I’m an engineering graduate with an MBA and two years’ work experience. Would an additional degree from a foreign university improve my career prospects?
Navin Chatterjee, Kolkata
An MBA from one of the Top 10 global business schools such as INSEAD, Wharton, Harvard, or Stanford will definitely boost your career prospects. Alternatively, you could sign up for a Masters in industrial engineering or supply chain management programme. These qualifications will improve your standing with multinational organisations.
After completing my B.Tech degree next year, I want to sign up for a higher study programme. What are my options?
Raju Chandran, Chennai
You could enroll in M.Tech or MBA programmes. For M.Tech, you need to clear GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) to qualify for admission into premier institutions such as the IITs, BITS-Pilani, IISc, etc. If you wish to go into management, you need to get high scores in CAT (Common Admission Test), XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) or CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) to qualify for admission into the IIMs, XLRI and other top-ranked B-schools.
I’m a computer engineering student with a passion for programming and graphics. What courses and competitive exams would you recommend to get a job abroad?
Shailesh Kulkarni, Pune
Among the competitive exams you could write are GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), GRE (Graduate Record Exam), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Depending on your area of interest, you may prepare for the appropriate competitive exam. On completion of your engineering degree, you can also sign up for a diploma in advanced computing or diploma in advanced computing arts of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. These additional qualifications will improve your job prospects abroad.
I’m a second year B.Com student interested in writing the CAT exam. What are the eligibility requirements? And what’s the difference between an MBA and MMS degree programme?
Neerja Patel, Ahmedabad
The notification for CAT, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is usually advertised in the month of July in all prominent newspaper dailies countrywide, with the exam held in November. The difference between an MBA and MMS (Master of management science) degree is merely of nomenclature. You should ideally apply for admission into institutions recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offering MBA/MMS programmes.
The minimum qualification for admission into MBA/MMS/equivalent study programmes is completion of a bachelor’s degree (10+2+3). Some universities and institutions may require a minimum average of 45-50 percent in the qualifying exam. The final selection into MBA programmes is based on performance in the written test (such as CAT), group discussion and personal interview with weightage accorded to academic record, participation in extra-curricular activities, achievements, and work experience, if any.
What jobs are available after I graduate with an MA (literature) degree? I’m not interested in teaching but love writing.
Daisy Irani, Mumbai
You’ll be eligible for jobs as an online content writer, translator, content developer, copywriter, etc. Moreover, there are other suitable options available in the media, entertainment, public relations, mass communication, publishing etc.
I’ll be graduating in commerce this year. However, I’m interested in journalism as it provides a career in public life. Would a correspondence course in politics or international relations be useful?
Dilip Chatterjee, Kolkata
An MA in political science is offered by a number of universities through distance education. However, I recommend you sign up for a journalism programme at a local institute offering part-time courses, and simultaneously start freelancing for newspapers and magazines. A career in public life is also available through the administrative services (through examinations conducted by the Union Public Services Commission). Careers in law, banking, politics etc also give you an opportunity to serve the people.
After completing class XII (science), I want to enroll in a computer engineering degree programme. Please advise.
Suresh Rao, Bangalore
Apart from applying for admission into a bachelor of engineering programme, you could sign up for a bachelor’s course in computer science, chemistry, physics, mathematics etc. Additionally, you can opt for generic courses in management studies, mass media, information technology, computer applications, architecture, design, etc. However, test your aptitude, intelligence and personality before finalising your career choice. Moreover, please note that a number of coaching institutes prepare students for mandatory entrance exams.