An independent study by the University of Mumbai has revealed that a almost 30 per cent of students taking admission to mass media courses are those who have either failed in medical or engineering courses. While University officials say that the trend is not astonishing considering the career opportunities in mass media, ex-perts say it is worrying, as such students develop low self-esteem and confidence that affects their second choice of vocation too.
Speaking about his decision to switch stream after a year in engineering, Neeraj Shinde said, “I grew up hearing about someone or the other in the family being an engineer, so was enamoured by the profession. However, after opting for it, I realised that it was not my cup of tea. Hence, weighing all options, I decided to pursue mass media,” said Neeraj.
Another student blamed his parents for forcing him to take up engineering. “Though I knew I was not good at studies, I took up electrical engineering to fulfill my parents’ desire. However, in the first semester itself, I failed in four papers. I spoke to my parents and decided to call it quits,” said Salman Naeem, another student.
Experts, however, feel that such students could face low self-esteem issues and won’t be able to do well in life. “The change in courses due to failure can be psychologically very stressful,” said Dr Reema Surti, a psychiatrist.
The same view was expressed by Deepak Tiwari, coordinator and assistant professor at Thakur College, Kandiva-li. “Many students who have dropped out from medical and engineering courses opt for mass media courses as it is an emerging field and also yields good returns,” said Tiwari.
Sangita Kohli, head of Bachelor of Mass Media, MU, said, “It’s been noticed that after completing Class 12, students rush into medical and engineering, but soon drop out or leave the course due to the study pressures and the competitive seats. Howev-er, as mass media studies has scope and various jobs good pay-packages are available, engineering and medical students have now started opting for mass media courses.”