I am an undergraduate student of mathematics at Jadavpur University, currently in my third year. However, for my master’s, I want to choose a field that will let me build a career around the two great passions of my life — animals and travelling. So far, the only subjects that I have been able to come up with are nature journalism and animal behaviour. Will you please suggest subjects that I can choose for my master’s or provide details of where I could pursue nature journalism or animal behaviour?

Jagyaseni Vasabdatta, Calcutta

If you love animals, you can become a wildlife photographer. For this, you will need to do a diploma or certificate course in wildlife photography or professional photography. It’s a good idea to do an apprenticeship too under a renowned photographer for a year or two to learn the ropes. Else, you could also become a pet groomer — as a career this is becoming very popular nowadays. Pet groomers care for animals’ appearance and hygiene. They also work with and advise the owners of pets.

To satiate your interest in travel, you can join an airline as ground staff or a flight attendant. You can work with a hotel chain too — the hospitality industry involves travel. Other careers are event management, as a translator or a tour guide. Another option is TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language). Again, you will get to travel and immerse yourself in a different culture. You could teach anyone — children and adults to refugees. For TEFL, you will have to do your master’s in English. You can travel to different countries in Asia and even further with this job.

Opportunities in geography

I want to know about the different career opportunities in geography. I have taken economics as my elective subject in college for my BSc course.

Rina Saha, Calcutta

That’s an interesting combination — geography with economics will give you a good sense of how space, environment and economics interact. You can develop solutions to many of the pressing issues that modern society faces, such as climate change, natural disasters, overpopulation and urban expansion. After completing your graduation course, you can become an environmental consultant, cartographer, town planner, geographical information systems (GIS) officer, logistics manager, demographer or lecturer. You can also study further — look at postgraduate courses in GIS and remote sensing, urban or rural planning, teaching or environmental science, and start working after that. Since you have economics as an elective subject, going for an MBA course is also an alternative.

As you can see, several career and further study options are open to you. Since they are quite varied, consider your career goals, interests and strengths before making a choice.

Nina Mukherji is a career counsellor and certified psychometric assessor. She conducts workshops in various areas for students. Mail your queries to telegraphyou@gmail.com with “Ask Nina” in the subject line. Don’t forget to add the name of your school or college and a contact number