We find that most students under mathematics stream choose to do Engineering after schooling. Many among them flock to Computer Science. It is true that there are a plenty of jobs in computer related areas. Also, engineering is an important and interesting area of study. However, a student is most successful in life if he/she studies the subject of his/her liking. Before taking a decision, a student should explore what each of these area of studies is about, and what does it offer after studies.
In the following, I will briefly outline the various options available to science students majoring in mathematics stream.
The article may have certain bias, but I will try to be as neutral as possible. Twenty-thirty years back, most well-paying jobs available to youths were engineering and medicine. However the situations have changed drastically in recent times. There are remunerative opportunities available in many area including science, history, economics, journalism, social work, film-making, literature, sociology, marketing, management etc. Non-governmental organizations are hiring many students from art (B.A. and M.A.) streams. So a confident student can take chances and pursue his/her field of interest.
I do not have background in Arts, so I will focus on science stream, specially mathematics stream. Main options open after schooling are engineering (B. E./B. Tech.), science (B. Sc.), Batchelor's in Computer Applications (B. C. A.). Some students choose to do B. B. A., B. Com., and B. A. after mathematics schooling, and these are indeed interesting options. However we will focus on engineering and science streams in the following discussion.
Engineering
In engineering, the popular trades are Computer Science, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, and Metallurgy. Some institutes like IITs offer more specialized options like Aeronautical engineering, Textiles, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Naval architecture etc. In spirit, engineering is an application of science to make useful appliances or constructs like dams. These fields emphasize on design principles and in-depth understanding of specialized devices. For example, for a civil engineer to design a bride, he/she should know about the strength of materials, estimations of load on the bridge, etc. A chemical engineer specializes on chemical compositions of petrochemical products, polymers, soap etc. ... Expand..
Most institutes offer 4 year Batchelor's degree B. E. or B. Tech. Both these degrees are the same. A student of engineering also does core engineering courses like Engineering design or Arts, Electrical science, Fluid Mechanics, and specialized courses of its stream (e.g., Heat transfer, Strength of material for mechanical engineering). Before making a choice a student should look at the list of compulsory and otional courses of each stream from the websites of some reputed institutes like IITs.
A interesting and possibly surprising thing is that in most reputed institutes like IITs, an engineering student has to take certain number of science courses (physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology) and humananities courses (literature, economics, sociology, psychology). It is to expose a student to various important fields of learning before the student takes up a job. We need to be aware of the basics of physics, economics, political science in present dynamic world where share market, global warming, democracy, human rights etc. are important aspects of life. Hopefully these features of engineering curricullum will percolate to all the institutions in the country.
At present, Most students take up jobs after graduation (B. E. degree). It turns out that most jobs at present are computer related irrespective of the branch (like Mechanical) of the student. Therefore, it is beneficial for present students to get as much exposure to computing as much possible. It does help the students in many ways.
The world has changed significantly in last decade or so. Most of the routine jobs in industry have been automated (computerized), so a present-day engineer is expected to innovate and do something new. For example, in computer industry, an engineering team needs to design new computer or mobile chips. For these kinds of jobs one needs fresh engineers with Batchelors degree. But there is a major demand fo skilled engineers with M. Tech. and Ph. D. degrees who could lead these research and development (R&D) teams. Unfortunately, very few students in India choose for these options. This scarcity is severely felt by many prominent industries. A point of comparison, per 100000 population, 124 Swedes and 41 Americans are Ph.D (ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/indicators/docs/3rd_report_snaps1.pdf). The corresponding number in India is very low. Most of American Ph. D.s work in Industry. It is hoped that more students will pursue higher studies in India to fill this gap.
Another important career option after graduation is the academic positions in research and teaching institutions like IITs and universities. Here again, it is unfortunate that many students look down up on this option. It should be noted that the most fundamental and dramatic discoveries and inventions take place in such institutions. In addition, the academic institutions offer freedom, i.e., you dont have a boss, and it is not a 9-to-5 job. There are plenty of jobs available in these institutions. For example, all IITs put together have several thousand vacancies. We hope that the bright and independent students will take up these positions and inspire future generations.
Science
The second option for a mathematics student after schooling is science (B. Sc./M. Sc.). A student can opt for Physics, Mathematics, or Chemistry. Some institutes also offer B. Sc./M. Sc. degree in Computer Science and Biology to mathematics students. Science is the study of nature, such as, universe, stars, Earth, atmosphere, atoms, nuclei of atoms, animals, brain, animal behaviour etc. Science focusses on the inner working of the above at the fundamental level. In contrast, engineering subjects typically focus on the detailed working of certain objects or machinery. To give an example, Newton as a physicist discovered laws of motion that is fundamental (applicable to all physical objects including machines), but James Watt, an engineer, designed the steam engine using fundamental laws. In a society, both these skills are required; we need fundamental discoveries, and as well as application of these discoveries to make appliances for better living. A student should decide what he/she likes best. At present most students shun science due to peer pressure (parents, friends, teachers) and market pressures. I am aware of many youths who regret that they did not study science that they liked best. Many engineers switch to areas related to science. Another recent trend is that a good engineer needs to have a good grasp of science. Engineers working in the area of nanoscience, electronic devices, environmental science need a very good background in physics.
Several decades ago, graduates from science background did not have many job opportunities. This situation has changed dramatically of late. At present, many industries, governmental research institutions, and academic institutions are employing science graduates in large numbers. The leading institutions that offer good joint B.Sc+M. Sc. degree are IITs and IISERs (Indian Institute of Science for Education and Research, presently in Kolkata, Pune, Mohali, Bhopal, and Trivendrum). There are many good science colleges that offer Batchelor degree in science (see http://www.indiaedu.com/top-educational-institutes/top-science-college/).
Even though many industries offer jobs to science graduates, the committed students typically go for higher studies to unravel mystries of nature. After higher studies (Ph. D.) and some research experience, a scientist is hired in research institutions like IISc, IITs, IISERs, TIFR, universities, Atomic agency, space agency, CSIR laboratory, etc. At present there are thousands of jobs available for in these institutions for science Ph. D.s.
Nature is indeed quite intricate, and it takes time and patience to understand even its small part. This is what a scientist strives to do, and finds pleasure in small and big discoveries. Unfortunately, most students from India are missing out this fascinating adventure.
