I want to pursue a career in design after completing my B.Com degree next year. However I’m confused whether I should sign up for a course in web or graphic design. Please advise.
Shalini Jagannath, Bangalore
Graphic design is the better option as it prepares you for production and layouts of newspapers, magazines, journals, corporate reports and other publications. In addition, as a qualified graphic designer you will be equipped to design promotional displays, logos, packaging materials and marketing brochures for products and services.
In contrast, web design is a narrow specialisation restricted to planning, designing and constructing websites for clients. Once you master graphic design, you can always upgrade by signing up for a short course in web design.
Is it necessary to acquire a Masters degree in IT (information technology) to secure a good job, or will a B.Sc (IT) degree suffice? I’m a first year B.Sc student and would like you to recommend some courses which will improve my career prospects.
Deepak Chhabria, Mumbai
A bachelor’s degree is insufficient to land a fast-track job, particularly in the IT industry with its fast-changing dynamics. A B.Sc degree is a good foundation but a Masters degree identifies you as a high flier. You could also consider signing up for an MCA (Master of computer applications) degree programme if your interest is in software development. Other options are an MBA with specialisation in IT and/or an M.Tech degree. Make your decision in your second year to enable you to prepare for entrance exams.
How rewarding is a career in the patents field? Is there sustained demand for patent professionals?
Navin Bhatia, New Delhi
Patents, trademarks and IPR (intellectual property rights) are important legal specialisations and are steadily gaining importance in India. There are numerous postgraduate courses you could sign up for in these specialisations. NALSAR Law Univer-sity, Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Patents and Trademarks, Hyderabad, and Government Law College, Delhi, among others, offer courses in these fields.
I’ve been working as a sales manager in a reputed company for the past two years. I want to improve my career prospects by signing up for a regular or part-time MBA study programme. Please advise.
Amol Patil, Pune
Since you have only two years’ work experience after graduation, I suggest you enroll for a full-time MBA programme. You could write the CAT exam, clearance of which qualifies you for admission into the IIMs or XAT/CMAT exams for entry into XLRI, Jamshedpur or other top B-schools.
I will graduate in home science in 2014. I’m keen on working in the armed forces but don’t know how to go about it. Please advise.
Nalini Sen, Kolkata
You could apply under the Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES) for entry into the Indian Army. The WSES examination notification is advertised in prominent dailies with details of eligibility requirements. For entry into the Indian Air Force/Indian Navy, keep a lookout for similar notifications. All vacancies lead to a Short Service Commission. After you apply in response to an advertisement detailing eligibility and physical standards, you will be called for a Services Selection Board interview during which you will have to participate in group and outdoor tasks, attend a personal interview, etc to assess your suitability for a career in the services. Log on to www.armedforces.nic.in for more details.
I have an MBA in marketing and have been working for the past few years in a private company. However I would like to change streams and enter the field of social work. Should I sign up for a full-time Master’s degree programme at TISS?
Neena Shah, Ahmedabad
Institutes such as the tata institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, conduct rigorous entrance exams for admission into Masters programmes.
This requires thorough preparation. Also MSW mandates field visits and volunteer experience in social work camps. Hence you need to ascertain how much time you have to spare. If you are truly keen on entering the NGO sector, I suggest you begin with taking up a part-time job or volunteer, and gradually move to become an empl-oyee. If you’re sure you like your work, you could prepare for admission into the full-time Masters study programme at TISS.
I’m a second year B.Sc student and after graduation I would like to study at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore. What are its eligibility conditions?
Suresh Rao, Bangalore
The admission notification for the M.Sc (food technology) degree programme of the Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore (www.cftri.org/www.cftri.com) is usually publicised in May every year. The minimum eligibility requirement is a B.Sc degree with chemistry as one of the subjects or agriculture/engineering/technology and maths at the Plus Two or degree levels. An entrance/aptitude test is also conducted in Mysore and New Delhi in July.
I’m in the final year of my B.Tech degree, and am keen on enrolling in an MBA programme abroad. Is work experience necessary and do I need to write the GMAT exam to qualify for admission?
Gavin Fernandes, Panjim
The majority of the top business schools abroad require applicants to possess at least two years work experience. Therefore you need to work for two years after graduation to qualify for admission into top B-schools abroad. Your GMAT score is valid for five years so you should write the test before you start making your applications.
My advice is you start writing your applications eight-nine months before start of the B-school term, leaving a time window for rewriting GMAT if neces-sary. Prepare intensively for GMAT as a good score (800 plus) will add weight to your application. Most B-schools abroad require work exper-ience, a good GMAT score, and a clear statement of goals.