I will complete class XII (science) next year and am interested in a career in meteorology. Which institutes offer this subject and what are their eligibility requirements? Deepak Iyer, Chennai
Meteorologists understand, explain, observe and forecast the earth’s atmospheric phenomena and/or how the atmosphere affects earth and life on it. Specialisation in meteorology can be attained after study through various levels. You should focus on physics, chemistry and mathematics at the Plus Two level. Next, sign up for a bachelor’s degree programme in phy-sics, mathematics, geology/geophysics, applied mathematics, statistics or computer science. This should be followed by a Masters degree or a postgraduate diploma in atmospheric science, meteorology or climatology.
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam; Cochin University of Science & Technology; and MS University of Baroda, Vadodara offer M.Sc progra-mmes in meteorology. Punjabi University, Patiala offers a postgrad diploma programme in meteorology and Bharathiar University, Coimbatore’s study centre in Pune offers an M.Sc programme in climatology.
After class XII I want to enroll for a BMM (bachelor of mass media) study programme. Should I choose journal-ism or advertising as my specialisation?
Nandini Mehta, Mumbai
Both careers are related to mass communication. Therefore writing skills are important. Introspect about what appeals to you more and assess your strengths and aptitude. After completion of a BMM degree, you have the flexibility to enroll in postgrad programmes in either field.
I’m a second year BA student and want to sign up for a course which will help me land a teacher’s job in a junior college. Please advise.
Sonali Kulkarni, Pune
You must press on to acquire a Masters degree followed by a bachelor of education (B.Ed) qualifi-cation. Keep track of admission notices of B.Ed colleges in the final year of your MA degree programme.
What is the job market reputation and rating of an MCA distance education degree vis-à-vis a full-time programme?
Suresh Nair, Bangalore
As far as the course content is concerned, there’s no difference. However, a full-time MCA degree programme will definitely give you greater practical experience. Hence, given a choice, employers tend to prefer graduates with a full-time degree from a reputed university.
Generally speaking, distance MCA programmes are targeted at working professionals who want to enhance their qualifications, or students already enroled in full-time study programmes. Also some full-time MCA departments offer campus placements — a facility not available to those studying through the distance mode. Other things being equal, it’s advisable to pursue a full-time programme to improve your career prospects.
I’m a third year B.Com student and keen on a career as an actuary. Please advise.
Dhiren Shah, Ahmedabad
Actuaries are the analytical backbone of a country’s financial security programmes. They design and develop insurance products, weigh risk, and discharge asset and liability valuation duties. This profession offers handsome rewards in terms of intellec-tual challenge, professional status, job satisfaction and attractive remuneration.
To qualify as an actuary, you must be accepted as a member of the Institute of Actuaries of India. This involves clear-ing a tough 16-paper exam conducted by the institute. For more information, log onto www.actuariesindia.org. The Institute of Actuaries, London, also conducts exams in India. Those who qualify in India get exemptions in writing some papers and vice versa.
A Masters in maths/statistics is the ideal qualification for acceptance into the actuaries’ fraternity. The minimum eligibility criterion is completion of class XII with an 85-plus score in maths.
I want to make a career in electronic gaming, development and progra-mming. Which course should I opt for after completing Plus Two?
Ralph Fonseca, Mumbai
While there are a few undergraduate courses in gaming design and technology, signing up for a B.Tech programme in computer science/IT is advisable. After compl-eting this programme, you could opt for a postgraduate course in animation and game design at IIT-Mumbai’s Industrial Design Centre, which is open to engineering and architecture grad-uates. Several private institutes also offer specialised courses in game design and development.
I will complete my engineering degree in 2014. Which are the top colleges for an M.Tech in computer science?
Ravi Srinivasan, Chennai
The best institutes offering M.tech programmes in computer science are the IITs; NITs; University of Pune; Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu; VIT University, Tamil Nadu; Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyd-erabad; Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata and Bangalore; International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore; Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore and Faculty of Engin-eering and Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata.
I will complete my engineering degree programme in 2014. What are my job prospects if I acquire an M.Sc in logistics?
Shailesh Mukherjee, Kolkata
Every business from courier agencies, transport and manufact-uring to large retail chains requires efficient logistics for resources optimi-sation. Engineering logistics help companies to achieve this efficiency and thus has become increasingly important to the success of any enterprise. The M.Sc programme in logistics prepares you to meet the needs of manufacturing and service industries. You could be employed in procurement, manufacturing, ware-housing transport and distribution sectors as the programme equips you with the expertise for planning and implementing logistics activities and managing supply chains. There’s a great demand for logistics experts in India and abroad.