You should have new information every day related to the subject in which you want to become a professor…

YAMINI GUPT- Professor, Business Economics

Professor Yamini Gupt of Delhi University has been teaching for 25 years. Today, Grihashobha brings career advice and guidance to college-bound students through an interview with Professor Yamini.

What is the one subject in high school that is very useful for finance and economics?

I studied science in school. But when it came to choosing a subject for college, I met with my chemistry teacher. She explained that to pursue a successful career in any science subject, I needed to pursue a post-doctoral degree. She then advised me to choose economics. The initial phase was a bit challenging, but with practice, I gained a grasp of the subject. I would also like to add that mathematics is crucial for this field, so students should focus on this subject and strengthen it well in advance.

What to look for when choosing a good college?

Students should choose a college not based on the college itself, but based on their subjects. They should see which colleges teach their subjects well and which colleges have good teachers, and then choose that college. Even if the college is small and not ranked high, if the education there is good and the teachers are good, then you should take admission in that college. It is not necessary that your subjects are available or taught properly in a big college. Where those teachers are good, the education there will also be good, so choose a college after paying attention to where your subjects are taught well.

I’ve seen students enroll based on the college’s name rather than focusing on their subjects, which is a mistake. They go to college, but then find themselves in a dilemma when they don’t find the subject they want.

How did you get inclined towards teaching?

During my master’s, company placements were ongoing. Many of my friends took placements. But at that time, I felt that corporate jobs weren’t for me. I should pursue teaching because I loved teaching and connecting with children. Yes, I worked at FICCI for a while, but I didn’t find satisfaction there. I realized that this profession wasn’t for me. My inner voice was teaching, and I returned to teaching.

Is a PhD required to become a professor or can any professional expert also play this role?

If you’re looking at a central university, yes, a PhD is required. You’ll need to earn one to become a professor. Secondly, if you have a strong knowledge of a subject, you can apply for that position.

If you’re a professional in a field of study, you can discuss it in college. Today, many professionals in their field come to colleges and universities to teach students through their experience, often referred to as professors of practice.

What qualities should a professor have along with his subject knowledge?

Along with subject knowledge, it’s crucial for a professor or a student aspiring to become a professor to stay up-to-date. They should be aware of what’s happening globally, what new developments and ongoing research are taking place in their chosen subject. You should have a good knowledge of soft skills and software, as today’s students are highly aware of the world. They are aware of new research, changes, current information, and news. Therefore, you should also have all the information so that when students ask you questions about these things, you can answer them and satisfy their curiosity. You shouldn’t limit yourself to theory, as teaching through practicals is also crucial today, so keep your practical practice complete.

I’d also like to tell them that teaching is a field where you won’t experience the burnout that’s so common in the corporate sector. I’ve been teaching for 25 years, and I’ve never experienced burnout. I’m always focused on how to keep teaching students something new.

What changes do you see in the finance and economics sector in the next 5-10 years, and what scope will there be for students here?

First, the change we’re seeing everywhere is artificial intelligence. Whether it’s the corporate sector or teaching, it’s everywhere. We’ll all have to deal with it because it will continue to grow.

We also need to see how much we can trust it. However, the importance of a teacher is irreplaceable. While you can learn concepts by watching videos on a computer, you can’t address your doubts and questions through videos. That’s where you’ll need a teacher. AI will outperform everyone. We’ll need to adapt to its changes over time.

As for scope, there are many career options in both finance and economics, including teaching, and in sectors like research, consultancy, public policy, and data analysis. Many people even start their own startups. So, if you have a good background, consider it.

If you have knowledge then there is no dearth of scope and options.

What skills should a student adopt to stand out from others in the interview?

Today is a time of challenge and competition. There are many candidates vying for a single position. Therefore, you need to appear more capable than others, and to achieve this, you need to possess certain skills, such as proficiency in a foreign language, software skills, or social work, such as working with NGOs. To distinguish yourself from others, you must possess something unique. These skills and work create a positive image. Communication skills are also crucial, including written communication skills, because whether you work for a job or your own work, you communicate through email or text messages. Therefore, what you write must be accurate and good. If your work involves research or documentation, you should work on your writing skills. Therefore, it’s important to have certain skills that can help you distinguish yourself in the eyes of a recruiter.

CAREER TIPS

  • What you will learn from the experience of teachers, their work, their research, you will never get it from YouTube.
  • Don’t shy away from hard work. If you want to achieve your dreams, you must put in the hard work.
  • Be sure to learn software skills, foreign languages ​​or any other skills so that you stand out from others to the recruiter.

– Rajni Prasad