Careers with Dr Vibha

IS AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING ONLY FOR BOYS?
I'm about to finish Std XII soon. I'm confused if I should study in the best government college in the state close to my house, but with limited options (civil engineering). But I don't like doing what everybody else has done. I like aeronautical engineering because it's a bit different, but everyone is discouraging me because I'm a girl, saying that it is good only for boys and that the syllabus is very hard and the job is full of tension. Is that true? Should I opt for civil engineering like many or should I dare to try aeronautical?

Aeronautical Engineering is technologically one of the most advanced branches in engineering today. The focus is mainly on design and development of aircraft and aircraft navigation systems. Aeronautical engineers perform a variety of engineering work in designing, constructing and testing these hi-tech equipments. Most of the work involves laboratory research and writing of reports.
You want to do aeronautical engineering! But why? First try to find that out. Is it just a fascination or real interest? Being a research oriented field, there is more stress on continuous studies in this field. You need to be in touch with current developments. But if you are really interested in this field, it won't be tough for you.
Also, NEVER feel discouraged about being a girl. Kalpana Chawla can be a model for you. Your family may be discouraging you because they love you and feel it would be better for you to take an easier path. But I'm sure they won't stop you if you show the sincerity and commitment to work hard in whatever field you choose.
If possible, talk to an aeronautical/civil engineer or a person who knows about this field. Discuss your decision with other people to get their point of view. Search the internet to find out what is taught during the course, what is required during work, etc. Take a well thought out decision. All the best!

SHOULD I BE A PSYCHOLOGIST OR ARCHAEOLOGIST?
I am an Arts student preparing for Std XII exams. I got 82.15% in my SSC exams; I took Arts as I was thinking of doing UPSC and I was told that subjects like politics, history would provide me a good background for the exam. Now when I am exposed to many options I feel totally confused. Sometimes I feel like becoming a psychologist, sometimes an archaeologist, sometimes I feel like appearing for competitive exams. I am good at all the subjects I have taken right now - political science, economics and history. Please give me detailed information about a career in arts as per my subjects?

An arts degree opens a vast array of career choices and opportunities - from designer to lawyer to social scientist. After 10+2 in arts stream, you can go for professional courses in fields like mass communication, advertising, law, banking, teaching, archaeology, fashion designing, hotel management, travel & tourism, photography, sales & marketing, secretarial practice, business administration, public relations, computers, desktop publishing, beauty & hair care, library science, insurance, etc.
History graduates work in a wide variety of areas e.g. business, law, politics, social service, and education. These areas may not be directly related to history, but students of history develop valuable skills in research, analysis, and oral and written communication and use this training to work in an environment suitable for their personalities and interests. A good history degree is a guarantee that the holder can analyse subjects in depth and develop coherent arguments about them in written and verbal form.
Knowledge of history is also an asset in journalism. Newspapers and journals often give assignments to historians for preparation of background material to enlighten the public on the historical importance of an event.
The study of political science can help develop an awareness of political, social and economic trends and attitudes affecting the business community. Thus many political science graduates find employment in fields like insurance agencies, agricultural businesses, financial institutes and consulting firms.
History and political science are very popular choices for the various competitive examinations at state and central level like civil services.
An Economics degree offers ways of analyzing and solving problems as well as basic economic principles. What's more, economics graduates tend to earn more than graduates with other qualifications, mainly because of their strong analytical skills and knowledge of the economy. Some work in commercial banks, some enter the accountancy profession and some find employment in areas such as market research, advertising, sales and personnel. Others have been attracted to education, health or government departments.
The Indian Economic Service is open to post-graduates with economics. After clearing the examination one is entitled to Class I government service, attached to state planning boards, department of institutional finance, national sample survey, industries/agriculture departments, the planning commission and other bodies involved in economic analysis and policy making.
Many corporation and government executives have a strong background in economics. The competition for some of these posts is very keen and a higher degree could be appropriate.
Financial institutions like Reserve Bank of India offer openings to post-graduate degree holders in economics. Business firms, banks and other financial institutions employ economists to evaluate their market positions and many business managers believe that economic training is desirable for positions in sales or management.
Go for the subject you like the best. If you are good in all the subjects, then go for the one which has better prospects.

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