I’ll be graduating in mechanical engineering next year. I am confused whether to sign up for an M.Tech or MBA postgrad programme. Please advise me on which study programme is more financially rewarding.
Ashok Rao, Chennai
Make the decision based on your aptitude and interests rather than monetary considerations. An M.Tech degree programme will provide technical knowledge and training while the MBA programme prepares you for management positions in business enterprises. Since the training challenges as well as opportunities are different, evaluate your aptitude and skills before taking a decision.
I’m keen on a career in the diplomatic service after completing my B.Com degree programme. What are my options?
Nalini Iyer, Bangalore
To make a career in the diplomatic service(s), you need to clear the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam. Depending on your performance in the exam, you will have a choice to be assigned to the Indian Foreign Service. However, you can also opt to work in corporate/public relations with MNCs, international banks, foreign embassies etc.
After completing class XII in 2016, I want to study abroad either in the US, UK or Australia. Would it be advisable to go abroad for graduation or postgraduation? Also advise me on the tests I need to write to qualify for admission into foreign universities.
Manish Chawla, New Delhi
US universities offer a four-year bachelor’s degree programme with flexibility to combine subjects from varied disciplines.
Students also have the option of pursuing two majors and acquiring international work experience through OPT (optional practical training) under which they are allowed to work for 12-29 months after completion of their degree programme. Hence, the US is a favoured higher education destination.
If you have the required funds, signing up for a bachelor’s degree programme in the US is a good bet. Admission is based on academic record, standardised test scores (SAT and TOEFL for US, TOEFL/IELTS for the UK and IELTS for Australia), statement of purpose, application documents etc. Most top-ranked universities in the US require SAT II scores in addition to SAT.
I want to enroll in a BMS (bachelor of management studies) programme after Plus Two. What are the admission criteria?
Rahul D’Souza, Mumbai
BMS is an excellent undergrad degree programme for students planning a career in management. Further study through an MBA/MMS programme will accelerate your progression in the corporate world. BMS entrance exams are usually held around May. The basic eligibility requirement for BMS is at least 50 percent average in class XII in any discipline.
After my graduation in commerce and completion of the company secretary course in 2016, I’m keen on working for the United Nations or its associate agencies. Please advise.
Subroto Mukherjee, Kolkata
The UN and associated agencies such as Unicef, Unesco, etc employ people from a variety of disciplines including developmental economics, social work and international relations. It would be advisable to pursue a postgraduate programme in any subject and thereafter apply for jobs advertised by these agencies. Please remember that they have a choice to select people from around the world, so only the brightest and best are recruited.
I’m in class XII (science) and want to pursue a career in the IPS (Indian Police Service). Please provide details of qualifying entrance exams.
Siddharth Singh, Chandigarh
You need to be 21 years and successfully complete an undergrad degree to qualify to write the Civil Services Examination (which leads to the IPS). Choose your subjects for graduation/postgraduation bearing the exam pattern in mind. The civil services examination tests you in two optional subjects. For further information, visit www.upsc.gov.in.
After class XII, I want to enroll in a bachelor of mass media (BMM) degree programme or any other course related to advertising and media. What are my study options?
Heather Vaz, Panjim
You could apply for admission into BMM or the B.Com (vocational — advertising and marketing) degree programme. The BMM programme offers specialisation in journalism or advertising. The course will prepare you for careers related to mass media — journalism, advertising and public relations. Every college conducts its own entrance test for admission into its BMM programme.
Should I study for a company secretary course along with my first year B.Com degree?
Ajay Desai, Ahmedabad
Yes. Qualifying as a company secretary (CS) is a good career option. You may also want to evaluate the chartered accountancy (CA) option as a CS plus CA is a highly valued combination. The role of a CS is to provide advice and support to the board of directors and manage administrative affairs of the company. He is also caretaker of corporate governance and legal matters of the company.
For further details, visit http://www.icsi.edu.