SPOILT FOR CHOICE

Indian universities were often castigated for not offering student friendly, multi-disciplinary education. But one look at some of the course launched over the past few years, might force you to change that mindset, Now a days, progressive universities such as Delhi University (DU) offer courses which give students the liberty to mix and match seemingly disparate subjects. BA (Programme) is the restructured avatar of BA (Pass).

Job-oriented degrees are the flavour of the seasonWhile the latter was dismissed as a step cousin of BA (Hons) courses, the BA (Programme) deserves greater attention simply because of its liberal approach where one can major in more than one subject. But this course is not an exception.

With each passing year universities across the country have started offering much more flexible and job-oriented courses. Now, one need not go in for vanilla humanities or science programmes. Instead, you can choose a course more or less tailored to meet your demands. For instance, if both business and economics fascinate you, then go in for Bachelors in Business Economics (BBE).

It is offered in several DU colleges and the admission is usually through an entrance exam. In the same vein, a B.Sc in biochemistry or microbiology opens new avenues on the research and job front for those looking beyond pure science courses. Similarly, if it is media that you are interested in, then why wait till postgraduation. Opt for a bachelors in mass communication or journalism.

Some of the prominent colleges offering these are Lady Shi Ram College, Delhi, Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi and St. Xaviers, Mumbai. These courses have been around for some time and are extremely competitive. Even for those in technical streams there are plenty of new options available.

The launch of Chandrayaan has spawned a new generation of space enthusiasts who want to kick-start their career right after school. Indian Institute of Space Science Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, offers B.Tech degree with specialisation in avionic and aerospace engineering.

Several engineering colleges such as IITs and BITS Pilani have now started offering five year dual degrees which enable the students to complete their master’s alongside their B.tech. “These are a great option for students as they can do a concurrent postgraduation and can save a year,” says Pervin Malhotra, career counsellor.

Home Science is another course which has suffered the step-sisterly treatment but deserves a closer look. Placements in industries across the spectrum are usually a cakewalk for these students. “Most of my students realise that no other course gives this kind of a multi-disciplinary exposure and professional competency,” elaborates Anupa Siddhu, director, Lady Irwin College, (LIC), Delhi University.

While career options such as chartered accountancy and company secretary have been in vogue for some time, actuarial science is also gaining popularity. It is emerging as one of the most well paid option within the field of insurance. The course consists of a set of sixteen papers and can be completed over four to five years.

Social work, often looked down upon as a voluntary or retirement option, is now becoming a sought after career possibility. Bachelors in Social Work (B.S.W) can provide a great grounding for this career.

Thanks to the growing awareness and interest in Indian art, fine art courses have witnessed a resurgence in the past few years. Most graduates, when not keen on freelancing, find lucrative career options in the media.

But while most students choose their course with utmost care, subsidiary courses are not given any consideration. But these courses provide a taste of other streams which can ultimately be useful in your career.

“Choose your subsidiaries with your long- term career goal in mind. For an English student who is interested in media a minor in Hindi would help, as it would reinforce his or her bilinguality,” explains Jitin Chawla, Delhi based career counsellor.

But college is not just about studies. It is about gaining soft skills as well. Make most of college by joining add-on courses, participating in extra curricular activities and networking with other universities. When it comes to building a good profile and a resume these initiatives matter as much as the course you pursue.


Course bonanza


Bachelor of Business Economics
Available at: Delhi University colleges such as Gargi College, SGTB Khalsa College, Maharaja Agrasen College.
www.du.ac.in

Actuarial Science
Available at: Actuarial Society of India, Mumbai.
www.actuariesindia.org

B.Tech with specialisation in avionics, aerospace engineering
Available at: Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
www.iist.ac.in

Bachelor of Applied Science (H) Food Technology
Available at: Bhaskaracharya college of applied sciences,
www. bcas.du.ac.in

Bachelor of Science (H) Biomedical Science
Available at: Bhaskaracharya college of applied sciences, DU
www. bcas.du.ac.in

Bachelor of Fashion Technology (Apparel Production)
Available at: National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
www.nift.ac.in

Double Hounours
(a) B.B.A (Hons.), LL.B. (Hons)
(b) B.Sc. Technology (Hons.), LL.B. (Hons.)
Available at: National Law University, Jodhpur
www.nlujodhpur.ac.in