I am 23 and have a B.Sc. Physics and a Master’s in Environmental Science. I am preparing for state government exams. I am worried about getting stuck. What if I end up doing nothing? Udhaya

Dear Udhaya,

Your Master’s puts you in a fast-growing domain: Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). The private sector needs people who can bridge the gap between scientific data and corporate compliance. Consider roles such as conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) or calculating carbon footprint and resource efficiency to file a ‘Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)’ or ensuring that manufacturing plants meet pollution and safety standards.

Work on getting on some industry-standard certifications such as ISO 14001 Lead Auditor, GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Accounting, GIS and Remote Sensing. These will help make you employable if you decide against the exams. Also look at technical roles in government such as Scientific Assistant in the MoEFCC or CPCB. Niti Aayog hires Environmental Science postgraduates, as does ISRO.

I am an ECE graduate (2025 batch) working in a manufacturing company. My dream is to work in a marine industry. So I have quit and am preparing for the role of Electro-Technical Officer in the merchant navy. How I can achieve my dream? Gangatharan

Dear Gangatharan,

First, ensure you meet the strict Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) standards for 2026. Do not join the ETO course without a job guarantee. Sponsorship is a legal agreement where a shipping company selects you before your training and guarantees you a four-month pre-sea course followed by eight months of onboard training. Top sponsorship companies are Anglo-Eastern (AEMA), Great Eastern (GEIMS), Mediterranean Shipping Company), Synergy Maritime/Fleet Management, and Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). The selection process involves an online written test, a psychometric test, and an interview.

After completing sea time, you have to appear for the Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam conducted by DG Shipping. Once you pass this, you are a certified Electro-Technical Officer. Apply for a Passport if you don’t have one. You cannot get an INDOS number (seafarer ID) without it.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. I pursued law but took a break to prepare for the UPSC. I chose my degree to allow time for this. But I am worried about not having a backup. Naman

Dear Naman,

If you are close to finishing your Law degree, do it. A ‘Science and Law’ profile is recession-proof. Dedicate 80% of your day to UPSC and 20% to a skill like Environmental Audit or IPR Law. Look at a short-term certification in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as it makes you employable in any major infrastructure firm.

Some other career paths are Environmental Law and ESG. Since you can understand animal ecosystems (Zoology) and legal frameworks of the National Green Tribunal (Law), consider Wildlife Forensics and Crime Investigation. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) hire for project-based roles that can transition into permanent government positions. Law firms and pharmaceutical companies are always looking for ‘Patent Associates’ who have a Science background to become a Patent Agent or Intellectual Property (IPR) Consultant. You will need to take the Indian Patent Agent Examination.

Since you are already in ‘study mode,’ pivot to exams where your Zoology degree gives you an edge for the non-UPSC technical Government jobs.

I’m pursuing a B.A. (Hons.) with Research in Political Science and International Relations. I would like to do a Master’s in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action from Sciences Po University. What are my options? How should I approach the scholarship application? Niranjana

Dear Niranjana,

You seem to be looking at a career in direct field intervention, policy advocacy, or international protection. Graduates from this Master’s course typically split into Humanitarian Action and Human Rights programmes.

Humanitarian action roles such as Emergency Response Coordinator, Food Security Officer, Refugee Protection Officer are key in organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and UNHCR.

Human rights roles involve being a Human Rights Investigator, Policy Advocate, Legal Consultant, and Research Analyst across organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and regional bodies such as National Human Rights Commission in India.

Internships with organisations working with refugee integration, manual scavenging, or tribal rights will strengthen your profile. Consider a stint at the NHRC or NITI Aayog (Social Justice vertical), or think tanks such as ORF and IDSA. Aim for publications in peer-reviewed student journals like the Journal of International Relations or the Cornell International Affairs Review and on platforms such as The Quint, The Wire, or Modern Diplomacy. Ensure that your focus area of research is not generic.

For an Indian student, there are three main funding avenues for Sciences Po: Émile Boutmy, Charpak (Master’s) and the Inlaks Foundation scholarship. Apply for the scholarship when you apply for admission. Your SOP must connect your past research to your future goal of helping people.