A graduation degree followed by post-graduation is the norm.

The prospect of pursuing yet

another degree in the time-pressed and stressed-out world of today is daunting. However,
certain individuals have the rare distinction of
holding not one or two, but a bouquet of degrees.
The degrees could be in different branches of a
single field, or in altogether dissimilar fields.
Of the plethora of degrees, generally one or
two degrees are converted into professions using
the others as add-ons. “To convert all degrees
into professions is not the basic idea. Since
competition is cut-throat on all fronts, having
basic knowledge and a little more always helps,”
points out Dr Vandana Bhatt, a distinguished
scholar who is a chartered engineer and project
administration consultant. She should know,
having a string of degrees such as ME, PhD
(USA), MIE, MASCE (USA), MICA, MIMC, MICC,
MBAI, MICI to her name (whew!) .
Professor SD Rane, meanwhile, has a multitude
of degrees mainly consisting of two qualifications
in engineering, two in management and one in
law. He shares, “Compare a student with a
simple civil engineering degree with another
having a degree in materials management and
also a degree in labour law. Not only is the latter
more efficient and equipped to deal with issues, he can easily double up, with his enhanced
knowledge, as a techno-legal consultant. Same goes for a software or IT student who
pursues a law degree in intellectual property rights.” True to his beliefs, Prof Rane holds
degrees in DCE, BE (Civil), DBM, MMS (Mktg), MMS (Materials), LLB (Labour Laws), LMIE
(India), LMISTE (India) and, most recently, a PhD to boot.
Opines Professor MY Gokhale, who has a doctorate degree (PhD) and twin MSc degrees in
both, pure as well as applied mathematics, “Even degrees pursued in the same field
strengthen the holder’s grasp of the subject.”
Dr Bhatt, however, laments, “Lack of scientific counselling and non-availability of user-
oriented courses causes repulsiveness among parents and students alike when it comes to
add-on degrees that should ideally be pursued.”
Dr Bhatt, who is also a former Class-1 government engineer, says, “What is fresh in the
morning is obsolete in the evening and the industry prefers a candidate with multiple-
utilities.” Having just appeared for her law exams, she continues to add more to her long
roster of degrees and certifications.
Septuagenarian Dr Kirty Dave who already has a string of alphabets after his name,
including PhD (USA),MA, LLB, BEngg and FIE, now intends to put a master’s degree in law in
his kitty of degrees this year. He philosophically says, “Make knowledge a fad. Learning till
the end is life well-lived.”
On the other hand, Prof G Venkatachalam (PhD from Leningrad) of IIT, Bombay, alerts,
“Simply collecting degrees is of no use. Practical need, demand and feasibility should rule the
head when one is out on a multiple-degree hunt.”
Multiple degrees are often a result of interest or opportunity in other fields or an attempt
to branch into a different segment of the same field. Using the degrees to practice one or
more professions ensures a goldmine each month, not to forget greater social standing and
industrial recognition. Entrepreneurship, freelancing, job skipping, and even entire career
changes, are easily facilitated by multiple degrees, though those are not the fundamental
aims of studying for multiple degrees. “Upgrading of knowledge and continued learning is
why multiple degrees should be earned,” stresses Dr Bhatt. “Apart from better job prospects,
it is the creative satisfaction to learn everything that is available. It is a quest to master and
be a master,” declares Prof Rane.
Multiple degree holders believe the
degrees and certificates authenticate their
knowledge, irrespective of how they put
them to use. Prof Rane, who heads the
Department of Humanities and
Management at MIT, Pune, explains,
“Pursuing different degrees makes me
versatile, and new research avenues open
out for me. Today, various disciplines
overlap. A distinct knowledge of each helps
me independently understand and correlate
them, and I can effectively deliver my
viewpoint. I benefit and so do my
students.”
A degree is a function of time and money.
Prof Rane recounts, “I never got any
scholarships or grants. I worked while I studied.” While it is true that finance is not easily
available, Dr Bhatt insists, “Money is never important. The social set-up and mindsets block
progress.”
She advocates an earn-while you-learn policy which includes converting an existing degree
into a profession for financial backing. Cautions Dr Bhatt, “When you land a job, do not
assume it to be your career. You need to add more to your central interest and profession.”
With regard to time, as most peers settle into newer positions, multiple degree holders
invest time into study. Elucidates Dr Dave, “Planning periods of professional and personal life
is important to maintain balance.”
A clean majority of multiple degree seekers have approval from their families. And some
come from luminous families where educational interests are encouraged to the hilt. Says Dr
Bhatt, “I started out in the arts field but my brother-in-law encouraged me to do
engineering. A stream of brilliant academic performances propelled my growth and I
continue studying till date. In fact, I do a new course every year, and encourage my
employees to do the same.” With regard to peer pressure, Prof Rane opposes the idea that it
can influence one’s educational pursuits. Prof Venkatachalam again puts in a valid
counterview when he says, “Knowledge and information are two distinct things. Ultimately
only skill and talent count.” But it is the exhilaration of continued learning that makes people
want many degrees, benefit or no benefit. “I am more than happy,” say all multiple degree
holders.
Late Dr SK Mohindra had a degree in law, was a bank manager and practiced homeopathy.
His grandson Dhruv, a computer engineering student, says, “Having a quiver full of diverse
degrees is nothing less than a boon, being able to fire them for the betterment of society is
indeed a blessing.” With that, he winds up determined to follow in his grandfather’s
footsteps. Cricket or career, being distinct speaks its own saga. Get going!

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