If you are from India and have recently cleared HSC/12th Grade/Standard Exams then you like many other students of your age has spent time talking to your parents, teachers, friends and to yourself about selecting a graduation course that will help you shape your career. And for some of you this must be a tormenting period as to what you'll be doing. Should you select the course that interests you or would you select the course that pays well (and your parents advise you to take this one up) or the one that your friend has selected? I don't have any advices as to which one should you select. But I have an experience of my own to share.
Four years back in 2007 when I cleared my 12th Standard from General Stream, I had a 'feeble' conviction that I wanted opt for BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application) completing which I'll go for the masters (MCA). However, since I had scored decently high percentages, it was my parents' wish that I opt for Chartered Accountancy as a course taken by the people who scored good. But I had aptitude for Computers and I knew I would do fairly well when it will come to programming. I was smart, I loved computer troubleshooting and could learn almost anything that interested me (everyone of us can).
But it was an important decision to be made, and since no one from my family were well informed as to which course I should pursue, outside help was taken. A well known professor of a college in my city (of whom I later learned was well known for his aggressive behaviour and his dork-iness.) was consulted. He, in his usual air of a genius, told my Dad that MCAs can be hired for Rs. 1,500.
This was it. The closing chapter. I was convinced by my parents to drop the M from MCA.
Today. My Dad met a guy who did MCA after completing his CA. His earning are over Rs. 1 lakh per year, employs 18 people to work and to top it all he says its no use doing CA. Yes, he earns income from developing software now and he is earning more that Rs. 1,500 every month.
Although now I am a CA Final student, I have reached here only marginally. I am certainly not satisfied with the course that I have taken, and I am frustrated. I feel like blaming everyone for setting me up here. But then I can't blame my parents for this, they only wanted me to earn good money and be happy. Neither can I blame the cracked professor. Well, God made him that way. I guess I should take up the blame for my own misery. I am to blame my self because:
Four years back in 2007 when I cleared my 12th Standard from General Stream, I had a 'feeble' conviction that I wanted opt for BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application) completing which I'll go for the masters (MCA). However, since I had scored decently high percentages, it was my parents' wish that I opt for Chartered Accountancy as a course taken by the people who scored good. But I had aptitude for Computers and I knew I would do fairly well when it will come to programming. I was smart, I loved computer troubleshooting and could learn almost anything that interested me (everyone of us can).
But it was an important decision to be made, and since no one from my family were well informed as to which course I should pursue, outside help was taken. A well known professor of a college in my city (of whom I later learned was well known for his aggressive behaviour and his dork-iness.) was consulted. He, in his usual air of a genius, told my Dad that MCAs can be hired for Rs. 1,500.
This was it. The closing chapter. I was convinced by my parents to drop the M from MCA.
Today. My Dad met a guy who did MCA after completing his CA. His earning are over Rs. 1 lakh per year, employs 18 people to work and to top it all he says its no use doing CA. Yes, he earns income from developing software now and he is earning more that Rs. 1,500 every month.
Although now I am a CA Final student, I have reached here only marginally. I am certainly not satisfied with the course that I have taken, and I am frustrated. I feel like blaming everyone for setting me up here. But then I can't blame my parents for this, they only wanted me to earn good money and be happy. Neither can I blame the cracked professor. Well, God made him that way. I guess I should take up the blame for my own misery. I am to blame my self because:
- It should have been Me who should have had the information of the courses and its scope in earning. I shouldn't have been ignorant about it. I can't expect my parents to inquire and survey this for me.
- Stronger conviction, something that I lacked back then and I lack till date. I was unsure if really wanted to do this or that, either of them.
- Courage: I didn't have enough to take up my choice and stand to whatever consequences. After all no degree holder of any sort dies of hunger.
