Shortlist your interests – The Hindu

I am in my third year B.P.Ed. Can I pursue an M.Sc. or certificate course in Sports Sciences? Which colleges in India or abroad are best for this? Also, is there a way to get an internship with the Sports Authority of India? Jeeva

Dear Jeeva,

B.P.Ed. graduates are eligible for programmes in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Sports Biomechanics, Sports Psychology, Strength and Conditioning, and Sports Coaching. Look up institutes such as the National Sports University (NSU), Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior and Guwahati; National Institute of Sports (NIS) Patiala; Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal; and Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University. You may need to take an entrance exam for some of them. Foreign universities include Loughborough University, Leeds-Beckett University, and University of Birmingham and University of Bath in the U.K.; University of Queensland, Deakin University and Victoria University in Australia; and University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and University of Alberta in Canada.

Certificate courses to boost your profile include NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Level 1 Certification, Sports Physiotherapy Workshops (Basic), Sports Data or Performance Analysis, and so on.

Shortlist your interests and then build around them. Seek internships at private sports academies such as Inspire Institute of Sport (JSW), Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance, Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) and SFA (Sports For All), physiotherapy clinics, and university sports departments. For an internship with SAI, email the regional centre with your CV and a covering letter. Keep an eye on SAI’s website and social media pages for notifications on internships, research positions or projects. Try to get an internship through courses at NIS Patiala, as this can open doors for observation sessions, shadowing and internships at SAI.

I graduated in Electronics and Communication and worked in a manufacturing company. Since school, I have aspired to work in the marine industry. I am preparing to become an Electro-technical officer in the Merchant Navy. How do I proceed? Gangatharan

Dear Gangatharan,

This is a strong path for someone with an ECE degree. To join the Merchant Navy as an ETO, you must complete the Pre-Sea Training Course from a DG Shipping-approved institute such as The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS), Lonavala; Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI); Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai, Kochi, and Kolkata; Samundra Institute, IMS Goa, among others. Most have a written test covering basic electrical engineering, electronics control systems, English and aptitude. This will be followed by an interview and a medical examination.

I completed BBA and LLB and attempted the UPSC exams once and failed. Should I continue with UPSC prep or opt for legal practice? Umair Abdulla

Dear Umair,

What will align with your temperament, lifestyle preference, current life situation and long-term stability? Are you willing to study full-time for a couple of years? What about your finances? Do you have the discipline UPSC preparation requires? If the answer is no, then move to legal practice. Explore law-related careers while keeping UPSC as a Plan B.

You can consider joining a reputable chamber and building a specialisation over the next couple of years. Look at roles in the legal departments of corporates or PSUs, legal think tanks or policy consulting firms. Another option is to take the exams for state judicial services.

I am preparing for CLAT and am confused about whether to pursue a B.A., B.Com. or BBA. What opportunities does each offer? Anna 

Dear Anna,

All three degrees lead to the same law degree and give you the same core legal career opportunities. The difference is in the specialisation, type of subjects, career comfort, and your core interests. BA LL.B is a popular choice for Public Law and UPSC. Political Science, Sociology, History, Economics, Psychology or Constitutional Law will give a strong foundation and also work for litigation and courtroom practice research, policy advocacy and so on.

 B.Com LL.B is best for taxation, banking, finance and corporate law. You will study Accounting, Taxation, Business Law, Corporate Finance, Auditing, and Economics. It is well-suited for legal departments of companies, banks, finance companies and to be a CA or Company Secretary.

 BBA LL.B is best for corporate, HR, tech law, and entrepreneurship. You will study Business Management, Marketing, HR, Organisational Behaviour, Business Strategy, and Entrepreneurship. Job roles will open in corporate law firms, legal start-ups, IPR and advisory roles in MNCs.