Category Ask the Psychologist

I am a student of Std X. I am really interested in literature and would like to pursue my career in this field. Please help me with a list of career options, courses and colleges in this field.

Literature is a vast and engaging field. But the career path after college is somewhat undefined, largely because there’s so much you can do with a degree in literature.

Many of the skills, obtained through the study of English, are highly prized in every job or profession. These are: being able to write well; to convey meaning precisely; to argue and debate; to read pages of prose and pick out the essential points; to persuade others of your point of view; to think and act creatively.

Media can be a good fit for an English literature graduate, as they offer a good way to apply your knowledge of the written language. These skills will also serve you well in advertising and marketing. Teaching in another option; from primary education right up to college, the English subject is considered important at all stages.

Publishing is an area that is coming up fast, and those with a literary bent of mind should definitely consider it. You’ll probably start off as a proof-reader, but who knows, you may be editing a best-selling novel in the years to come!

Creative writing and even technical writing is yet another option. A career in technical writing does not require a scientific or engineering background, but it does require an excellent command of the English language and the ability to write logically, clearly and accurately.

Translation is yet another area, especially if you’re familiar with another language besides English. Due to their improved skills, even advertising and PR agencies find literature graduates suitable for their work.

 

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I am a student of Std VII. I want to make career in tour management. What steps should I take?

Tour managers are responsible for accompanying tours from beginning to end. They play an integral part in ensuring their clients’ tour experience meets their expectation. A professional course in tour management will help you understand the nuances of the job. Many institutes offer short-term courses in tour management. Preference is given to applicants who are well-travelled. The knowledge of a foreign language also helps in securing admission. Usually, tour guides get most of their training on the job, as most travel agencies train their tour operators at least for two months before sending them on solo trips. The finer tricks of the trade are learnt by assisting senior tour mangers, observing them while they manoeuvre and make the trip exciting for travellers. Eligibility for these courses is graduation. Since you are in class VII, at present, just focus on your current studies and do well.

 

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I am a student of Std VIII. I want to pursue my career in astronomy. I want to join ISRO. What are the qualifications and degrees required? Please list the suitable colleges in Mumbai to pursue this.

The first step is to take Mathematics and Physics in 10+2. There are not many universities in India which offer an undergraduate programme in Astronomy, so you should go for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics. Then go for M.Sc. followed by Ph.D.; this will enable you to become an astronomer. If you are keen on joining ISRO, then one of the modes is through Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Trivandrum. IIST offers 4-year B.Tech. programmes and 5-year dual degree programmes and admission is on the basis of your score in the JEE Advance examination. After completion of the programme, students, on the basis of merit, are absorbed by ISRO.

 

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I am Std XII student of Humanities. I am very interested in civil services and I want to become an IAS officer. What do I have to study to achieve my goal?

In order to become an IAS Officer, you must apply for the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC. It consists of three stages: preliminary, mains and interview. The basic eligibility is graduation in any field. This examination is one of the toughest and requires thorough preparation. Clear your basics first; NCRT books will help you. Start reading The Hindu or Indian Express every day. Don’t just focus on trivial facts or details. Go through the editorials and try looking at the issues with an unbiased mindset. Also subscribe to magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, India Today, Frontline, Competition and Success Review, etc., for deep insights. Work on your vocabulary and improve your communication skills. Though real preparation starts while doing graduation, these suggestions will help you to improve your general knowledge.

 

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How can I get my mother to trust me?

I am 14 years old. My mother allowed me to join Facebook, but once she opened my profile and saw that many of my friends were boys. She scolded me for making boys my friends but I know all of them. Now she doesn’t let me use the internet and Facebook. She thinks that I will grow up and have many boyfriends but seriously they’re just my friends. How can I get my mother to trust me?

You’re quite upset that your mother doesn’t approve of you being friends with boys on Facebook; nor does she trust how you will behave with them despite trying to reassure her that they are just friends.

It is good if all the people who are your ‘Friends’ on Facebook, are people you personally know and you are following cyber safety rules. What could make your mother comfortable is that perhaps she doesn’t know all of them. She probably didn’t even realise that them may be girls on your friends list as well.

A great way to build trust with your parents is to first reassure them that you have friends of both genders. Then, talk to them about your friends – both girls and boys. Share some snippets of their personalities, your common interests, their family background, and so on. As a teenager, you may want to keep your conversations with your friends private, but that shouldn’t stop you from sharing information about your friends with your parents. When you are open and relaxed with your parents, trust grows between you.

 

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I just want my teachers back

My favourite teachers are now retired. I am very much connected to them. I was completely upset since the moment I heard that they were leaving the school. Whenever I open the books of their subjects, my eyes will fill with tears. I am very depressed because of this. I neither pay attention to what my new teacher is teaching nor do I talk to anyone. I don’t know how to bring them back. I am nothing without them. This year I have to appear for my boards and I am completely ignoring my studies. I’ve talked to my principal about this, but she said that there’s no possibility. I still feel that there are some chances of bringing them back but I don’t know how to do this. I just want my teachers back as nobody else can take their place in my life. What should I do?

You feel so much love for your teachers and miss them so much! They are quite lucky that you care for them and have such a high regard for them. So, please don’t do your favourite teachers a disservice by mourning that they are not there. Instead think of what they would have wanted you to be – even without their presence!

Your teachers would certainly have liked you to study well and excel. Think of it – if you set a goal to get great results, work hard and achieve it, and then go meet your teachers with that result – they will be so proud of you!

Cherish what these wonderful teachers have taught you and the foundation that they have given you. You have to part with your teachers sometime but what you carry with you throughout your life is their love and the values they have instilled in you…no one take that away ever!

 

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