Students try the tele-robotic endoscopic surgery at the exhibition room on medical technologies.

Investing in education

The University Fair hosts a world of choices in higher education for everyone

Story and pictures by ORATIP NIMKANNON

More than 70 universities and academic institutions participate in the University Fair 2006.

Everyone is probably familiar with this simple question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" As simple as it may sound, it's never an easy question to answer. In fact, some spend a lifetime searching for an answer.

And still, many people end up in a vocation that is dissimilar to the work they once pictured for themselves as youngsters. As a person progresses from elementary to high school, and to university, the number of choices multiplies.

At the recent University Fair 2006, many students revisited the question of what they would like to be. With more than 70 universities and academic institutions joining the annual exhibition, the study choices are no longer limited to the traditional classics -engineering, medicine, education, nursing, and arts.

"Spending on higher education is a major investment," said Nattaporn Nasakul, a first-year student at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna. This is particularly true for students who choose to study in the Gems and Jewellery Technology programme, like Nattaporn, because they use high-value materials in their work, such as precious metals, gems, beads.

"After graduation, however, we should be able to reap benefits from our investment, as the jobs market still has a high demand for gems and jewellery experts," Nattaporn said. Last year, for example, the graduating class of 30 students had no problem finding employment, he added.

The four-year programme teaches students how to design jewellery, as well as how to use all necessary cutting tools. Upon entering the first year, every student receives a tool box that contains such implements as pliers, files, and a burner. Some students, said Nattaporn, take this tool box into their professions.

Gems and Jewellery Technology was one of the non-traditional programmes on exhibit at the fair. Another programme of particular interest was Mae Fah Luang University's bachelor and master programmes in cosmetic science. Established in January 2005, the programme saw a surge in students from 50 in the first year to more than 100 this year.

"Cosmetics is a billion-baht business that few people have actually looked into, in terms of the subject of study," said Pradit Momsri, Director of Admissions at the university. "It is a science that requires knowledge in pharmacy, chemistry, and herbs." At the bachelor's level, students spend the first two years studying the theories at the university's main campus in Chiang Rai and the last two years working in cosmetic laboratories in Bangkok.

The master's level emphasises cosmetic research and research that focuses on using local herbs as ingredients for cosmetics. The programme, said Pradit, also incorporates knowledge about business administration, so that students can explore the option of opening their own cosmetic businesses upon graduation.

Besides these trendy programmes, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University and Rangsit University highlighted programmes that offer students an opportunity to study abroad.

"Now that China has opened the doors to its vast markets, Thai investors should understand the business regulations in China and in which areas to invest," said Tanawan Megsutorn from Huachiew Chalernprakiet's admissions office.

Huachiew University opened a new Master of Business Administration course this year, which emphasises three key areas in Chinese markets: investing in China, Thai-Chinese trade, and business operations in China. Rangsit University adopts a similar approach, with its World Economic System master's programme in China.

Other courses at the masters level that may be of particular interest include Rangsit University's multimedia games programme. The programme concentrates on 3-D graphics, computer animations, and advanced software programming that is more suitable for computer science graduates.

Similarly, Mahidol University offers highly specialised master's programmes in ethnomusicology, museum studies, and rural development studies. Although these programmes are usually designed to meet specific needs of professionals already working in the field, graduates of all bachelor programmes are encouraged to apply.

Besides a financial investment, higher education is also an investment in the future. The choices for continuing education are virtually limitless. Rather than confining oneself to the mainstream study programmes, a little research at a fair such as this may help answer the question that everyone must eventually answer: what do you want to be when you grow up?

The University Fair 2006, "Exploring Your Future," took place from July 27-30 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.