I intend to pursue postgraduate studies in clinical research after completing B.Sc in microbiology next year. What are my career prospects?
Arvind Swamy, Chennai
The clinical research industry recruits trained medical/dental investigators who could be graduates in pharmacy, life sciences and biotechnology for managing clinical sites; clinical trial coordinators for signing up patients; clinical research associates, essentially data and site monitors, and clinical data managers. In sum, clinical research is a highly rewarding career.
I’m a B.Com graduate working in a firm for the past four years. To improve my career prospects, I want to sign up for an MBA degree programme. Should I opt for a part-time or full-time course?
Deepak Shinde, Pune
A full-time MBA course is preferable, especially for individuals with two-three years of work experience. But if you have more than seven-eight years of work experience, a part-time MBA will do.
I want to enroll in an MBA degree programme in tourism studies after completing my undergrad studies. Which country offers the best postgrad tourism programmes?
Navin Malhotra, New Delhi
The US is perhaps the best study destination for a Masters in tourism — preferably an MBA (tourism and hospitality management). The admission procedure requires aspirants to apply to universities/colleges through their online portals. Applications should be supported with academic transcripts, proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS scores), statement of purpose, recommendation letters, etc. Some universities may also insist on a good GMAT/GRE score.
I’m interested in a career in dietetics and nutrition. Which subjects should I opt for in undergraduate studies?
Christina Vaz, Mumbai
You could sign up for a B.Sc in home science, food technology/science or nutrition followed up with a Masters or complete a bachelor’s of life sciences course followed by a postgrad diploma programme in nutrition and dietetics. With growing health and lifestyle awareness within the public, career prospects are promising.
I will complete my B.Sc (chemistry) in 2016. What are my options after graduation?
Neeta Desai, Ahmedabad
You could enroll in a Masters in chemistry. After postgraduation, you become eligible for the position of a researcher/scientist at eminent institutions such as TIFR, BARC, DRDO, etc. Once employed, you could simultaneously continue your studies and enroll in a Ph D programme.
After graduating as an IT engineer next year, I want to pursue a Masters in information technology at a foreign university. Please advise.
Dilkip Chatterjee, Kolkata
Most universities abroad offer the Masters programme in IT. The most popular study destinations are the US, UK and Australia. Every country has differing admission procedures and requirements.
How important is the job of a social media manager in commercial organisations? I finish my postgrad degree in mass communications next year and am interested in working as such.
Neena Sippy, Mumbai
A social media manager increases a company’s brand awareness by writing blog posts, Facebook, Twitter pages and develops and manages social media campaigns, and regularly updates her organisation’s page on social networks with relevant and engaging content using analytic tools to gauge click-throughs and traffic. A social media manager should be creative, responsive, possess good communication skills and be knowledgeable about social media trends and mobile communication technologies.
After completing my engineering degree next year, I intend to enroll in an MBA programme abroad. Is work experience necessary for admission into foreign B-schools?
Krishnan Iyer, Trivandrum
At least three years full-time work experience after your bachelor’s degree is necessary for admission into reputable B-schools abroad. The website www.ft.com lists the top B-schools worldwide. Most reputed B-schools also require GMAT and English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) scores.
I am keen on a career in biomedical engineering. What are the advancement prospects in this field?
Shekhar Reddy, Hyderabad
Biomedical engineers are engaged in the production of artificial organs such as hearing aids, cardiac pacemakers, artificial kidneys and hearts, blood oxygenators, synthetic blood vessels, joints, and automated patient monitoring systems. They are employed in hospitals and corporates manufacturing medical equipment. Advancement prospects are good but if you want to be in research and development, you need an M.Tech/ME degree.
I will graduate next year and want to pursue a career in events management. Please advise.
Dina Contractor, Bangalore
You could follow up your bachelor’s degree with a diploma in events management offered by a host of private institutes. If you want to further improve your career prospects, sign up for an MBA degree.