Q.
I am a Class 12 student. My parents want me to become an engineer whereas I wish to be a space scientist (astrophysicist) and serve India. Should I do a BTech programme to realise my dream or a BSc (honours) in physics? — Saurabh
A.
All space sciences, such as rocket science, aeronautical engineering, astronomy, and aerospace are branches of physics and mathematics, and are closely integrated. While physicists are involved in the study and testing of theoretical assumptions, engineers handle the application and technological aspects. So, astrophysics is the study of the behaviour of astronomical phenomena and related interactions, whereas aerospace or aeronautical engineering deals with the development of new technology in aviation, space exploration and defence systems. To get into astrophysics- or space science-related fields, you may, therefore, follow any of the routes. You can take up a BSc programme in physics or maths and then an MSc and PhD in astrophysics or space sciences. Alternatively, you can do a BE/ BTech in aeronautical or aerospace engineering followed by an MTech plus PhD in aerospace engineering, or a related field. Moreover, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (www.iisc.ernet.in) now offers integrated BSc/MSc degrees in different fields of science, with scholarships to budding young scientists. The programme is designed as a blend of core science and interdisciplinary topics, to serve as a launch pad for research and doctoral studies in cutting-edge areas in science and technology. Students majoring in any of the disciplines, which include physics, chemistry, biology, material sciences and environment science, are also required to take courses in engineering, humanities, and inter-disciplinary areas for a well-rounded learning experience. Such a course may serve to cover both your interests and your parents concerns. Do check the website for more details.
Q.
I study at Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technological University). I studied in a government school because of which I don’t have a good grip on the English language. I hesitate while speaking. I want to crack the MBA Common Admission Test (CAT). How should I improve my English skills? — Ganga
A.
You can certainly do well in CAT if you prepare carefully. Being an engineer, I believe, you obviously can handle the quantitative ability and data interpretation and logic sections well. You need to concentrate on verbal ability and reading comprehension which examines your understanding of the English language and your ability to reason and present facts in English. The basic requirements for both these sections are a good vocabulary and a strong grasp of grammar. You can work on this by spending adequate time on improving your vocabulary and reading speed. The ability to read fast is an advantage. As the questions in this section can be from any general topic — economics, psychology, philosophy, sociology, politics, medicine, science, culture, arts, etc, it is important to inculcate good reading habits and widen your knowledge base. You also need to be aware of current affairs, and keep abreast of the news, particularly about business. Read two or three newspapers daily, and news and general interest magazines. Watch news and business programmes on television. To score well in this, you don’t need to be a grammar expert. But work at developing your abilities in the functional usage of words, idioms and phrases. You can study from the many guide books and websites that give sample and past papers, or enrol for professional training at a coaching institute. Moreover, as the CAT is very competitive, I suggest you also try for other MBA entrance tests, as they can lead to admission to many other good management institutes.
Q.
I am in the last semester of my GNIIT (software engineering) programme. I would like to pursue a career in cyber security. Is it better to get into networking or software programming? Which institutes offer courses in cyber security? — Ankit
A.
If you are good at information technology, then a career in IT security can open up many career opportunities. Competencies for this profession include good programming and analytical skills, knowledge of databases, networking and operating systems and understanding of operating systems, IP, routers and switches, other networking equipment, firewalls and content security. Security is all about problem solving, so you need to find out how the system can be breached, and how to protect and buffer it. You should keep abreast of technological changes. A lot of security is about trust, and that your integrity is most important. Computer graduates who have done courses in network administration and database administration activities like Cisco-certified Network Administrator, Microsoft Certified Network Administrator, Solaris administrator and Oracle DBA are best suited to jobs in information security. There are also some certification programmes offered by companies such as the Certified Information System Security Provision. One to two years’ experience in networking and systems administration and/or database administration with some coding exposure will help.
I am a Class 12 student. My parents want me to become an engineer whereas I wish to be a space scientist (astrophysicist) and serve India. Should I do a BTech programme to realise my dream or a BSc (honours) in physics? — Saurabh
A.
All space sciences, such as rocket science, aeronautical engineering, astronomy, and aerospace are branches of physics and mathematics, and are closely integrated. While physicists are involved in the study and testing of theoretical assumptions, engineers handle the application and technological aspects. So, astrophysics is the study of the behaviour of astronomical phenomena and related interactions, whereas aerospace or aeronautical engineering deals with the development of new technology in aviation, space exploration and defence systems. To get into astrophysics- or space science-related fields, you may, therefore, follow any of the routes. You can take up a BSc programme in physics or maths and then an MSc and PhD in astrophysics or space sciences. Alternatively, you can do a BE/ BTech in aeronautical or aerospace engineering followed by an MTech plus PhD in aerospace engineering, or a related field. Moreover, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (www.iisc.ernet.in) now offers integrated BSc/MSc degrees in different fields of science, with scholarships to budding young scientists. The programme is designed as a blend of core science and interdisciplinary topics, to serve as a launch pad for research and doctoral studies in cutting-edge areas in science and technology. Students majoring in any of the disciplines, which include physics, chemistry, biology, material sciences and environment science, are also required to take courses in engineering, humanities, and inter-disciplinary areas for a well-rounded learning experience. Such a course may serve to cover both your interests and your parents concerns. Do check the website for more details.
Q.
I study at Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technological University). I studied in a government school because of which I don’t have a good grip on the English language. I hesitate while speaking. I want to crack the MBA Common Admission Test (CAT). How should I improve my English skills? — Ganga
A.
You can certainly do well in CAT if you prepare carefully. Being an engineer, I believe, you obviously can handle the quantitative ability and data interpretation and logic sections well. You need to concentrate on verbal ability and reading comprehension which examines your understanding of the English language and your ability to reason and present facts in English. The basic requirements for both these sections are a good vocabulary and a strong grasp of grammar. You can work on this by spending adequate time on improving your vocabulary and reading speed. The ability to read fast is an advantage. As the questions in this section can be from any general topic — economics, psychology, philosophy, sociology, politics, medicine, science, culture, arts, etc, it is important to inculcate good reading habits and widen your knowledge base. You also need to be aware of current affairs, and keep abreast of the news, particularly about business. Read two or three newspapers daily, and news and general interest magazines. Watch news and business programmes on television. To score well in this, you don’t need to be a grammar expert. But work at developing your abilities in the functional usage of words, idioms and phrases. You can study from the many guide books and websites that give sample and past papers, or enrol for professional training at a coaching institute. Moreover, as the CAT is very competitive, I suggest you also try for other MBA entrance tests, as they can lead to admission to many other good management institutes.
Q.
I am in the last semester of my GNIIT (software engineering) programme. I would like to pursue a career in cyber security. Is it better to get into networking or software programming? Which institutes offer courses in cyber security? — Ankit
A.
If you are good at information technology, then a career in IT security can open up many career opportunities. Competencies for this profession include good programming and analytical skills, knowledge of databases, networking and operating systems and understanding of operating systems, IP, routers and switches, other networking equipment, firewalls and content security. Security is all about problem solving, so you need to find out how the system can be breached, and how to protect and buffer it. You should keep abreast of technological changes. A lot of security is about trust, and that your integrity is most important. Computer graduates who have done courses in network administration and database administration activities like Cisco-certified Network Administrator, Microsoft Certified Network Administrator, Solaris administrator and Oracle DBA are best suited to jobs in information security. There are also some certification programmes offered by companies such as the Certified Information System Security Provision. One to two years’ experience in networking and systems administration and/or database administration with some coding exposure will help.
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