After completing class XII, I want to study law and enroll for a company secretary (CS) foundation course simultaneously. Please advise.
Geeta iyengar, Bangalore
CS and law are an excellent combination and can help you get off to a great start. I suggest you consider signing up for a five-year integrated degree in law. This will give you a solid foundation and you can pursue CS training concurrently. Top-ranked legal education institutions are the National Law School of India University, Bangalore and National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Hyderabad.
Is the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s CA qualification recognised abroad? Can one retain membership of ICAI while working abroad?
Sunil Shah, Mumbai
Indian CAs are in demand globally. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the world’s second largest institute of accounting professionals, and regularly receives requests from over 30 countries seeking Indian accountants.
While working abroad, you can keep your ICAI membership active by remitting the annual membership fee to the institute. The fee can also be paid in advance for a period of three years.
I will complete class XII (arts) next year and want to qualify as a journalist. Please advise.
Shalini Seth, Ahmedabad
Several universities offer the bachelor’s programme in journalism/mass communications, but that’s not the only route to a career in journalism. You could pursue an undergrad degree in any stream of your interest — science/commerce/humanities — and still make a career in journalism as long as you possess good written communication skills.
After graduation, it’s advisable to enroll in a postgrad course in journalism/mass communications. Salaries and prospects are good, particularly in electronic journalism.
I graduate in accounts and finance management this year. What are my job prospects?
Rahul D’Souza, Mumbai
To improve your career prospects you should study further by enrolling in a chartered accountancy course or MBA (finance). Alternatively you could qualify as an ICWA (Institute of Cost and Work Accountants) professional. In case you want a job, apply to banks and financial instit-utions, joining as an assistant and rising up the career ladder over a period of time.
What’s your opinion of the inter-national business study programme offered by Amity University, Noida?
Shilpa Chawla, New Delhi
With rapid globalisation of the world economy, knowledge of international business is not only useful but critical for business and industry success. Amity’s programme in international business helps students understand characteristics of different markets, ways of doing business in foreign countries, and negotiating cultural and social challenges. Amity University is a well-reputed institution offering excellent globally benchmarked study programmes.
I’m an MBA (finance) graduate and am looking for a job. As a fresher I’ve had no luck as employers prefer to hire experienced professionals. Please advise.
Ravi Nair, Trivandrum
The global economic slowdown has prompted most companies to hire experienced professionals capable of hitting the ground running. Nevertheless, there are companies which hire MBAs as management trainees and train them for a year or two before allotting them appropriate roles. You could also apply for job openings in banks, financial institutions and the accounts departments of large companies.
I graduated in fashion design from NIFT, Bangalore two years ago and have been working with a leading retail chain. To improve my career prospects, should I enroll for a Masters in fashion design abroad?
Reena Joseph, Bangalore
Since you have graduated from one of the country’s best design schools, acquiring on-the-job experience might be a better alternative. Your own career goals and aspirations are the most important factors, therefore you should carefully evaluate them before making this decision. The New York-based Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons College are among the leading fashion institutes abroad.
I’m in the final year of my hotel management degree programme, on completion of which I wish to enroll in a human resource management course. What are my options?
Siddharth Kapur, Mumbai
You could sign up for a part-time or distance education programme in human resource management (HRM). Since you are studying for your finals, you need excellent time management skills, a high degree of motivation and discipline to complete a correspondence course in HR. Part-time or distance education courses are best after two-three years of work experience in a managerial/supervisory capacity. If you are interested in switching to a career in HRM, you should sign up for a full-time MBA with specialisation in HRM from a reputed B-school.