some in applied research. A Ph.D. degree is needed for college teaching, independent research, and advancement to administrative positions.

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I am interested in art and sketching, and I want to choose animation as my career. But I am confused as to how to go about it. Please help me in choosing the best path.
Rei (15) / Nagercoil, T.N.

An animator brings a character or an item to life. They are focused on the design, drawing, layout, and production of graphically rich and appealing multimedia clips.

To pursue a career as an animator, you must be good at drawing and sketching. Only having an interest won’t work. Start sketching; it’ll help. A strong interest in computers, patience, hard labour, and attention to your task are also required for this field. After 10+2 (any stream), go for a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts (BFA), a three-year course. You may also go for a diploma course, which usually lasts for 6 months to 2 years.

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I am studying in Class 9. I would like to pursue a career in AI (Artificial Intelligence). Please guide me as to how to go about it after Class 10. Also, which are the best institutes in India for AI?
Mayank (15) / Mumbai

Artificial Intelligence is basically the intelligence of machines through which they try to mimic human intelligence. Technologies like Alexa and Google Assistant, are all works of Artificial Intelligence. The face unlock feature in mobile phones is also the art of Artificial Intelligence. It is one of the emerging, cutting-edge technologies in the world.

To join this field, you should take PCM in 10+2. Then pursue any undergraduate-level course in fields like data science, or computer science. Then go for certifications that specialise in the field of artificial intelligence. Many online learning sites like Great Learning, Udemy and Coursera offer such courses, which are usually for a few months only. Later, you just need to stay updated with the latest technologies.

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I am in Class 9 and I want to become a doctor. But I’m not able to focus on my studies. I want to pass the Class 10 board exams with flying colours. What should I do to focus on my studies?
Nishika (14) / Notre Dame School, Delhi

Since you want to be a doctor, find out for yourself which course you should do, what is the selection process and the level of competition, etc. Once you know your goal and what is required to achieve it, it will be easier to stay motivated and interested in your studies.

Here are some other tips:

• Don’t study for hours at a stretch and burn yourself out. Instead, study in short bursts followed by a small break. Taking short breaks every hour or so can help you recharge your brain and reduce fatigue.
• Don’t put yourself down by comparing yourself to others.
• Seek accountability; it can be an excellent way to develop an interest in studies. By sharing your study goals and progress with others, such as friends, family, or study groups, you can increase motivation and accountability.
• Take help for difficult subjects.
• Make a study time table as well as a goal for every day. Follow your time table and try to reach your goal regularly.
• Studying in a group is not only fun, but it also gives everyone in the group a sense of responsibility.

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What would be the availability or difficulty levels of pursuing a musical career in the future? Will competition be increasingly difficult, or is it important to focus on one specific genre? The entertainment industry is highly based on public opinion, so what would be a considerable path to follow in order to fulfil one’s musical passion?
Iniyan Achyudhan (15) / International Bilingual School at Tainan Science Park, Tainan, Taiwan

The music industry is always in need of innovative, creative, successful artists to introduce different styles and various fusions in this field. But there’s more to a career in music than just performance — it can involve one or many disciplines. The more versatile you are, the more opportunities you will have to work in the music business. 

Musicians may perform a variety of tasks depending on their area of specialization. Composers create musical compositions for films, plays, television and concerts. Conductors lead instrumental music groups, such as orchestras, dance bands, and various popular ensembles. Instrumental musicians play any of a wide variety of instruments such as the saxophone, trumpet, piano, guitar, drums, clarinet or flute. Some may be talented enough to play more than one instrument. Singers sing songs on stage, radio, television or motion pictures. DJs bring parties to life, using their mastery of music and beats to entertain crowds.

However, the music business is more challenging to break into than other sectors. There is a lot of competition, but if you hone your skills, build relationships with the right people, and put in the effort, you can pursue some of the careers described above.

The growing popularity of music in recent years has also resulted in increased employment opportunities. Social media has enabled fans to segment themselves into large supporting groups, which allows musicians to make a substantial income based on their talents, endorsements, ads or views. Many use their performing skills in amateur work or as a hobby. As someone rightly said, “It’s a great life, when it works.”

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I pursued my Master’s in English literature at Gujarat University. But I don’t know what to do now. I was interested in designing but couldn’t do that for some reason. And now I am interested in tourism. I have always wanted to see different places, I have always wanted to travel. Please guide me as to what to do and what not to do.
Qureshi Atiya (22) / Gujarat University, Ahmedabad

Since you’re interested in travel and have a degree in English, you may opt for becoming a tourist guide. The job of a tourist guide is very challenging and needs preparation with personality development. A course in tourism will provide you all the knowledge about sites, historical monuments and destinations with the facts the places hold.

The Tourism Office of the Government of India conducts a tour guide training programme. Students who have completed their graduation can apply for this course. The Ministry of Tourism (tourism.gov.in) provides licenses to the tourist guides and also organizes regional-level tourist guide training programmes.
Apart from this, IITTM (Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management) (iittm.ac.in) imparts short-term courses. Many private/public colleges also offer direct admission into tour guide programme in various disciplines.

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The future of commerce graduates lies in what they focus on for their future growth. If you like accounts, you may join courses in Chartered Accountancy (CA) or Cost ‘n’ Works Accountancy (CWA) or even Company Secretaryship (CS). If interested in management, you can go for MBA.

Similar to UPSC Civil Services, various states conduct civil services examination for their residents. State-level exams are supposed to be easier to crack. The Haryana Public Service Commission HPSC (https://hpsc.gov.in/) conducts an examination every year. The exam is in three steps: prelims exam, mains exam and interview, and eligibility is graduation.

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I am a 12th grade student. I am passionate about biology, and I am good at public speaking. I am planning to pursue biotechnology, but due to several reasons, I am not sure about that. I need your guidance in choosing a good career. Should I continue with biology or do I need to shift to computer science?
Fazila Sithik (17) / Kendriya Vidyalaya, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu

Ask yourself: Do you have good scientific investigation and problem-solving skills? Are you willing to do lot of reading, required to keep abreast of new developments and discoveries? Do you like Biology and Chemistry? If your answer is yes, then go for it.

Biotechnology is undoubtedly the future. Companies are investing heavily in research of new drugs and biological products, so this field is rapidly growing and offering wonderful opportunities. Even many state governments are setting up biotechnology parks. There are plenty of overseas opportunities for Indian students in countries like Canada, the US and other European countries.

You’ll need a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology, a 4-year course, for which eligibility is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Agriculture. Later go for M.Sc./MBA (Biotechnology).

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