I’m a class XII student keen on a career in biomedical engineering. What are my job prospects?
Shekhar Iyer, Chennai
Biomedical engineering involves application of engineering principles and techniques to medicine and biology. Biomedical engineers design life support apparatus and devices used in medical procedures such as laser and corrective eye surgeries, and develop imaging systems (e.g. ultrasound). Most biomedical engineers are employed in hospitals or companies manufacturing, maintaining and marketing medical equipment.
To qualify as a biomedical engineer, you need to acquire a B.E/B.Tech degree in biomedical engineering. Employment options are aplenty.
After completing class XII (science) next year, I want to pursue a career in biotechnology. To qualify, do I need high scores in physics and maths? Also can I study for an M.Tech (biotech) degree after B.Sc?
Nalini Rao, Bangalore
Most reputed engineering colleges including the IITs require students with strong capability in physics, chemistry, biology and maths. After B.Sc, you are eligible for admission into an M.Sc biotechnology degree programme. But for M.Tech (biotech), you need to complete the M.Sc programme and then write the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) or other entrance tests as prescribed by your preferred institution.
I’m a class XII (science) student interested in enrolling in a B.Sc (chemistry, zoology and botany) study programme. What are my other options?
Reena Sule, Pune
I recommend you enroll in a B.Sc (home science) degree programme which offers many specialisations including nutrition and dietetics, human development, textiles and clothing and community resources management. Your career prospects will be enhanced by completing a postgraduate programme in the field of specialisation. The medical or paramedical professions may not be available to you but you may be eligible for diploma courses in nursing. Psychology also offers excellent prospects. It’s advisable to first shortlist study options and career preferences which suit your personality and aptitude.
After graduating next year, I want to sign up for a Masters in chemistry at a university abroad. Please suggest some reputed foreign universities.
Arun Chawla, New Delhi
If you’re planning to choose the US, you can opt for the MS chemistry programme of the University of Massachusetts, Boston or Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta. In the UK, the universities of Manchester and Glasgow offer high-quality postgrad chemistry programmes. To qualify for admission into a US university, you need to write GRE and TOEFL or IELTS tests and submit a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, etc. To apply to universities in the UK, you need good IELTS/TOEFL scores.
I have completed my chartered accountancy study programme. Should I enroll for a postgrad diploma in business management (PGDBM) through distance learning or a company secretary (CS) course?
Varsha Patil, Ahmedabad
Business management studies will definitely enhance your career prospects. However, the campus recruitment option isn’t available for distance learning graduates. Also, a distance learning programme is more valuable when backed by managerial/executive work experience. I believe the CS course will complement your CA qualification and add depth and range to your knowledge of accountancy and finance.
I also suggest you acquire some work experience, during which you could assess your long-term career goals. Moreover, you could consider courses offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. For MBA through distance learning, you could shortlist IGNOU (www.ignou.ac.in), AIMA (www.aima-ind.org), among other universities. Please note, it’s advisable to choose a university which offers a local study centre.
I want to enroll in a three-year LLB study programme. Please advise.
Nalini Chavan, Pune
The universities of Delhi, Pune and Mumbai offer excellent LLB study programmes. However, not all law colleges are equally reputed. Law colleges recognised by the Bar Council of India are listed on http://barcouncilofindia.nic.in.
I will complete my MA (economics) programme next year. What are my job options?
Daisy Billimoria, Mumbai
Several research jobs will become available to you in banks and financial institutions, MNCs, government and private sector organisations. You could also apply to international organisations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund etc.
I want to enroll for a postgraduate degree in systems engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). What are my job prospects after graduation?
Dilip Chatterjee, Kolkata
NUS is a well-reputed university. However, it’s best to check with the university about its previous and recent placement records as well as talk to alumni and current students before signing up. You must also remember that no institution guarantees jobs. But job prospects are brighter if you graduate from a well-known university. NUS admits students on the basis of a number of factors including prior academic record, entrance test scores, essays, etc.