Career Talk

Event management or software engineering?

I am a student of Std X. My aim was to become a software engineer but I fear Maths the most. So I gave up the thought of becoming a software engineer and decided to make a career in event management. But my parents think that event management is too hard for me. Now the problem is that I’m unable to decide whether I should go for event management or do engineering. I’m afraid that if Maths spoils my 12th class results then what will I do? I don’t want to take that risk. Please advise me.
Pali Talreja
Sophia Girls Sr. Sec. School

First you need to analyze as to why you want to be a software engineer. Do you have somebody in your family who is a software engineer and living a good lifestyle? Have you read in the newspapers or in a magazine that these engineers earn well and also get a chance to go abroad? Don’t get impressed by all this. Only those who have done the course from good colleges get a handsome salary and a chance to go abroad.

To become a software engineer, you should have Mathematics along with Physics and Chemistry in 10+2. Then you should appear in competitive examinations like AIEEE, JEE to get selected in good engineering colleges.

Another question to analyze is why you fear Maths. It is a very simple subject; the only requirement is to do 10-15 questions every day. Start with solved examples; first understand these, then solve them yourself on paper. If you do it for one month continuously, your fear of Maths will go away… I can guarantee. So don’t spoil your future career due to that fear.

As far as event management is considered, no formal training is required. That doesn’t mean that it’s an easy career. You’re required to have dedication, sincerity and exceptional organizational abilities. You should be able to deal with all types of persons, ranging from suppliers to the CEO of the client company. You need to have good marketing as well as creative and managerial skills. Basically, event managers learn on the job.

Actual work may be different in every event. On one occasion, you may be trying to find a decorating company that can set up a musical event for a corporate party. The next day, you may have to line up a magician for a children’s party. The field also includes a lot of drudgery and leg-work. Working late nights is a norm, as parties don’t usually happen during the regular 9 to 5 hours.

This career may look exciting and interesting but lot of risk is involved as there are no fixed salaries. Some days you may have lot of work, while at other times you may feel that nothing is working out. Give it a thought, discuss with other people and take a well-informed decision.

Dr Vibha Gupta, a feature writer, is a Ph.D. in Mathematics from IIT Roorkee. Her book Careers: A Pathfinder and articles in various publications are an attempt to guide students in choosing a career according to their natural strengths, talents and skills.

Dr Vibha Gupta

Dr Vibha Gupta, a feature writer, is a Ph.D. in Mathematics from IIT Roorkee. Her book Careers: A Pathfinder and articles in various publications are an attempt to guide students in choosing a career according to their natural strengths, talents and skills.