I’m studying for a B.Sc (Hons) degree in botany and would like to pursue postgraduate studies in ayurveda. Please advise.
Sudhir Rane, Pune
Since ayurveda is an officially recognised branch of medicine, you can qualify for postgraduation only if you’ve graduated in the subject i.e. cleared BAMS. However, there is the option of a Master’s degree in medicinal plants sciences — M.Sc (Ayu Medicinal Plants) — offered by the Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. The website of The Central Council of Indian Medicine (http://www.ccimindia. org/) provides information on colleges offering ayurveda study programmes across the country.
After my B.Sc (chemistry), I opted for a postgraduate diploma in bioinformatics, which I complete next year. Should I pursue an MBA or choose between pharmaceutical management and biotech management?
Meenakshi Chandran, Bangalore
MBA is a good choice as it offers wide scope for specialisation. My advice is to choose your specialisation — MBA (biotech), MBA (pharmaceutical management) or MBA (hospital management) — according to your aptitude. However job prospects depend entirely on your abilities and the reputation of the business school you are admitted into.
I want to work as a public relations executive. Please advise.
Nilima Chaudhuri, New Delhi
The purpose of pr managers is to project a positive image of their employer company to improve its image with various publics — shareholders, customers, employees and government. PR executives draft press releases and persuade people in the media to print and/or broadcast their material. Many radio and television special reports, newspaper stories and magazine articles start at the desks of public relations specialists.
Remuneration packets are determined by the size of the company (and level of responsibility), the quality of the individual’s training/professional qualification, and the volume of business handled by the organisation. Work is usually exciting and dynamic, but it is also stressful and demands strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to put in long and irregular work hours. Job opportunities are good as numerous public relations agencies have sprung up countrywide.
I’m in class XII (science) and keen on a career in automobile engineering. What are the opportunities in this field?
Shekhar Iyer, Chennai
Job prospects are good as the automobile industry is running in the fast lane. Qualified automobile engineers are needed by car, commercial vehicle and motorcycle manufacturers, design houses and test laboratories, tyre manufacturers, accessory and safety equipment producers, fuel and oil companies, and motorsport teams. Of course job opportunities are better for those who graduate with a good academic record from reputed engineering colleges.
I’m in third year B.Sc (biochemistry). After graduation next year what are my career options in India or abroad?
Shalini D’Souza, Mumbai
If you want to pursue a career related to biochemistry, such as research (clinical, academic, industrial, etc) and teaching, you should enroll for a Masters in biochemistry, biotechnology, allied biological sciences or an integrated Ph D programme. It’s unrealistic to expect to find employment abroad after a bachelor’s degree unless there is a specific shortage of professionals in this field in a particular country.
I’m in third year BA (geography). What are my career prospects if I read for a Masters in this subject?
Nalini Singh, Chandigarh
Postgraduates in geography generally find employment in government town and environmental planning, surveying, and related depart-ments, and with real estate developers, public utilities, etc. Geographers are also required by disaster, development and environment management organi-sations. Postgraduates in the subject can also opt for jobs in teaching and research or pursue postgrad programmes in geoinformatics, town planning, remote sensing, etc. An M.Phil/Ph D would better prepare you for a career in teaching and/or research.
Please advise on study programmes offered in mass communication.
Sudha Patel, Mumbai
The Pune-based Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (www.simc.edu) offers a three-year, full-time bachelor of media studies programme (with specialisations in journalism, advertising, PR and events and audio-visual production). The Delhi-based Indraprastha College for Women (www.ipcollege.com) offers a three-year bachelor’s degree in mass media and mass communication, open only to women students. Admission is on the basis of an entrance test, followed by a creative ability test and personal interview. Several affiliated colleges of Mumbai University also offer media study programmes, admission into which is on the basis of marks scored in the Plus Two school leaving exams.
After completing a BE degree programme next year, what are my chances of securing admission into a reputed B-school?
Ravi Pillai, Trivandrum
Work experience of around two years after graduation will improve your chances of admission into a front-rank B-school. Prominent B-schools attract campus recruiters from blue-chip companies who tend to be interested in graduates with work experience. If you have been a consistently good academic performer in school and college, and fare well in B-school entrance exams, your chances of getting into a reputed business school are good.
I’m in third year BA (political science) and am considering a career in politics. Please advise.
Deepak Shah, Ahmedabad
There is no specific study programme that prepares you for politics. However, a Masters in political science could be the best way forward to give you greater insight into Indian politics, economics and society.