Your Counsellor Replies

After graduation I’d like to read for an MCA (Master of computer applications) degree. Please suggest some well-known institutes/universities which offer this study programme.
Nikhil Iyer, Bangalore

Successful completion of the two-year full-time MCA degree programme will qualify you for a career as a software engineer or IT professional. There are several reputed universities which offer the MCA programme, including Delhi University (www.du.ac.in); Jawaharlal Nehru University (www.jnu.ae.in); Pune University (http://cs.unipune.ernet.in); IIT Roorkee (www.iitr.ernet.in); Jadavpur University, Kolkata (www.jadavpur.edu); University of Mumbai (www.mu.ac.in); SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai and the National Institutes of Techno-logy (NITs). All of them admit students through an admission test process.

I’m a class XII science student keen on a career in genetic engineering. Please advise.
Deepak Chawla, New Delhi

Genetic engineering is not offered at the undergraduate level in India. However you could specialise in genetic engineering while reading for a B.Tech degree in biotechnology. Admission into B.Tech biotech programmes is through the DTE (department of technical education, www.dte.org.in) exam and CET (common entrance test). However some private engineering colleges conduct their own entrance exams.

I’m in class XI and want to sign up for a bachelor of management science (BMS) degree programme after completion of Plus Two. What are my career prospects after graduation? Do I need to study for an MBA?
Neeta Parikh, Mumbai

As a BMS graduate you can expect a minimum annual pay package of Rs.1.5-2 lakh. However starting salaries vary widely depending upon the employer industry and organisation. To improve your job prospects you must ensure that you get an above average score and perform well in campus placement interviews. Moreover you must set yourself the goal of continuously learning through valuable on-the-job experiences. Learning by doing is perhaps a better option than reading for an MBA.

However, please note there is a chance of your being superseded by an MBA-equipped professional. The MBA qualification gives you a flying start in terms of getting a better salary and designation.

After my Plus Two (commerce), I want to qualify as a chartered accountant (CA) and read for an MBA. Can I read for these qualifications together with a B.Com degree?
Nalini Furtado, Panjim

You can study for the CA course while reading for your B.Com degree or soon thereafter. According to the rules of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (www.icai.org), students who successfully complete class X can enroll for the institute’s Common Proficiency Test (CPT). Subsequently after clearing CPT and Plus Two, they need to register with ICAI for practical training which lasts for a period of three and a half years. This needs to be followed by the professional competence and final courses. As regards MBA, since it’s a postgraduate qualification, you need to have a bachelor’s degree.

I want a degree in psychology through an online education course. Please provide details of universities offering this course and its duration and eligibility criteria. My aim is to qualify as a remedial tutor for children with learning disabilities.
Jigisha Shah, Mumbai

The Institute of Distance Education of Madras University (www.universityofmadraside.ac.in); Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (www.b-u.ac.in); Annamalai University; Annamalainagar (www.annamalai university.ac.in) and Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal 624 101 are some of the institutions which offer MA/M.Sc programmes in psychology/applied psychology through the distance education mode. To learn about other universities offering online programmes you should keep track of admission notifications in national newspapers. The MA/M.Sc course is of two years’ duration and you may be expected to attend some contact classes during this period. If you are working in a field or job that’s related to psychology and its applications, an MA/M.Sc degree in psychology/applied psychology will help you qualify for specialist positions including that of a special educator.

I’m a B.Com graduate with a diploma in marketing management, and working as a manager in a private company. I want a degree in international marketing through correspondence. Please advise.
Vijay Raghavan, Mumbai

You could consider the distance learning programmes offered by Pondicherry University (postgrad diploma in international business or Master of foreign trade) and/or the Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (postgrad diploma in international trade, www.scdl.net). Another option is signing up for part-time programmes in export-import/foreign trade offered by Export Trade and Training Institute, Goregaon, Mumbai; World Trade Centre, World Trade Institute, Centre 1, 31st Floor, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai; and Indian Institution of Export and Import Management, Nariman House, Dr. D.N. Road, 37/39 Police Court Lane, Mumbai. Part-time study programmes demand discipline and excellent time management. But they are useful as learning takes place through classroom interaction, interface with faculty (some from industry) and offers excellent networking opportunities.

I plan to enroll for a LLB degree after completing my B.Com this year. What are my career prospects? Please also suggest some other study options.
Lata Srinivasan, Chennai

LLB offers excellent prospects for employment in law firms, legal departments of companies and government and legal process outsourcing firms. After B.Com you could also consider postgraduate programmes in management (MBA/MMS), hospital administration, travel and tourism management, social work, cost accountancy, company secretary etc. Choose your options after careful assessment of your aptitudes.