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!

The post I am interested in aquatics appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Plants have intrigued people for thousands of years. They provide aesthetic beauty as well as materials for our basic needs. Moreover, the application of plant sciences improves the yield and supply of medicines, foods, fibres, building materials and other plant products.

What’s this career about?

Botany can be a rewarding career option in India for those who have a passion for plants, the environment, and research. Botanists study all aspects of plant life, including their structure, growth, genetics, and interactions with the environment.

They could be: identifying, recording, monitoring or breeding a plant species or searching for a new species, studying plant populations at a number of sites across different locations, to investigate the effects of pollution, drought or agricultural pests, studying plant cells, structure and function, extracting any useful chemicals, working in conservation, protecting plant life in a local area, promoting public awareness through activities or managing plant collections at a botanic garden, using specialist laboratory equipment and techniques such as electron microscopes, digital imaging analysis and satellite imaging, exploring the use of plants in medicine; for example, finding out if a plant has anti-bacterial or anti-oxidant properties, studying plant evolution or genetics, collecting and analysing data, writing reports and making recommendations based on the results of experiments or observations.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post From Roots to Research: Exploring a Career as a Botanist appeared first on The Teenager Today.

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.

The post I want to become a data scientist appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Preparing for a career as a makeup artist requires a combination of technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and interpersonal skills. The scope is vast, and with dedication and continuous learning, you can turn your passion for makeup into a thriving and rewarding career.

What’s this career about?

Makeup artists are no longer people who run a beauty parlour. Nowadays, the makeup industry is a major industry. There are several different types of makeup artists, each with their own specialties and areas of expertise. Here are some of the most common types of makeup artists:

Makeup artists in the beauty and cosmetic industry work with brands, cosmetic companies and beauty salons to provide makeup services and promote products.
Bridal makeup artists focus on creating beautiful and long-lasting looks for brides, and members of the bridal party.

Fashion makeup artists specialize in creating makeup looks for fashion shows, runway presentations, and editorial photoshoots. These artists may also be involved in product development, testing and advising on trends. This career option requires a strong understanding of products, techniques and the ability to connect with customers. They may work as brand ambassadors, conducting makeup demonstrations, providing education and training and creating makeup looks to showcase the brand’s products.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Make up Your Career! appeared first on The Teenager Today.

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.

The post What is the scope for a B.Sc. in Biochemistry? appeared first on The Teenager Today.

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.

The post I want to choose animation as my career appeared first on The Teenager Today.

A career in finance is exciting and rewarding, and usually, very lucrative. If you have a head for numbers and a passion for financial planning, the financial sector might be the perfect fit for you.

What’s this career about?

Finance is all about managing money. It is a vast field with many different job opportunities. Here are some of the most common:

Financial Analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions; they often assess the performance of stock market investments, real estate, bonds, and other investments.

Investment Analysts assess and recommend investment decisions, often for a fund or investment company.

Commercial Bankers work for commercial banks and provide financial services (e.g, loans, lines of credit, etc.) to businesses.

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) prepare tax returns and advise individuals and businesses on tax planning, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations.
Personal Finance Advisors help individuals with budgeting, saving, investing, and other financial goals.

These jobs only scratch the surface of the finance sector. There are many other options for those who love working with numbers and want to pursue a lucrative career.

Finance jobs can be quite stressful. You are responsible for making critical decisions that could have a major impact on your company’s bottom line. That kind of pressure can be tough to handle day in and day out.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Love Numbers? Pursue a Career in Finance! appeared first on The Teenager Today.

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.

The post I would like to pursue a career in AI appeared first on The Teenager Today.

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.

The post I want to pass the Class 10 board exams with flying colours appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Businesses, governments and individuals are all vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cyber security aims to help them by protecting their systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks.

What’s this career about?

Individuals working in the field of cyber security are trained not only on how to control cyber-attacks, but also on how to put precautions to prevent an attack in the first place and retaliate against a cyber threat. The careers in cyber security can be diverse. Some of the common ones are:

Analysts typically view and manipulate data to achieve an end result. They help in planning, implementing and upgrading security measures and controls. They should be good with numbers, reports, or spreadsheets.

Engineers configure, set up, evaluate, and help put plans in place through software and hardware.

Architects play a vital role in designing the network and computer security architecture for various companies. In most cases, they work with the engineers to achieve that goal.

Developers typically develop algorithms, ciphers and security systems to hide sensitive information. They are also code-maker as well as code-breaker professionals.

Managers are responsible for maintaining the security protocols across the organization. They often review existing security policies as well as create the policies based on new threats. They also perform regular checks on all servers, switches, routers as well as other connected devices to provide security.

These responsibilities may vary widely from company to company. As a cybersecurity expert, you must have integrity and dependability, and should safeguard the interests of the company you are working with.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Careers in Cybersecurity appeared first on The Teenager Today.