Hello Students,

While you are ready to make real life choices post exams - it’s time to step back and look at the bigger picture, before you jump into your first step towards your dream career.

Traditionally students in India choose careers like this:

Bright ones/ toppers - opt for Science and go for either Engineering or Medical 

Average joes- opt for Commerce and end up in a job or a family business 

Rest - opt for Arts / God save them 

This mindset has changed and due to stiff competition and lots of reservation at the admission level, its best to choose your field looking at a few practical points:

1. Start by exclusion - think of all the stuff you absolutely don’t want to do. I hated Math so Science was my obvious choice.

2. Think about how many more years you have to study before you get the degree. Medical took me 5 and a half years for MBBS and then another 3 years for post graduation. 

Remember you are using your prime years to just get the basic degrees. Your friends will move on and get settled, married and make their first million before you. Are you patient and mature enough to handle this?

3. Can you fund your education right up to the end of it ? If you face a problem midway, which is possible given the length of time, what’s your plan B? How do you expect to finish the course?

4. Do you have a parent or a mentor to guide you along the way?

5. Once you are done, where do you plan to settle down, India or abroad? Choose your course accordingly such that it’s recognized abroad as well if you want to migrate in future.

6. If settling in India , plan if you want to be in a job or start on your own. You need to figure out the expenses involved, especially the property cost.

7. Lastly, what’s the incubation period before your career finally takes off? For a Doctor it’s typically 1500 working days. Seems like a lot right ?

Remember, dreams do come true but they are hard work. Stay focused, stay persistent and you will be able to do it. Don’t let your personal ups and downs set you back for over two, three days max. Have a clear vision and a strong will power to be able to achieve your goal !