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Often, students who opt for the science stream in school have only a few careers in mind. Inadequate information regarding the options, coupled with peer pressure, leaves them confused. As a result, many join the herd, only to regret it later. However, there are several emerging avenues and subfields in engineering, technology and medicine leading to many careers as well as self-employment opportunities.
Students can choose a variety of certificate, PG diploma and short-term courses offered by polytechnics. Entry to diploma courses is either based on merit (ie marks secured in the board exam) or through a test. Diploma courses at polytechnics produce mid-level technical manpower, such as junior engineers and supervisors.
It is wrong to believe that cer tificate and diploma holders cannot rise academically. One of the biggest advantages that students enrolled in polytechnics or Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have is, they can become mem bers of professional bodies that offer diploma and BE-equiva lent qualifications through self studydistance-learning. The exams are conducted twice a year. There is no test for en try to these institutions. The minimum eligibility criterion for ITIs ranges from matric ulation with maths and science and intermediate with physics, chemistry and maths to diplomas and BScMSc. Those possessing higher credentials are exempted from certain papers.
Some professional bodies that conduct associateship exams to award diplomaBE-equivalent qualifications recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education include:
The Aeronautical Society of India, Delhi: Clearing the asso ciate membership exam is equivalent to a BE aeronautical engineering.
National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology: It conducts accreditation and certification programmes in IT-related fields via accredited training institutes in areas such as computer hardware, bioinformatics, IT-enabled services (BPO), etc.
Those from a biology background can pursue diplomas in the following areas after their Bachelor's: medical lab technology, optometry, naturopathy, beauty treatment, hairstyling, yoga, baking, food processing, forensic science, computers, horticulture, nutrition and dietetics and first-aid. Plant tissue culture and clinical research are other areas that they could look at.
Certificate and diploma students who are reasonably good at studies, especially at maths, could join a professional body and pursue diploma membership or associate membership.
(The author is a career counsellor)