I complete my B.Com degree this year and plan to enrol in a B-school in Switzerland for an MBA programme. Which institutions would you recommend?
Nalini Subramaniam, Chennai
The International Institute for Management Development, Chemin de Bellerive 23, P.O. Box 915, CH-1001 Lausanne, is a reputed B-school in Switzerland. Admission requirements are a bachelor’s degree, at least three years’ work experience, fluency in English and a good GMAT score. Switzerland is also renowned for offering excellent hotel/leisure management and allied study programmes.
I’m in Plus Two (science) and want to pursue an engineering degree. Should I write the All India Engineering Entrance Exam (AIEEE)?
Sridhar Rao, Bangalore
National level engineering entrance examinations include the IIT-Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) conducted by the IITs and AIEEE conducted by CBSE. A high score in IIT-JEE qualifies you for admission into the prestigious IITs, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, IT-BHU, and the Marine Engineering Research Institute, Kolkata or T.S. Chanakya Academy, Navi Mumbai. The IIT-JEE is usually notified in November and the exam is conducted in April.
On the other hand, high AIEEE scores serve as the basis for admission into the National Institutes of Technology (NITs)/Regional Engineering Colleges (RECs). Several other reputable engineering institutions such as IIIT-Allahabad (www.iiita.ac.in), IIT-Madras (www.iitm.ac.in), IIT-Hyderabad (www. iit.net) and BIT-Mesra (www.bitmesra. ac.in) also consider AIEEE scores for admission. Visit www.aieee.nic.in for the full list of institutes. The AIEEE is notified in December with the exam being conducted in May.
I’m in class XI (science) and interested in a career in perfumery. Please advise about study options.
Neha Bhatia, New Delhi
A perfumer creates fragrances, perfumes, colognes etc. Perfumery involves a scientific understanding of olfactory stimulation and the brain’s response to fragrances. Natural apti-tude, patience and heightened olfactory sense are useful attributes for a perfumer. However, recognition of raw materials and how they can be combined to produce a fragrance or perfume is developed after years of practice and expert guidance.
The study of perfumery is a multi-disciplinary activity covering chemistry, plant biochemistry, biotechnology, literature, advertising, fashion and aesthetics. Training in biochemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, cosmetic technology, biotechnology and allied sciences is useful for securing positions as a trainee with manufacturers of perfumes, soaps, creams, detergents, talcum powder etc. There are no schools which formally teach the basics of perfumery. It’s a science usually learnt on the job.
I’m a class XI science student and want to know the difference between biomedical sciences and biomedical engineering. What are the career prospects for biomedical scientists/ engineers?
Ashok Sen, Kolkata
Biomedical science is the application of biological and physical sciences to clinical medicine. Biomedical scientists usually involve themselves with laboratory investi-gations for diagnosis and treatment of disease, and research causes and cures. Biomedical engineering, also referred to as bioengineering, is the application of engineering principles and tech-niques to issues in medicine and biology such as the design and production of artificial limbs and organs, and imaging systems such as ultrasound.
For admission into a four-year biomedical engineering degree progra-mme, you should successfully complete Plus Two with physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology. Biomedical science study programmes require completion of Plus Two with physics, chemistry and biology, with or without mathematics. Rarely do universities offer biomedical science at the B.Sc level so it’s advisable to pursue a biological or physical sciences degree and then enrol for biomedical sciences at the Masters and/or Ph D levels. Pune University offers a B.Sc (biomedical technology) programme while Acharya Narendra Dev College, New Delhi offers a B.Sc (Hons) in biomedical science.
I’m a science graduate working as a computer software professional. Please suggest an MBA degree programme (regular/correspondence) which I could pursue.
Ranbir Singh, Chandigarh
Signing up for a full-time MBA programme will qualify you for diverse managerial jobs in any industry rather than merely in software/technology. If you are interested in making a career switch from software development to general management, a full-time/regular MBA is a good option. However, if your objective is to better your prospects in the IT industry, then a distance education MBA is sufficient. The choice of specialisation could be systems/IT management.
I’m in class X and want to study either interior design or architecture at the undergraduate level. Which institutes offer these programmes and what are their eligibility requirements?
Shalini Seth, Ahmedabad
To qualify in interior design/architecture you need to have aptitude for drawing, aesthetic sensitivity and strong visualisation skills. For architecture you also need a good grounding in science and maths. While diploma courses in interior design are an option after class X, you should finalise your career plans after Plus Two.
After completion of Plus Two (science) you could sign up for the five-year interior design study programme of the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad. You may also opt for interior design as a specialisation in a bachelor of fine arts degree. The interior design course offered by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad does not require candidates to complete Plus Two in science.
Meanwhile admission into the B.Arch programme offered by most universities and engineering colleges is based on an entrance/aptitude test. Assess your aptitude and abilities before deciding on your higher study options and career.