After graduation I plan to enrol in an MBA programme with specialisation in human resources (HR). Do all business schools offer HR as a specialisation? What are my career prospects in this field?
Nalini Sawant, Pune
All prominent B-schools offer HR as a specialisation. With manage-ment of human capital becoming increasingly important in all organi-sations, demand for HR professionals is growing continuously. If you enjoy human interaction, problem solving, thinking out-of-the-box and are happy in organisational environments, you are suited to qualify as an HR professional. HR managers supervise all personnel-related administration activities, policies, and develop and implement employee training initiatives and progra-mmes. Start-up pay packages depend on the reputation of the B-school from which you graduate, and the size and reputation of the employer organisation.
I’m a third year LLB student of ILS Law College, Pune. Though I’m reading for a law degree, I’m not interested in practising law and want to explore other options. My areas of interest are English, economics, and geography. Please advise.
Durba Shome, Pune
You could work as a private consultant of a law firm, in the corporate sector as an admin manager, legal advisor, in legal process outsourcing, in technical translations and writing. ILS, Pune is one of India’s most prestigious law colleges and upon graduation your job prospects will be good. Moreover if you want to enhance your employability options in the corporate sector, you could sign up for the distance education Master of business law programme offered by the National Law School of India University, Bangalore (www.nls.ac.in).
Another career option you could explore is that of company secretary. Your law background will be useful as it is the company secretary’s job to ensure that companies comply with the numerous legal formalities required. It is mandatory for every company with a paid-up share capital of above Rs.5 crore to appoint a company secretary.
My son has completed his BE degree in computer science and wants to pursue the MBA in media and entertainment offered by Manipal University, Bangalore. The second year of the MBA degree programme will be conducted at Whistling Woods International Institute in Film City, Mumbai. What’s your assessment of this MBA programme?
Dinesh Mahajan, Hubli
It seems such a waste that your son spent four years completing his computer science engineering degree programme when he wanted a career in media. He could have read for a bachelor’s in mass communication followed by an MBA in media and entertainment. However, the MBA programme in question seems to be good as Manipal University is well-reputed for offering high quality professional education. Whistling Woods has also built itself a fine reputation for training students for careers in film production, direction, acting, etc.
I’m in class X (science) and plan on qualifying as an engineer. What’s the difference between BE and B.Tech degrees? What are the eligibility criteria for admission into these study programmes?
Subhash Pillai, Bangalore
Bachelor of engineering (be) and Bachelor of technology (B.Tech) are both four-year undergraduate progra-mmes. Some universities/institutes award a BE degree while others award the B.Tech degree. Both offer similar prospects for employment. Admission into BE/B.Tech is through public entrance exams.
Almost all states conduct engineering college entrance tests based on the state’s Plus Two syllabus while national level exams such as the IIT Joint Entrance Exam (IIT-JEE) and All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) are based on a standardised all-India Plus Two curriculum.
Therefore preparation for the entrance test of your choice should be based on an understanding of the curriculum, the format of the question paper and pattern of marking. Job opportunities for engineering graduates are aplenty in private as well as public sector companies. All reputed engineering colleges offer excellent campus placement opportunities.
I want to pursue a career in foreign trade after completing my BA (economics). Apart from an MBA in international trade, which other programmes will enhance my career prospects?
Shalini Singh, Mumbai
An MBA degree or diploma in international business manage-ment/foreign trade is the best option for you. The more reputed the institute you are admitted into, the better your employment prospects. You also have the option of pursuing an MBA in other specialisations such as marketing, human resource management, finance, insurance management, materials management etc.
I’m in class IX (science) and want to know which colleges admit students on the basis of scores in the AIEEE exam?
Subhash Iyer, Chennai
The AIEEE score is used for admission into several engineering and technological institutions/colleges countrywide including the highly-reputed National Institutes of Technology (earlier known as Regional Engineering Colleges). The list of these institutions is available on the AIEEE website (www.aieee-nic.in). Qualifying in the AIEEE exam offers you access into the country’s best engineering institutions.
I will complete my B.Sc (biotech) degree in 2011. I want to work in the area of hospital administration and manage-ment. Please advise.
Neena Chopra, New Delhi
You should consider enrolling in an MBA programme in hospital management. This will lead to manage-ment cadre openings in healthcare institutions.
Among the institutions offering hospital administration study programmes are Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai 400088; Indian Institute of Hospital Management Research, Opp. Sanganer Airport, Jaipur 302011; and Apollo Institute of Hospital Administration, Apollo Hospital Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500033.