Find out your key strengths

Q I am a BCom graduate from Calcutta University. I am preparing for various competitive exams but am a bit confused. I am pursuing company secretaryship but am finding it too difficult. I am also doing a diploma course in Tally. I am in a dilemma as to which course I should continue.

Oindrilla Mukherjee

Calcutta

Some people will tell you to "keep all your options open and do several things" while others will advise you to be focussed and stick to one thing. In my opinion, there is no one "right" way to lead one's life. Career decisions depend upon the choices you make and the number of years you are willing to study for it. For instance, company secretaryship and chartered accountancy are professions in which students study and work at the same time so that they are in tune with industry requirements. Thus these professionals are seldom unemployed, if ever. A BCom degree, on the other hand, is academic and does not train you for any specific career or job.

What you need to first find out is why you are struggling with your courses and are confused. Is it because you are trying to do too many things at the same time and not being able to accomplish anything fruitfully? Or are you struggling because balance sheets, audits and company laws just do not excite you? Your career path will depend on your honest answers to these questions. If you are struggling because there is too much on your plate, you need to streamline your efforts. If, however, accounts is not your core strength, it may be best to identify what your key strengths are. Then try and match them to a career.

Here, I must remind you that success in any profession requires hard work, perseverance and sincerity. Also, keep in mind that a good job does not always go to the most qualified person. It often goes to the one most willing to think and apply his or her knowledge to key problems of the employer.

English vs Bengali

Q My son is a student of Class II in a Bengali-medium school. Will his medium of education cause problems when he goes for higher studies? Is it possible to shift to an English-medium school now?

Jadu Nath Soren

Purulia

Being multilingual is a great gift. Recent research indicates that people who speak multiple languages have greater mental flexibility and better problem-solving skills. They are also able to concentrate better. However, the language of business and science is English. So the ability to speak, understand and write well in English is a must for university education. I would encourage you to shift your son to an English-medium school whenever you think he is ready for it. I would also strongly urge you to keep the flow of Bengali alive through cinema, literature and music. This will help your son grow up to be a balanced person who is fluent in at least two languages.

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