Love for the stage
Q I am an electrical engineer. I graduated in 2017 and am currently placed in Amazon. My interest lies in theatre - and especially acting - but I had to take up engineering due to family pressure and financial problems are making it impossible for me to pursue my dreams. During my college days, I actively participated in theatre and even now I take out time to stay involved with the stage but have no formal training or education in this field. Some time in the future, when money is not such a huge issue, I would like to take up theatre full-time. How should I go about it?
Manisha Kumari
It is wonderful that you currently have a job in a company that can utilise the skills you acquired in college. I would encourage you to stay employed till you are financially stable and feel secure. While you are at work, ensure that you put in your best. It is your willingness and enthusiasm for work that will help you build your network and assist you in developing several life skills such as managing time, meeting deadlines, accomplishing goals and so on. These are skills that will be of use to you right through your career, no matter in what field it is.
That you have a strong interest in theatre - and acting - is wonderful. The fact that you have been unable to take professional training in the field should not keep you from pursuing it as a hobby. Your exposure to college theatricals will have given you the basic minimum skills. Look around and see if there is a convenient amateur theatre group you can join - or create such a small troop with others who share your love for the stage. Social media is a fantastic medium that allows you to connect with like-minded people. Eventually, you can also make use of it to advertise your gigs till you are ready to go big with them.
Sometimes we need to bide our time till we are ready, financially and emotionally, to take the plunge and pursue an alternate career. In the meantime, pursuing an activity that is of interest ensures our mental health and also keeps our creative juices flowing. Therefore, learn to manage your time and resources such that you can fulfil your family obligations and still make time to pursue your hobby and keep your passion alive. Good luck!
Budget is vital
Q I am a computer engineering student. I want to do an MTech abroad. How do I go about it?
Arunima Kalita
International education can cost between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 30 lakh a year. Just applying to foreign universities can eat into your savings as the cost of application is high. So deciding on a budget is most important. Also, ensure that your degree is accredited in the country you are going to. If you are studying computer science, choose universities that can help you specialise in subjects such as human-computer interaction, Internet security, gaming or cloud computing. GRE and Toefl scores are required if you have plans to study in the US. A score of 90 percentile is considered good.
Shivani Manchanda has master's degrees in career counselling and child development. She has been counselling about opportunities in India and abroad since 1991. Mail any questions you have for her to telegraphyou@gmail.com
