I’m in class X and excel in maths. But I’m also good in art. I’m confused whether to pursue engineering or art as a career. Please advise.
Rahul Kelkar, Pune
To excel in engineering you need to be strong in physics and chemistry besides mathematics. To qualify for admission into an engineering college, you need to opt for physics, chemistry and maths in Plus Two. On the other hand for admission into a fine arts study programme, you can choose either commerce, arts or science in class XI. Excellence in maths will help you in the art world, especially to become a competent designer.
I’m a third year medical student. After graduation, is it advisable to sign up for a postgraduate degree in medicine?
Aditya Raman, Chennai
An MBBS degree is sufficient to practice as a physician, but a specialised postgrad degree will definitely improve your career prospects. Usually, MBBS graduates practice as general physicians for two-three years before choosing a postgrad special-isation. Popular specialisations are radio-diagnosis, dermatology, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and anaesthesiology.
I’ve been working as a senior manager in a multinational company. Now I’m keen to sign up for a one-year executive MBA in the US or UK. Which universities offer this programme?
Ravi D’Souza, Panjim
The most reputed universities offering executive MBA progra-mmes are the University of Chicago, Thunderbird School of Global Management, Phoenix, Arizona and Northwestern University, Illinois, USA; London School of Business in the UK, and IE Business School in Spain.
I will complete my B.Tech (biotech) degree programme in 2015. As I’m deeply interested in teaching and research, I would like to know if I am eligible to write CSIR-NET.
Shalini Rao, Bangalore
You are eligible to write CSIR-NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Eligibility Test) as the council has revised its eligibility criteria to include candidates with the following degrees: chemical sciences, earth, atmospheric, ocean and planetary sciences; life sciences; mathematical sciences; physical sciences; engineering sciences; B.Sc (Hons); BE/B.Tech; B.Pharm; MBBS; integrated BS-MS and M.Sc.
To encourage engineering students to pursue Ph D programmes while teaching, CSIR-NET has introduced a sixth paper in engineering sciences, which is common to all engineering disciplines. The syllabus is uploaded on www.csirhrdg.res.in.
I’m planning to study in the US after graduating in 2015. Should I give more importance to the college/university or study programme while making my decision?
Neena Desai, Mumbai
Universities in the us encourage students to find the right fit between aptitude and study programme. It’s important for students to understand what they want to study and then select universities which offer their preferred subjects. Another important factor is what you want to do after graduation. It helps to deeply research study programmes, departments and universities before beginning the admission process, especially for postgraduate programmes. Too often students become enamoured with big names such as Harvard, MIT etc which may not be the best places for your chosen study programme.
As a student in the UK, am I allowed to work while reading for my degree programme?
Prachi Shah, Ahmedabad
Yes. getting a job while you study can help improve your organi-sational and language skills. Foreign students are allotted a set number of hours per week for an on-campus job. It is advisable to get in touch with the university’s international office to understand the rules and regulations related to working while studying.
I’m planning to study urban environment planning in the US. Please suggest some reputed American universities offering this subject.
Deepak Khanna, New Delhi
The Masters degree in urban/environmental planning offered by Virginia Tech and the University of California, Berkeley are highly rated. Please note that clearing GRE and TOEFL entrance tests are mandatory.
The admission process involves completing the online application form and mailing all supporting documents (such as resume, recommendation letters, essays, financial documents, marksheets, transcripts) to the univ-ersity. It might also be a good idea to prepare a portfolio and send it with your application.
I’ve just completed a diploma in interior design. Please suggest universities in the US and UK which offer courses in accessories and furniture design.
Suchitra Roy, Kolkata
In the UK, undergraduate courses in furniture design are offered at the universities of Kent, Kingston and Nottingham Trent. Northumbria Univ-ersity offers 3D furniture and product design while De Montford and Plymouth universities offer furniture design. Universities in the US offering furniture design programmes are Purdue, West Lafayette; Virginia Common-wealth; the Minneapolis College of Art and Design; and North Carolina State University, Raleigh.
I’m a first year engineering (IT) student. What are my job prospects after graduation? Also advise on how to prepare for GATE.
Sridhar Pillai, Trivandrum
If you have completed your education from a well-reputed college and have a high average, getting a job shouldn’t be a problem. If your college doesn’t offer campus placement, start resear-ching and prospecting for jobs during the last semester of your degree programme. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) scores are required for admission into postgraduate degree programmes in engineering, technology, architecture, pharmacy etc. Preparation materials are available in most prominent bookstores. You could also use correspondence study material offered by various test prep schools.