Teacher in the making gains work experience

When Prateek Ray joined Ravenshaw University, Bhubaneswar, for his graduation in political science last year, earning money to meet his expenses became a necessity, which is now a blessing.

Today, he teaches school students at a private coaching centre in Cuttack and makes around Rs 9,000 a month with which he meets his monthly expenses. He also manages to save a small portion of it. At present, he is in his second year and plans to pursue his MA from the same varsity.

“Since this is my second year of college, there isn’t much pressure as far as studies are concerned and hence I chose to work. I would consider taking a break next year when academics will be more taxing,” says Ray who plans to study BEd and then try his luck in the teaching profession.

With an aim of becoming a teacher, he thinks his part-time job will also help him gather some work experience before he enters the teaching/academics field. “Apart from the work experience, the money comes as a big help in meeting expenses. With prices of everything heading north, depending on parents for everything was not acceptable for me. Hence, I decided to work part-time,” he reasons.

While he attends his classes in the morning, he coaches school kids in the evening for two hours every day. “Balancing work and studies is not tough as my work timings are convenient. Besides, I am happy that I am utilising my time fruitfully," he says.

— diana@newindianexpress.com.com