Two alumni and a student recount how they made their study and career decisions as per their interests and goals.
I was born and brought up in a middle class family in a district of eastern UP, where parents usually want to make their children engineers or doctors. I, too, had to study engineering to live up to my parents’ expectations. While pursuing my BTech in water resource engineering degree at an Allahabad institute, I attended several workshops and training programs besides performing voluntary work. Some activities were related to my coursework while others were not. Due to this diverse exposure, I was able to recognize my interest and social conscience.
After completing my degree, I went to a career counselor, who suggested an MPhil in development practice offered by Ambedkar University, Delhi. However, it was not as simple as it sounds. My family, like many others, initially did not appreciate the idea of following a BTech degree with an arts qualification. As on an earlier occasion when I wished to pursue the RJing course (which they had never heard about), I eventually convinced them to allow me to go ahead with my choice. This MPhil is a joint program by AUD and a development organization, PRADAN. This not only gave me an opportunity to satisfy my intellectual and emotional quest but also provided me financial support over the 22 months it lasted. During my MPhil, I got opportunity to live in the village of a Red corridor district, Gumla, in Jharkhand, to build a deep understanding of the idea and practice of ‘development’ with the larger objective of self- and social transformation.
At present, I am working with the organization as a development associate for youth development work. In my work, this is where I am trying to help the youth reduce their vulnerabilities, finding their dreams, making aware of life and career choices, building capabilities and achieving their aspired life which they have reason to value. My suggestion to those looking for any academic courses for their careers is to consider your interest, life goals and aspirations before making a choice. This is very important in if you have to make it in academics. Alongside your coursework, join different interest groups and hobby classes, attend workshops and training sessions, take internships and volunteer as much as you can. It will expose you to different career opportunities and enhance your interpersonal and social skills.
-an engineer who completed an MPhil in development practice
I was born and brought up in a middle class family in a district of eastern UP, where parents usually want to make their children engineers or doctors. I, too, had to study engineering to live up to my parents’ expectations. While pursuing my BTech in water resource engineering degree at an Allahabad institute, I attended several workshops and training programs besides performing voluntary work. Some activities were related to my coursework while others were not. Due to this diverse exposure, I was able to recognize my interest and social conscience.
After completing my degree, I went to a career counselor, who suggested an MPhil in development practice offered by Ambedkar University, Delhi. However, it was not as simple as it sounds. My family, like many others, initially did not appreciate the idea of following a BTech degree with an arts qualification. As on an earlier occasion when I wished to pursue the RJing course (which they had never heard about), I eventually convinced them to allow me to go ahead with my choice. This MPhil is a joint program by AUD and a development organization, PRADAN. This not only gave me an opportunity to satisfy my intellectual and emotional quest but also provided me financial support over the 22 months it lasted. During my MPhil, I got opportunity to live in the village of a Red corridor district, Gumla, in Jharkhand, to build a deep understanding of the idea and practice of ‘development’ with the larger objective of self- and social transformation.
At present, I am working with the organization as a development associate for youth development work. In my work, this is where I am trying to help the youth reduce their vulnerabilities, finding their dreams, making aware of life and career choices, building capabilities and achieving their aspired life which they have reason to value. My suggestion to those looking for any academic courses for their careers is to consider your interest, life goals and aspirations before making a choice. This is very important in if you have to make it in academics. Alongside your coursework, join different interest groups and hobby classes, attend workshops and training sessions, take internships and volunteer as much as you can. It will expose you to different career opportunities and enhance your interpersonal and social skills.
-an engineer who completed an MPhil in development practice
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