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I want to make a career as a cartoonist. I’ve grown up idolising RK Laxman, Jim Davis, and Matt Groening and hope that one day I too can create legendary pieces like them. My art teacher has always been very appreciative of my work and many people have told me that I’m exceptionally gifted. Is there any way I can showcase my work? What can I study after to school to help me in this field?
— Rajat Sahai, Kolkata

Dear Rajat,
A career as a cartoonist will give you the opportunity to do something new and creative everyday. However, one must have inherent talent and skill along with generous doses of humour. If you feel your cartoons are very good, then don’t shy away from sharing your work with the world. Make use of the internet to reach out to people – post them on a blog or social networking site, or start your own website. Get people talking about them and you never know whose eye they may catch.

It is advisable to pursue a degree in art before you take it up as a career. Not only will it help you with the finer nuances and technicalities but also give you an edge in this very competitive field. You may choose to pursue Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA)/Diploma in Fine Art and/or Masters in Fine Art (Illustration/Portrait Painting), or another related course. Some of the colleges offering this course are the Indian Institute of Cartoonists (Bangalore), Institute of Fine Arts And Design (Chennai), Faculty of Fine Arts (Vadodra), The Raye Burns School (New Delhi) etc. Good luck!

I’m looking for some professional career counseling for my daughter in Class VIII. She has a natural bent towards Mathematics and the Applied Sciences. Though we have already discussed a career in Engineering or Medicine, I want to make sure that this will be suited to her abilities and interest. Can I consult someone from the Career Choices in this regard?
— Renu Garg, New Delhi

Dear Renu,
It is indeed a very wise decision to not thrust Medicine or Engineering on your daughter before being absolutely sure that this is what she wants to do. Before you consult a career counselor, we would strongly recommend that your daughter take the FutureMap test. FutureMap is a scientifically-devised online career guidance program for students of Classes VIII-XII. Students are require to take a series of three quizzes - Aptitude, Personality, and Interest-based - to gauge the top three careers best suited to them. A detailed career report will also be provided to help chart out a roadmap to pursue the career.

After your daughter takes the quiz, you can also consult FutureMap counselors if you still have any questions or doubts. To take the quiz or to read more, you can visit: www.futuremap.in.

I am in XII and have chosen
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as my main subjects. I did not take up Mathematics in XI, but would also like to keep my options open as I like computer programming. Can I still enter the IT field.
— Manu Nath, Jaipur

Dear Manu
It is not possible for you to take up engineering but you can still enter the IT industry. You may be able to find a BSc IT course that does not require Mathematics in XII.

Also, you can take up a biotech course in college and alongside, study for industry qualifications such as the MCSD.