Find a balance – The Hindu

I am in the first year of B.A. Economics (Hons) and want to crack the Indian Economic Service but my college doesn’t provide proper education. I am relying on good books rather than the ones the college has suggested. My back-up plan is to take the UGC-NET exam. Am I doing the right thing? Adya

Dear Adya,

It is good that you are self-driven and working on the prep in the first year itself. Also, relying on standard, high-quality books rather than college-level material is the best strategy for competitive exams like IES and NET.

With regard to IES vs. UGC-NET, work on a cost-benefit analysis on which one you would enjoy more. IES officers play a crucial role in India’s economic policy-making and administration and involved in budget preparation, economic analysis, and programme implementation across various ministries and departments. You will need to do your Master’s in Economics or Applied Economics to take this exam. The UGC-NET exam will open up opportunities in teaching in higher education institutions, research positions, fellowships, jobs in think tanks, and banking.

I am doing an MBA in Finance and Data Analytics in a tier-2 institution. I am concerned by the growing emphasis on premier institutions when it comes to placements, exposure, and networking. How can I gain practical experience, build a strong portfolio, and grow my professional network? B.K.

Premier institutes offer structured advantages (brand name, network, placement opportunities and so on) but carefully built skills, networking, and a strategic approach can more than close this gap. Work on building a strong portfolio. Freelance in data analysis, financial modelling, dashboard creation, or market research in startups, NGOs, or small businesses. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, AngelList, Internshala, and LinkedIn gigs are great entry points.

Participate in online case competitions, hackathons, and business challenges. Kaggle (for analytics), Dare2Compete (now Unstop), and IIM/ISB-hosted case challenges are good platforms. Look for remote internships, and part-time consulting. Work on certifications and credentials across Finance, Data Analytics, and Business Analytics. Network on LinkedIn and engage meaningfully on posts in finance, analytics, consulting, and attend conferences and seminars hosted by CFA, CII, FICCI, or TiE. Look up people in roles you want and request a 15-minute informational chat. This method is highly effective but underutilised.

Broaden your job search beyond campus. Work on direct applications to firms (especially mid-cap, fintech, startups, boutique consulting, or analytics firms) and focus on roles, not brands. Your first job is a platform, not a dream role. Finally, share your learning journey, project results, insights from courses, and reflections on business problems.

I completed M.Sc. Maths in 2024 and am pursuing a Ph.D. I aspire to join the Indian Forest Service. How can I balance my research and UPSC preparation? Amal

Dear Amal,

Balancing Ph.D. research and UPSC preparation is a challenge but doable. Ensure that you set 5-6 hours a day for your Ph.D. work on weekdays and keep the UPSC prep to 3-4 hours a day. On weekends make the UPSC prep 6-8 hours. Use the Pomodoro Technique (25-50 minute study blocks) to handle mental fatigue. Also, do something small but hard from the UPSC portion before research (if possible) in the morning.

IFoS Prelims = UPSC CSE Prelims, so clear this first. Then IFoS Mains is separate with different optional subjects. Stick to smart study resources and use high-yield, concise materials. Use revision-first strategies. Initial reading is only 30% of the job; revision is 70%. Some weeks, Ph.D. will demand more, other weeks UPSC. Use micro-learning via Podcasts, YouTube summaries, revision cards during breaks and guard against burnout with deliberate rest, exercise, and social breaks.

I have a UG in Communication and Media, English and Psychology and a PG Diploma in Advertising and Marketing from reputed institutions. I’m interested in AI and media, but want a good work-life balance, relatively good creative freedom and good pay. Siddharth

Dear Siddharth,

Your combination of media, communication, marketing, psychology is what AI companies are realising they need: people who can make tech human, useful, and understandable. Your versatile academic background and skills in content creation, strategy, branding, creativity, client management will be helpful.

Explore options in AI-driven content and creative roles like AI Prompt Engineer for creative tools (work with AI like GPT, DALL·E, MidJourney, Runway AI for companies doing AI-generated content, marketing, or design) or content designer for AI Products (write UX microcopy, chatbot scripts, AI interface conversations) or a creative strategist at AI startups (shape how AI tools are used for marketing, media, and storytelling). Other roles such as product marketing manager with an AI or tech focus, creative technologist, digital content producer for AI-driven platforms are also highly paid and creative.

Consider startups, tech companies, creative tech labs, edtech companies for roles. Upskill your non-coding AI skills with courses such as AI for Everyone (Coursera – Andrew Ng), UX Writing/Content Design (Google UX Certificate, UX Writers Collective) and so on.. Build a portfolio showcasing new projects and skills in AI-assisted content creation and publish thought pieces on LinkedIn/Medium. Network, follow, and interact with creators, product managers, UX writers, and AI ethicists on LinkedIn. Attend webinars, online meetups and conferences.