The importance of postgraduate courses for a career in research

Postgraduate studies can lead to research careers, job opportunities, and publication in reputed journals for motivated students.

Over the last few years, many students who join a postgraduate degree programme are not sure of their motivation to do so. As a result, they get into a state of confusion and are contented with a certificate and unaware of their prospects after completion. There are also myths that doing a PG course reduces job prospects or that the course should be done only in a top-tier institution leading to apprehensions among students.

First, PG courses can pave the way for a career in research and to pursue a doctorate. Many companies prefer applicants to have completed PG or Ph.D. to strengthen quality control and research and development not just at entry level but also at middle and senior positions. Doing well in postgraduate studies requires a mature mindset and an innate passion to upgrade and update oneself on the developments in one’s field.

Besides the prescribed curriculum, students should be made aware of scientific journals that publish quality work and spend considerable time in exploring articles connected to their areas. They should also be encouraged to present papers at seminars and conferences to build their network and engage in collaborative work. This will not only boost their morale and confidence but also help them present quality research from their project work. Interactions with renowned researchers will motivate them to improve their skills and stay in research.

Yet another aspect is encouraging students to publish a review article and a research article in reputed journals. This involves making them aware of indexed journals such as UGC, Scopus, Web of Science and Scientific Citation Index. Students must aspire to get cited and achieve at least H-Index score so that their work gains visibility. Faculty members can help them get a funded project from government organisations like the AICTE or the DRDO and train them in developing the scholastic skills required to publish articles in reputed journals. Yet another factor is being able to get a patent for their project.

All this will also make it easy for them to get admission to Ph.D. courses in top institutions in the country and abroad and also increase chances of getting jobs in leading research organisations. All this also requires faculty members with a good academic and research track record to motivate and inspire students by sharing their experiences and success stories. It is, therefore, important that students do not stop with mere acquisition of a degree but actively pursue a career in research and development.

With inputs from R. Sasirekha, Sona M. Anton and Z, Shahanaz from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, and C. Kayalvizhi from Jaya Engineering College, Tiruninravur.

The writer is a professor at the Department of Textile Chemistry, SSM College of Engineering, Komarapalayam.