CBSE moves to improve students’ diction
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Central board plans to develop oral, aural skills of students in the ‘global’ language
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Now, the Central Board of Secondary
Education (CBSE) schools will teach their students to speak right.
Abandoning a merely textbook approach to the English language, the CBSE
has asked its schools to train their students in speaking and listening
skills to improve their diction and communication skills. The board has
proposed a formal testing of speaking and listening skills in the form
of Formative Assessments (FAs), in English at secondary and senior
secondary levels from the academic year 2013-14.
In its latest circular to all the schools affiliated with the central board, the CBSE has envisaged that all language skills need to be integrated into the school English language curriculum. “In today’s world, where national and international boundaries have no real meaning for the global citizen, the English language has acquired the role of a crucial medium of communication. It has become the language for knowledge seeker as we move towards a knowledge-based economy,’’ states the circular. For this purpose, CBSE also plans to develop a cohort of oral examiners to be involved in testing of speaking and listening skills in English. ‘’Many schools are teaching English only through textbooks and assessment is being done only through projects and tests. But we want to develop the student’s personality and make them confident speakers of the language. While some schools are already following it, many schools have not implemented it thoroughly. So, we have decided to introduce a formal test for such skills,’’ said a senior official from the CBSE board. Many schools in the city say that they try to develop such skills amongst students through group discussions, debates, public speaking etc. Dipshikha Srivastava, principal of the Rajhans Vidyalaya at Andheri said, ‘’We train children in voice modulations and phonetics, ask them to read aloud passages while the teachers correct their diction. It’s a module that even children enjoy as it helps them communicate better.’’ Besides improving communication skills, it also a helpful assessment tool say experts. Geeta Balgangadharan, principal of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, Colaba, said, ‘’Around 10 marks in the formative assessments are for the student’s oral and aural skills. Some children may not be good in writing, but they are proficient in speaking the language. The test will help evaluate such students.” |
CBSE moves to improve students’ diction Central board plans to develop oral, aural skills of students in the ‘global’ language
Today, a career in Arts is as meaningful and lucrative as commerce or science.
Ever-growing horizon of Arts
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The days when Arts was for those who could not get
into science and commerce or those below average in studies are long
gone. Today, a career in Arts is as meaningful and lucrative as commerce
or science. Pallavi Smart explores the different career options in this
study of human behaviour and society in a two-part series.
All myths surrounding a degree in Arts - that it is for girls, for non-scholars and leftovers - have busted some time ago, even as the general notion among the public of considering Arts as a non-career stream prevails. This despite the several lucrative career options available for Arts students. To get admission into a good Arts institute nowadays, one needs to score as high as 85% or more in the board exams, bringing Arts on the same level as commerce and science. Stating that Arts is getting credit and responsibility it deserves, management educationist and career counsellor RSS Mani said, “Arts careers are becoming increasingly lucrative, with jobs requiring communication skills and an understanding of human behaviour and society. The maximum career options are in the field of psychology.” Mani is currently vice-president of the ITM Group of Institutes. Formal route Counselling & Psychology: This a one among the most popular career options for students of Arts. A prominent subject in the Bachelor of Arts course, Psychology offers chance for specialisation in some city colleges. A degree in the subject followed by a Masters in the same can help one get jobs dealing with human behaviour, primarily in areas like human resources, employee welfare departments of organisations and companies, counselling, research activities covering human behaviour etc. In Mumbai, Xavier’s College, Ruparel College, Wilson College, Sathaye College offer Psychology as a major at the BA level. Sociology With development topping the national agenda, this subject dealing with the science of society offers opportunities galore. Administrative services, community development and social services, corporate social responsibility (CSR) services, health, family and child development services, gerontology, media and journalism, research-oriented jobs to name a few sectors where one can expect to build his/her career after studying sociology. A BA degree with Sociology major coupled with a Masters in any sociology-related specialised sectors can fetch one a job in both government as well as corporate, private sectors. Several city colleges offer BA with Sociology as a major.  Unconventional options Criminology A Sociology graduate can serve to chart a career in this out-of-the-box field as the science of society also teaches one the different correctional steps for the negative and deviant elements therein. While Sociology graduates are preferred in areas such as social service agencies, rehabilitations centres and other correctional institutes such as handling domestic violence cases, woman’s right, child-support etc., other sectors like prisoner’s rights, human rights, criminal justice etc. require trained sociologists. A sociology major can be appointed for profiles dealing with criminals and the crime element in the society which include profiles like prison welfare officer, probation officer, parole officer, rehabilitation officer, district drug prohibition officer, substance abuse counsellor and criminal justice worker among others. Specialised Counselling & Psychology While Psychology teaches human behaviour, several specialised areas under this topic help one make unconventional career in this field. In the era of specialisation, several sectors are narrowed down to specific areas which then require particularly trained professionals. Areas such as education or career counselling, criminal psychology, sports counselling etc. are the unconventional career option in the field of counselling and psychology. |
96% students clear state MBA-CET
96% students clear state MBA-CET
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Of the 82,764 candidates who appeared for the state MBA-CET (Master in
Business Administration-Common Entrance Test) on March 11, 79,410 have
qualified for further stages of the admission process.
The directorate of technical education (DTE) declared the results on its official website, on Monday at 5pm. “The results were slightly poor compared with the previous year though the question paper was based on similar principals like the previous years," said SK Mahajan, director, DTE. But, coaching centres and the candidates did not think so. Vinayak Kudva from IMS, a coaching centre for MBA entrance tests, said: “The results were as per expectations. None of our students have disappointed us.” Tejas Pande, an engineer from Bandra who scored 79 out of 200, said: “The result was not at all disappointing. I hope to clear the group discussion and personal interview rounds and get admission to a good institute." The test scores will be considered for the 42,165 MBA seats and 12,050 seats in post-graduate diploma in management in Maharashtra. This was the last year of the state MBA-CET. The All India Council for Technical Education initiated Common Management Admission Test will be held next year. |
Education advice - Counselling for Career-45
Q.
I am an OBC (Other Backward Classes) student reading physics, chemistry and maths in Class XII. I scored 84 per cent in my Xth board exams. I want to do BTech. Are there any scholarships for further studies? - A Yadav
A.
Most state governments, including Delhi’s, offer merit-based scholarships to all SC/ST/OBC students who are pursuing post-matriculation/ post-secondary (college/university) studies in government-recognised institutions, according to the scholarship scheme prevalent in the state. In Delhi, to avail of the scholarship, students have to obtain a minimum of 60 per cent marks in the senior secondary exam and the family income of OBC students should not exceed Rs 1 lakh. The family income condition is not applicable in the case of SC/ST students. The amount and eligibility criteria for the scholarship depend on the scheme prevalent in the state. The scheme is implemented by the Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities of the state government concerned. For more details regarding the scheme, you can check the websites of the respective state governments. The Delhi government website is www.delhi.gov.in.
Q.
I completed Plus-Two with 73 per cent marks in 2005 and then trained to become an airhostess. Now I am a second-year BA student and want to pursue an MBBS degree from a good university. Can you recommend a university where I can get admission without appearing in the entrance test? — Angelina
A.
Securing a seat in a medical college is possibly the toughest proposition today. All medical colleges take in students after a competitive entrance test. The course is extremely challenging, requiring many long years of dedicated study. The halo around the medical career makes it alluring but you must be sure that you have the abilities and the motivation to work in this demanding field, which requires almost eight-10 years of study if one wants to become a medical specialist. As you are doing graduation and have trained as an airhostess, you may like to consider working with an airline or travel agency, in customer care or hotel management, travel and tourism. Most airhostess training institutes provide classes in personality development, customer services, and help in building confidence and social and communication skills. If you do not wish to become an airhostess, the training can also help you get a job in hotels, travel companies, public relations and event management and in customer care with service organisations, or in the travel and hospitality sector. If you wish to be in a medical-related field, you may take up a post-graduate programme in hospital management. It is important to select a career option matching your aptitude and personality, keeping in mind the skills you have developed and can use to succeed.
Q.
I want to do PhD from an American university. I am in my second semester of MSc in botany at the University of Delhi. So, it’s too early to decide on a topic but my areas of interest are aromatic and medicinal plants. Which American universities do research in these areas? I will need financial aid. Are living expenses covered in financial aid? My relatives in the United States can help me get financial assistance. I am thinking of getting into Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Brown or Penn. What other colleges, universities should I consider? — Shyla
A.
There are many websites that will provide you information on the colleges and universities offering research programmes in your area of interest. There are any number of universities and institutes offering study programmes in research areas related to medicinal plants, biodiversity and so on. It is important for you to identify a specific topic of interest. There are websites such as www.collegeboard.com, www.petersonsguide.com and www.usnews.com that give listings of colleges and universities and their ratings, costs of study, funding, and admission tests required for admission. It is also advisable to identify one or two possible faculty mentors from the department handling the research areas who can guide you when submitting your application. Make sure that your personal statement describes your specific research interest and how your prior educational background has prepared you for it. Most research programmes require you to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) general test, which measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking and analytical writing skills. The exam is required for admission into a Master’s/and sometimes research and PhD programmes in the US. You may also be required to take the GRE Subject Test in the area of intended study. Check the requirements of each university.
I am an OBC (Other Backward Classes) student reading physics, chemistry and maths in Class XII. I scored 84 per cent in my Xth board exams. I want to do BTech. Are there any scholarships for further studies? - A Yadav
A.
Most state governments, including Delhi’s, offer merit-based scholarships to all SC/ST/OBC students who are pursuing post-matriculation/ post-secondary (college/university) studies in government-recognised institutions, according to the scholarship scheme prevalent in the state. In Delhi, to avail of the scholarship, students have to obtain a minimum of 60 per cent marks in the senior secondary exam and the family income of OBC students should not exceed Rs 1 lakh. The family income condition is not applicable in the case of SC/ST students. The amount and eligibility criteria for the scholarship depend on the scheme prevalent in the state. The scheme is implemented by the Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities of the state government concerned. For more details regarding the scheme, you can check the websites of the respective state governments. The Delhi government website is www.delhi.gov.in.
Q.
I completed Plus-Two with 73 per cent marks in 2005 and then trained to become an airhostess. Now I am a second-year BA student and want to pursue an MBBS degree from a good university. Can you recommend a university where I can get admission without appearing in the entrance test? — Angelina
A.
Securing a seat in a medical college is possibly the toughest proposition today. All medical colleges take in students after a competitive entrance test. The course is extremely challenging, requiring many long years of dedicated study. The halo around the medical career makes it alluring but you must be sure that you have the abilities and the motivation to work in this demanding field, which requires almost eight-10 years of study if one wants to become a medical specialist. As you are doing graduation and have trained as an airhostess, you may like to consider working with an airline or travel agency, in customer care or hotel management, travel and tourism. Most airhostess training institutes provide classes in personality development, customer services, and help in building confidence and social and communication skills. If you do not wish to become an airhostess, the training can also help you get a job in hotels, travel companies, public relations and event management and in customer care with service organisations, or in the travel and hospitality sector. If you wish to be in a medical-related field, you may take up a post-graduate programme in hospital management. It is important to select a career option matching your aptitude and personality, keeping in mind the skills you have developed and can use to succeed.
Q.
I want to do PhD from an American university. I am in my second semester of MSc in botany at the University of Delhi. So, it’s too early to decide on a topic but my areas of interest are aromatic and medicinal plants. Which American universities do research in these areas? I will need financial aid. Are living expenses covered in financial aid? My relatives in the United States can help me get financial assistance. I am thinking of getting into Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Brown or Penn. What other colleges, universities should I consider? — Shyla
A.
There are many websites that will provide you information on the colleges and universities offering research programmes in your area of interest. There are any number of universities and institutes offering study programmes in research areas related to medicinal plants, biodiversity and so on. It is important for you to identify a specific topic of interest. There are websites such as www.collegeboard.com, www.petersonsguide.com and www.usnews.com that give listings of colleges and universities and their ratings, costs of study, funding, and admission tests required for admission. It is also advisable to identify one or two possible faculty mentors from the department handling the research areas who can guide you when submitting your application. Make sure that your personal statement describes your specific research interest and how your prior educational background has prepared you for it. Most research programmes require you to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) general test, which measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking and analytical writing skills. The exam is required for admission into a Master’s/and sometimes research and PhD programmes in the US. You may also be required to take the GRE Subject Test in the area of intended study. Check the requirements of each university.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-44
Q.
Can you advise me about various diploma courses I can pursue after my BCom? I am also going to apply for an LLB degree which will help my career as company secretary. — Savita Gaur
A.
The BCom programme provides a good base for a range of careers. These are broadly of two types — those related to business and finance such as chartered accountancy, company secretaryship, and cost and works accountancy (CWA), banking and so on, and the non-finance fields such as law, civil services, mass communication, hotel management and so on. There are many diploma courses open to you. To enhance your qualification in accounts, you may consider courses such as CWA, or others related to finance and banking such as a diploma in banking and finance offered by a number of institutes, including the Aligarh Muslim University and University of Rajasthan. Annamalai University offers a PG diploma in banking law and practice, which may be helpful if you wish to go for CS or law. Other courses in banking and finance include a PG diploma in banking operations offered by the Institute of Finance Banking & Insurance, New Delhi, a collaboration between NIIT and ICICI Bank, as also the PG programme in banking and finance offered by the National Institute of Bank Management, Pune, for which admission is through the IIM Common Admission Test. If you wish to work with non-banking financial companies, or in stocks and securities, there are several courses in securities and capital markets. The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) conducts a PG diploma programme in treasury and forex management and a PG diploma in merchant banking and financial services. These will enable you to get into financial consulting and finance-related services. There are a few other short courses in capital markets offered by institutes such as the Indian Institute of Capital Markets, Navi Mumbai; the International College of Financial Planning, New Delhi; Mumbai Stock Exchange training Institute and the National Stock Exchange. The Institute of Financial and Investment Planning offers a one-year correspondence-cum-lecture course leading to a diploma in financial and investment planning. There are also short courses in export-import and foreign trade offered by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi; National Institute of Export Management, Chennai and KC College of Management Studies, Mumbai, which offers diplomas in export-import management through correspondence. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) also offers several diploma and certificate courses. You may look at a PG diploma in Insurance Management as insurance and risk management is another growing field for which a BCom degree is useful. Further, if you are interested in non-finance related courses, there are any number of diploma programmes in mass communication, event management, travel and tourism and so on. Much depends on your areas of interest and the field of work you wish to focus on.
Q.
I am a first-year MBA student at GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi. I need to choose a set of one major and one minor subject from the following as my specialisation: finance, marketing, human resources, information technology and international business. Should I choose HR or finance? Which one is more suitable? - Neha Nagpal
A.
With the organised sector back on a hiring spree according to a recent Ma Foi Employment Trends Survey, job prospects for all MBA specialisations appear favourable. However, the choice of specialisation should depend largely on your career goals and on the kind of person you are, your abilities and area of interest. HR management is an organisational function and on an equal footing with marketing and other specialisations of business management. It deals with activities like recruitment, training, placement, promotions, transfers, and industrial disputes in an organisation, as well as labour discipline and grievances, employee morale and organisational development. To become an HR professional, you need to be good with people, understand human psychology, get along with all kinds of people regardless of their age, class, social or educational background, have some organising ability, administrative skills and effective problem-solving skills. Finance is a good field for those with strong analytical and reasoning skills. Finance professionals are in charge of budgets, executing financial programmes and profitability appraisals. Finance managers handle not just the conventional auditing and accounting, but also a vast range of activities like fund raising, foreign exchange, treasury management, investment banking, securities management and financial and strategy consulting. So make your choice depending on the kind of skills you have and the work you can visualise yourself doing.
Q.
My query is about a career in waste management. I am not interested in going for a general MBA degree. Sometime back, HT published a very small article on the huge amount of waste that is not managed. Since then, I have been thinking I can contribute towards the waste management field. Which institutes in India and abroad provide courses in waste management (MBA or others)? — Jyoti Sandhu
A.
Waste management is an important aspect of environmental management and conservation. It is advisable to take up a programme in some area of environmental sciences or management, or even a course in sustainable development that covers issues concerning environmental conservation and management. There are several institutes that cover such programmes including the MBA in environmental management, offered by Bharathidasan University, which teaches principles of environmental management as well as waste management and industrial ecology. The Indian Institute of Environment Management (SIES) at Navi Mumbai also offers a course in environment sciences. The University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, offers a diploma in environmental studies and environmental management, while the National Institute of Environment, Lucknow, offers postgraduate diploma in industrial pollution management, environment management and environmental consultancy which includes aspects of waste management. With a degree in science, you may consider several MSc programmes in environment sciences, which include subjects related to waste management, including hospital waste, bio-medical waste, industrial waste, etc. The School of Environment Management at Delhi’s GGS Indraprastha University recently started a two-year Master’s programme in environment management, which aims to equip environmental managers with a comprehensive understanding of key relevant issues, and lays emphasis on the efficient management of natural resources for sustainable development. It’s open to students with science/engineering background, and selection is through a national-level common entrance test. TERI University also offers several postgraduate programmes in environmental studies; natural and water resources management. The MA in sustainable development practice is a more holistic programme covering sustainable development, climate change and ecosystem vulnerability and so on.
Can you advise me about various diploma courses I can pursue after my BCom? I am also going to apply for an LLB degree which will help my career as company secretary. — Savita Gaur
A.
The BCom programme provides a good base for a range of careers. These are broadly of two types — those related to business and finance such as chartered accountancy, company secretaryship, and cost and works accountancy (CWA), banking and so on, and the non-finance fields such as law, civil services, mass communication, hotel management and so on. There are many diploma courses open to you. To enhance your qualification in accounts, you may consider courses such as CWA, or others related to finance and banking such as a diploma in banking and finance offered by a number of institutes, including the Aligarh Muslim University and University of Rajasthan. Annamalai University offers a PG diploma in banking law and practice, which may be helpful if you wish to go for CS or law. Other courses in banking and finance include a PG diploma in banking operations offered by the Institute of Finance Banking & Insurance, New Delhi, a collaboration between NIIT and ICICI Bank, as also the PG programme in banking and finance offered by the National Institute of Bank Management, Pune, for which admission is through the IIM Common Admission Test. If you wish to work with non-banking financial companies, or in stocks and securities, there are several courses in securities and capital markets. The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) conducts a PG diploma programme in treasury and forex management and a PG diploma in merchant banking and financial services. These will enable you to get into financial consulting and finance-related services. There are a few other short courses in capital markets offered by institutes such as the Indian Institute of Capital Markets, Navi Mumbai; the International College of Financial Planning, New Delhi; Mumbai Stock Exchange training Institute and the National Stock Exchange. The Institute of Financial and Investment Planning offers a one-year correspondence-cum-lecture course leading to a diploma in financial and investment planning. There are also short courses in export-import and foreign trade offered by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi; National Institute of Export Management, Chennai and KC College of Management Studies, Mumbai, which offers diplomas in export-import management through correspondence. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) also offers several diploma and certificate courses. You may look at a PG diploma in Insurance Management as insurance and risk management is another growing field for which a BCom degree is useful. Further, if you are interested in non-finance related courses, there are any number of diploma programmes in mass communication, event management, travel and tourism and so on. Much depends on your areas of interest and the field of work you wish to focus on.
Q.
I am a first-year MBA student at GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi. I need to choose a set of one major and one minor subject from the following as my specialisation: finance, marketing, human resources, information technology and international business. Should I choose HR or finance? Which one is more suitable? - Neha Nagpal
A.
With the organised sector back on a hiring spree according to a recent Ma Foi Employment Trends Survey, job prospects for all MBA specialisations appear favourable. However, the choice of specialisation should depend largely on your career goals and on the kind of person you are, your abilities and area of interest. HR management is an organisational function and on an equal footing with marketing and other specialisations of business management. It deals with activities like recruitment, training, placement, promotions, transfers, and industrial disputes in an organisation, as well as labour discipline and grievances, employee morale and organisational development. To become an HR professional, you need to be good with people, understand human psychology, get along with all kinds of people regardless of their age, class, social or educational background, have some organising ability, administrative skills and effective problem-solving skills. Finance is a good field for those with strong analytical and reasoning skills. Finance professionals are in charge of budgets, executing financial programmes and profitability appraisals. Finance managers handle not just the conventional auditing and accounting, but also a vast range of activities like fund raising, foreign exchange, treasury management, investment banking, securities management and financial and strategy consulting. So make your choice depending on the kind of skills you have and the work you can visualise yourself doing.
Q.
My query is about a career in waste management. I am not interested in going for a general MBA degree. Sometime back, HT published a very small article on the huge amount of waste that is not managed. Since then, I have been thinking I can contribute towards the waste management field. Which institutes in India and abroad provide courses in waste management (MBA or others)? — Jyoti Sandhu
A.
Waste management is an important aspect of environmental management and conservation. It is advisable to take up a programme in some area of environmental sciences or management, or even a course in sustainable development that covers issues concerning environmental conservation and management. There are several institutes that cover such programmes including the MBA in environmental management, offered by Bharathidasan University, which teaches principles of environmental management as well as waste management and industrial ecology. The Indian Institute of Environment Management (SIES) at Navi Mumbai also offers a course in environment sciences. The University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, offers a diploma in environmental studies and environmental management, while the National Institute of Environment, Lucknow, offers postgraduate diploma in industrial pollution management, environment management and environmental consultancy which includes aspects of waste management. With a degree in science, you may consider several MSc programmes in environment sciences, which include subjects related to waste management, including hospital waste, bio-medical waste, industrial waste, etc. The School of Environment Management at Delhi’s GGS Indraprastha University recently started a two-year Master’s programme in environment management, which aims to equip environmental managers with a comprehensive understanding of key relevant issues, and lays emphasis on the efficient management of natural resources for sustainable development. It’s open to students with science/engineering background, and selection is through a national-level common entrance test. TERI University also offers several postgraduate programmes in environmental studies; natural and water resources management. The MA in sustainable development practice is a more holistic programme covering sustainable development, climate change and ecosystem vulnerability and so on.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-43
Q.
I am a visually challenged candidate. I have appeared for my Class XII exams. My subjects were Hindi, Sanskrit, music, political science, and history. I aspire to become a radio jockey (RJ). What are the courses, institutes and channels for this? — Vivek
A.
An RJ should be able to connect to the listeners who s/he cannot and does not see. There is more that you require to become an RJ. You should be friendly, spontaneous, warm and friendly, have a good voice and good command over the language. RJs and VJs host a variety of programmes – including talk shows with film stars and other personalities, dial-in shows where you can dial in to chat with the host and get your message across, as well as shows where you can page in your messages. RJs work on these programmes at TV or radio stations where they select the kind of music/song listeners would like to listen to. Most often, they write their scripts. They are also required to have some knowledge of music or the composer, and other information that will be of interest to listeners. In addition to playing music on air, RJs also provide information on the music, weather and traffic. Most FM channels prefer to take in youngsters as they have new ideas, concepts and are bubbling with enthusiasm. At present, there are few institutions in India that offer courses in radio jockeying or disc jockeying. Some institutes conduct mass communications programmes which include modules on ‘DJ/RJing’. These include Asian Academy of Film and TV, Noida; Apeejay School of Communications, Delhi; International School of Media and Entertainment Studies, Noida; International Institute of Mass Media, New Delhi; IAAN Creations, New Delhi and the several others. Some well known DJs have opened their training schools. DJ Sunny Sarid has set up a training school The Sound of Music, while DJ Rummy Sharma, has started The Studio Bakers. DJ Sumit Budhiraja is running Modus Operandi. So, if you have a good voice, and can chat twenty to the dozen, here is a career in the making for you.
Q.
I am 25, pursuing the chartered accountancy programme. After this, I intend to go for cost and works accountancy or company secreretaryship. I always had a passion for medicine. I have worked in researching an antidote for venoms and biological toxins, using my money. However, I have a non-medical background and not sure of my chances of getting into medicine/ pharmacology in India. Please help. — Parameshwari Juyal
A.
It is very creditable that you have worked in researching important medicine-related information on your own. It is unfortunate that you were unable to take up the study of medicine. However, it is virtually impossible to get into medicine now, particularly because you have no science background. Moreover, as you will understand, medical work deals with life and death. Therefore, it is important that those who get into this profession are not only interested in the discipline, but also have the appropriate educational qualifications to be able to study possibly one of the most challenging study programmes. However, there are many other areas you can work in — particularly if you wish to work in a medical-related field. Clinical research does not require a science background. It involves the testing of various medical formulations on different patients. You will also need to have good communication skills so as to interact with, and gain the confidence of patients and subjects taking part in the trials. Career prospects in the clinical research industry include working as a clinical investigator, or research associate at a hospital conducting clinical investigations or a clinical research organisation. Jobs are also available in the pharmaceutical industry. Many companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Pfizer have dedicated clinical research departments. Another field is hospital administration. With large companies like Apollo, Max, Fortis, Wockhardt, Tata and several others setting up state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics across the country, there will be an increased requirement for trained professionals for the efficient administration of these facilities. You may also consider working with NGOs.
Q.
I am in my final semester of BCom (Hons) in Ranchi. I was doing the chartered accountancy programme but due to lack of interest, I dropped out. My dad wants me to do an MBA but I want to enter the media. What is the scope in photography and digital design? - Harsh Daruka
A.
There are plenty of opportunities in photography and digital design. With the media boom, photographers who are good at their work are bound to do really well. If you have a high level of visual imagination, an eye for detail and composition, artistic sensitivity, creativity and good powers of observation, a career in photography and design can bring you both success and satisfaction. It is possible to become a photographer without formal training, though it can give you knowledge and command over a variety of cameras, lights, props and photographic techniques. Formal training also hones creative skills. There are numerous opportunities for photographers — most newspaper and magazine companies employ photographers, as do advertising agencies and all kinds of publications including journals etc. to cover diverse kinds of events. One of the most exciting aspects of photography is the variety of options available in the field, ranging from highly specialised, technical jobs to work that require creativity and visual literacy, from political news, fashion, and commercial/ industrial work to nature and wildlife, forensic and video filming. The following institutes offer training: *Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi *Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi *National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad *JJ School of Art, Mumbai *Academy for Photographic Excellence, New Delhi *Harkisan Mehta Foundation Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication, Mumbai Moreover, if you are versatile in drawing, you can enrol in a visual communication and design course to work in web, animation or graphic design. There are many institutes for animation, such as Jamia Millia Islamia, Apeejay Institute of Design, Film and Television Institute of India. Training in animation and multimedia can also be done through short diploma courses with graduation. These courses are offered at institutes including Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics in Delhi and Mumbai, Gecko, Academy of Digital Arts, New Delhi and Arena Multimedia.
I am a visually challenged candidate. I have appeared for my Class XII exams. My subjects were Hindi, Sanskrit, music, political science, and history. I aspire to become a radio jockey (RJ). What are the courses, institutes and channels for this? — Vivek
A.
An RJ should be able to connect to the listeners who s/he cannot and does not see. There is more that you require to become an RJ. You should be friendly, spontaneous, warm and friendly, have a good voice and good command over the language. RJs and VJs host a variety of programmes – including talk shows with film stars and other personalities, dial-in shows where you can dial in to chat with the host and get your message across, as well as shows where you can page in your messages. RJs work on these programmes at TV or radio stations where they select the kind of music/song listeners would like to listen to. Most often, they write their scripts. They are also required to have some knowledge of music or the composer, and other information that will be of interest to listeners. In addition to playing music on air, RJs also provide information on the music, weather and traffic. Most FM channels prefer to take in youngsters as they have new ideas, concepts and are bubbling with enthusiasm. At present, there are few institutions in India that offer courses in radio jockeying or disc jockeying. Some institutes conduct mass communications programmes which include modules on ‘DJ/RJing’. These include Asian Academy of Film and TV, Noida; Apeejay School of Communications, Delhi; International School of Media and Entertainment Studies, Noida; International Institute of Mass Media, New Delhi; IAAN Creations, New Delhi and the several others. Some well known DJs have opened their training schools. DJ Sunny Sarid has set up a training school The Sound of Music, while DJ Rummy Sharma, has started The Studio Bakers. DJ Sumit Budhiraja is running Modus Operandi. So, if you have a good voice, and can chat twenty to the dozen, here is a career in the making for you.
Q.
I am 25, pursuing the chartered accountancy programme. After this, I intend to go for cost and works accountancy or company secreretaryship. I always had a passion for medicine. I have worked in researching an antidote for venoms and biological toxins, using my money. However, I have a non-medical background and not sure of my chances of getting into medicine/ pharmacology in India. Please help. — Parameshwari Juyal
A.
It is very creditable that you have worked in researching important medicine-related information on your own. It is unfortunate that you were unable to take up the study of medicine. However, it is virtually impossible to get into medicine now, particularly because you have no science background. Moreover, as you will understand, medical work deals with life and death. Therefore, it is important that those who get into this profession are not only interested in the discipline, but also have the appropriate educational qualifications to be able to study possibly one of the most challenging study programmes. However, there are many other areas you can work in — particularly if you wish to work in a medical-related field. Clinical research does not require a science background. It involves the testing of various medical formulations on different patients. You will also need to have good communication skills so as to interact with, and gain the confidence of patients and subjects taking part in the trials. Career prospects in the clinical research industry include working as a clinical investigator, or research associate at a hospital conducting clinical investigations or a clinical research organisation. Jobs are also available in the pharmaceutical industry. Many companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Pfizer have dedicated clinical research departments. Another field is hospital administration. With large companies like Apollo, Max, Fortis, Wockhardt, Tata and several others setting up state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics across the country, there will be an increased requirement for trained professionals for the efficient administration of these facilities. You may also consider working with NGOs.
Q.
I am in my final semester of BCom (Hons) in Ranchi. I was doing the chartered accountancy programme but due to lack of interest, I dropped out. My dad wants me to do an MBA but I want to enter the media. What is the scope in photography and digital design? - Harsh Daruka
A.
There are plenty of opportunities in photography and digital design. With the media boom, photographers who are good at their work are bound to do really well. If you have a high level of visual imagination, an eye for detail and composition, artistic sensitivity, creativity and good powers of observation, a career in photography and design can bring you both success and satisfaction. It is possible to become a photographer without formal training, though it can give you knowledge and command over a variety of cameras, lights, props and photographic techniques. Formal training also hones creative skills. There are numerous opportunities for photographers — most newspaper and magazine companies employ photographers, as do advertising agencies and all kinds of publications including journals etc. to cover diverse kinds of events. One of the most exciting aspects of photography is the variety of options available in the field, ranging from highly specialised, technical jobs to work that require creativity and visual literacy, from political news, fashion, and commercial/ industrial work to nature and wildlife, forensic and video filming. The following institutes offer training: *Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi *Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi *National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad *JJ School of Art, Mumbai *Academy for Photographic Excellence, New Delhi *Harkisan Mehta Foundation Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication, Mumbai Moreover, if you are versatile in drawing, you can enrol in a visual communication and design course to work in web, animation or graphic design. There are many institutes for animation, such as Jamia Millia Islamia, Apeejay Institute of Design, Film and Television Institute of India. Training in animation and multimedia can also be done through short diploma courses with graduation. These courses are offered at institutes including Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics in Delhi and Mumbai, Gecko, Academy of Digital Arts, New Delhi and Arena Multimedia.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-42
Q.
I completed my BCom (H) programme in 2007. If I clear the cost and works accountant (CWA) final exam, is the qualification sufficient for bagging higher (managerial) jobs? I need to do an MBA programme. But reputable colleges charge hefty fees. Therefore, I think, I should do CS or CFA which are correspondence courses and hold good professional value. Any suggestions? — Rahul
A.
While an MBA degree from a good institute can certainly brighten your career prospects, the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India’s (ICWAI’s) cost accountancy course also prepares you for a high-quality career in accounting and finance. Cost accountants collect, organise and analyse financial information from all parts of an organisation to enable business decisions to be made. After completing the course, you can work in a managerial position in the financial departments of government organisations, in the banking and finance sector, in development agencies, education, training and research segment as well as in the services sector. The CFA programme imparts training in corporate finance, investment management and financial services, like venture capital, leasing and hire purchase, project planning and so on, as well as international finance, and investment management. It is, therefore, a job best suited for those who want to enhance their skills in all areas of finance. If you are interested in a finance career, it is suggested that you work for a couple of years after the CWA programme, and then pursue the CFA qualification. Moreover, it is important to remember that to be successful in management and finance, you need to have a good mathematical and analytical aptitude as well as problem-solving and organisation skills. You also need to have sound knowledge and interest in commerce and business and be good in decision making. If you possess these qualities, you can progress successfully in your career.
Q.
I have a BArch degree and five years’ experience in multi-national companies as a software engineer. I stopped working three years ago after my son was born. I am good at talking and convincing people. Is there are any option for me like some kind of counselling or work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs)? For counselling, what courses do I need to complete? — Anitha
A.
Counsellors assist people with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career decisions and problems. Their duties depend on the individuals they serve and the settings in which they work. These include schools, colleges, clinics, counselling centres, welfare departments as well as private practice. There are counselling services that specialise in particular groups, e.g. young people, the elderly, or in specific problems such as drug addiction, AIDS etc. All counselling work requires some formal training, as you need to understand people, the reasons they have the problems and how to help them cope with them. If you do not have any training in counselling, you can start work as a social worker with non-governmental agencies, special schools, family welfare agencies as well as international agencies. You can also volunteer with an NGO and help them in work which could range from handling educational needs of different social groups, organising communities for change, lobbying with local groups, government officials or other specialised groups, organising training programmes, raising legal and human rights awareness, and so on. Social work requires a firm commitment and a desire to help, more than academic qualifications. There are hundreds of NGOs working in various aspects of development, whether poverty alleviation, education, gender issues, with physically or mentally challenged people, or on environment issues, such as pollution, waste management and wildlife. You need to decide on the area of work you are interested in and then select the organisation that fulfils that need. There is a huge scope for work with NGOs and so many areas that require dedicated people. If you are motivated enough to do some social work, then you can easily approach any NGO for a job. There are many websites that can give you a list of NGOs working in Delhi including www.indianngos.com, www.nfi.org.in, www.indisponsor.org and many others. And once youve identified the kind of organisation you’d like to work with, shortlist some and get in touch with them and see if they have any vacancies. But, before joining, be prepared for the fact that its going to be a lot of hard work and the salaries won’t be too high.
Q.
I am waiting for my final-semester BTech results. Is it a good idea to do cyber laws certification programme (distance learning) from Symbiosis? What are the uses of cyber laws? - Shafanaashraf
A.
This field has huge potential for anyone who would like to be the Sherlock Holmes of the Internet. What you need is a strong background in information technology and interest in a career in cyber crime. In this, much work needs to be done to help nab cyber-criminals, predict crime patterns and motives for such crimes, and assess their impact. As Internet-based applications in government departments, banks, telemarketing and online stock trading is growing, responsibilities of cyber lawyers are also increasing, particularly due to the limited availability of trained experts on the subject. The certification programme will enable you to get into this field, and build up work experience.
I completed my BCom (H) programme in 2007. If I clear the cost and works accountant (CWA) final exam, is the qualification sufficient for bagging higher (managerial) jobs? I need to do an MBA programme. But reputable colleges charge hefty fees. Therefore, I think, I should do CS or CFA which are correspondence courses and hold good professional value. Any suggestions? — Rahul
A.
While an MBA degree from a good institute can certainly brighten your career prospects, the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India’s (ICWAI’s) cost accountancy course also prepares you for a high-quality career in accounting and finance. Cost accountants collect, organise and analyse financial information from all parts of an organisation to enable business decisions to be made. After completing the course, you can work in a managerial position in the financial departments of government organisations, in the banking and finance sector, in development agencies, education, training and research segment as well as in the services sector. The CFA programme imparts training in corporate finance, investment management and financial services, like venture capital, leasing and hire purchase, project planning and so on, as well as international finance, and investment management. It is, therefore, a job best suited for those who want to enhance their skills in all areas of finance. If you are interested in a finance career, it is suggested that you work for a couple of years after the CWA programme, and then pursue the CFA qualification. Moreover, it is important to remember that to be successful in management and finance, you need to have a good mathematical and analytical aptitude as well as problem-solving and organisation skills. You also need to have sound knowledge and interest in commerce and business and be good in decision making. If you possess these qualities, you can progress successfully in your career.
Q.
I have a BArch degree and five years’ experience in multi-national companies as a software engineer. I stopped working three years ago after my son was born. I am good at talking and convincing people. Is there are any option for me like some kind of counselling or work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs)? For counselling, what courses do I need to complete? — Anitha
A.
Counsellors assist people with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career decisions and problems. Their duties depend on the individuals they serve and the settings in which they work. These include schools, colleges, clinics, counselling centres, welfare departments as well as private practice. There are counselling services that specialise in particular groups, e.g. young people, the elderly, or in specific problems such as drug addiction, AIDS etc. All counselling work requires some formal training, as you need to understand people, the reasons they have the problems and how to help them cope with them. If you do not have any training in counselling, you can start work as a social worker with non-governmental agencies, special schools, family welfare agencies as well as international agencies. You can also volunteer with an NGO and help them in work which could range from handling educational needs of different social groups, organising communities for change, lobbying with local groups, government officials or other specialised groups, organising training programmes, raising legal and human rights awareness, and so on. Social work requires a firm commitment and a desire to help, more than academic qualifications. There are hundreds of NGOs working in various aspects of development, whether poverty alleviation, education, gender issues, with physically or mentally challenged people, or on environment issues, such as pollution, waste management and wildlife. You need to decide on the area of work you are interested in and then select the organisation that fulfils that need. There is a huge scope for work with NGOs and so many areas that require dedicated people. If you are motivated enough to do some social work, then you can easily approach any NGO for a job. There are many websites that can give you a list of NGOs working in Delhi including www.indianngos.com, www.nfi.org.in, www.indisponsor.org and many others. And once youve identified the kind of organisation you’d like to work with, shortlist some and get in touch with them and see if they have any vacancies. But, before joining, be prepared for the fact that its going to be a lot of hard work and the salaries won’t be too high.
Q.
I am waiting for my final-semester BTech results. Is it a good idea to do cyber laws certification programme (distance learning) from Symbiosis? What are the uses of cyber laws? - Shafanaashraf
A.
This field has huge potential for anyone who would like to be the Sherlock Holmes of the Internet. What you need is a strong background in information technology and interest in a career in cyber crime. In this, much work needs to be done to help nab cyber-criminals, predict crime patterns and motives for such crimes, and assess their impact. As Internet-based applications in government departments, banks, telemarketing and online stock trading is growing, responsibilities of cyber lawyers are also increasing, particularly due to the limited availability of trained experts on the subject. The certification programme will enable you to get into this field, and build up work experience.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-41
Q.
I love to help people, so I thought of opting for social work as a career. Do I have bright future in this field? — Bali Singh
A.
Social work today has come far from the days when it used to be the prerogative of a few visionaries who believed they could make a difference to the way people lived, but didn’t have adequate resources. It looks like you have almost made a choice. But remember that to become a successful social worker, you need to have genuine compassion for the underprivileged, a very real urge to help others make better lives for themselves and the capacity to work hard, and under far-from-perfect working conditions. With the emergence of a number of non-government organisations (NGOs), this sector has become much more organised than before. With institutes like the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Delhi School of Social Work offering job-oriented degrees in social work, it looks like this career choice, once considered unusual, is becoming not so unusual, after all. The social work programme is open to graduates. Applicants with a sociology, social work, or psychology background get preference. Admission is through a written test and interview. The test assesses mental ability and general awareness, while the interview is aimed at identifying candidates with a genuine interest in social work. Anthropologists, sociologists and psychologists are also suitable for some of the work social workers do. Most universities offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work. Social workers specialise in: Criminology and correctional work: Jobs in prisons, and government departments. Medical and psychiatric social work: Clinics, hospitals, sanatoria, child guidance clinics, counselling centres, mental hospitals, medical colleges and community public health centres and so on. Community development work: This involves field work with community groups, government and voluntary agencies in areas related to women and child welfare, education and literacy, poverty alleviation programmes, rural development, child care and family services and work in family planning and AIDS programmes, awareness campaigns of the government etc. With a degree in social work, you can also join the labour and industrial relations and personnel departments in the industrial and corporate sectors. International organisations such as the United Nations sponsor projects to facilitate developing countries in their social welfare and other development programmes. So, you have many areas to work in after taking an MSW qualification but the choice will rest upon your interest and commitment.
Q.
I am a non-linear video editor with four years’ experience. I want to apply to a good TV channel, but don’t have any media qualification. I am a commerce graduate with a PG diploma in computer applications. Any part-time or distance-learning media courses? — Naresh
A.
The growing popularity of online video clips and the expansion of television and films to a variety of media, including websites, has resulted in increased video editing activities and job opportunities in video editing throughout the country. While work experience is a big advantage, to get a good job in video editing, it may be useful to complete video editing courses such as a diploma in video editing, certificate in non-linear editing, or a diploma in post production, which includes editing. While all the top film and TV institutes offer mass communication and film and TV courses, which include video editing, it may be best for you to take up a short certificate or diploma course that gives you the specific qualification you require. Most of these courses are full-time or part-time programmes. Since editing is practical and application-oriented, it may not be possible to do this through distance learning. Some of the institutes offering video editing courses include Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute, Kolkata; Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai; Asian Academy of Film & Television at Noida; Fortune Institute of Communication and Television, New Delhi; Sri Aurobindo Society, New Delhi; and International School of Media and Entertainment Studies, Noida. The courses are of varied durations, ranging from three months to one year and the fees range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 60,000. Check their sites for more. Some computer institutes offer certificate courses in video editing, too. Your four years of experience would also be valuable to any employer.
Q.
I am a final-year student of statistics (Hons). I wish to do my Master’s in the same discipline. Which institutes and universities offer this course? Which courses of the Delhi School of Economics am I eligible for? — Divya Sharma
A.
Statistics at the Master’s degree is offered both in the arts and science streams. Practically every university offers both the BA/BSc as well as MA/MSc programmes in statistics. Admission to these programmes is mostly through an entrance test. Kolkata-headquartered Indian Statistical Institute (www.isical.ac.in), with branches in Delhi and Bangalore, also offers the MStats programme. To be eligible for DSE’s MA programme in economics, you require at least 60 per cent marks in your BStats. For more details check www.econdse.org.
I love to help people, so I thought of opting for social work as a career. Do I have bright future in this field? — Bali Singh
A.
Social work today has come far from the days when it used to be the prerogative of a few visionaries who believed they could make a difference to the way people lived, but didn’t have adequate resources. It looks like you have almost made a choice. But remember that to become a successful social worker, you need to have genuine compassion for the underprivileged, a very real urge to help others make better lives for themselves and the capacity to work hard, and under far-from-perfect working conditions. With the emergence of a number of non-government organisations (NGOs), this sector has become much more organised than before. With institutes like the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Delhi School of Social Work offering job-oriented degrees in social work, it looks like this career choice, once considered unusual, is becoming not so unusual, after all. The social work programme is open to graduates. Applicants with a sociology, social work, or psychology background get preference. Admission is through a written test and interview. The test assesses mental ability and general awareness, while the interview is aimed at identifying candidates with a genuine interest in social work. Anthropologists, sociologists and psychologists are also suitable for some of the work social workers do. Most universities offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work. Social workers specialise in: Criminology and correctional work: Jobs in prisons, and government departments. Medical and psychiatric social work: Clinics, hospitals, sanatoria, child guidance clinics, counselling centres, mental hospitals, medical colleges and community public health centres and so on. Community development work: This involves field work with community groups, government and voluntary agencies in areas related to women and child welfare, education and literacy, poverty alleviation programmes, rural development, child care and family services and work in family planning and AIDS programmes, awareness campaigns of the government etc. With a degree in social work, you can also join the labour and industrial relations and personnel departments in the industrial and corporate sectors. International organisations such as the United Nations sponsor projects to facilitate developing countries in their social welfare and other development programmes. So, you have many areas to work in after taking an MSW qualification but the choice will rest upon your interest and commitment.
Q.
I am a non-linear video editor with four years’ experience. I want to apply to a good TV channel, but don’t have any media qualification. I am a commerce graduate with a PG diploma in computer applications. Any part-time or distance-learning media courses? — Naresh
A.
The growing popularity of online video clips and the expansion of television and films to a variety of media, including websites, has resulted in increased video editing activities and job opportunities in video editing throughout the country. While work experience is a big advantage, to get a good job in video editing, it may be useful to complete video editing courses such as a diploma in video editing, certificate in non-linear editing, or a diploma in post production, which includes editing. While all the top film and TV institutes offer mass communication and film and TV courses, which include video editing, it may be best for you to take up a short certificate or diploma course that gives you the specific qualification you require. Most of these courses are full-time or part-time programmes. Since editing is practical and application-oriented, it may not be possible to do this through distance learning. Some of the institutes offering video editing courses include Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute, Kolkata; Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai; Asian Academy of Film & Television at Noida; Fortune Institute of Communication and Television, New Delhi; Sri Aurobindo Society, New Delhi; and International School of Media and Entertainment Studies, Noida. The courses are of varied durations, ranging from three months to one year and the fees range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 60,000. Check their sites for more. Some computer institutes offer certificate courses in video editing, too. Your four years of experience would also be valuable to any employer.
Q.
I am a final-year student of statistics (Hons). I wish to do my Master’s in the same discipline. Which institutes and universities offer this course? Which courses of the Delhi School of Economics am I eligible for? — Divya Sharma
A.
Statistics at the Master’s degree is offered both in the arts and science streams. Practically every university offers both the BA/BSc as well as MA/MSc programmes in statistics. Admission to these programmes is mostly through an entrance test. Kolkata-headquartered Indian Statistical Institute (www.isical.ac.in), with branches in Delhi and Bangalore, also offers the MStats programme. To be eligible for DSE’s MA programme in economics, you require at least 60 per cent marks in your BStats. For more details check www.econdse.org.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-40
Q.
I am a Class XII (non-medical) student in a reputable school. Though I score reasonably good marks in PCM, English and physical education, I have not been able to score more than 10 per cent marks in C++ for the past two years. C++ is my optional subject, with physical education. Is it okay if I do not take my C++ Board exam and instead work for a good score in physical education? I do not want poor marks to blot my Board mark sheet. Also, what’s the ‘Best-of-five’ mark scheme? — BS Toor
A.
A pass in Class XII requires you to pass five subjects, of which colleges note the best of four subjects to decide on admissions. This means four academic subjects, which in the non-medical stream would be physics, chemistry, maths and English. The fifth subject can be any subject, even physical education. However, physical education is considered a vocational subject and cannot be counted among the best of four subjects for admission to a college, even if you score very high marks in it. Therefore, you can drop computer science, or C++, and take up physical education as the fifth subject for your Class XII. Only when you are applying for a course which requires the expertise of the vocational subject are the marks taken into account for the best of four subjects. So, if you are applying for Bachelor’s in physical education, one of the subjects for best of four can be the marks in physical education, but for any other course the marks of physics, chemistry, maths and English only will be considered for selection.
Q.
I am a student of chartered accountancy (final stage). I also want to build a career in mass communication and the electronic media. After my CA training gets over, should I take up a course in mass communication? Please suggest courses and institutes. Would my pay package go up after I make such a move? - MG Harshad
A.
I am not very clear why you should want to pursue mass communication after studying chartered accountancy, which is a strenuous course and promises good career prospects. The institutes offering PG courses include: -Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025. Indian Institute of Mass Communication, JNU new campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi - 110067. Phone: 26742920/60 Amity School of Communication, Amity Campus, Sector 44, Noida - 201303
Q.
I have taken engineering entrance exams but I do not expect a good score. What should I do now — MSc in maths from a good college, BTech from an average one or BArch? - Upasana
A.
There is no such thing as the best study option or best career. Otherwise, everyone would be going for it. The best option for you is the one for which you have the ability and interest. Before you think about the various study options after school, consider your career goal — what do you want to do for the rest of your life. A BTech will lead you into a career working with computers or tools in a technical or industrial environment. You should also have above average intelligence, numerical ability and be prepared to work wherever an engineering unit or factory may be located, sometimes in remote areas or industrial towns. There are several specialisations in engineering, such as civil, mechanical, aeronautical, electronic etc. and you should be interested in the specialisation you choose. If you are good at maths, have strong analytical skills and love numbers, then maths can be a good route to careers related to finance, banking, statistics, actuarial science and so on. On the other hand, if you are creative, have good sketching skills, creativity, a high level of practicality, accuracy, understanding power, capacity to observe and conceptualise, then you may think about a career as an architect. Post qualification you can work in a firm of architects, or set up your own practice. Even if you are unable to get into a top-level institute, as you are interested in gaining professional knowledge and skills, you can also consider institutes that may not be that well known but have a good reputation.
I am a Class XII (non-medical) student in a reputable school. Though I score reasonably good marks in PCM, English and physical education, I have not been able to score more than 10 per cent marks in C++ for the past two years. C++ is my optional subject, with physical education. Is it okay if I do not take my C++ Board exam and instead work for a good score in physical education? I do not want poor marks to blot my Board mark sheet. Also, what’s the ‘Best-of-five’ mark scheme? — BS Toor
A.
A pass in Class XII requires you to pass five subjects, of which colleges note the best of four subjects to decide on admissions. This means four academic subjects, which in the non-medical stream would be physics, chemistry, maths and English. The fifth subject can be any subject, even physical education. However, physical education is considered a vocational subject and cannot be counted among the best of four subjects for admission to a college, even if you score very high marks in it. Therefore, you can drop computer science, or C++, and take up physical education as the fifth subject for your Class XII. Only when you are applying for a course which requires the expertise of the vocational subject are the marks taken into account for the best of four subjects. So, if you are applying for Bachelor’s in physical education, one of the subjects for best of four can be the marks in physical education, but for any other course the marks of physics, chemistry, maths and English only will be considered for selection.
Q.
I am a student of chartered accountancy (final stage). I also want to build a career in mass communication and the electronic media. After my CA training gets over, should I take up a course in mass communication? Please suggest courses and institutes. Would my pay package go up after I make such a move? - MG Harshad
A.
I am not very clear why you should want to pursue mass communication after studying chartered accountancy, which is a strenuous course and promises good career prospects. The institutes offering PG courses include: -Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025. Indian Institute of Mass Communication, JNU new campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi - 110067. Phone: 26742920/60 Amity School of Communication, Amity Campus, Sector 44, Noida - 201303
Q.
I have taken engineering entrance exams but I do not expect a good score. What should I do now — MSc in maths from a good college, BTech from an average one or BArch? - Upasana
A.
There is no such thing as the best study option or best career. Otherwise, everyone would be going for it. The best option for you is the one for which you have the ability and interest. Before you think about the various study options after school, consider your career goal — what do you want to do for the rest of your life. A BTech will lead you into a career working with computers or tools in a technical or industrial environment. You should also have above average intelligence, numerical ability and be prepared to work wherever an engineering unit or factory may be located, sometimes in remote areas or industrial towns. There are several specialisations in engineering, such as civil, mechanical, aeronautical, electronic etc. and you should be interested in the specialisation you choose. If you are good at maths, have strong analytical skills and love numbers, then maths can be a good route to careers related to finance, banking, statistics, actuarial science and so on. On the other hand, if you are creative, have good sketching skills, creativity, a high level of practicality, accuracy, understanding power, capacity to observe and conceptualise, then you may think about a career as an architect. Post qualification you can work in a firm of architects, or set up your own practice. Even if you are unable to get into a top-level institute, as you are interested in gaining professional knowledge and skills, you can also consider institutes that may not be that well known but have a good reputation.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-39
Q.
I scored 94 per cent marks in my Class XII exams (commerce stream). I did not have maths in plus-two. Therefore, I cannot do a BCom (honours) course in a good Delhi University college. In top colleges, the cut off for non-maths students is very high. Can I get into BCom, which does not require maths in Class XII, in a very good college? Should I go for BCom (honours) at a low-rung college or plain BCom from a top college? Is there good scope for plain commerce graduates from a top DU college? — S Samrat
A.
As you did not do maths in Class XII, it is best that you take up the BCom programme in a good college in DU, which, with 94 per cent marks, you can. The recently-revamped BCom programme is good and covers many subjects taught for the honours degree, such as business and industrial law, economics, corporate accounting and others. It also includes optional papers from which you can choose financial management, marketing, human resource management or e-commerce. With a BCom degree, you can take up any of the career options you may have wished to do after B Com (H), including MBA, chartered accountancy, company secretaryship, law and many others. So, you can certainly enrol for the BCom programme.-
Q.
I scored 94 per cent marks in my Class XII exams (commerce stream). I did not have maths in plus-two. Therefore, I cannot do a BCom (honours) course in a good Delhi University college. In top colleges, the cut off for non-maths students is very high. Can I get into BCom, which does not require maths in Class XII, in a very good college? Should I go for BCom (honours) at a low-rung college or plain BCom from a top college? Is there good scope for plain commerce graduates from a top DU college? — S Samrat
A.
As you did not do maths in Class XII, it is best that you take up the BCom programme in a good college in DU, which, with 94 per cent marks, you can. The recently-revamped BCom programme is good and covers many subjects taught for the honours degree, such as business and industrial law, economics, corporate accounting and others. It also includes optional papers from which you can choose financial management, marketing, human resource management or e-commerce. With a BCom degree, you can take up any of the career options you may have wished to do after B Com (H), including MBA, chartered accountancy, company secretaryship, law and many others. So, you can certainly enrol for the BCom programme.-
Q.
I’m a Class IX student. I dont know which stream to choose in Class XI. I find it difficult to judge my interests. I’m sometimes inclined towards science and sometimes find it really boring. If I take physics, chemistry and maths with biotechnology, what options will be open to me in the near future? When I go to any counsellor, I get to hear the same thing everywhere, “You are quite young to decide your career now.” What should I do? - Ananya
A.
I am glad you have started thinking about your career and the study routes you will need to take for it. The subject stream you opt for in class XI will be the first step towards your career. Therefore, before making your choice, do a self-assessment to be able to figure out your innate abilities, interests and personality. Every person is unique with a range of talents, interests and skills any of which could be the basis of a worthwhile career. You need to know what you do well, so you can choose to use those abilities and develop the necessary skills in a career that interests you. Never before were there as many career options as there are today. Innumerable career opportunities exist and are being created all the time, both in India and abroad. It is not surprising that you, like many other students, are confused about your future. There are aptitude and personality assessments which can help indicate your potential and suitability for particular professions and help in your career decision-making process. Such an assessment has to be conducted by a professional career counsellor who can help you pick the most suitable subject stream. There are hundreds of careers you can take up after any of the subject streams. So take up subjects that you enjoy studying, where you get marks easily and consistently, and which may be useful for careers that interest you. In Class VIII or IX, it may be too early to focus on any one career but you must open your mind to all the possible careers that seem interesting to you and explore what they are all about, and the kinds of jobs they entail. If you are thinking of taking PCM at the plus-two level, I suggest you do not take biotechnology with it. You need not read biotechnology in Classes XI and XII to be able to take it up later. Biotechnology is open to you whether you take PCM or PCB. You may instead like to consider a fourth subject such as economics, computer science, psychology or any other your school offers, which open up many other career avenues. -
I scored 94 per cent marks in my Class XII exams (commerce stream). I did not have maths in plus-two. Therefore, I cannot do a BCom (honours) course in a good Delhi University college. In top colleges, the cut off for non-maths students is very high. Can I get into BCom, which does not require maths in Class XII, in a very good college? Should I go for BCom (honours) at a low-rung college or plain BCom from a top college? Is there good scope for plain commerce graduates from a top DU college? — S Samrat
A.
As you did not do maths in Class XII, it is best that you take up the BCom programme in a good college in DU, which, with 94 per cent marks, you can. The recently-revamped BCom programme is good and covers many subjects taught for the honours degree, such as business and industrial law, economics, corporate accounting and others. It also includes optional papers from which you can choose financial management, marketing, human resource management or e-commerce. With a BCom degree, you can take up any of the career options you may have wished to do after B Com (H), including MBA, chartered accountancy, company secretaryship, law and many others. So, you can certainly enrol for the BCom programme.-
Q.
I scored 94 per cent marks in my Class XII exams (commerce stream). I did not have maths in plus-two. Therefore, I cannot do a BCom (honours) course in a good Delhi University college. In top colleges, the cut off for non-maths students is very high. Can I get into BCom, which does not require maths in Class XII, in a very good college? Should I go for BCom (honours) at a low-rung college or plain BCom from a top college? Is there good scope for plain commerce graduates from a top DU college? — S Samrat
A.
As you did not do maths in Class XII, it is best that you take up the BCom programme in a good college in DU, which, with 94 per cent marks, you can. The recently-revamped BCom programme is good and covers many subjects taught for the honours degree, such as business and industrial law, economics, corporate accounting and others. It also includes optional papers from which you can choose financial management, marketing, human resource management or e-commerce. With a BCom degree, you can take up any of the career options you may have wished to do after B Com (H), including MBA, chartered accountancy, company secretaryship, law and many others. So, you can certainly enrol for the BCom programme.-
Q.
I’m a Class IX student. I dont know which stream to choose in Class XI. I find it difficult to judge my interests. I’m sometimes inclined towards science and sometimes find it really boring. If I take physics, chemistry and maths with biotechnology, what options will be open to me in the near future? When I go to any counsellor, I get to hear the same thing everywhere, “You are quite young to decide your career now.” What should I do? - Ananya
A.
I am glad you have started thinking about your career and the study routes you will need to take for it. The subject stream you opt for in class XI will be the first step towards your career. Therefore, before making your choice, do a self-assessment to be able to figure out your innate abilities, interests and personality. Every person is unique with a range of talents, interests and skills any of which could be the basis of a worthwhile career. You need to know what you do well, so you can choose to use those abilities and develop the necessary skills in a career that interests you. Never before were there as many career options as there are today. Innumerable career opportunities exist and are being created all the time, both in India and abroad. It is not surprising that you, like many other students, are confused about your future. There are aptitude and personality assessments which can help indicate your potential and suitability for particular professions and help in your career decision-making process. Such an assessment has to be conducted by a professional career counsellor who can help you pick the most suitable subject stream. There are hundreds of careers you can take up after any of the subject streams. So take up subjects that you enjoy studying, where you get marks easily and consistently, and which may be useful for careers that interest you. In Class VIII or IX, it may be too early to focus on any one career but you must open your mind to all the possible careers that seem interesting to you and explore what they are all about, and the kinds of jobs they entail. If you are thinking of taking PCM at the plus-two level, I suggest you do not take biotechnology with it. You need not read biotechnology in Classes XI and XII to be able to take it up later. Biotechnology is open to you whether you take PCM or PCB. You may instead like to consider a fourth subject such as economics, computer science, psychology or any other your school offers, which open up many other career avenues. -
Education advice - Counselling for Career-38
Q.
I have passed the 12th standard and have been selected in various competitive exams that have secured my entry into mechanical engineering, but I want to do petroleum engineering. I wanted to ask specifically about petroleum engineering. My questions are: What will a petroleum engineer do when petrol reserves finish after 30 years roughly? Although Im interested in petroleum engineering as a course to study, should I take mechanical engineering because their will be no scope for petrol engineers after 30 years ? - Achyut Chandraa
A.
Petroleum engineers seek out oil and gas reservoirs beneath the earths surface. They develop the safest and most efficient methods of bringing those resources to the surface. However, the work is not confined to just exploiting the oil reserves, as resources are getting depleted and demands increase for alternative energy, some forward-thinking petroleum engineers are turning their talents to working on alternative fuel resources and clean energy products that produce fewer harmful carbon emissions. Moreover, petroleum engineers study more than just combustible material; they can also work on the hundreds of everyday products from medicines and cosmetics to plastics and textile made from petroleum resources. Petroleum engineers also develop extensive knowledge about the world of oil production, and many become industry analysts. So, if you have interest in petroleum engineering there is certainly a huge scope for this career, even after 30 years.
Q.
I graduated in commerce (pass) from Rajasthan University in 2009. I wish to do a postgraduate course. What special skills do I need to become a creative director? I would like to know about the courses available. I need to know about the career options in a magazine. Please help. — Shivangi
A.
A creative director heads a team that produces creative work, whether for advertising, in magazines, on television, on billboards, on the web, or on products. A creative team can consist of artists, graphic designers, photographers, copywriters, and a production staff. To become a creative director for a magazine, you will need training in graphic design. You will start your career as a junior graphic designer or visualiser and then depending on your talent and opportunities, you can rise to the top of a creative team of a magazine as an art director or creative director. The best way to enter into the world of graphic design is by doing a course in applied art or graphic design. Applied art is offered is a specialisation in the BFA programme at art colleges in different cities including, the College of Art (University of Delhi) and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. As you are a graduate, you can look at a number of postgraduate courses in graphic design or visual communication being offered at various institutions and reputable private art schools including: n National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad - 380 007, Phone: 79-26623692 www.nid.edu n Srishti - School of Art, Design & Technology, PO Box No. 6430, Yelahanka New Town, Doddabalapur Road, (Opp. Wheel & Axle Plant), Bangalore - 560106, Phone: 80-40447000 / 40446964 / 65 / 66, www.srishtiblr.org * Apeejay Institute of Design, 54, Institutional Area, Tughlaqabad, New Delhi - 110044 www.apeejay.edu * Raffles Millennium Institute, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore www.raffles-design-institute.com * IILM School of Design, Gurgaon, www.iilm.in * Sophia Polytechnic, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Bombay www.sophiacampus.com * JJ School of Art, Dhobi Talao, Bombay * SNDT Womens University, Vithaldas Thackersey Marg, Marine Lines, Mumbai, www.sndt.edu There are also polytechnics that offer diploma courses in graphic design. There is now a common entrance test - National Entrance Examination for Design (NEED) for admission to some of the premier institutes like NID, Ahmedabad. You can check the NID website for more details. However, it is not just the training but the intrinsic talent that is necessary to be successful in this field. You should have an aesthetic bent of mind, be good at drawing and sketching and be creative. Computer skills, particularly for using software such as Abode and Photoshop are an asset. -
Q.
I am pursuing my Bachelor’s in English (H) through correspondence. I am also working in a hotel. After graduation, I want to pursue a career in human resources. What is beneficial: MBA or management training? What are the qualifications for becoming a management trainee? Is an IHM qualification necessary to apply for management training? To what extent is an MBA degree similar to or different from management training? — Aarti Verma
A.
To pursue a career in HR, you need to hold an MBA degree with specialisation in HR. Human resource management is an organisational function which mainly deals with recruitment, training, placement, promotion, transfer, and industrial disputes, as well as labour discipline and grievances, employee morale and organisational development. You need to be good with people, have an understanding of human psychology, an ability to get on with all types of people regardless of their age, class, social or educational background, as well as have organisational, administrative and problem-solving skills. Your work is training you in a career in hotel management. The management training that you mention is possibly what you would get at the hotel once you have qualified in hotel management. You, therefore, need to decide whether with your hotel experience you should continue with the training in hotel management or take up the MBA to specialise in HR. -
I have passed the 12th standard and have been selected in various competitive exams that have secured my entry into mechanical engineering, but I want to do petroleum engineering. I wanted to ask specifically about petroleum engineering. My questions are: What will a petroleum engineer do when petrol reserves finish after 30 years roughly? Although Im interested in petroleum engineering as a course to study, should I take mechanical engineering because their will be no scope for petrol engineers after 30 years ? - Achyut Chandraa
A.
Petroleum engineers seek out oil and gas reservoirs beneath the earths surface. They develop the safest and most efficient methods of bringing those resources to the surface. However, the work is not confined to just exploiting the oil reserves, as resources are getting depleted and demands increase for alternative energy, some forward-thinking petroleum engineers are turning their talents to working on alternative fuel resources and clean energy products that produce fewer harmful carbon emissions. Moreover, petroleum engineers study more than just combustible material; they can also work on the hundreds of everyday products from medicines and cosmetics to plastics and textile made from petroleum resources. Petroleum engineers also develop extensive knowledge about the world of oil production, and many become industry analysts. So, if you have interest in petroleum engineering there is certainly a huge scope for this career, even after 30 years.
Q.
I graduated in commerce (pass) from Rajasthan University in 2009. I wish to do a postgraduate course. What special skills do I need to become a creative director? I would like to know about the courses available. I need to know about the career options in a magazine. Please help. — Shivangi
A.
A creative director heads a team that produces creative work, whether for advertising, in magazines, on television, on billboards, on the web, or on products. A creative team can consist of artists, graphic designers, photographers, copywriters, and a production staff. To become a creative director for a magazine, you will need training in graphic design. You will start your career as a junior graphic designer or visualiser and then depending on your talent and opportunities, you can rise to the top of a creative team of a magazine as an art director or creative director. The best way to enter into the world of graphic design is by doing a course in applied art or graphic design. Applied art is offered is a specialisation in the BFA programme at art colleges in different cities including, the College of Art (University of Delhi) and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. As you are a graduate, you can look at a number of postgraduate courses in graphic design or visual communication being offered at various institutions and reputable private art schools including: n National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad - 380 007, Phone: 79-26623692 www.nid.edu n Srishti - School of Art, Design & Technology, PO Box No. 6430, Yelahanka New Town, Doddabalapur Road, (Opp. Wheel & Axle Plant), Bangalore - 560106, Phone: 80-40447000 / 40446964 / 65 / 66, www.srishtiblr.org * Apeejay Institute of Design, 54, Institutional Area, Tughlaqabad, New Delhi - 110044 www.apeejay.edu * Raffles Millennium Institute, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore www.raffles-design-institute.com * IILM School of Design, Gurgaon, www.iilm.in * Sophia Polytechnic, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Bombay www.sophiacampus.com * JJ School of Art, Dhobi Talao, Bombay * SNDT Womens University, Vithaldas Thackersey Marg, Marine Lines, Mumbai, www.sndt.edu There are also polytechnics that offer diploma courses in graphic design. There is now a common entrance test - National Entrance Examination for Design (NEED) for admission to some of the premier institutes like NID, Ahmedabad. You can check the NID website for more details. However, it is not just the training but the intrinsic talent that is necessary to be successful in this field. You should have an aesthetic bent of mind, be good at drawing and sketching and be creative. Computer skills, particularly for using software such as Abode and Photoshop are an asset. -
Q.
I am pursuing my Bachelor’s in English (H) through correspondence. I am also working in a hotel. After graduation, I want to pursue a career in human resources. What is beneficial: MBA or management training? What are the qualifications for becoming a management trainee? Is an IHM qualification necessary to apply for management training? To what extent is an MBA degree similar to or different from management training? — Aarti Verma
A.
To pursue a career in HR, you need to hold an MBA degree with specialisation in HR. Human resource management is an organisational function which mainly deals with recruitment, training, placement, promotion, transfer, and industrial disputes, as well as labour discipline and grievances, employee morale and organisational development. You need to be good with people, have an understanding of human psychology, an ability to get on with all types of people regardless of their age, class, social or educational background, as well as have organisational, administrative and problem-solving skills. Your work is training you in a career in hotel management. The management training that you mention is possibly what you would get at the hotel once you have qualified in hotel management. You, therefore, need to decide whether with your hotel experience you should continue with the training in hotel management or take up the MBA to specialise in HR. -
Education advice - Counselling for Career-37
Q.
I am pursuing an MBA (hospital administration), a five-year integrated course from the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Devi Ahilya University, Indore. I passed my MAT and qualified GD/PI for admission to IIHMR, Delhi for PGDHM (post-graduate diploma in hospital management). I have an option to switch to this course because I have completed my BBA (hospital administration). Please advise whether pursuing MBA (hospital administration) from IMS, Indore or pursuing PGDHM from IIHMR, Delhi, would be better. Kindly also advise whether after pursuing PGDHM I would be eligible for registration to PhD or not. -Aakanksha Uttam
A.
MBA in hospital management is a good programme. So, there is really no need for you to change over to another institute. IIHMR, Delhi offers a good and well-recognised programme, but it is a PG diploma, while your course is a Master’s degree awarded by a university. You can do a PhD after an MBA programme, because it is a Master’s degree, but not after a PG diploma.
Q.
I have given my final year’s exam in history and economics from DU through correspondence. I’ll be preparing for the UPSC exams but I am not interested in history and economics as a subject combination. Is it possible that I opt for sociology and public administration, even if I haven’t studied these at school and graduation level? Please advise. — Medhavi Gulati
A.
For entering into any of the administrative services through the UPSC exams you do not need any particular subject; you can be a graduate in any subject. Many students who sit for the civil services exam do graduation in subjects like history, sociology and political science because they feel these are more ‘scoring’ subjects. You need to keep in mind that you require detailed academic knowledge of least two subjects for the exam, in which you can score high marks. Since you have studied history and economics in your graduation, it is most likely that your knowledge of these two subjects will be good, and building the same level of knowledge in another two subjects may be a tedious and time-consuming task. However, you can do so. The complete list of subjects for the civil services exam is given in the UPSC website www.upsc.gov.in. Selection for the civil services takes place in three stages: a preliminary examination, a main examination, and a personality test/ interview. The preliminary exam held in May/June is of two papers on general studies, and an optional subject from a list of around 22 different subjects: agriculture, animal husbandry and veterinary science, anthropology, botany, chemistry, civil engineering, commerce and accountancy, economics, electrical engineering, geography, geology, Indian history, law, management, mathematics, mechanical engineering, medical science, philosophy, physics, political science and international relations, psychology, public administration, sociology, statistics and zoology. Similarly you have to choose two of these subjects in the mains exam, too. The main exam consists of eight papers and is held around November/December each year. The mains exam comprises of two language papers, one in English and the other in an optional Indian language, two general studies papers, and four papers on two optional subjects. These examinations papers are all subjective or essay type papers. The general studies papers cover topics related to current events of national and international importance, Indian history and geography, as well as topics in general science. Those who pass this test qualify for the final stage which is an oral interview, which enables an expert panel to judge first-hand, not only the intellectual qualities of the candidate, but also his / her social skills, mental alertness, and above all, leadership and moral integrity. Entry into any of the 32 different civil services is made on the basis of your options and the ranking in the civil services exam. It is also important to do a reality check – keeping in mind that to qualify in the civil services exam, you need to be an above average student, extremely hard-working and persevering. Lakhs of students appear for civil services examination but only 700-800 get selected. In fact vacancies to the civil services have been slowly dwindling and the numbers being recruited have drastically fallen.
Q.
I am a B Com graduate residing in Mumbai. I have done a one-year diploma course in finance. I have worked with registrar and transfer agents in the legal department for two-and-a-half years. I want to do a course in forex management(distance learning) from an institute in Mumbai, which will fetch me a job with a handsome salary. Please suggest a reputable institute or course for the same. — Shrutika
A.
There are several courses on capital markets, treasury management and financial planning that also cover training in foreign exchange offered by institutes such as the Indian Institute of Capital markets, Vashi, Navi Mumbai www.utiicm.com, which offers a six-month part-time postgraduate diploma in financial engineering and risk management which covers forex and commodities. Classes are held on weekends and holidays. Bombay Stock Exchange Training Institute, www.bseindia.com/training also known as BTI, runs a three-month part time certificate programme on capital markets jointly with the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, which is a highly popular programme in the Indian financial markets. The University of Mumbai awards certificate to successful participants of this programme. Any graduate can take up this programme. There is also a six month to 1 year PG diploma in financial and Investment Planning offerd by BTI and open to all graduates. The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) has a PG diploma in Treasury and Forex Management In addition, Welingkar Institute offers a diploma in commodities market (DICM) for working executives from banks and brokerage houses and students who are doing or planning to do their post graduation (mainly in management). The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) also offers a certificate course on forex and treasury management, which is a weekend programme at many of their centres. ICFAI Universitys PG diploma programme in treasury and forex management covers all the important topics related to treasury and foreign exchange management. Check www.icfaiuniversity.in. Those who complete the programme are issued a certificate of The Association of Certified Treasury Managers. This institute offers a PG Diploma in treasury and forex management - 52, Nagarjuna Hills, Hyderabad 50008. Tel: 040 23435368, www.actmindia.org Most of these programmes are delivered through part-time or weekend classes, so if you are looking for a distance-learning course, you can find several online programmes.
I am pursuing an MBA (hospital administration), a five-year integrated course from the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Devi Ahilya University, Indore. I passed my MAT and qualified GD/PI for admission to IIHMR, Delhi for PGDHM (post-graduate diploma in hospital management). I have an option to switch to this course because I have completed my BBA (hospital administration). Please advise whether pursuing MBA (hospital administration) from IMS, Indore or pursuing PGDHM from IIHMR, Delhi, would be better. Kindly also advise whether after pursuing PGDHM I would be eligible for registration to PhD or not. -Aakanksha Uttam
A.
MBA in hospital management is a good programme. So, there is really no need for you to change over to another institute. IIHMR, Delhi offers a good and well-recognised programme, but it is a PG diploma, while your course is a Master’s degree awarded by a university. You can do a PhD after an MBA programme, because it is a Master’s degree, but not after a PG diploma.
Q.
I have given my final year’s exam in history and economics from DU through correspondence. I’ll be preparing for the UPSC exams but I am not interested in history and economics as a subject combination. Is it possible that I opt for sociology and public administration, even if I haven’t studied these at school and graduation level? Please advise. — Medhavi Gulati
A.
For entering into any of the administrative services through the UPSC exams you do not need any particular subject; you can be a graduate in any subject. Many students who sit for the civil services exam do graduation in subjects like history, sociology and political science because they feel these are more ‘scoring’ subjects. You need to keep in mind that you require detailed academic knowledge of least two subjects for the exam, in which you can score high marks. Since you have studied history and economics in your graduation, it is most likely that your knowledge of these two subjects will be good, and building the same level of knowledge in another two subjects may be a tedious and time-consuming task. However, you can do so. The complete list of subjects for the civil services exam is given in the UPSC website www.upsc.gov.in. Selection for the civil services takes place in three stages: a preliminary examination, a main examination, and a personality test/ interview. The preliminary exam held in May/June is of two papers on general studies, and an optional subject from a list of around 22 different subjects: agriculture, animal husbandry and veterinary science, anthropology, botany, chemistry, civil engineering, commerce and accountancy, economics, electrical engineering, geography, geology, Indian history, law, management, mathematics, mechanical engineering, medical science, philosophy, physics, political science and international relations, psychology, public administration, sociology, statistics and zoology. Similarly you have to choose two of these subjects in the mains exam, too. The main exam consists of eight papers and is held around November/December each year. The mains exam comprises of two language papers, one in English and the other in an optional Indian language, two general studies papers, and four papers on two optional subjects. These examinations papers are all subjective or essay type papers. The general studies papers cover topics related to current events of national and international importance, Indian history and geography, as well as topics in general science. Those who pass this test qualify for the final stage which is an oral interview, which enables an expert panel to judge first-hand, not only the intellectual qualities of the candidate, but also his / her social skills, mental alertness, and above all, leadership and moral integrity. Entry into any of the 32 different civil services is made on the basis of your options and the ranking in the civil services exam. It is also important to do a reality check – keeping in mind that to qualify in the civil services exam, you need to be an above average student, extremely hard-working and persevering. Lakhs of students appear for civil services examination but only 700-800 get selected. In fact vacancies to the civil services have been slowly dwindling and the numbers being recruited have drastically fallen.
Q.
I am a B Com graduate residing in Mumbai. I have done a one-year diploma course in finance. I have worked with registrar and transfer agents in the legal department for two-and-a-half years. I want to do a course in forex management(distance learning) from an institute in Mumbai, which will fetch me a job with a handsome salary. Please suggest a reputable institute or course for the same. — Shrutika
A.
There are several courses on capital markets, treasury management and financial planning that also cover training in foreign exchange offered by institutes such as the Indian Institute of Capital markets, Vashi, Navi Mumbai www.utiicm.com, which offers a six-month part-time postgraduate diploma in financial engineering and risk management which covers forex and commodities. Classes are held on weekends and holidays. Bombay Stock Exchange Training Institute, www.bseindia.com/training also known as BTI, runs a three-month part time certificate programme on capital markets jointly with the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, which is a highly popular programme in the Indian financial markets. The University of Mumbai awards certificate to successful participants of this programme. Any graduate can take up this programme. There is also a six month to 1 year PG diploma in financial and Investment Planning offerd by BTI and open to all graduates. The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) has a PG diploma in Treasury and Forex Management In addition, Welingkar Institute offers a diploma in commodities market (DICM) for working executives from banks and brokerage houses and students who are doing or planning to do their post graduation (mainly in management). The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) also offers a certificate course on forex and treasury management, which is a weekend programme at many of their centres. ICFAI Universitys PG diploma programme in treasury and forex management covers all the important topics related to treasury and foreign exchange management. Check www.icfaiuniversity.in. Those who complete the programme are issued a certificate of The Association of Certified Treasury Managers. This institute offers a PG Diploma in treasury and forex management - 52, Nagarjuna Hills, Hyderabad 50008. Tel: 040 23435368, www.actmindia.org Most of these programmes are delivered through part-time or weekend classes, so if you are looking for a distance-learning course, you can find several online programmes.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-36
Q.
I have completed my BA from Kanpur university. I am pursuing an MCA (G-group) from ICFAI University under the 360-degree flexible education scheme. My course will end in January 2011. I have good command over data structure using C and Java. To get a good job, what are the other things that I should do, ie earn a higher degree etc. Should I take up a course from CDAC? -Ritesh Kr Sinha
A.
If you are interested in a career in IT, the MCA directly trains you for this. The three-year professional MCA degree programme provides a sound theoretical background as well as good practical exposure to the demands of the information technology industry in India. Unless you wish to specialise in any one area of the IT industry, you do not need to study further and can directly apply for a job. There continues to be a demand in the IT sector for professionals with MCA qualifications, and jobs vary according to different requirements of IT companies in terms of services provided. You could work as a system analyst in a big company, develop software for companies like Microsoft, Infosys etc., work as a systems analysts in a corporate, as an Internet expert, design specialist, or take up a career in computer education. You can also get into systems development for different usages, provide solutions to your clients and design customised software, develop platforms for software- or server-based companies, or design vast networks for a range of clients like hospitality companies, the Indian Railways and so on. Once you have some years of experience, you can decide whether you wish to specialise in any particular field of computer technology and can take up a short course or certification programme.
Q.
I am an IAS aspirant currently doing my graduation from Delhi university (second year). I am interested in taking history and anthropology as my subjects in mains as well as in preliminary (history). Please advise me on the best books that one can read up on for history and anthropology. Will IGNOU’s study material be good for IAS preparation? I also want to know about the best IAS coaching institutes in and around Delhi. -Anurag
A.
There are a number of guide books available in the market that give you details of the complete syllabus for each subject of the civil services exam, and a list of books you can buy. Employment News also carries such information, and you can also check the Internet. More details are available on the UPSC’s website, www.upsc.ac.in. Several study websites also provide guidance and study material. Specialised coaching for all the three stages of the civil services examination is given by a large number of coaching institutes, many of which offer postal coaching, or through the Internet. They also offer study material, sample papers, syllabus for the exams, and so on. Among the better known coaching institutes are Brilliant Tutorials, Rao’s IAS Study Circle, Sachdeva PT College, among others. You must also read at least one newspaper cover to cover every day, as well as a range of national and international magazines, and periodicals to keep abreast of the latest developments in politics, international relations, science and technology and sports. The civil services exam is very competitive, so you must frankly evaluate your chances and be prepared to work very hard for it.
Q.
I am a Class XII student (commerce) of CBSE. Is it necessary to take up general mathematics as an additional subject? I am very weak in trigonometry and want to drop this subject. I want to do chartered accountancy (CA) in the future. Will the lack of maths as a subject in Class XII hamper my eligibility for any CA institutes? Trigonometry is of no use in chartered accountancy. -Rekha
A.
You can take up a BCom degree programme and do chartered accountancy without taking maths in Class XII. Although taking maths is useful for any student getting into this field, it is not necessary. To be successful in the financial field, you need to have a basic knowledge of maths, good analytical skills, problem-solving and decision-making abilities and computer skills. You can apply for the Common Proficiency Test (CPT) and sit for the test after Class XII, and then follow up on the training and articleship. However, you can also do the CA programme after BCom.
I have completed my BA from Kanpur university. I am pursuing an MCA (G-group) from ICFAI University under the 360-degree flexible education scheme. My course will end in January 2011. I have good command over data structure using C and Java. To get a good job, what are the other things that I should do, ie earn a higher degree etc. Should I take up a course from CDAC? -Ritesh Kr Sinha
A.
If you are interested in a career in IT, the MCA directly trains you for this. The three-year professional MCA degree programme provides a sound theoretical background as well as good practical exposure to the demands of the information technology industry in India. Unless you wish to specialise in any one area of the IT industry, you do not need to study further and can directly apply for a job. There continues to be a demand in the IT sector for professionals with MCA qualifications, and jobs vary according to different requirements of IT companies in terms of services provided. You could work as a system analyst in a big company, develop software for companies like Microsoft, Infosys etc., work as a systems analysts in a corporate, as an Internet expert, design specialist, or take up a career in computer education. You can also get into systems development for different usages, provide solutions to your clients and design customised software, develop platforms for software- or server-based companies, or design vast networks for a range of clients like hospitality companies, the Indian Railways and so on. Once you have some years of experience, you can decide whether you wish to specialise in any particular field of computer technology and can take up a short course or certification programme.
Q.
I am an IAS aspirant currently doing my graduation from Delhi university (second year). I am interested in taking history and anthropology as my subjects in mains as well as in preliminary (history). Please advise me on the best books that one can read up on for history and anthropology. Will IGNOU’s study material be good for IAS preparation? I also want to know about the best IAS coaching institutes in and around Delhi. -Anurag
A.
There are a number of guide books available in the market that give you details of the complete syllabus for each subject of the civil services exam, and a list of books you can buy. Employment News also carries such information, and you can also check the Internet. More details are available on the UPSC’s website, www.upsc.ac.in. Several study websites also provide guidance and study material. Specialised coaching for all the three stages of the civil services examination is given by a large number of coaching institutes, many of which offer postal coaching, or through the Internet. They also offer study material, sample papers, syllabus for the exams, and so on. Among the better known coaching institutes are Brilliant Tutorials, Rao’s IAS Study Circle, Sachdeva PT College, among others. You must also read at least one newspaper cover to cover every day, as well as a range of national and international magazines, and periodicals to keep abreast of the latest developments in politics, international relations, science and technology and sports. The civil services exam is very competitive, so you must frankly evaluate your chances and be prepared to work very hard for it.
Q.
I am a Class XII student (commerce) of CBSE. Is it necessary to take up general mathematics as an additional subject? I am very weak in trigonometry and want to drop this subject. I want to do chartered accountancy (CA) in the future. Will the lack of maths as a subject in Class XII hamper my eligibility for any CA institutes? Trigonometry is of no use in chartered accountancy. -Rekha
A.
You can take up a BCom degree programme and do chartered accountancy without taking maths in Class XII. Although taking maths is useful for any student getting into this field, it is not necessary. To be successful in the financial field, you need to have a basic knowledge of maths, good analytical skills, problem-solving and decision-making abilities and computer skills. You can apply for the Common Proficiency Test (CPT) and sit for the test after Class XII, and then follow up on the training and articleship. However, you can also do the CA programme after BCom.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-35
Q.
I am a BTech in electrical engineering. I have been selected by for an MTech programme in renewable energy engineering and management at TERI University. What are the job prospects in this field? What’s the value of this degree in the industry? Should I opt for this course? Rahul Gupta
A.
There is tremendous scope for renewable energy in India and much of the world. India faces an acute energy shortage which is hampering its industrial growth and economic progress. Most power generation is carried out by coal and mineral oil-based power plants which contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emission. That’s why India is looking at tackling the energy crisis through judicious utilisation of abundant renewable energy, such as biomass energy, solar energy, wind energy and geothermal energy. Apart from augmenting the energy supply, renewable resources can also reduce emission of greenhouse gases and help mitigate climate change. In the 11th Five-Year Plan, the government has set specific targets and expects renewable energy to contribute 10 per cent of total power generation capacity, which implies a huge growth in the renewable energy sector over the next five years. This will also lead to a demand for specialists and engineers in renewable energy studies. The TERI University set up for the purpose of research and consultancy in the field of energy, environment, and sustainable development, is a premier institute for the study of this subject. The course is designed to impart knowledge not only in renewable energy technology and implementation but also in the area of energy management such as energy economics and energy conversion technologies, which is of value to nations and organisations across the world. If you are interested in this subject and wish to work in a field that is not only extremely challenging but also groundbreaking, then you would do well to take it up.
Q.
I am going to enter the third semester of my computer science engineering course at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. I want to learn more besides our regular curriculum. I want to know about robotics, animation and gaming which have no place in my syllabus. From where can I pursue my extra interests and be certified in it without hampering my studies? Anvesh
A.
It is good to know that you have spare time during your fairly rigorous engineering course to pick up some additional knowledge and skills. Robotics is a field of engineering that deals with design and application of robots and the use of computers for their manipulation and processing. It is allied to computer science which you can take up after BTech. It may be difficult to find short courses in robotics, although there are some offered by computer institutes which introduce you to Artificial Intelligence. However, you could participate in the Indian Institutes of Technology’s annual robotics competition, which is open to students from all schools and engineering colleges. You can certainly take up short courses in animation and gaming available at most animation institutes around the country. There are three- to six-month courses as also longer programmes which teach you multimedia technologies, gaming, animation and web designing and introduce you to 3D animation, visual effects and computer graphics. Some of the better known institutes include: . Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (www.maacindia.com) with many centres . Arena Animation (www.arena-multimedia.com),which, too, has many centres . Academy of Animation & Gaming, Noida, (www.aag.co.in) . Picasso Animation, New Delhi (www.picasso.co.in),and several others.
Q.
I am a first-year BSc (applied physical science) student from Delhi University. Can I opt for a diploma or MSc in forensic science after my graduation? I didn’t take up biology in school, but we have it in our first year in college. What are the career options after my BSc programme? In which subjects can I do my postgraduation? — Priyanka
A.
You can do a Master’s degree in forensic science or a diploma course in forensic science and criminology after a degree in applied science, or any other science – physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, biochemistry, microbiology or BPharm. It is not necessary to have read biology for a study of forensic science. There are several courses in this field. You can take up an MSc programme in forensic science after a degree in science at: . Punjabi University, Patiala . Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra . Bundelkhand University, Kanpur . Osmania University . University of Madras, Chennai You can also do a diploma in forensic sciences and criminology at the Panjab University, Chandigarh, or a diploma in forensic anthropology at the University of Lucknow, or a certificate in forensic science at Delhi University’s department of anthropology. If interested in the life sciences, then you can get into one of several other careers such as bio-technology, environmental science, medical laboratory technology, food processing, forestry, plastics and packaging, pharmacy, and so on. These fields require postgraduate training, either at the degree or the diploma level. With a BSc degree in applied science, you can go into many areas, and you, therefore, need to narrow your options down to those that suit your particular abilities, interests and the kind of job you will best fit into. Science subjects open a world of opportunities in practically all fields that range from electronics, meteorology, plastics, and petrochemicals, to agriculture, floriculture or dairying. So, it is difficult to list them. If you are good at subjects like physics and maths, you could take up courses which lead to careers in fields such as environment science, meteorology, oceanography, geophysics, medical technology, biotechnology, radiography, electronics, tele-communications, aerospace and so on. As physics is a fundamental science and included in most science-based fields, there is great scope for careers in a wide range of industrial and scientific areas as well as related fields. Moreover, you can also do an MBA and get into a management job.
I am a BTech in electrical engineering. I have been selected by for an MTech programme in renewable energy engineering and management at TERI University. What are the job prospects in this field? What’s the value of this degree in the industry? Should I opt for this course? Rahul Gupta
A.
There is tremendous scope for renewable energy in India and much of the world. India faces an acute energy shortage which is hampering its industrial growth and economic progress. Most power generation is carried out by coal and mineral oil-based power plants which contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emission. That’s why India is looking at tackling the energy crisis through judicious utilisation of abundant renewable energy, such as biomass energy, solar energy, wind energy and geothermal energy. Apart from augmenting the energy supply, renewable resources can also reduce emission of greenhouse gases and help mitigate climate change. In the 11th Five-Year Plan, the government has set specific targets and expects renewable energy to contribute 10 per cent of total power generation capacity, which implies a huge growth in the renewable energy sector over the next five years. This will also lead to a demand for specialists and engineers in renewable energy studies. The TERI University set up for the purpose of research and consultancy in the field of energy, environment, and sustainable development, is a premier institute for the study of this subject. The course is designed to impart knowledge not only in renewable energy technology and implementation but also in the area of energy management such as energy economics and energy conversion technologies, which is of value to nations and organisations across the world. If you are interested in this subject and wish to work in a field that is not only extremely challenging but also groundbreaking, then you would do well to take it up.
Q.
I am going to enter the third semester of my computer science engineering course at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. I want to learn more besides our regular curriculum. I want to know about robotics, animation and gaming which have no place in my syllabus. From where can I pursue my extra interests and be certified in it without hampering my studies? Anvesh
A.
It is good to know that you have spare time during your fairly rigorous engineering course to pick up some additional knowledge and skills. Robotics is a field of engineering that deals with design and application of robots and the use of computers for their manipulation and processing. It is allied to computer science which you can take up after BTech. It may be difficult to find short courses in robotics, although there are some offered by computer institutes which introduce you to Artificial Intelligence. However, you could participate in the Indian Institutes of Technology’s annual robotics competition, which is open to students from all schools and engineering colleges. You can certainly take up short courses in animation and gaming available at most animation institutes around the country. There are three- to six-month courses as also longer programmes which teach you multimedia technologies, gaming, animation and web designing and introduce you to 3D animation, visual effects and computer graphics. Some of the better known institutes include: . Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (www.maacindia.com) with many centres . Arena Animation (www.arena-multimedia.com),which, too, has many centres . Academy of Animation & Gaming, Noida, (www.aag.co.in) . Picasso Animation, New Delhi (www.picasso.co.in),and several others.
Q.
I am a first-year BSc (applied physical science) student from Delhi University. Can I opt for a diploma or MSc in forensic science after my graduation? I didn’t take up biology in school, but we have it in our first year in college. What are the career options after my BSc programme? In which subjects can I do my postgraduation? — Priyanka
A.
You can do a Master’s degree in forensic science or a diploma course in forensic science and criminology after a degree in applied science, or any other science – physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, biochemistry, microbiology or BPharm. It is not necessary to have read biology for a study of forensic science. There are several courses in this field. You can take up an MSc programme in forensic science after a degree in science at: . Punjabi University, Patiala . Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra . Bundelkhand University, Kanpur . Osmania University . University of Madras, Chennai You can also do a diploma in forensic sciences and criminology at the Panjab University, Chandigarh, or a diploma in forensic anthropology at the University of Lucknow, or a certificate in forensic science at Delhi University’s department of anthropology. If interested in the life sciences, then you can get into one of several other careers such as bio-technology, environmental science, medical laboratory technology, food processing, forestry, plastics and packaging, pharmacy, and so on. These fields require postgraduate training, either at the degree or the diploma level. With a BSc degree in applied science, you can go into many areas, and you, therefore, need to narrow your options down to those that suit your particular abilities, interests and the kind of job you will best fit into. Science subjects open a world of opportunities in practically all fields that range from electronics, meteorology, plastics, and petrochemicals, to agriculture, floriculture or dairying. So, it is difficult to list them. If you are good at subjects like physics and maths, you could take up courses which lead to careers in fields such as environment science, meteorology, oceanography, geophysics, medical technology, biotechnology, radiography, electronics, tele-communications, aerospace and so on. As physics is a fundamental science and included in most science-based fields, there is great scope for careers in a wide range of industrial and scientific areas as well as related fields. Moreover, you can also do an MBA and get into a management job.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-34
Q.
I have passed my XII board exams in English, physics, chemistry, maths and computer science this year with 81.8 per cent marks. I have a keen interest in maths. So I want to take up teaching maths as my profession. What are the future prospects of a maths teacher? Bhawna Upadhyay
A.
Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling yet challenging careers. You can teach maths at junior- and senior-school levels or become a lecturer in maths in a college. Junior school teachers are required to have a BEd degree after graduation, while secondary school teachers must have a postgraduate degree in the subject they teach and a BEd. To work as a lecturer in maths, you have to pass the National Eligibility Test, after taking a postgraduate degree in maths with a minimum of 55 per cent marks. With a degree in maths (honours), you can also go for research in mathematical sciences, or move to statistics and join a statistical or data collection organisation. With a maths background, you can also get into market research, specifically quantitative research, or take up an MBA degree, and make a career in the world of business. Maths is also an excellent option if you are interested in computer applications. After graduation in maths, you may consider enrolling for a two-year Master’s in Computer Applications. The IT industry will offer plenty of job opportunities and you can make a brilliant career for yourself. Else, you may get into an actuarial job in the insurance industry. Moreover, you can also explore the financial services, such as chartered accountancy, cost accountancy, chartered financial analysis, stocks and securities or any other related areas.
Q.
What is the scope of actuaries in the future? After meeting eligibility norms, can I go ahead with it? Is there any age limit for pursuing a course in actuarial science? Is it essential to have a sound maths/statistics background? Amit
A.
Actuarial science is built on the statistical evaluation of the financial and economic implications of possible future contingencies. So, an actuary’s work involves the calculation of insurance risk, premiums and pensions for different insurance schemes. Therefore, mathematical skills are important for this job. Some universities offer a BA/BSc in actuarial science. These include Kurukshetra University and the University of Mumbai. To qualify as an actuary you need to become a fellow of the Actuarial Society of India (ASI) by passing their exam. The course is at four levels – 100, 200, 300 and 400 series. On completion of the first level, you get a certificate in actuarial training. After the 300 series, you become an associate of the ASI, while clearing all the levels makes you a fellow. You can take the exam after completing your 10+2 with any subject (combination) and 85 per cent marks in maths, or after graduation in any subject with 55 per cent marks in maths, statistics, econometrics, computer science or engineering. For more details, visit www.actuariesindia.org It is a tough exam and not many qualify. So there is a huge demand for actuaries, and most insurance companies will snap up anyone who even reaches the associateship level. With private companies and several huge multinational conglomerates coming into the insurance sector, it is growing at 15 per cent per year. It is estimated there will be a demand for trained professionals in the areas of marketing and sales, as insurance agents and for surveyors and loss assessors.
Q.
I want to make a career in web designing. Is the future of web designing bright in India? Which courses should I do to be a professional web designer? What is the average salary of a web designer in India? Suraj
A.
Web designers have a wide scope in India. Most companies wishing to create their websites look for skilled web designers. A web designer can be absorbed in different fields such as advertising agencies, publishing, audio-visual media, design studios, printers and typesetters, manufacturers and department stores, marketing firms, and educational institutes and libraries. The growth depends on experience and creativity. You can get into web design after any subject stream, provided you have good computer and creative skills. There are a number of certificate and diploma courses offered in web design. You may choose one based on the level of computer competency that you possess. Most computer training institutes offer courses in web designing, and the jobs after that depend on the level of your skills and on your qualification. Graduates with a background in computers can start on salaries of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 (a month) after a course in web designing.
I have passed my XII board exams in English, physics, chemistry, maths and computer science this year with 81.8 per cent marks. I have a keen interest in maths. So I want to take up teaching maths as my profession. What are the future prospects of a maths teacher? Bhawna Upadhyay
A.
Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling yet challenging careers. You can teach maths at junior- and senior-school levels or become a lecturer in maths in a college. Junior school teachers are required to have a BEd degree after graduation, while secondary school teachers must have a postgraduate degree in the subject they teach and a BEd. To work as a lecturer in maths, you have to pass the National Eligibility Test, after taking a postgraduate degree in maths with a minimum of 55 per cent marks. With a degree in maths (honours), you can also go for research in mathematical sciences, or move to statistics and join a statistical or data collection organisation. With a maths background, you can also get into market research, specifically quantitative research, or take up an MBA degree, and make a career in the world of business. Maths is also an excellent option if you are interested in computer applications. After graduation in maths, you may consider enrolling for a two-year Master’s in Computer Applications. The IT industry will offer plenty of job opportunities and you can make a brilliant career for yourself. Else, you may get into an actuarial job in the insurance industry. Moreover, you can also explore the financial services, such as chartered accountancy, cost accountancy, chartered financial analysis, stocks and securities or any other related areas.
Q.
What is the scope of actuaries in the future? After meeting eligibility norms, can I go ahead with it? Is there any age limit for pursuing a course in actuarial science? Is it essential to have a sound maths/statistics background? Amit
A.
Actuarial science is built on the statistical evaluation of the financial and economic implications of possible future contingencies. So, an actuary’s work involves the calculation of insurance risk, premiums and pensions for different insurance schemes. Therefore, mathematical skills are important for this job. Some universities offer a BA/BSc in actuarial science. These include Kurukshetra University and the University of Mumbai. To qualify as an actuary you need to become a fellow of the Actuarial Society of India (ASI) by passing their exam. The course is at four levels – 100, 200, 300 and 400 series. On completion of the first level, you get a certificate in actuarial training. After the 300 series, you become an associate of the ASI, while clearing all the levels makes you a fellow. You can take the exam after completing your 10+2 with any subject (combination) and 85 per cent marks in maths, or after graduation in any subject with 55 per cent marks in maths, statistics, econometrics, computer science or engineering. For more details, visit www.actuariesindia.org It is a tough exam and not many qualify. So there is a huge demand for actuaries, and most insurance companies will snap up anyone who even reaches the associateship level. With private companies and several huge multinational conglomerates coming into the insurance sector, it is growing at 15 per cent per year. It is estimated there will be a demand for trained professionals in the areas of marketing and sales, as insurance agents and for surveyors and loss assessors.
Q.
I want to make a career in web designing. Is the future of web designing bright in India? Which courses should I do to be a professional web designer? What is the average salary of a web designer in India? Suraj
A.
Web designers have a wide scope in India. Most companies wishing to create their websites look for skilled web designers. A web designer can be absorbed in different fields such as advertising agencies, publishing, audio-visual media, design studios, printers and typesetters, manufacturers and department stores, marketing firms, and educational institutes and libraries. The growth depends on experience and creativity. You can get into web design after any subject stream, provided you have good computer and creative skills. There are a number of certificate and diploma courses offered in web design. You may choose one based on the level of computer competency that you possess. Most computer training institutes offer courses in web designing, and the jobs after that depend on the level of your skills and on your qualification. Graduates with a background in computers can start on salaries of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 (a month) after a course in web designing.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-33
Q.
I am a final-year MPharm (pharmaceutics) student. I left a pharmacist’s job in a government hospital to do my MPharm. But I want to do a government job — a better post than a pharmacist’s. Where can I apply? Will a certificate course in hospital management or family and healthcare be beneficial to me? — Nitin Bansal
A.
Government jobs in the medical and healthcare sector are for specialists such as you, as also doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists and other professionals. With a qualification in pharmacy, it may be difficult for you to look at other medical-related areas, except possibly if you wish to apply for government jobs in the civil services through the Union Public Services Commission exams, or through the National Eligibility Test (NET) for a teaching/ junior research fellowship. But if you wish to improve your employability, then a health management or hospital management course may be advised. With the healthcare sector growing at 13 per cent and large companies like Apollo, Max, Fortis, Wockhardt, Tata and several others setting up state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics for multi-speciality healthcare, there will be an increased requirement for trained professionals in the efficient administration of such centres. Tata Institute of Social Services, Mumbai (www.tiss.edu) and the Apollo Institute of Hospital Administration, (www.apolloiha.ac.in) offer Master’s programmes in hospital administration for medical and non-medical graduates with a minimum of 50 per cent marks. The Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur (www.iihmt.org) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal (www.manipal.edu) are among institutes that offer PG diploma courses in healthcare/hospital administration to graduates in any discipline. Besides these institutes, some universities also offer courses in hospital and health management. These include: Punjab University, Chandigarh Shivaji University, Kolhapur Madurai Kamraj University Institute of Management Studies,Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore There are also courses in health and family welfare management, conducted through the distance-learning by the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi. The Indira Gandhi National Open University offers a PG diploma in health administration through correspondence for graduates with some related experience. The MBA in healthcare is a good programme and with your background in a medicine-related field, it should prove to be a good career move.
Q.
I am 20, pursuing my BCom degree (correspondence) from the University of Delhi, and also doing a chartered accountancy (CA) programme. I could not clear my Professional Competence Course (PCC) in CA at the first attempt and my father does not want me to do it again. What can I do after BCom to find a good job? Am I eligible for a regular MBA programme? What is the scope in banking? — Rahul
A.
The BCom programme provides a good knowledge base for a range of careers. These are broadly of two types: Those in business and finance such as CA, company secretaryship (CS), cost and works accountants (CWA), banking and so on Others, including or related to finance, law, mass communication, hotel management, civil services and so on A commerce education can lead to jobs with corporations and banks as investment bankers, managers, financial consultants, accountants, advisors etc. Accountancy is key in this field and if you are good with numbers, you can excel. Even if you have not cleared the PCC, you can still get into finance-related careers through programmes such as CWA and CS, as well as diplomas in banking and finance, treasury management and financial planning offered by a number of institutes. Commerce graduates and postgraduates can also take competitive examinations for recruitment to the civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Economic Services and others. AFter BCom, you may also do an MBA, even if it is a correspondence programme, as long as it is from a recognised university. If you are interested in non-finance courses, there are any number of diplomas in fields such as mass communication, event management, and travel and tourism available. Much depends on your interests and the field of work you wish to focus on.
Q.
I have done a three-year diploma in general nursing and midwifery. I am 24, working as a staff nurse for the past three years. I would like to be an IAS officer. Will I be able to take the IAS test with my educational qualification? If yes, who should I contact? — Mathew
A.
The basic qualification for joining the IAS and other central and all-India services is graduation. The selection is through the civil services exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is an all-India combined competitive examination for the civil services. You can take up a two-year BSc nursing programme if you have completed plus-two or equivalent in science with work experience of three-and-a-half years after a diploma in general nursing. A (two-year) BSc in nursing, also called a post basic degree course is available at several places, including . Calcutta University . College of Nursing, Kolkata . St John’s College of Nursing, Bangalore . KDA Nursing College,Mumbai, and several others IGNOU’s School of Health Sciences offers a three-year, post basic BSc nursing degree for in-service nurses. The programme, recognised by the Indian Nursing Council, is conducted from 20 programme study centres, which are colleges of nursing, already conducting post basic BSc nursing or BSc nursing programme. These colleges of nursing include: . RAK College of Nursing,Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi- 110024 . School of Nursing,Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi . College of Nursing, CMC Hospital, Ludhiana-141008 . College of Nursing, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune-411040 . College of Nursing, Medical College Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram . College of Nursing, Kottayam, Kerala, and others
I am a final-year MPharm (pharmaceutics) student. I left a pharmacist’s job in a government hospital to do my MPharm. But I want to do a government job — a better post than a pharmacist’s. Where can I apply? Will a certificate course in hospital management or family and healthcare be beneficial to me? — Nitin Bansal
A.
Government jobs in the medical and healthcare sector are for specialists such as you, as also doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists and other professionals. With a qualification in pharmacy, it may be difficult for you to look at other medical-related areas, except possibly if you wish to apply for government jobs in the civil services through the Union Public Services Commission exams, or through the National Eligibility Test (NET) for a teaching/ junior research fellowship. But if you wish to improve your employability, then a health management or hospital management course may be advised. With the healthcare sector growing at 13 per cent and large companies like Apollo, Max, Fortis, Wockhardt, Tata and several others setting up state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics for multi-speciality healthcare, there will be an increased requirement for trained professionals in the efficient administration of such centres. Tata Institute of Social Services, Mumbai (www.tiss.edu) and the Apollo Institute of Hospital Administration, (www.apolloiha.ac.in) offer Master’s programmes in hospital administration for medical and non-medical graduates with a minimum of 50 per cent marks. The Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur (www.iihmt.org) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal (www.manipal.edu) are among institutes that offer PG diploma courses in healthcare/hospital administration to graduates in any discipline. Besides these institutes, some universities also offer courses in hospital and health management. These include: Punjab University, Chandigarh Shivaji University, Kolhapur Madurai Kamraj University Institute of Management Studies,Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore There are also courses in health and family welfare management, conducted through the distance-learning by the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi. The Indira Gandhi National Open University offers a PG diploma in health administration through correspondence for graduates with some related experience. The MBA in healthcare is a good programme and with your background in a medicine-related field, it should prove to be a good career move.
Q.
I am 20, pursuing my BCom degree (correspondence) from the University of Delhi, and also doing a chartered accountancy (CA) programme. I could not clear my Professional Competence Course (PCC) in CA at the first attempt and my father does not want me to do it again. What can I do after BCom to find a good job? Am I eligible for a regular MBA programme? What is the scope in banking? — Rahul
A.
The BCom programme provides a good knowledge base for a range of careers. These are broadly of two types: Those in business and finance such as CA, company secretaryship (CS), cost and works accountants (CWA), banking and so on Others, including or related to finance, law, mass communication, hotel management, civil services and so on A commerce education can lead to jobs with corporations and banks as investment bankers, managers, financial consultants, accountants, advisors etc. Accountancy is key in this field and if you are good with numbers, you can excel. Even if you have not cleared the PCC, you can still get into finance-related careers through programmes such as CWA and CS, as well as diplomas in banking and finance, treasury management and financial planning offered by a number of institutes. Commerce graduates and postgraduates can also take competitive examinations for recruitment to the civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Economic Services and others. AFter BCom, you may also do an MBA, even if it is a correspondence programme, as long as it is from a recognised university. If you are interested in non-finance courses, there are any number of diplomas in fields such as mass communication, event management, and travel and tourism available. Much depends on your interests and the field of work you wish to focus on.
Q.
I have done a three-year diploma in general nursing and midwifery. I am 24, working as a staff nurse for the past three years. I would like to be an IAS officer. Will I be able to take the IAS test with my educational qualification? If yes, who should I contact? — Mathew
A.
The basic qualification for joining the IAS and other central and all-India services is graduation. The selection is through the civil services exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is an all-India combined competitive examination for the civil services. You can take up a two-year BSc nursing programme if you have completed plus-two or equivalent in science with work experience of three-and-a-half years after a diploma in general nursing. A (two-year) BSc in nursing, also called a post basic degree course is available at several places, including . Calcutta University . College of Nursing, Kolkata . St John’s College of Nursing, Bangalore . KDA Nursing College,Mumbai, and several others IGNOU’s School of Health Sciences offers a three-year, post basic BSc nursing degree for in-service nurses. The programme, recognised by the Indian Nursing Council, is conducted from 20 programme study centres, which are colleges of nursing, already conducting post basic BSc nursing or BSc nursing programme. These colleges of nursing include: . RAK College of Nursing,Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi- 110024 . School of Nursing,Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi . College of Nursing, CMC Hospital, Ludhiana-141008 . College of Nursing, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune-411040 . College of Nursing, Medical College Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram . College of Nursing, Kottayam, Kerala, and others
Education advice - Counselling for Career-32
Q.
I failed in my second-year BTech exam. I was not interested in BTech. However, I am going in for re-admission. Am I doing the right thing? — Amit Sharma
A.
I am sorry to hear that you have difficulty with your BTech course. You need to assess the reasons for faring so badly. Is it because you are unable to cope with the studies, or have there been other problems? It is possible that this is not the right course for you and you may be better off cutting your losses now. To find the most suitable course, you have to try and figure out what you are good at and interested in. If you are still interested in engineering, you may consider a three-year diploma in engineering, which is academically not as tough as the BTech. On the other hand, if you are good at maths and interested in information technology, you can take up a BSc in computers, or a computer course with any computer institute and build your skills in that field. There are many other technical diplomas in fields, such as printing and packaging, plastics, footwear technology, construction technology and so on. You may think about moving out of the science and maths stream and consider commerce, hospitality, travel, design, communications or any discipline you like and can do well in.
Q.
I am a chemical engineering student at one of the National Institutes of Technology. I got a job offer from IOCL during campus placements. Should I go abroad for an MS or MBA after my graduation or join the company? Can I take up higher studies afterwards? — Manish
A.
The choice between work experience and further studies depends on a number of factors, including your interest and inclination towards either of the two options. An MS or MTech degree would qualify you for higher positions, more responsibilities and a better salary in the field of engineering. If you enjoy working in an operational area and are good at technical creation, modification and development, then an MS is better. On the other hand, an MBA programme will enable you to move into the managerial area of planning, organisation and financial control and provide opportunities in practically every organisation. If you have good communication and inter-personal skills, a logical and analytical approach to problem solving, and sound business skills, then you can consider an MBA. However, as you are getting good campus placement, you can actually get the best of both. The job option would enable you to get hands-on understanding of the work scene, and a better handle on decision-making. Depending on your work experience, you can decide whether it is to be an MS/MTech or an MBA. Moreover, most MBA institutes prefer candidates with some work experience too, and a techno-management qualification is preferred in the global economy.
Q.
I am a Class XI student. I have opted for physics, chemistry, biology and Hindi. I want to be in the medical sector as a doctor as a doctor, say a gynaecologist, but sometimes I think that I should be a forensic professional. Please advise — N Ghai
A.
The halo around the medical career makes it one of the most sought-after careers, but getting into a medical college is possibly the toughest admission option. Entry into the medical profession is competitive. The selection is rigorous and the course extremely challenging, requiring many long years of dedicated study. To become a gynaecologist requires you to take up a two-year diploma, or a three-year degree programme in gynaecology after MBBS and an internship. Therefore, you must be sure that you have the abilities and the motivation to work in this field, which requires almost eight to 10 years of study to become a medical specialist. You also need to have a strong sense of responsibility, with an urge to serve and heal the sick. You must also have keen and minute observation, good judgement and decision-making ability, patience, a sympathetic temperament and an objective approach. If you believe this is the correct career choice, then you will need to prepare for the pre-medical test(s) for admission to the all-India institutes, as well as those for medical colleges in your state. As regards forensic science, it is essentially a laboratory-based profession. The study of this subject qualifies students to apply their knowledge of science to the investigation of crime. Forensic scientists analyse physical evidence found on a victim on the scene of a crime and compare it to evidence found on a suspect and provide expert testimony in a court of law. They work closely with the police to provide scientific evidence admissible in a court. Forensic science can also be applied to different aspects of criminology and so there are several specialisations in this field. There are no undergraduate degree programmes in forensic science, but you can do your Master’s in forensic science or a diploma course in forensic science and criminology after a degree in science. With subjects like physics, chemistry and biology, you can try for many other careers in the medical field such as medical lab technology, optometry, pharmacy and physiotherapy for which you can take up a three- or four-year degree or a two-year diploma programme. Options other than the medical field include food processing, catering, and nutrition and dietetics, or even hospital management. There are good training facilities for all these courses, and job opportunities for professionals with skills in these areas. I am sure that if you do some self-analysis and consider your abilities, interest and personality, you will be able to decide on the most suitable career.
I failed in my second-year BTech exam. I was not interested in BTech. However, I am going in for re-admission. Am I doing the right thing? — Amit Sharma
A.
I am sorry to hear that you have difficulty with your BTech course. You need to assess the reasons for faring so badly. Is it because you are unable to cope with the studies, or have there been other problems? It is possible that this is not the right course for you and you may be better off cutting your losses now. To find the most suitable course, you have to try and figure out what you are good at and interested in. If you are still interested in engineering, you may consider a three-year diploma in engineering, which is academically not as tough as the BTech. On the other hand, if you are good at maths and interested in information technology, you can take up a BSc in computers, or a computer course with any computer institute and build your skills in that field. There are many other technical diplomas in fields, such as printing and packaging, plastics, footwear technology, construction technology and so on. You may think about moving out of the science and maths stream and consider commerce, hospitality, travel, design, communications or any discipline you like and can do well in.
Q.
I am a chemical engineering student at one of the National Institutes of Technology. I got a job offer from IOCL during campus placements. Should I go abroad for an MS or MBA after my graduation or join the company? Can I take up higher studies afterwards? — Manish
A.
The choice between work experience and further studies depends on a number of factors, including your interest and inclination towards either of the two options. An MS or MTech degree would qualify you for higher positions, more responsibilities and a better salary in the field of engineering. If you enjoy working in an operational area and are good at technical creation, modification and development, then an MS is better. On the other hand, an MBA programme will enable you to move into the managerial area of planning, organisation and financial control and provide opportunities in practically every organisation. If you have good communication and inter-personal skills, a logical and analytical approach to problem solving, and sound business skills, then you can consider an MBA. However, as you are getting good campus placement, you can actually get the best of both. The job option would enable you to get hands-on understanding of the work scene, and a better handle on decision-making. Depending on your work experience, you can decide whether it is to be an MS/MTech or an MBA. Moreover, most MBA institutes prefer candidates with some work experience too, and a techno-management qualification is preferred in the global economy.
Q.
I am a Class XI student. I have opted for physics, chemistry, biology and Hindi. I want to be in the medical sector as a doctor as a doctor, say a gynaecologist, but sometimes I think that I should be a forensic professional. Please advise — N Ghai
A.
The halo around the medical career makes it one of the most sought-after careers, but getting into a medical college is possibly the toughest admission option. Entry into the medical profession is competitive. The selection is rigorous and the course extremely challenging, requiring many long years of dedicated study. To become a gynaecologist requires you to take up a two-year diploma, or a three-year degree programme in gynaecology after MBBS and an internship. Therefore, you must be sure that you have the abilities and the motivation to work in this field, which requires almost eight to 10 years of study to become a medical specialist. You also need to have a strong sense of responsibility, with an urge to serve and heal the sick. You must also have keen and minute observation, good judgement and decision-making ability, patience, a sympathetic temperament and an objective approach. If you believe this is the correct career choice, then you will need to prepare for the pre-medical test(s) for admission to the all-India institutes, as well as those for medical colleges in your state. As regards forensic science, it is essentially a laboratory-based profession. The study of this subject qualifies students to apply their knowledge of science to the investigation of crime. Forensic scientists analyse physical evidence found on a victim on the scene of a crime and compare it to evidence found on a suspect and provide expert testimony in a court of law. They work closely with the police to provide scientific evidence admissible in a court. Forensic science can also be applied to different aspects of criminology and so there are several specialisations in this field. There are no undergraduate degree programmes in forensic science, but you can do your Master’s in forensic science or a diploma course in forensic science and criminology after a degree in science. With subjects like physics, chemistry and biology, you can try for many other careers in the medical field such as medical lab technology, optometry, pharmacy and physiotherapy for which you can take up a three- or four-year degree or a two-year diploma programme. Options other than the medical field include food processing, catering, and nutrition and dietetics, or even hospital management. There are good training facilities for all these courses, and job opportunities for professionals with skills in these areas. I am sure that if you do some self-analysis and consider your abilities, interest and personality, you will be able to decide on the most suitable career.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-31
Q.
I have a diploma in instrumentation and control engineering (2008). I am a designer in a reputable engineering company. Now, I want to go in for a degree. Should I opt for a regular, part-time or a correspondence degree programme? — G Arora
A.
There are a number of opportunities for a candidate with a diploma in instrumentation engineering. With the increase in automation systems of all production lines today, instrumentation engineering is a good option. You can upgrade your skills to that of a graduate engineer even while working, by applying for a BE/BTech degree through the Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers. For this, you are required to passing certain exams. The Institution of Engineers is a professional organisation that prepares diploma holders and working people for the Associate Membership Exam. The qualification awarded by the institution is considered to be at par with a BE/BTech. It is also recognised as an eligible qualification to write competitive examinations like the civil services, Indian Engineering Services, Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, etc, and for placement in government, the public and private sectors. This will enable you to enhance your career prospects in your field. Check www.ieindia.org for more details.
Q.
I failed in my second-year BTech exam. I was not interested in BTech. However, I am going in for re-admission. Am I doing the right thing? — Amit Sharma
A.
I am sorry to hear that you have difficulty with your BTech course. You need to assess the reasons for faring so badly. Is it because you are unable to cope with the studies, or have there been other problems? It is possible that this is not the right course for you and you may be better off cutting your losses now. To find the most suitable course, you have to try and figure out what you are good at and interested in. If you are still interested in engineering, you may consider a three-year diploma in engineering, which is academically not as tough as the BTech. On the other hand, if you are good at maths and interested in information technology, you can take up a BSc in computers, or a computer course with any computer institute and build your skills in that field. There are many other technical diplomas in fields, such as printing and packaging, plastics, footwear technology, construction technology and so on. You may think about moving out of the science and maths stream and consider commerce, hospitality, travel, design, communications or any discipline you like and can do well in.
Q.
I am a chemical engineering student at one of the National Institutes of Technology. I got a job offer from IOCL during campus placements. Should I go abroad for an MS or MBA after my graduation or join the company? Can I take up higher studies afterwards? — Manish
A.
The choice between work experience and further studies depends on a number of factors, including your interest and inclination towards either of the two options. An MS or MTech degree would qualify you for higher positions, more responsibilities and a better salary in the field of engineering. If you enjoy working in an operational area and are good at technical creation, modification and development, then an MS is better. On the other hand, an MBA programme will enable you to move into the managerial area of planning, organisation and financial control and provide opportunities in practically every organisation. If you have good communication and inter-personal skills, a logical and analytical approach to problem solving, and sound business skills, then you can consider an MBA. However, as you are getting good campus placement, you can actually get the best of both. The job option would enable you to get hands-on understanding of the work scene, and a better handle on decision-making. Depending on your work experience, you can decide whether it is to be an MS/MTech or an MBA. Moreover, most MBA institutes prefer candidates with some work experience too, and a techno-management qualification is preferred in the global economy.
I have a diploma in instrumentation and control engineering (2008). I am a designer in a reputable engineering company. Now, I want to go in for a degree. Should I opt for a regular, part-time or a correspondence degree programme? — G Arora
A.
There are a number of opportunities for a candidate with a diploma in instrumentation engineering. With the increase in automation systems of all production lines today, instrumentation engineering is a good option. You can upgrade your skills to that of a graduate engineer even while working, by applying for a BE/BTech degree through the Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers. For this, you are required to passing certain exams. The Institution of Engineers is a professional organisation that prepares diploma holders and working people for the Associate Membership Exam. The qualification awarded by the institution is considered to be at par with a BE/BTech. It is also recognised as an eligible qualification to write competitive examinations like the civil services, Indian Engineering Services, Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, etc, and for placement in government, the public and private sectors. This will enable you to enhance your career prospects in your field. Check www.ieindia.org for more details.
Q.
I failed in my second-year BTech exam. I was not interested in BTech. However, I am going in for re-admission. Am I doing the right thing? — Amit Sharma
A.
I am sorry to hear that you have difficulty with your BTech course. You need to assess the reasons for faring so badly. Is it because you are unable to cope with the studies, or have there been other problems? It is possible that this is not the right course for you and you may be better off cutting your losses now. To find the most suitable course, you have to try and figure out what you are good at and interested in. If you are still interested in engineering, you may consider a three-year diploma in engineering, which is academically not as tough as the BTech. On the other hand, if you are good at maths and interested in information technology, you can take up a BSc in computers, or a computer course with any computer institute and build your skills in that field. There are many other technical diplomas in fields, such as printing and packaging, plastics, footwear technology, construction technology and so on. You may think about moving out of the science and maths stream and consider commerce, hospitality, travel, design, communications or any discipline you like and can do well in.
Q.
I am a chemical engineering student at one of the National Institutes of Technology. I got a job offer from IOCL during campus placements. Should I go abroad for an MS or MBA after my graduation or join the company? Can I take up higher studies afterwards? — Manish
A.
The choice between work experience and further studies depends on a number of factors, including your interest and inclination towards either of the two options. An MS or MTech degree would qualify you for higher positions, more responsibilities and a better salary in the field of engineering. If you enjoy working in an operational area and are good at technical creation, modification and development, then an MS is better. On the other hand, an MBA programme will enable you to move into the managerial area of planning, organisation and financial control and provide opportunities in practically every organisation. If you have good communication and inter-personal skills, a logical and analytical approach to problem solving, and sound business skills, then you can consider an MBA. However, as you are getting good campus placement, you can actually get the best of both. The job option would enable you to get hands-on understanding of the work scene, and a better handle on decision-making. Depending on your work experience, you can decide whether it is to be an MS/MTech or an MBA. Moreover, most MBA institutes prefer candidates with some work experience too, and a techno-management qualification is preferred in the global economy.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-30
Q.
I am pursuing a diploma in mechanical engineering. I want to take admission in a degree programme. Which colleges in Bihar offer lateral entry in mechanical engineering? — Arun
A.
The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) allows diploma holders and students in the final year of three-year diploma courses in engineering to apply for entry into the second year of degree programmes in the state’s engineering colleges. There is no age limit for applicants but you need to have a minimum of 60 per cent marks in the diploma course. Application forms and the brochure can be obtained from Canara Bank branches in Bihar. Indira Gandhi National Open University (www.ignou.ac.in), too, offers distance-mode BTech programmes to aspirants with (three-year) diplomas in civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, or chemical engineering or architecture, and employed in relevant fields. Diploma-holders in engineering are also eligible to register in the diploma stream of the AMIE (Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers) after passing the relevant exams. For more information, check www.ieindia.org. The Institution of Engineers is a professional engineering organisation, which prepares diploma-holders and working people for the Associate Membership Exam (AMIE), which is considered to be at par with BE/BTech and recognised as an eligible qualification to write competitive examinations such as the civil services exam, Indian Engineering Services exam, and the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering and for placement in government, and the public and private sectors.
Q.
I am a BPharm student. Other than MPharm and MBA, which are the different options open to me after graduation? — D Kaur
A.
Pharmacy is the study of different medicinal preparations, their usage and effects in the prevention and cure of diseases. With this background, you can take up further studies in any area of life sciences where such knowledge can be put to use. One field that is closely related to pharmacy is biotechnology, an interdisciplinary science applied to living cells, with the possibility of producing substances and compounds essential to the well being of human beings. Students with a background in any life science, including pharmacy, can get into biotechnology. You may wish to specialise in medical biotechnology which deals with the healthcare and pharmacy sectors, leading to discoveries in this field of drugs, vaccines, diagnostics etc. Medical biotechnologists design new biotech products, develop vaccines and diagnostic tools, and work in the production of biotech products, marketing of biotech products, and so on. Biotechnology applications in the field of medicine have resulted in new antibiotics, vaccines for malaria, and improved ways of producing insulin. Diagnostic tests for serious genetic diseases such as hereditary cancers, diabetes and Huntington’s chorea have been developed through biotechnology, as well as ways of detecting and treating AIDS. Prominent institutions that offer MSc programmes in biotechnology include: * Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi * Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, * Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar * Banaras Hindu University,Varanasi * GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar(UP) JNU holds a combined entrance test for MSc programmes conducted by various institutes. Other related fields after pharmacy are food technology, environment sciences, hospital administration or even pharmaceutical management.
Q.
I am a senior software engineer in a multinational company. I am an MCA with six years’ experience. I wish to become a lecturer in computer science in a good university. Is a doctorate mandatory to qualify as a lecturer or will clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) do? Also, will my industry experience be counted? — Nitin Garg
A.
You can sit for the NET if you have 55 per cent marks in your MCA from a University Grants Commission (UGC)-recognised university. Candidates who have at least 55 per cent marks (without rounding off) in a Master’s degree or equivalent examination in humanities (including languages) and social sciences, computer science and applications, electronic science etc from universities/ institutions recognised by the UGC are eligible for this test. The NET is held twice a year in June and December, and the application forms are published in Employment News. Those with an MPhil degree in the concerned subject are exempted from the NET for undergraduate (UG) level teaching only. However, a PhD degree in the relevant discipline exempts you from the NET for both UG- and postgraduate-level teaching. The syllabus for all the subjects is available in the libraries of all Indian universities as well as on www.ugc.ac.in.
I am pursuing a diploma in mechanical engineering. I want to take admission in a degree programme. Which colleges in Bihar offer lateral entry in mechanical engineering? — Arun
A.
The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) allows diploma holders and students in the final year of three-year diploma courses in engineering to apply for entry into the second year of degree programmes in the state’s engineering colleges. There is no age limit for applicants but you need to have a minimum of 60 per cent marks in the diploma course. Application forms and the brochure can be obtained from Canara Bank branches in Bihar. Indira Gandhi National Open University (www.ignou.ac.in), too, offers distance-mode BTech programmes to aspirants with (three-year) diplomas in civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, or chemical engineering or architecture, and employed in relevant fields. Diploma-holders in engineering are also eligible to register in the diploma stream of the AMIE (Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers) after passing the relevant exams. For more information, check www.ieindia.org. The Institution of Engineers is a professional engineering organisation, which prepares diploma-holders and working people for the Associate Membership Exam (AMIE), which is considered to be at par with BE/BTech and recognised as an eligible qualification to write competitive examinations such as the civil services exam, Indian Engineering Services exam, and the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering and for placement in government, and the public and private sectors.
Q.
I am a BPharm student. Other than MPharm and MBA, which are the different options open to me after graduation? — D Kaur
A.
Pharmacy is the study of different medicinal preparations, their usage and effects in the prevention and cure of diseases. With this background, you can take up further studies in any area of life sciences where such knowledge can be put to use. One field that is closely related to pharmacy is biotechnology, an interdisciplinary science applied to living cells, with the possibility of producing substances and compounds essential to the well being of human beings. Students with a background in any life science, including pharmacy, can get into biotechnology. You may wish to specialise in medical biotechnology which deals with the healthcare and pharmacy sectors, leading to discoveries in this field of drugs, vaccines, diagnostics etc. Medical biotechnologists design new biotech products, develop vaccines and diagnostic tools, and work in the production of biotech products, marketing of biotech products, and so on. Biotechnology applications in the field of medicine have resulted in new antibiotics, vaccines for malaria, and improved ways of producing insulin. Diagnostic tests for serious genetic diseases such as hereditary cancers, diabetes and Huntington’s chorea have been developed through biotechnology, as well as ways of detecting and treating AIDS. Prominent institutions that offer MSc programmes in biotechnology include: * Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi * Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, * Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar * Banaras Hindu University,Varanasi * GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar(UP) JNU holds a combined entrance test for MSc programmes conducted by various institutes. Other related fields after pharmacy are food technology, environment sciences, hospital administration or even pharmaceutical management.
Q.
I am a senior software engineer in a multinational company. I am an MCA with six years’ experience. I wish to become a lecturer in computer science in a good university. Is a doctorate mandatory to qualify as a lecturer or will clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) do? Also, will my industry experience be counted? — Nitin Garg
A.
You can sit for the NET if you have 55 per cent marks in your MCA from a University Grants Commission (UGC)-recognised university. Candidates who have at least 55 per cent marks (without rounding off) in a Master’s degree or equivalent examination in humanities (including languages) and social sciences, computer science and applications, electronic science etc from universities/ institutions recognised by the UGC are eligible for this test. The NET is held twice a year in June and December, and the application forms are published in Employment News. Those with an MPhil degree in the concerned subject are exempted from the NET for undergraduate (UG) level teaching only. However, a PhD degree in the relevant discipline exempts you from the NET for both UG- and postgraduate-level teaching. The syllabus for all the subjects is available in the libraries of all Indian universities as well as on www.ugc.ac.in.
Education advice - Counselling for Career-29
Q.
I am going to pursue a BSc in computer application. My aim is to be an army officer. I wanted to go for BSc with electronics but could not. Is this the right decision? — Sharad
A.
There are two routes to joining the Indian army as an army officer. The first is the common entrance examination for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) for those who are between 16.5 and 19 years of age and have cleared their 10+2. The NDA awards you a Bachelor’s degree in arts, science or computer science on completion of your training. The second route is after graduation in any subject. Even if you are unable to do a BSc programme in electronics, or computer science, you can still apply for a job in the army after your degree. The Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) is for recruitment of graduates. Candidates over 19 years of age can take this exam, held twice a year (May and October). To be eligible for the CDSE, you just have to do well in your college, be between 19 and 25 years of age, and have an aptitude for, as well as inclination to join the defence services. Your aptitude and abilities will be tested in the entrance tests and during the interview. If you qualify in the CDSE, you are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and undergo psychometric and medical tests. There are other direct entry routes for officers through the SSBs for the army and the navy, and through the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). Graduates in engineering, aged between 20-27 years, and postgraduates in specified subjects, aged between 23 and 27 years are eligible for interview by the boards. The “university entry scheme” is for final/pre-final year students. The army also recruits qualified technical graduates who are subsequently trained at the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. All this information, including physical requirements for entry and dates of the exams, is available in the directories of competitive exams available around the country. The notification for the exam is published in the Employment News/ Rozgaar Samachar as also the leading dailies in August/ September (for the January/ February exam) and in March (for the August exam). The application form, along with the information brochure can be obtained from the designated head post offices/ post offices throughout the country as listed in the notification. For further details, check www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Q.
My son is in Class IX. He is very young to take a decision on his career, so I would like to guide him. My son has been scoring 78 to 85 per cent throughout. If he wants to choose a career in finance, what he should do? What is more advisable, judging by the current situation and even after few years — chartered accountancy or MBA? If you suggest an MBA, should he do a BBA or go for BCom and then proceed for an MBA? If you recommend the CA programme, which subject should he take up? And where can I get my son’s aptitude and personality assessed? — Beena S. Rathod
A.
The choice of a career depends on a student’s interests and aptitudes. Without meeting him, it is difficult to say whether finance is better for him or CA. Aptitude and personality tests are conducted by career counsellors, which indicate areas best suited to each student. Careers Smart Pvt Ltd in Delhi offers these services. An MBA can be done after graduation in any subject; it need not necessarily be BBA. If he is interested in numeric subjects, he may do his MBA after economics, BBA, BBE, maths, statistics, or BCom etc. He can do MBA after BTech, any humanities discipline, fashion designing etc. The minimum requirement to be eligible for the MBA exams is 50 per cent marks in graduation. As regards CA, it is always recommended to do it after completing graduation. The pass percentage in the CA exams is under 3 per cent. So, it is advisable to have a Bachelor’s degree to fall back upon. According to latest rules, CA and regular college cannot be done simultaneously. A student has to complete graduation before he considers CA or s/he may prepare for the CA by doing a degree programme through correspondence.
Q.
I am a fresh BCA (75 per cent aggregate), pursuing a diploma in .Net technologies. What are the career opportunities after this? Should I go for an MCA because most companies ask for it? What else should I opt for? — Sourabh
A.
There are growing career opportunities for those trained in .Net technology as this application is increasingly being used, enabling Internet users to do things that were not possible earlier, such as integrate fax, e-mail and phone services, centralise data storage and synchronise all of a user’s computing devices to be automatically updated. You can also train in VB.Net or SQL technologies. Most institutes that offer such training also offer placements.
I am going to pursue a BSc in computer application. My aim is to be an army officer. I wanted to go for BSc with electronics but could not. Is this the right decision? — Sharad
A.
There are two routes to joining the Indian army as an army officer. The first is the common entrance examination for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) for those who are between 16.5 and 19 years of age and have cleared their 10+2. The NDA awards you a Bachelor’s degree in arts, science or computer science on completion of your training. The second route is after graduation in any subject. Even if you are unable to do a BSc programme in electronics, or computer science, you can still apply for a job in the army after your degree. The Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) is for recruitment of graduates. Candidates over 19 years of age can take this exam, held twice a year (May and October). To be eligible for the CDSE, you just have to do well in your college, be between 19 and 25 years of age, and have an aptitude for, as well as inclination to join the defence services. Your aptitude and abilities will be tested in the entrance tests and during the interview. If you qualify in the CDSE, you are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and undergo psychometric and medical tests. There are other direct entry routes for officers through the SSBs for the army and the navy, and through the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). Graduates in engineering, aged between 20-27 years, and postgraduates in specified subjects, aged between 23 and 27 years are eligible for interview by the boards. The “university entry scheme” is for final/pre-final year students. The army also recruits qualified technical graduates who are subsequently trained at the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. All this information, including physical requirements for entry and dates of the exams, is available in the directories of competitive exams available around the country. The notification for the exam is published in the Employment News/ Rozgaar Samachar as also the leading dailies in August/ September (for the January/ February exam) and in March (for the August exam). The application form, along with the information brochure can be obtained from the designated head post offices/ post offices throughout the country as listed in the notification. For further details, check www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Q.
My son is in Class IX. He is very young to take a decision on his career, so I would like to guide him. My son has been scoring 78 to 85 per cent throughout. If he wants to choose a career in finance, what he should do? What is more advisable, judging by the current situation and even after few years — chartered accountancy or MBA? If you suggest an MBA, should he do a BBA or go for BCom and then proceed for an MBA? If you recommend the CA programme, which subject should he take up? And where can I get my son’s aptitude and personality assessed? — Beena S. Rathod
A.
The choice of a career depends on a student’s interests and aptitudes. Without meeting him, it is difficult to say whether finance is better for him or CA. Aptitude and personality tests are conducted by career counsellors, which indicate areas best suited to each student. Careers Smart Pvt Ltd in Delhi offers these services. An MBA can be done after graduation in any subject; it need not necessarily be BBA. If he is interested in numeric subjects, he may do his MBA after economics, BBA, BBE, maths, statistics, or BCom etc. He can do MBA after BTech, any humanities discipline, fashion designing etc. The minimum requirement to be eligible for the MBA exams is 50 per cent marks in graduation. As regards CA, it is always recommended to do it after completing graduation. The pass percentage in the CA exams is under 3 per cent. So, it is advisable to have a Bachelor’s degree to fall back upon. According to latest rules, CA and regular college cannot be done simultaneously. A student has to complete graduation before he considers CA or s/he may prepare for the CA by doing a degree programme through correspondence.
Q.
I am a fresh BCA (75 per cent aggregate), pursuing a diploma in .Net technologies. What are the career opportunities after this? Should I go for an MCA because most companies ask for it? What else should I opt for? — Sourabh
A.
There are growing career opportunities for those trained in .Net technology as this application is increasingly being used, enabling Internet users to do things that were not possible earlier, such as integrate fax, e-mail and phone services, centralise data storage and synchronise all of a user’s computing devices to be automatically updated. You can also train in VB.Net or SQL technologies. Most institutes that offer such training also offer placements.
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