I have completed B.A. B.Ed. and am doing M.A. English. I am interested in teaching. What should I do to upgrade myself? Also, are there better career options? Jothika

Dear Jothika,

You already have the qualifications to teach in schools across India. A Master’s will open opportunities at higher-secondary and college levels. Consider AI and digital pedagogy certifications, Google Certified Educator (Level 1 and 2), Generative AI for Educators, and learning to use tools like Moodle, Canva, and interactive quiz platforms. For international schools, pursue IB Professional Development or Cambridge training. A TEFL/TESOL certification can help you teach English online, work abroad, or become a language specialist. Clear the CTET to teach in Kendriya Vidyalayas or Navodaya schools and the UGC NET for colleges. Alternative careers include instructional design (ed-tech), corporate communications or public relations, and technical writing.

I finished B.E. Civil Engineering and am working as an assistant engineer (KPSC). I am not interested in this job and am considering doing a Master’s in Urban Design. Is it possible to pursue higher education while in government service? Will I be able to transition to departments related to urban planning or municipal administration? Bharat

Dear Bharat,

Urban planning or design will allow you to think strategically about cities, heritage and public spaces, blending your Civil Engineering background with creative problem-solving. Higher education while in government service is possible but you have to follow certain procedures. Under Appendix 9 of the KCSR, you are eligible for study leave (on half-pay) for up to two years after completing five years of regular service and clearing probation. If you wish to study earlier, obtain an official NOC from your department. After you get admission, you can apply for Extraordinary Leave (LWA), which pauses your salary but preserves your job and service continuity. The course must also have a direct connection with your duties.

Transitioning to Urban Planning or Municipal Departments is possible through deputation but a Master’s degree will not change your role. Your designation will remain the same but your posting and functional portfolio can shift towards urban planning, municipal administration or Smart City projects through strategic deputations.

If you enjoy the security of government service but dislike your current work, do not resign. Secure your department’s NOC, study at institutions like CEPT University or SPA Delhi, and use your specialised qualifications to steer your career towards Urban Planning and Municipal Administration. If you leave government service, opportunities exist as an urban designer, infrastructure planner, urban policy analyst, and so on.

I completed B.Tech in 2021 prepared for the UPSC IES. Since I didn’t make it despite hard work, staying away from social media and friends, I am considering an M.Tech or M.S. in an IIT (I have the rank to join one) in aerospace design. But I feel frustrated because of my UPSC failure. How can I overcome this feeling? Yashas

Dear Yashas,

Be kind to yourself. You dedicated four years of your life to the UPSC. It is indeed “lost time” and it will hurt. Meet a competent counselling psychologist and work towards making peace with it and focus on moving forward. You may feel awkward reaching out to old friends, but true friends do not care about a gap on a résumé or an exam result.

An IIT campus is intellectually vibrant and you will meet peers who have also faced setbacks before finding their true calling. You will find your tribe. Aerospace design is a high-growth field, so, forget the idea of a “delayed start” and focus on your goals. Build strong technical expertise, target top research labs, convert your IES knowledge into research outputs, take up leadership roles, and aim for R&D opportunities at organisations such as ISRO, DRDO, Airbus, Boeing, GE Aerospace, HAL and emerging space-tech startups.

I finished Engineering in 2025 and am working in an IT company. I want to switch to finance. Should I do a CFA or an MBA? How can I build a strong profile? Sai

Dear Sai,

Both CFA and MBA can help you transition into finance but differ in cost, structure and career outcomes. CFA is a self-paced programme that you can pursue alongside your IT job. It is relatively affordable and focuses on investment management, equity research, portfolio management, derivatives and fixed income. It typically leads to roles in Asset Management, Equity Research, Portfolio Risk and Quantitative Finance.

A full-time MBA is a two-year residential programme. It is expensive and highly competitive at top institutions such as IIMs, ISB, XLRI and FMS. It focuses on corporate strategy, management, accounting, leadership and networking, opening doors to Investment Banking, Private Equity, Corporate Finance and Management Consulting.

Choose CFA if you enjoy mathematical analysis, market analytics and investment research. Pursue an MBA only if you secure admission to a top institute. If you choose CFA, combine your engineering skills with finance. Learn Python/R, build finance projects using pandas, numpy and matplotlib, create a GitHub portfolio, and master financial modelling and valuation, including DCF models.

When you move out of IT, target FinTech and Quant roles such as Quantitative Risk Analyst, Financial Data Engineer or Business/Financial Analyst, which provide a strong pathway into core finance.

Disclaimer: This column is merely a guiding voice and provides advice and suggestions on education and careers.

The writer is a practising counsellor and a trainer. Send your questions to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com with the subject line Off the Edge

Published - August 08, 2026 06:00 pm IST