After completing my BCA (bachelor of computer applications) degree, what would you recommend for postgraduation — MCA, MBA or M.Sc (IT)?
Srinivas Murthy, Chennai
MCA, MBA, and M.Sc (IT) are all excellent qualifications for employment. But your choice should be based on your aptitude and interests. MCA is an excellent programme if you aspire to make a career in the computer software development industry. An M.Sc (IT) degree is best suited for work in the IT department of corporates, whereas an MBA is more broad-based and qualifies you to specialise in marketing, finance and human resources etc.
I’m keen on signing up for a Masters in industrial microbiology or industrial biotechnology after graduating in microbiology next year. What are my job prospects?
Suresh Kulkarni, Pune
Industrial microbiology and industrial biotechnology offer excellent employment prospects. After completing your Masters, you could work in a pharmaceutical or food company, hospital or opt for research.
I’m keen on a career in physiotherapy after completing class XII next year. What’s the difference between B.Sc (physiotherapy) and bachelor of physiotherapy (BPT)? What’s the scope for physiotherapists in India and the US?
Meher Irani, Mumbai
Both are undergraduate degrees and offer broadly similar curriculums. Physiotherapists enjoy good career prospects in India. However it’s not possible to apply for a physiotherapist’s job in the US on the strength of an Indian degree. All states in the US require physiotherapists to pass a licentiate examination after graduating from an accredited physical therapy educational programme before they can practice.
I am a first year B.Sc student and would like to know the procedure for admission into the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
Rajinder Singh, Chandigarh
For admission into IMA, you need to write and pass the Combined Defence Services exam (see www.upsc.gov.in). You could write this exam in the final year of your B.Sc degree programme. Under the technical graduates entry scheme, only engineering graduates are eligible to apply. Visit www.joinindianarmy.nic.in for more details.
I will complete my BE (mechanical) degree programme next year. I am interested in the certification of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWA). Will this qualification be beneficial?
Dilip Bose, Kolkata
If you plan a career in cost and works accountancy, the ICWA (www.icwai.com) study programme is beneficial. The institute is the only statutory organisation in India authorised to certify professionals in cost and management accountancy.
ICWAI operates through four regional councils in Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai as well as through chapters sited elsewhere in India and abroad. Every student has to undergo mandatory coaching for a specified period either in a chain of coaching centres established countrywide or by way of postal coaching. This is followed by a training scheme to equip students with practical skills.
I’m in my final year BA degree and am interested in the B.Ed course in early childhood care and education (ECCE). After graduation I want to work part-time. Please advise.
Sudha Mehta, Ahmedabad
B.Ed is a postgrad qualification and equips you to teach secondary school students. Early childhood care and education is usually a one-year study programme. Since it focuses on teaching very young children, your working hours will be much less than of a secondary school teacher. Hence, ECCE is a better option if you want to work part-time.
I’m an instrumentation engineer wanting to work in the software industry. I know C, C++ and Linux. Should I sign up for an animation course to improve my chances?
Ashok Desai, Mumbai
Any additional knowledge and certification will help your career progression. If you are creative and possess good knowledge of software, you could work in the fast-track animation industry. An excellent option is to sign up for the Master of design in visual communication programme of IIT-Bombay, admission for which is through the Common Entrance Examination in Design. Alternatively, please evaluate part-time programmes offered by institutes such as Arena Multimedia (www.arena-multimedia.com) and Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (www.mayaent.com).
I am keen on signing up for an MBA programme and want to know about new specialisations offered by business management institutes.
Ravi Iyer, Trivandrum
MBA specialisations are multiplying as the market evolves. Among the newer MBA specialisations being offered are telecom, actuarial, aviation, corporate social responsibility, disaster, sports, retail and events management. Moreover, some B-schools also offer hospitality, luxury brand management, governance etc. Indian B-schools are collaborating with foreign universities to formally launch these new specialisations. MBA programmes in innovation and entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, strategic management and new media are also becoming popular.