Many students have the ambition to become professionals like Doctors, Lawyers, Architects, Chartered Accountants, and Engineers etc. But quite a few of them also find it not as easy as to how to go about it. Especially when they are at the entry level studies of these courses. One should never be in a hurry to get these courses finished anyway.

It is said that, “Genius consists of ninety-nine percent perspiration and one percent inspiration.” A lot of hard working and smart working must be done to attain the professional status.

How to do this? Quality time given and focused study consistently is a must. The books, the study materials used must be error free and of professional standards. One must refer to the original work of the reputed authors and acquire patiently the knowledge.

This is of course very demanding but time management will ease the pressure. Allot in a day 2to3hrs for dedicated study. There should be absolutely no distraction either through phones or friends visit etc. The mind should be directed towards focused study systematically, both from the point of view of understanding the concepts, principles etc. clearly as well from the examination objectives. Time bound self Testing is of great help.

Somebody said if the work is worth doing let us do it well. Hence before selecting the profession goal one must be clear as to whether it is suited to one’s nature and liking and what one can really do with the knowledge, apart from earning money. One should ask one self whether the work I will be doing as professional will be worth doing. If you get the answer Yes, then start preparing to acquire the skills with at most dedication to the task of getting the Professional Knowledge. Don’t compromise on the quality of information. Ambiguity should not be allowed to stay. Doubts about the Concepts must be cleared sooner. Acquire the professional knowledge thoroughly and marks and certificates will follow. Content is the king it is said of present times. Obtain the repertoire of the same.

Take the help of dedicated teachers and professors. Don’t hesitate. Visit the library; pursue the goal till you get it. A father once said to his son, “Look at the postage stamp on the cover, my son. How it sticks to one thing, till it gets to the other end”. Perseverance is a great quality; a student of professional studies must develop it.

Yoga it is said is a plan of action. A yogi when he does the various asans it is to attain the different goals – To keep the body fit and trim and to be free of specific disease state. So, as a student of professional studies you must have a plan of action for a day, a week, a month, quarter etc. Then execute the plan with as little deviation as possible. Keep the plan flexible. But the goal should not be missed, that is of obtaining the professional knowledge.

Finally professionals provide relief to the community by solving their problems. Be it a Doctor, Lawyer, Tax – Consultant, Engineer etc. And you must enjoy doing that. Keep that in mind, you are going to be an agent of pain reliever. Hence appreciate that professional skill and knowledge alone can be a great booster of status, since it enables to mitigate the problems of the society.

Also remember, if you have a hobby take some timeout for the same. Like, listening to music or reading a book, learning to play an instrument etc. These are life time stress relievers. Obstacles are quite many at times. But remember circumstances are rulers of the weak, but they are the instruments of the wise. Keep acquiring professional knowledge patiently and the road ahead will be easy to tread. My best wishes!

-Prof. R. R. Pillai