I’m keen on studying robotics after completing my engineering degree in 2013. Which universities offer a Masters programme in robotics?
Ravi Krishnan, Chennai
In India, studies related to robot technology and its ramifications are conducted by the Union government’s department of science and technology (DST) and department of scientific and industrial research. Research and development opportunities are also available with the departments of electronics and ocean development. The IITs are also in the vanguard of providing robotics study programmes. Abroad, several universities in the UK and Canada offer M.Sc degree programmes in robotics and automation.
I’m a third year B.Com student interested in signing up for an MBA programme. How do I prepare for the CAT (Common Admission Test)?
Nirmala Rao, Bangalore
It’ll be helpful if you enroll in a coaching class as it will familiarise you with the CAT question paper pattern and syllabus. Over 400,000 students write CAT every year, of whom only 4,000 are admitted into the IIMs and other top B-schools. It’s a tough and competitive exam, so you need to study hard to get into a reputed B-school.
I’ll be awarded a B.Sc degree in 2013. Can I work in the glamour industry through the MBA marketing route? I’m not a singer, dancer, actor or fashion designer.
Mahesh Malkani, Mumbai
If you want to work in the entertainment industry, you should apply for jobs in FMCG companies which sign up cricket stars and Bolly-wood celebrities as brand ambassadors, for which an MBA (marketing) is a good choice. With a marketing specialisation, you also have the option of employment in events, sports and celebrity manage-ment companies which represent the commercial interests of actors, models and sportspersons.
I’m keen on reading economics after class XII. Should I enroll in a B.Com or B.Sc degree programme with economics as major?
Malini Kelkar, Pune
You could sign up for an honours degree in economics or a bach-elor’s in business economics. You also have the option of a BBA (bachelor of business administration) degree with economics. Admission into an econo-mics Masters programme is open to economics graduates as also graduates from other streams with strong math-ematics/statistics background. Job opportunities are plentiful for specialists in economic research and policy, finance, banking, investment manage-ment, teaching, IAS etc.
Please provide information about the sandwich degree engineering progr-amme offered by UK universities. What are the admission requirements?
Satish Chawla, New Delhi
A sandwich degree in engineering incorporates a 12-month industry placement after the second year, adding a year to the three-year study progr-amme. It differs from the standard bachelor’s programme inasmuch as you acquire valuable industry experience while studying. Work experience added to the academic experience, gives sandwich degree students an edge usually reflected in their final year examination grades. Moreover, students earn a stipend during the sandwich year. This programme offered by British universities is similar to the co-op option offered by some universities in the US and Canada.
What does it take to enroll in a B-school in the US, UK, or Australia? I’m currently a third year B.Com student keen on signing up for an MBA programme, preferably in the US.
Deepak Chatterjee, Kolkata
Top-ranked B-schools worldwide stipulate high GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS scores in addition to full-time work experience of at least three years as prerequisites of admission. Hence, if you are planning to study business management you must work for some time and strengthen your profile, which will boost your chances of admission into a reputed B-school.
I will soon acquire an honours degree in physics. I aspire to work with ISRO or DRDO. My academic record is not exceptional. Please advise.
Nitin Shah, Ahmedabad
You should sign up for a postgrad programme or B.Tech (through lateral entry) to qualify for entry level positions in these organisations.
I will complete Plus Two (science) in 2013 after which I want to sign up for a degree/diploma programme in interior/fashion design. Please suggest institutions/colleges other than NID (National Institute of Design) offering these courses.
Anahita Mistry, Mumbai
Admission into all reputed institutions is competitive, so you should prepare to clear design aptitude tests. For interior design, there’s the five-year undergraduate programme at CEPT University, Ahmedabad (www. cept.ac.in). The aptitude test is usually conducted in June in Ahmedabad. You could also apply to MAEER MIT’s Institute of Design, Pune (www. iidpune.org). Another alternative is to write IIT-JEE to qualify for the bachelor of design programme offered by IIT-Guwahati. Apeejay Institute of Design, New Delhi as also Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore (www.srishtiblr.org), Symbiosis Insti-tute of Design, Pune and Pearl Academy of Fashion are other top-ranked fashion/design institutes.
I’m contemplating a career in the fine arts. What are my career prospects in this field? Any scholarships available?
Celine Dias, Panjim
To enter this field, a prerequisite is a bachelor’s degree in fine arts (a four-year degree programme, after class XII). Fine arts graduates usually become artists who support themselves through the sale of their work, commissions, grants, teaching and other employment. Teaching, curating, arts management and administration are other options within the creative industry, which includes advertising, film and video production, software design, and self-employment as artist or designer. Success will depend as much on your ability to network and market yourself and your work as it will on your artistic talent. Graduating from a reputable fine arts college is always a plus point.