Traditional vs New Courses

Last week I received call from my younger cousin brother. He was happy but was still lost. CBSE board declared X class results and he scored quite well in that (for those of you who don't know CBSE, it stands for Central Board of Secondary Education. It is the biggest authority for education in India at school level). So he was happy. But still was confused about his future. He asked me that can I assure him a good job, fat paycheck and ample onsite opportunity if he get into Bachelors of Engineering course in computer science stream and obviously clears that with good marks. Whoops boy no one in this world can guarantee that and neither did I.

He was again lost. He called up with the expectations that I would be able to mentor and guide him for a bright and fruitful career. His mind was just jumping between taking up traditional courses and opting for the new courses that lots of institutions have to offer. There was a time (may be in 20th century) when being an engineer/doctor/lawyer was something very prestigious and rewarding. But the world is not the same today, today education is just a criterion which can take you to a level and can give thrust to your profile but what matters is your grip and know how of what domain you are working in. There are hell lots of courses available today which you might not have even heard of. And they are all specialize ones. Have you ever heard of IITs providing specialization in nanoscience, biomedical sciences, applied economics, environmental science and engineering, earth sciences, polymer science, pulp and paper technology or Pune University providing P.G. Diploma in Geo-environmental appraisal and Management?

These seem to be pretty specialized courses and there are industries and institutions working in these niche areas which can give you ample opportunities. So what is holding you back? Get onto www and search for something which interests you and around which you can weave a remarkable, rewarding and self satisfying career.