Mix and match for a great future

I am a third-year student of Computer Science. I love drawing and have a diploma in it. I also love Computer Science. Because of my family situation, I have to get a job. Therefore, I opted to study Computer Science but sometimes I wish that I could study art and forge a career in it. Then I think that once I am financially stable, I will continue to follow my passion. I would like your suggestion on what you think is the right path for me.

Ripan Seal

Congratulations for having two diverse and yet very interesting abilities. Right now it may seem that it would be difficult to build a bridge between the two fields and that you have to choose one or the other. But these days it is possible to combine different interests and design an interesting career for yourself. Since there are immediate financial concerns, I would suggest that you first take up a job to ease the financial constraints. Two sectors in which I would recommend you look are computer gaming and education technology. Both these fields are currently growing and require experts in computer science as well as design. Once you have even a technical job, you could learn more about the industry and explore the possibility of combining your two passions. If you know computer programming languages such as Java and or C++, some jobs may be available for you in the computer games industry. Computer games developers are software experts who can also be involved in the design or visual arts side of developing. For instance, a lot of Web designing start-ups or companies have teams of people who work on the technical and design side of things. However, clients want fresh creative ideas and illustrations to make the website visually more interesting. That can create an opening for somebody who has expertise in both technical and art skills.

Animation and multimedia is another field that has several career opportunities. Learning some software — such as 3D Studio Max, Maya, Photoshop, Mudbox (3D digital painting), Zbrush (3D modelling), Substance Painter (3D painting) — might also help you merge your interests and skills. Knowledge of tools such as Unreal Engine, Playcanvas or other game engines can also be good to acquire. Even if you don’t know some of the sophisticated tools now, you could learn them later. It would then be possible to look for jobs that can help you combine your two interests.

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Careers in Arts

I am a Class XI student of pure arts. What should I study after the Higher Secondary exams?

Souvik Ghosh

I would suggest you spend some time listing your interests and researching opportunities before you opt for a stream. For instance, you could graduate in academic subjects such as Psychology, History, English, Journalism, Sociology, Social Work and Integrated Law (BA/LLB). You could also study Hotel Management, Event Management, Tourism Management or Retail Management. If you have an interest in design, Animation, Multimedia/ Web Design, Interior Design or Fashion Design can also be options.

As you can see, there is a world of opportunities waiting for you out there. However, each of these courses require different abilities and interests. You could make a list of your interests, hobbies and topics that you are doing well in academically and see if any patterns emerge. You could take also take a professional career counsellor’s help to decide your next step.

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 your queries to telegraphyou@gmail.com with Ask Shivani in the subject line