I’m keen on pursuing a career as probationary officer (PO) in a bank. Please advise the way forward.
Vidya Rajan, Bangalore
Examinations are conducted by public/private sector banks to recruit probationary officers in the junior management cadre. Those who clear the exam and interview are recruited as POs and receive extensive on-the-job training. ICICI Bank offers a PO programme (www.icicicareers.com) which includes shortlisting through a written exam and interview followed by a one-year fully residential programme to train selected probationary officers by the ICICI Manipal Academy of Banking and Insurance (http://www. ima.manipal.edu/programme.htm).
I want to sign up for an MBA in energy management at the Indian Management School and Research Centre (IMSRC), Mumbai via the distance education mode. The institute is not UGC approved but is affiliated/accredited with the University of North East Virginia and the Distance Education Council. Are IMSRC’s degrees recognised? Please suggest names of other institutes offering this study programme.
Vijay Suri, Mumbai
IMSRC’s MBA programme has credibility since it is approved by the Distance Education Council (www.dec. ac.in). Some other reputed universities/institutions which offer a postgraduate diploma in energy management are: Centre of Distance Education, Univer-sity of Hyderabad (www.uohd.ernet.in); MIT School of Distance Education (www.miyode.com); and Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (www. annamalaiuniversity.ac.in) which offers a postgrad diploma in electrical energy management and energy audit. Prior to applying, check your eligibility with the institution since you don’t possess a bachelor’s degree.
I will complete my Plus Two (commerce) next year. Is studying for a B.Com degree a good career choice?
Neeta D’Silva, Panjim
For best career trajectory, you should read for a B.Com degree simultaneously with a course in chartered accountancy, company secretaryship or cost accountancy. If you cannot manage the pressure of doing B.Com with CA/CS, just focus on your bachelor’s degree. A B.Com degree will open doors in all industries at the junior executive level.
I’m an engineer and have been working in an IT company for the past one year. I’m now interested in a career in the media. Is it advisable to make a career switch?
Srinivas Iyer, Chennai
An it engineer can secure employment in the media, though it’s advisable to study your new vocation. Several institutions offer postgraduate programmes of one-two years’ duration in mass communication. For qualified personnel, job opportunities are also aplenty in print, television and radio broadcasting, advertising, film, televi-sion, online media ventures etc. How-ever before you make the switch, do some homework to understand the nature of work involved, and whether it’s in sync with your abilities and interests.
After graduation, I want to sign up for an MBA in a B-school in the US. Please provide information on the GMAT test.
Neelam Rao, Bangalore
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardised test which measures graduate students’ verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. It is designed to help B-schools to assess the potential of applicants for advanced study in business management. All who aspire to enrol in any graduate B-school programme in the US must write GMAT.
Unlike most assessment tests, GMAT is conducted through the year and applicants can choose their own date and time. However, September-December is the preferred period to write GMAT and if you intend to take the test during this period you need to register very early (about 90 days in advance) to get a date of your choice. The duration of the test is roughly four hours.
After completing my B.Com degree should I pursue a law degree alongside a company secretary’s course, or should I also enrol in an MBA (finance) programme after a few years to improve my career prospects?
Daisy Cooper, Mumbai
An LLB degree together with CS is a good combination provided you perform well. There are excellent job opportunities for company secretaries with law degrees. After acquiring some work experience you could sign up for a part-time MBA qualification. An MBA is a good investment especially if you secure admission into a B-school with a reputed campus placement programme.
After completing my computer engineering degree in 2012, should I opt for a Master’s programme in the US or a postgrad diploma in manage-ment from one of the IIMs. I’ve been a class topper throughout my academic life.
Shekhar Pillai, Trivandrum
The prospect for jobs in the software/computer industry is best in India. Recruitment will be based largely on your performance in your engineering degree programme or a postgrad degree in the same field, or an MBA from a reputed B-school. However, an MS degree in the US could open up a wider variety of specialised study options.
I will complete my Plus Two (science) in 2011. I have a special aptitude for maths and want to pursue higher study in the subject or an engineering degree. What options do I have?
Raj Agarwal, New Delhi
You could major in mathematics and then do an M.Sc and/or Ph D in maths or opt for an integrated Ph D programme after acquiring a B.Sc degree. Professional prospects for mathematicians open up after post-graduation. However, signing up for an engineering degree could be a better way of utilising your aptitude for maths and allied sciences. Certainly this will offer better employment prospects than a mere B.Sc in maths.
The best course of action would be for you to enrol for a five-year integrated M.Sc mathematical science programme. You can track admission notifications of universities, including the University of Hyderabad (www. uohyd.ernet.in/), which offer this five-year integrated programme.