My son has diploma in computer engineering .I thought of he doing BE after diploma & he has a strong base. But he is not interested in engineering. I know i made a mistake in asking him to take up engineering instead of exploring his interest. He is interested in music & painting. But now if he has to pursue a career in fine arts he need to complete 12th Arts which he is not .He joined diploma after 10th .Please suggest how he can pursue in fine arts field or does he have to do 12th Arts & then do graduation in fine arts .

Ans: ​Hi, The situation ​is a bit challenging due to his educational background but there are different options you can suggest:

​a) He can opt for bridge courses ​that will provide him with essential skills and knowledge in art and design to bridge the gap between his diploma in computer engineering and pursuing a degree in fine arts.
​b) He can work on building a strong portfolio showcasing his musical and painting skills. A well-curated portfolio can often compensate for the lack of formal education in arts. He can take up personal projects, attend workshops, and seek opportunities to showcase his work locally.
​c) If possible, h​e​ can try signing up for part-time or evening courses related to fine arts while pursuing his current diploma​ to gradually transition towards his passion
​d) Can also consider some open universities that offer flexible admission criteria and are more lenient with prior educational backgrounds. These institutions might have options for him to pursue a degree in fine arts even without a traditional 12th Arts background.​ OPJ's School of Arts and Social Studies offers short-duration courses while he can try opting for Masters in fine arts or Music, Calicut University has a few options as well. or can also look into art schools that have more flexible admissions policies, taking into account his unique educational background and skills.
​e) Encourage internships as well. He could seek out apprenticeships or internships with established artists or art studios to gain hands-on experience and learn from professionals in the field.