Education, Careers & Professional News
Beyond courses and tests
Source
The Hindu
Date
2005-03-23
Information
EDUCATION, AN engine of change for individuals and society, is sometimes taken by many just as a medium for securing a job.
Even though an academic certificate is no sure ticket for a job, people trust that it is indeed a useful tool that would come in handy when they launch any kind of enterprise.
A notable lacuna in our society is the lack of awareness of the diverse opportunities in the field of education and training.
Even among the well-educated classes, there are only a few who take a keen interest in garnering full details of possible courses that would benefit their children, when they are at the crossroads for choosing career options.
The changing face
Some of us have the weakness of presuming that our knowledge is complete, although we have not done any homework for updating our personal databank.
These are times when courses and programmes of education undergo rapid changes, new disciplines emerge and some others become obsolete.
Areas such as biotechnology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, oceanography, robotics, IT-enabled programmes, international trade and spatial design may not easily come to the minds of those who retain their conventional knowledge, untouched by the ingress of new ideas.
Then there is the class of `experts that misguides those who seek information on educational programmes or on reliable institutions.
Half-baked knowledge may be dished out with impunity to the detriment of students and parents, who realise their slip only when it is too late.
Beware of fraud
In our world where education sometimes assumes the form of industry or commerce, fabulous courses with dazzling prospects are flaunted by frauds.
Those who are captivated by the false promises may end up in deep regret later.
There are different kinds of universities and courses. Many aspirants often seek clarification on the recognition of these universities and courses. It should be remembered that a university might recognise a particular course of another university, but at the same time not recognise another course.
Recognition
Then, there is the question of recognition of universities. One accepted principle is that any university that has a membership with the Association of Indian Universities is an authentic one. However, that does not confirm that all its courses stand universally accepted as an equivalent to corresponding courses in other universities.
What happens if you get a qualification from a university that is not `recognised? There are two aspects to be considered. One is that you will not be allowed to join a higher course in another university.
The second aspect involves the recognition of the qualification for appointment in government or public sector organisations.
Private organisations, including multinationals, may not often insist on qualifications that stand the test of conventional rituals of official recognition. What they try to ensure is the competence of the individual in performing the assigned duties.
Of course, a standard educational qualification is one of the criteria in predicting such competence. If, however, there is a statutory requirement relating to qualifications as in the case of a medical doctor or a company secretary, you will have to fulfil the stipulated requirements, even in private organisations.
Deemed universities
Many parents doubt the acceptability of deemed universities. There is no stigma attached to deemed universities.
But for certain purposes, degrees secured through distance education programmes may not be accepted. Certain organisations specify that they will not consider such degrees, either for appointment to jobs or for admission to further academic programmes.
Right guidance
What we hint at here is that there is no point in subjecting oneself to baseless anxiety and unfounded concern. We can get the right guidance from the right sources.
There may be difficulties or obstacles in our path. If we find a path with no obstacle, it probably may not lead us anywhere.
Obstacles cannot crush me, every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind, said the great Leonardo da Vinci.
The important thing is to work hard with determination, with the clear objective of excelling in our chosen path, whatever it may be. If you are a worm, be a glow worm. We sometimes forget that it is easier to do a job right than to explain why you did not.
Right strategies
Another area is the need for the right strategies to win in this world of tough competition. For a successful job hunt, preparation of curriculum vitae, participating in interviews and group discussions, effective styles of preparation for entrance and other tests, answering objective questions in written tests and making presentations are some of the points that need to be focused.
There has to be something more than what we get from the school or college. Mark Twain once said: I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.
The important purpose of education is not confined to securing high marks in an examination, but to replace an empty mind with an open one.