Optimise your resume

Getty Images/iStockphoto | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto I am a B.Sc. Chemistry graduate interested in an M.Sc. in Food Technology and Quality Assurance. Is this course still relevant? Which certifications or regulatory courses should I pursue during my PG to strengthen my profile? Anupriya Dear Anupriya, M.Sc. Food Technology and Quality Assurance (FTQA) is still relevant. Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are essential in food manufacturing. It involves compliance with safety standards, residue analysis, traceability software and food safety management systems. B.Tech. graduates do not always get preference over M.Sc. graduates; it depends on the role. B.Sc. Chemistry/M.Sc. FTQA graduates can pursue QA/QC, analytical testing, food laboratories, R&D, product formulation and regulatory compliance. B.Tech. Food Technology graduates are better suited to plant operations, process engineering, packaging and production supervision. My daughter is pursuing a B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry and interested in doing M.Sc. in Paint Technology and Surface Coating. What are the career opportunities? Are there any other alternatives? Vinod Dear Vinod, An M.Sc. in Paint Technology and Surface Coating is an excellent, specialised choice. Her background provides a strong foundation in paint formulations, resins, pigments and corrosion science. Paints and coatings are essential in the automotive, aerospace, marine, oil and gas, defence, packaging and construction industries. The shift towards eco-friendly, low-VOC, water-based and smart nano-coatings is creating opportunities in research and development. In India, graduates can explore opportunities at Asian Paints, Berger Paints, Kansai Nerolac, AkzoNobel, Pidilite, BASF and Jotun in formulation, R&D, technical services, quality assurance, quality control and coating inspection. International opportunities also exist, particularly in West Asia’s oil and gas and infrastructure sectors, and in Europe’s automotive and chemical industries. Multinationals such as AkzoNobel, Sherwin-Williams and Axalta recruit surface science specialists. This qualification can also provide a pathway to a Ph.D. in Polymer Science or Surface Engineering abroad. If she prefers broader career options, she could consider an M.Sc./M.Tech in Polymer Science and Technology, Applied or Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, or Materials Science and Nanotechnology. I completed M.Sc. Horticulture in 2025 and began preparing for the competitive exams but am still unemployed. How can I build my career? Krishi Dear Krishi, Explore supply chain roles such as Procurement Manager, Category Manager (Fruits and Vegetables), Quality Assurance Lead and Post-Harvest Specialist. Corporate agronomy offers opportunities in technical advisory, product development and regional agronomy, focusing on field applications rather than laboratory research. Micro-irrigation and controlled-environment agriculture offer roles such as Technical Project Manager, Hi-tech Farm Manager and Urban Farming Consultant. In agri-banking, consider Agriculture Officer positions in private banks or Credit Risk Analyst roles in agricultural lending. Explore options across research institutes such as ICAR or IARI, NABARD Grade A, IBPS Agricultural Field Officer positions, and public-sector organisations such as NSC and FCI. State Horticulture Missions and commodity boards offer roles in quality control, marketing, extension and scheme implementation. Optimise your resume for operations roles, highlighting field experience, crop handling, post-harvest technology and project management skills gained through your thesis or internships. Upskill in supply chain management, operations and data tools used in Agtech. Connect with alumni working as category managers, procurement leads and agronomists. Apply directly through the career portals of fresh-produce logistics companies, farm management firms, and seed and fertilizer companies. I have a Master’s in International Law. I am considering taking the UPSC or applying for openings at the UN or NGOs such as WWF or ICRC but am advised to focus on the UGC-NET or JRF. I’m interested in environmental law, human rights and IHL. How can I find a clear path on what to do and what are the things I should focus on? Nisha Dear Nisha, UGC-NET or JRF offers a stable starting point through fellowship funding and teaching eligibility. You can use this period to publish policy papers, consult for think tanks and build a profile. However, NET may not be as useful if your goal is fieldwork, diplomacy, litigation, or international policy. Choose a specialisation based on your interests and career goals. For Environmental law, build your knowledge of Indian laws, international frameworks, and explore opportunities at WWF-India, CSE, ATREE, CEEW and law firms specialising in environmental law. For human rights and IHL, a foreign language can help strengthen your profile. Explore opportunities at the ICRC, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, NHRC and UNHCR. You can consider taking the UPSC CSE for the IFS or IAS. Your legal background may help with the Law optional, but the preparation demands sustained commitment. For entry into the UN system, consider UN Volunteers (UNV) and the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) when relevant openings are available. Also look for ICRC traineeships, legal trainee positions and research fellowships at the NHRC and think tanks such as TERI and CEEW. Disclaimer: This column is merely a guiding voice and provides advice and suggestions on education and careers.The writer is a practising counsellor and a trainer. Send your questions to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com with the subject line Off the Edge Published - October 17, 2026 06:30 pm IST