Your Counsellor Replies

I’m in class XII (science) and want to make a career in genetic engineering. Please advise on admission requirements and job prospects.
Srinivas Rao, Bangalore

Very few universities offer genetic engineering at the undergraduate level. I recommend you read for a B.Tech degree in biotechnology or a bachelor’s degree in medicine, agriculture, horticulture, life science, veterinary science, or any other biological science. Qualifying as a geneticist is possible only after postgraduation and preferably further specialisation in a doctoral programme.

Since it would require a prolonged period of study, you should be confident that you have the temperament for academic pursuit and research. Career prospects are excellent.

I’m a class XI (arts) student interested in a career in graphic design/visual communication. Please advise.
Shalini Desai, Ahmedabad

Graphic designers conceptualise corporate logos and design websites, business cards, posters, greeting cards, advertisements, brochures, etc. You could enroll for a bachelor’s degree or diploma programme in visual communication/communi-cation design or applied art. Admission into a bachelor’s degree programme is usually after Plus Two in any discipline and is based on performance in an aptitude test. The admission requirement for entry into diploma courses is usually successful completion of class X.

I’m a science graduate. Am I eligible to write the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)?
Shruti Mathur, Delhi

GATE is an all-India examination, success in which is necessary for admission into postgraduate courses with scholarships/assistantships in engineering/technology/architecture/ pharmacy offered by colleges/institutes across the country. Some colleges/institutes specify GATE as a mandatory requirement even for full-fee students.

To write GATE, students must be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme in engineering/technology/architecture/pharmacy; or final year of a Master’s degree programme in any branch of science/mathematics/statistics; or higher year of the post B.Sc four-year integrated Master’s degree programme in engineering/technology; or the third or higher year of the five-year integrated Master’s degree/dual degree programme in engineering/technology; or possess professional qualifications obtained through examinations conducted by professional societies recognised by UPSC/AICTE as equivalent to BE/B.Tech.

I’m a third year BA student majoring in history. What are my career options?
Shubha Sule, Pune

Fields allied to history are archaeology, archival studies and museology. History postgraduates find work primarily in academia and research. After graduation you could pursue a Master’s degree which will qualify you to teach/write/lecture or work in a museum. History is a popular subject for aspiring civil servants and history graduates often pursue careers in law, journalism, publishing, travel and tourism, library science or heritage management as well, if not in business management.

I’m a commerce graduate working as a sales executive. To improve my job prospects I want to enroll for an MBA degree in a British university. What are the eligibility requirements?
Sanjay Arora, Mumbai

Most B-schools in the UK require students to furnish satisfactory GMAT and TOEFL scores and at least two-three years of work experience. A GMAT score of 680 and TOEFL score of 100 is the minimum requirement. The duration of the MBA programme in most European schools is one year. The London Business and Manchester Business schools are well-reputed for their MBA programmes. Though there is no specific age limit, generally applicants have to be least 24 years of age to enter a B-school in the UK.

I’m in final year B.Sc (biotechnology). Instead of studying for an M.Sc (biotech), will an MBA degree improve my career prospects?
Sridhar Swamy, Chennai

An MBA from a reputed B-school will definitely improve your job prospects. It will help you apply for business management jobs in the biotechnology industry/allied industries or several other sectors of the economy. If you are keen on a job in the management cadre of a biotechnology/allied corporate, it would be advisable to sign up for an MBA in biotechnology.

What’s the difference between an MBA with specialisation in human resources (HR) and a diploma course in HR management?
Colleen Vaz, Bangalore

An MBA with specialisation in HR is a more valued qualification. Selection for MBA programmes is through a written entrance test followed by a group discussion and personal interview, with considerable weightage given to previous academic perfor-mance, extra-curricular achievements and work experience. MBA entrance test notifications are advertised from July onwards.

I’m a second year commerce student. I would like to enroll in the Master’s degree programme (human resource development) offered by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Please provide details of this course.
Ajay Seth, New Delhi

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai (www.tiss.edu) offers a two-year Masters programme in human resources management and labour relations to graduates (bachelor’s degree in any discipline) with a minimum pass percentage of 50 (40 percent for SCs/STs). The admission notification is usually advertised in October with the deadline for submission of applications being November. A written test is conducted in several cities across India including New Delhi, usually in January. In the selection process, 25 marks are awarded on the basis of performance in the bachelor’s degree exam. TISS is a deemed university. For further information visit www.tiss.edu.