I’m a class XII commerce student interested in a career in journalism. Will a BMM (bachelor of mass media) degree help me get started?
Neela D’Souza, Mumbai
A BMM degree is a good stepping stone for a career in journalism. Two specialisations offered in the BMM programme are advertising and journ-alism. Career prospects are bright in the print and audio-visual media for journalism graduates.
I’m a class XII (commerce) student. I would like to do CA (chartered accountancy) parallely with my B.Com degree programme. Can I also pursue the CS (company secretary) study programme simultaneously?
Deepak Rane, Pune
Concentrate on completing class XII, then focus on your B.Com and CA programmes. Additionally signing up for the CS programme is not advisable as it’s best to focus on any one prof-essional programme at a time, as you have to study for your undergraduate degree conterminously.
After my B.Sc (IT) degree, should I opt for a career in IT or teaching?
Ravi Nair, Bangalore
If you are interested in teaching, you should sign up for a B.Ed programme which will qualify you to teach in schools. Alternatively you could enroll in an MBA diploma programme which will multiply your job options. With a mere B.Sc degree, you will be eligible only for entry-level jobs in an IT company.
I am a class X student keen on a career in hotel management. Please suggest diploma courses in hotel management.
Nandini Iyer, Chennai
Short-term diploma courses in hotel management with cookery, bakery and confectionery as specialisations are offered by a host of institutes across the country. However, it’s advisable that you complete your Plus Two and then opt for one of these diploma progr-ammes. A Plus Two certificate will also qualify you to apply for courses offered by the highly-reputed Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition which has branches countrywide including Chennai. Employment opportunities in this career are excellent as the hotels and hospitality industry is growing steadily.
After completing my class XII (arts), should I enroll in a BBA (bachelor of business administration) or English (Hons) degree programme? I want to pursue an MBA after graduation.
Nalini Mehta, Ahmedabad
Since you are planning to acquire an MBA, it would be more useful to enroll in a BBA degree programme. However, if you aren’t quite sure about your career plans, sign up for the English (Hons) programme followed by an MBA.
Can I write a bank exam while doing my BAF (bachelor’s in accounting and finance) course? After completing this course, I want to do an MBA.
Cyrus Irani, Mumbai
Bank exams are for two entry levels: clerical cadre (after class XII) and probationary officer (after graduation). Currently you are eligible to write the clerical exam. But if you want to write the probationary officers exam, you will have to graduate. You can also study for B-school entrance exams and opt for an MBA in finance. This is advisable as you won’t be totally dependent on success in the bank exam, as an MBA diploma gives you wider choice.
I have a diploma in electrical engineering. I am interested in working in the hotel industry. Are there any diploma courses in hotel premises maintenance?
Derek D’Souza, Mumbai
There are no specific courses; hotel maintenance is usually a comp-onent of the management course. Since you are trained in electrical engineering you could directly seek employment with a hotel in its maintenance department. For this, keep track of employment ads and also send your résumé to selected hotels. Please stress that you are interested in electrical maintenance. While you are surveying hotel industry options, also keep track of maintenance services jobs in other industries.
Please provide information about food technology courses offered in India.
Hemalatha Raman, Chennai
The four-year food technology degree programme is open to students who have completed Plus Two with physics, chemistry and mathematics. The programme is offered by several engineering colleges and agricultural universities across the country. Moreover, M.Sc degree progr-ammes in food processing technology/food science and nutrition are offered by several universities. The Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 570 013 (www.cftri.com) is perhaps the most prestigious institute for food technology study programmes. To qualify for admission, you need a B.Sc degree with chemistry as one of your subjects or agriculture/engineering technology, and maths at the Plus Two or degree level.
I will complete my M.Sc (bioinformatics) next year. What are my job prospects?
Bijon Dasgupta, Kolkata
Bioinformatics is the science of using information technology to decipher the genomic jumble. Earlier, bioinfor-matics was restricted to computational molecular biology and computational structural biology. It now encompasses fields such as comparative and structural genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, cellomics and metabolic pathway engin-eering. Developments in these fields have direct implications on healthcare, medicine, discovery of next generation drugs, development of agricultural products, renewable energy and environmental protection. You will have work opportunities in all these sectors.
What is a Statement of Purpose? Do all foreign universities require it to be submitted together with admission applications?
Surinder Singh, Chandigarh
A statement of purpose (SOP) should detail your short and long-term career goals as also your rationale for pursuing higher education. The SOP offers you the opportunity to talk directly to college/university admission committees and explain details not included in your application. Some foreign universities require essays instead of a SOP.