FASHION DESIGN VS COMMERCE

Q I am a student of Class XI and am studying commerce. I want to know about the options I can pursue if I continue studying commerce. I am, however, more interested in fashion designing but want to keep my options open. 
Priya Paul

A designer has a unique aesthetic and approach to fashion, an attention to detail and the ability to see the big picture. Very often students make the error of thinking that just because they can copy a drawing or sketch something perfectly, they can be a good designer. The key skill of any designer is creativity — that is the ability to be inventive and different, the ability to imagine and visualise things in 3D. Of course, apart from creativity, most design schools will also require you to have some drawing skill and the ability to sketch your ideas. 

Since you are in Class XI, this is the time you should be honing your ability to think innovatively. Also, take the time to look at things from the perspective of design — whether it is a package, a car, a soap or a dress. Design is all around us, we just have to become aware of it. Remember, the mark of a good designer is that he or she thinks about the functionality of a thing as well its aesthetic value. 

If you have an interest in design, you could explore a whole bouquet of courses such as those in interior design, graphic design, game design, website design or even fashion design. At this stage in life, keep an open mind about the different design careers you could pursue. 

As a prospective designer, you may be concerned about the fact that only a few designers become marquee names while the rest are lost in oblivion. That is perhaps why you are thinking of an alternative career in commerce but remember that in all careers only a few names become really big but everybody else, if they are good, still make a good living. 

If you do choose to pursue commerce as a profession, you could consider doing a bachelor’s in commerce (BCom), bachelor of business administration (BBA) or bachelor of finance degree.  There are also some professional qualifications that you can pursue such as chartered accountancy or the CFA qualification. 

Accounts, finance and related professions require you to think and work in a very specific way. The major decision that you have to take is whether you like a large canvas and the freedom of thought that design provides or would you prefer a more structured and precise way of thinking.

TWO DEGREES TOGETHER?

Q I am a first-year student of BCom (Honours). However, I also want to pursue a course in mass communication. Is it possible to study for two graduation degrees at the same time? Please advise. 
Dia Siroha

Nothing ever goes to waste. Whatever skills you learn in your commerce course will come in use later in your life even if you do not forge a career in this subject. It is possible to use one set of skills in a completely different setting as well. Incidentally, certain qualifications do not require a first degree in the same subject — mass communication is one of them. If you are currently pursuing BCom, there is no reason why you cannot do a master’s in mass communication or a related subject. I suggest that while you are doing your current degree, try and strengthen your communication skills through various extra-curricular activities. That way, once your degree is completed, you will be ready to do a course in mass communication as well. 

I do not think there is any particular need to do two bachelor’s degree courses at any stage of your life. 

I am not convinced that it will serve any professional purpose. I would recommend you work hard to complete this degree and then look at further avenues of higher education. 

If you can take out time from your busy schedule, I would suggest that you consider doing one of the massive open online courses (MOOC) in mass communication on Coursera or Edx course to test whether you really have an interest in that field for further education.  

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 questions to telegraphyou@gmail.com