Showcase your expertise – The Hindu

I am pursuing B.Ed. Social Science. My UG degree was International Relations, and Master’s was Political Science. What are the potential career options in teaching in India and abroad? What skills do I need to develop? Dheeraj

Dear Dheeraj,

Your academic background is a strong asset. Potential career options in India include teaching in government and private schools (the latter could be affiliated to Indian or international boards), universities and colleges, coaching or tutoring, and curriculum development or creation of educational content. Abroad, you can teach at schools if you complete specific certifications that are prerequisites in those countries.

Work on becoming a subject matter expert, and stay updated on current events. Understand and apply pedagogical skills such as lesson planning, delivery, classroom management and differentiated instruction. Work on your verbal and written communication and active listening. Use technology to create digital content and build a skillset in software proficiency. Develop interpersonal skills, research and analytical skills and a deep understanding of cultural sensitivity. Also, explore online teaching, work with NGOs and think tanks, and build an online presence by creating a professional website or blog to showcase your expertise and teaching philosophy to help you stand out.

I am in the final year of B.A. Economics. I want to do a PG in Economics and Econometrics. Are there any good institutions? Also will it help to pursue courses in computers? Sethu

Dear Sethu,

Some of India’s top institutions, known for their Economics and Econometrics programmes are Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Delhi and Kolkata; Delhi School of Economics (DSE); Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai; Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU); Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Delhi, Kanpur, and Kharagpur; and Madras School of Economics (MSE), Chennai. Computer skills are essential for Econometrics (as it relies on statistical software such as R, Python, and Stata). Proficiency in these tools is crucial for data analysis and model building and will broaden your job prospects.

I have completed BBA but am not sure what to do next. I am interested in stock market trading. Are there any courses on the stock market, especially futures and option trading? Viswa

Dear Viswa,

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) Academy offers a range of courses including futures and options trading, and provides industry-recognised certifications. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Institute also offers courses related to the stock market, including derivatives trading that cater to different levels of experience. The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) offers certification exams that are mandatory for certain roles in the securities market. Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and edx offering a variety of courses on finance, investing, and trading. Zerodha, a popular brokerage platform in India, provides free educational modules on various aspects of the stock market, including futures and options. Investopedia is another valuable online resource to learn about financial terms and concepts. Many brokerage firms offer educational resources and seminars on trading. However, be cautious and ensure that the information is unbiased and genuine.

Before trading with real money, practice with a demo account to get a feel for the market and test your strategies. Start small and gradually increase your investment as you gain experience. The stock market is constantly evolving and dynamic. So, it is essential to stay updated with the latest trends and developments. Futures and options trading involves significant risk, so understand the potential losses before you start trading. Be wary of ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes, scams and unrealistic promises.

I completed B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture and worked in an e-commerce supplier. Now I am looking after operations and finance in two retail shops in my family business. This has got me interested in finance, and I took up a certification in Investment Banking. Should I look for entry-level jobs in the investment sector or try for CFA Level 1? Raghul

Dear Raghul,

Entry-level jobs in the investment sector will help you gain practical experience, build a professional network, and learn from experienced professionals. However, these positions are highly competitive, and your non-traditional background may require you to put in extra effort to showcase your skills. But the CFA Level 1 CFA Level 1 is a globally recognised qualification and will significantly enhance your credibility and showcase a strong commitment to finance, thereby increasing your chances of landing better jobs. However, it will require significant time and effort for preparation and does not guarantee a job.

Start preparing for the exam while actively seeking entry-level jobs. Leverage your experience in managing finances and operations in your family business, and highlight your ability to analyse financial data and make informed decisions. Connect with professionals in the investment sector. Customise your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience. Emphasise your analytical skills, financial acumen, and ability to learn quickly. Gain proficiency in financial software and tools, and improve your communication and presentation skills. Consider internships to gain relevant experience and make connections.

Published – May 10, 2025 05:30 pm IST