After completing my BMS (bachelor of management studies) degree programme this year, I want to enroll for an LLB programme and company secretary (CS) course. To better my career prospects, should I also pursue an MBA (finance) degree?
— Ashok Rao, Chennai
CS and LLB is an excellent combination provided you are able to do justice to both programmes. Career opportunities for company secretaries equipped with a law degree are plentiful. You could also consider working for a few years and then sign up for a part-time or full-time MBA programme. This is good investment of time and money, especially if you are admitted into a reputed B-school with a strong campus placement programme.
I’ll complete my B.Tech degree programme next year and want to pursue higher studies in the US. Would you advise an MS or MBA degree programme?
Ravi Narasimhan, Bangalore
If your academic goal is to complete a Ph D programme or pursue a career in teaching, research or consulting, an MS programme will provide you with the required in-depth knowledge. On the other hand, a general MBA programme will provide a more rounded education because it will include components of marketing, finance, HR, business accounting and business maths, organisational behaviour, systems, etc. Most MS programmes don’t mandate prior work experience while MBA programmes in the US do. Many Indian MBA graduates with three-five years industry experience take a year off to pursue an MS abroad in a specific discipline.
I’m a class XII commerce student aspiring to enroll in a BMS (bachelor of management studies) degree programme. What are my options?
— Neeta D’Souza, Mumbai
BMS is an excellent programme for a career in business management. The programme provides an excellent foundation for MBA/MMS studies which will improve/enhance your prospects in the corporate sector. The BMS entrance exams are usually held around May. A Plus Two average of at least 50 percent is the minimum eligibility requirement.
I’m a software engineer working in the telecom industry. I want to pursue further studies to improve my prospects. Please advise.
— Manish Ahuja, New Delhi
You’ll first have to decide if you want to press on for a Masters degree in a technical or managerial discipline. For an M.Tech, you’ll need to clear GATE with a high score to secure admission into premium institutions such as the IITs, BITS-Pilani, and IISc. Alternatively, if you want to sign up for an MBA programme, you’ll need a high CAT or GMAT score to qualify for admission into the IIMs, XLRI and other prominent B-schools. I recommend you apply for admission into an M.Tech degree right away since you can always sign up for an MBA programme later in your career.
I’ll be graduating in science this year. But, I want to sign up for a bachelor’s degree in library and information science (BLISC). What are my prospects in this field?
— Nalini Shah, Ahmedabad
A BLISC degree will qualify you for several careers. You can work in government and private universities and colleges, cultural institutions, information centres, museums and galleries, photo, film and digital libraries, besides corporates and organisations with large database/information management requirements. With computerisation playing an incremental role in information management, you could also sign up for one of systems analysis, research assistance, database operations and management, printing, publishing and documentation diploma programmes.
I’m a class X student interested in studying forensic sciences and/or genetic engineering. Which universities offer this programme?
— Zarine Irani, Mumbai
Your first objective should be completion of Plus Two (science) with good grades followed by graduation in science. After that, you should apply for admission into an M.Sc (forensic science) programme offered by most universities. For genetic engineering, a B.Sc or B.Tech in biotechnology is ideal. The University of Mumbai offers a B.Sc degree programme in biotechnology. Research both careers and their demands and assess your aptitude and interests before making a final choice.
After completing my BE in instrumentation last year, I am currently studying for an MBA in operations (production and materials) management. I want to apply for jobs in this field. Please advise.
— Sujit Sen, Kolkata
Since all your qualifications involve study of machines or instruments, it might be a good idea to explore a career in the engineering or instrumentation, automobiles or chemical industries. The retail industry also offers opportunities as the entire success of retail depends on effective supply chain management. Consult with your professors and apply for campus recruitment jobs accordingly.
I’m in class XII (science) and want to qualify as a pilot after graduation. Which subject should I choose as my bachelor’s degree programme?
— Rohan Karmarkar, Pune
You may graduate with any degree. But with a B.Sc degree, you qualify for the Cadet Pilot programme offered by some airlines.