E & C in MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech, microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course, Career in Analytics, How to prepare for GMAT, Selecting an happening career, US ADMISSION : scholarships for the spring semester

E & C in  MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech, microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course, Career in Analytics, How to prepare for GMAT, Selecting an happening career, US ADMISSION : scholarships for the spring semester


CAREER DILEMMA : MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech

I am a third year student of BTech engineering. I am confused about what course to choose — an MBA or Civil Services. What would be a better option?
   Shagorika Basu

The MBA route will lead to a career in the corporate sector, while IAS will lead to a career in the government impacting the lives of the public. The MBA route would help you to play a role in the success of private companies making a difference to the bottom line and reach of one company/organisation's business while the IAS will allow you to make a difference to the lives of a wider public. Life is good on both sides, but the decision of which is better would depend upon your perception and priorities in life. Selection for the IIMs as also in the IAS, would be very competitive.

BACKUP CHOICE : Selecting an happening career

After doing my BBA, I am now pursuing MBA from IP University. I have decided to take finance as my major subject but I am confused between taking marketing, information technology and international business as my minor subject. As a result, I am unable to decide the specific line in which I would like to make my career. If I opt for a career in research or logistics or stock broking, which subject would be more helpful? I will be grateful if you could help me in this matter.
   Debjyot Kaushik

In an indirect manner, all the three areas you have mentioned — marketing, IT or international business can be connected to finance. One way to select your choice of minor is to think of which area after finance you would choose (or are better suited for) as a 'backup' job/career. As you have already decided on finance as the area you will be majoring in, the choice of minor should then be based more on the subjects that you enjoy.

microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course

 
Could you please tell me the minimum eligibility criterion for the microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course? Please also suggest some institutes that provide the course and the future job prospects.
   Anmol Gehlot

You have not mentioned your current academic status, but you can do the MCSE/MCSD course along with your graduation although the general profile of those attempting the exam is people with three-four years of experience in the industry who are trying to improve their prospects. Moreover, you also have several choices. For instance, you could look at a certification in networking like MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) — globally recognised for LAN design, implementation, administration, trouble-shooting, creating web servers, etc. The Windows platform enjoys a customer-base running into millions.
   The full certification involves clearing seven papers. After you clear the first paper, you will get the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) card. Clearing four papers will equip you with knowledge of LAN networking to start working in the technical support area. The passing mark is 80-90% per-exam. Along with that you can continue to prepare for the remaining papers or acquiring a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator) certification. While MCSE certification is fine for handling 500-1,000 client/seat establishments, broadband, internet and intranet environments are better served by Cisco-certified experts.
   So if you are looking for better value-addition, CCNA will give you expertise in ISP (Internet Software Protocol), ASP (Application Software Protocol), WAN (Wide Area Networking), etc. It will also teach you how to design, build, and maintain global computer networks from a single location. This involves clearing exams at four levels — 1) associate level 2) professional level 3) expert level 4) specialist level. Make sure you register for the course at a Microsoft Authorised Training Centre. The intake is typically restricted to 15-20 students per session. The passing mark is about 90%.

ANALYTICAL CAREER

Could you please tell me if a career in analytics is good for a BTech graduate? Would an MBA degree suit that profile well?
   Ritwik Ahuja

Knowledge Process Outsourcing or KPO has given a new dimension to the outsourcing industry in India. KPO differs from BPO in that they require specialised knowledge and skills and often require qualified professionals (lawyers, engineers, doctors, etc). KPO services also tend to be more qualitative and judgment based. In short, they are higher IQ jobs. Analytics is the process of analysing (raw)
data to unearth hidden patterns, understand trends, and draw meaningful conclusions to help in business modelling, decision-making, and forecasting. It uses computers, mathematics and statistics as its tools. Thus as an engineer you possess the requisite skills.

SEARCH FOR B-SCHOOL

Could you please tell me how to prepare for GMAT? From where can I get the US government ranking of American B-schools?
   Anonymous

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is designed to help business schools assess the qualifications and potential of applicants for advanced study in business and management. To begin, log on to www.mba.com and click on 'Take the GMAT' and scroll down to 'Tools to help you prepare' for GMAT test taking strategies. For a list of MBA schools, log on to www.educationusa. state.gov, click on 'Find a School' and go to MBA programmes in the left margin under 'Graduate.' The search options will generate a long list of B-schools. When you ask for the best management schools, you are basically considering rankings. The US government does not rank universities, hence there's no official source to begin with. However, some of the popular private rankings are those compiled by the US News & World Report or The Princeton Review or BusinessWeek.
   Make sure you understand the specific methodology and criteria on which the rankings are based (and be particularly wary of rankings that don't explain the criteria on which they are based). While this could be a good starting point, the 'best' B-school for you would be the one that best matches your profile and preferences. You need to prioritise your preferences and be realistic in terms of matching your background with the B-schools you plan to shortlist. Weigh the strength of the B-school in terms of quality, competitiveness, programme design, special features of the programmes offered. Then consider admissions requirements, cost effectiveness, internship opportunities, placement and lastly scholarship possibilities for foreign students.

US ADMISSION : scholarships for the spring semester

I am a final year student of BTech electrical engineering. I am planning to apply to universities in the US for admission to the spring semester next year. But my friends are saying that it's very difficult to get scholarships for the spring semester. Is it true? Should I apply for fall 2013 instead?
   Danish Trehan

As an international student it is better to apply for the fall semester admission, mainly for three reasons. Firstly, financial aid is relatively easier to get in the fall semester than in the spring semester. Secondly, though not perhaps as important, February is one of the coldest months in many parts of the US. It is therefore not a particularly good time to have your first stint with snow — especially if you're not a native of the Himalayas. And finally, more students are admitted in the fall semester than in the spring semester, so naturally your chances of getting in are greater. Timing your moves correctly while applying to a US varsity is a most crucial factor. So when should you start the application process? At least 18 months in advance of your intended date of enrolment. For example, if you wish to enrol in the Fall session: August/September 2013, you should ideally start the process around April 2012. Also, do browse the net for college rankings and other useful info. There are plenty of websites including www.usnews.com  and www.fulbright-india.org .

TRENDY CHOICE : pursue a career on the basis of current trends?

Is it advisable to pursue a career on the basis of current trends? For instance, if information technology is a 'happening' career, then should one go for it?
   Mihika Saha

While planning your career it is important to keep employment trends and scope for advancement in mind. Selecting a 'happening' career, which offers more openings, is ok from the short-term perspective of getting a job. Flowing with the tide is perfect when the 'happening' career also matches your priorities, skills, aptitude, abilities and interests. But, don't take on jobs for which your personality and abilities are not suited because your chances of success would be low. There are no good jobs or bad jobs, nor is there a 'future' in any job. Remember, the future lies in the person who holds the job. So at the end of the day, its better to choose something you like, lest be forced to like what you get.

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A NEW ONE-PLANET MBA PROGRAMBY UNIVERSITY OF EXETER BUSINESS SCHOOL, UK

A PLANET-MINDED LEADER

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER BUSINESS SCHOOL, UK, IS REPLACING ITS TRADITIONAL MBA COURSE WITH A NEW ONE-PLANET MBA PROGRAMME IN SEPTEMBER.

 

(Students will learn how environmental impact can be incorporated into financial reporting)

HOLISTIC FOCUS A key strength of the One Planet MBA programme, feels Kirkup, is that sustainability is embedded throughout the programme, and is not a ‘bolt-on.’ In accounting, for example, he explains, the focus initially is on training students to understand financial statements and accounts and how to evaluate the performance of companies in financial terms. “We then extend their knowledge and skills by exploring how environmental impact, social impact and governance can be incorporated into financial reporting.”
   The programme will be offered in partnership with WWF, which will be contributing in terms of teaching a number of modules and bringing technical expertise on environmental management and sustainable solutions into the classroom. Secondly, Kirkup adds, “WWF has extensive contacts with some of the largest multinational companies around the world and will help students to find placements and projects with these companies.”

   Traditional MBA needs to be changed to reflect the realities of the global challenges that businesses now face. Future business leaders need to be more planet-minded and trained in how to develop more sustainable strategies. Hence, in keeping with the times, University of Exeter Business School, UK, is going to offer the One Planet MBA programme instead of its traditional MBA course. Says Malcolm Kirkup, director of the One

Planet MBA, “We have replaced the traditional MBA with the One Planet MBA because we feel that business leaders need to face up to the new global challenges, take a longer term and more responsible view and go beyond shareholder value to focus on shared value.”

   The full-time One Planet MBA starts at the end of September 2011 and is 12 months in duration. The cost of the tuition fees is £19,000 (Rs 1,371,828 approx), but a number of scholarships valued at £5000 are on offer from several major companies. Exeter is currently running a pilot course called the Innovation Cohort, where 40 students are from around 22 countries and the average age is 33.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Applicants need to have a minimum of three years work experience (ideally in a managerial capacity). They need to have a good degree, with a minimum of 60% (first class) and a high proficiency in English (equivalent to IELTS 7.0).
   For Indian students interested in pursuing the course, will they be able to apply the learning in a developing country like India where issues of sustainability concern a range of realistic issues? Yes, absolutely, says Kirkup, adding, “We understand the challenges of introducing sustainable approaches in developing countries where, for many, the first priority is to obtain work and ensure their families are provided for.” However, all businesses in every part of the world must adapt and be more sustainable as soon as possible. “If we deplete the natural resources of the world too quickly then there will be no resources on which to base business. So it is everyone’s responsibility to find more sustainable ways of living and more sustainable ways of doing business,” says Kirkup. For more log on to :  http://www.exeter.ac.uk/

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Career Scope of MBA Finance Courses in India

Importance of MBA Finance MBA finance professionals assess feasibility of business projects according to funds available. Explore strategies to raise money and plan new areas for investment. MBA finance professionals have good reasoning ability with problem solving skill which gives them ability to make and implement correct financial decisions. The accounting manager is focused more on financial reporting, while the financial manager is focused on strategy and money management. Cash management strategies developed and implemented by the financial analyst help the company to grow efficiently and allow for maximum profitability in its investments.

Course Contents for MBA Finance

• Financial Management – Meaning and Objectives, A’s of Financial Management, Scope and Functions of Financial Management, Financial Planning and Forecasting.
• Capitalization – Under and Over Capitalization, Capital Structures – Computation of cost of capital, Trading on Equity, Leverages – Type and Significance

MBA in Information Technology...Scope and Job Prospects

MBA in Information Technology is a specialization in management which focuses on information technology and the use of management techniques to enhance the usage and applicability of information technology. MBA Information Technology program encompass modules like computer hardware, computer software’s, telecommunications, assessment, algorithms, telecommunication etc. The growing demand of computers and its high usage in almost every field has produced the demand of qualified and polished professionals who have core knowledge of the subject. A management degree with the knowledge of the subject adds a lot of credibility and skills to a student; which in return open a number of avenues to work with companies all over the world. Universities, institutes and colleges offer tailor made courses to suit the demand of the market and include many an essential components like Computer Networks, Project Management, Systems Analysis, Web Development, Applications Programming, Graphics and Multimedia etc.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AFTER MBA IN INDIA & Career after MBA in IT industry

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AFTER MBA IN INDIA


There is unprecedented competition in the marketplace today. The need to understand consumer desires and cater to them has become the norm for existence and survival in business. Thus, the necessity for enterprising managers with a global vision arises. Management education has received a great boost in the post-globalisation era. Premier institutes have descended upon the scenario with programmes aimed at carving out well-rounded personalities who can confidently walk through the portals of the corporate world 

The MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree is probably the worlds best known and most widely recognized post graduate degree. It is a professional degree - in that it is intended for those who work in business and management i.e., the intention of a program leading to an MBA is to prepare or further prepare individuals for responsible positions in business - usually managerial positions. MBA programs are run throughout the world, as they are seen to be relevant for the preparation of people for work in management irrespective of the industry, business sector, the nature of the economy, etc. 

Life at IIM Calcutta

Welcome to life at IIM Calcutta

 

SECOND YEAR STUDENT, POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMME, IIM-CALCUTTA, WRITES ON CAT AND LIFE IN ONE OF THE TOP B-SCHOOLS

 

ITS 4am and I am still sitting with my group members trying to crack a case study contest by one of the premier consulting companies in the world. By the look of it, it seems it is going to be yet another of the numerous night-outs on campus. And yes, I do have a class at 8.30am, which I have to attend. Welcome to life at IIM Calcutta. 

   Like most journeys to the beautiful places in the world, my journey to IIMC couldn't have been more exciting. Ever since my cousin studied for his MBA, I always dreamt of studying at one of the IIMs. A desire probably motivated by what you hear about such as high pay packages for IIM grads. But once I learnt more about an MBA, it became obvious that the degree was much more than just money. 

   The company of some of the brightest minds in the country, professors who know answers to just about any question that you can think of, guest lectures by country's leading entrepreneurs and CEOs, sessions by the likes of film-maker Mani Ratnam, adguru Prahalad Kakkar, talks by commentator Harsha Bogle and more. 

   Being at one of the best institutes in the country is an enriching experience. What I have gained in the two years is difficult to capture in words. 

HOW TO `BELL THE CAT' 

The most oft-asked question to most of us (IIM Grads) is there a sure shot formula to crack the CAT? A cursory look at the question papers for the last few years shows that the pattern of questions, number of questions, difficulty level of questions have been changing over the years. But one thing remains constant, the basics/fundamental aspects of the exam. Let us look at each of the sections: 

   

Verbal Ability: VA today has more emphasis on reading comprehension, where you are expected to understand the passage to answer the questions. Mere knowledge of vocabulary would not suffice. At the same time one must remember that you are judged relative to others, so more the number of questions you can solve accurately better you are placed. Reading speed plays a vital part in this. It is always advisable to start early with VA section as it is impossible to develop competence in the section in a short span of time. 

   

Quantitative Aptitude: 

Number systems and allied sections have traditionally been important concepts. I am a firm believer that one needs to have a decent level of mastery over all types of questions be it speed, time, distance or geometry. You can never be sure of the level of difficulty of questions of any section. 

   

Data Interpretation: Develop calculation speed. Knowledge of approximation techniques helps solving complex calculations. Understand that the CAT paper does not test your abilities to be a calculator; it tests your abilities to be a smart thinker, devising ways of simplifying calculations. I have always found the elimination of options an easier way to solve DI problems. 

LAST MINUTE JITTERS 

Now that CAT is just round the corner, lots of candidates go through last-minute jitters. How should one make use of the last few days before the exam? My advice to such queries is to have faith on your preparation. Lots of candidates take mock CATs from one of the many coaching institutes. Go through old question papers to analyse mistakes. Try to find out if you missed out on some easy questions. 

   Do not drown yourself in a deluge of mock CATs. Some students try to solve one or more papers a day. It does not help. Understanding your weakness, brushing up on your concepts are things you should be concentrating on. Solving two to three papers a week is more than enough. 

   Most importantly, remain cool before the exam, meet your friends, go for a social gathering, and watch a movie. Trust your abilities. If you have worked hard, your efforts would be rewarded. 

LIFE AT IIM CALCUTTA    

Contrary to public perception, life at a B-school is not just cases, presentations, projects and quizzes. We all have our share of parties, midnight football matches, and floodlit cricket tournaments. The highlight of the annual cultural calendar is the three back-to-back events, which are organised during December-January. 

   Intaglio is the annual international B-school fest, which boasts of being the 1st ISO certified Bschool fest in India. Each year it attracts participation from the likes of Harvard, Wharton, London Business School and NUS among others. Carpediem, the annual cultural festival and Census, the experiential marketing festivals are the other major events on campus. 

   Apart from that, IIM Calcutta also has the annual IIMC-B meet and the famed IIMC-XL sports meet. Add to that some 15 odd clubs/interest groups on campus; there is not a single day which goes by without something or the other happening on campus. 

   The two years at IIM Calcutta have been a roller-coaster ride.

 

 

 

   Sunil Sharma

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BUSINESS EDUCATION

GO BOLDLY AS THE WORLD AWAITS YOU

 

THE NUANCES OF BUSINESS EDUCATION

 

THE MBA originated in North America in the 1920s as a two-year full-time programme and today all the top ranking US MBAs remain as two-year full-time programmes. However, when INSEAD introduced the first European MBA programme in the late 1950s it was the first of what was to become the European/UK norm for a 12-month full-time programme. There are exceptions and the most prominent are the London Business School and Manchester Business School in the UK and IESE Business School - University of Navarra in Spain. 

   “Australia adopted the MBA degree relatively early and introduced a number of MBA programmes throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. In most cases the North American two-year full-time model was adopted. Towards the late 1990s several Australian universities shortened their programme to the 12-month full-time version although the premium providers such as the AGSM, Melbourne Business School and Monash University have retained the two-year full-time model,” said Frederik Kotzé, senior media and marketing coordinator, Faculty of Business and Economics Monash University, Australia. 

CHANGING MBA DEGREE 

However, apart from duration, MBA programmes have evolved considerably over the decades. Today there is a realisation that an MBA is more than providing knowledge about business management and there has been an increasing emphasis on the development of what is often incorrectly termed ‘soft skills.’ “The Monash MBA has been prominent in this area and over the last several years has been ranked as a world leader in this regard. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2007 MBA rankings placed the Monash MBA second in the world in the category ‘personal development and educational experience.’ Overall, the course was ranked 43 in the world, the highest ranked MBA in Australia, an improvement of six places from its 2006 position,” he added. 

   Tracing the change in the MBA degree, Kotzé said MBAs were developed to provide practising managers with an educational background to help prepare them for a senior management role. “Accordingly, MBA programmes are or should be broad-based, providing a breadth of knowledge of key business and management disciplines. However, in more recent years some MBA programmes have lost their way and have become essentially specialised Master’s degree programmes under another name (MBA). Others have targeted students who have little or no work experience which means that these MBAs are catering for students seeking junior level positions rather than senior management appointments.” 

   The objective of a good MBA programme is to provide aspiring senior managers with a breadth of knowledge across all the essential business disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, managing people and so forth. “To complement the broadbased nature of the MBA, several programmes provide an opportunity for students to pursue a specialisation in a particular field. For example, the Monash MBA provides students with an opportunity to pursue a professional track (a specialisation in a particular field of study) or to undertake a double degree combining the MBA with a specialist Master’s degree such as in accounting, applied finance, marketing, HRM, commercial law and health services management. 

   Also, according to Kotzé, there has been an increasing trend for MBA programmes to emphasise the importance of personal development, leadership, globalisation, sustainability, ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their programmes. 

EVOLVING JOB TRENDS 

A good MBA and industry experience provide opportunities for students to either move up the ladder in existing firms, to change employers or industries and in many cases to change their career direction. “In Australia, the MBA is generally regarded to be important for middle to senior management positions. Candidates who are at this level and have completed a good MBA generally find good employment prospects,” added Kotzé. 

   For a new challenge in financial leadership, the Monash MBA has combined forces with the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) to give professional business managers the necessary management and accounting skills to successfully lead the financial operations of an organisation. “The new MBA/MPA double degree provides strategic management education, specialist professional accounting knowledge, innovative skills development, external personal growth and enhanced career opportunities,” he said. 

   Viraj Perera, deputy commercial manager, Major Projects Victoria in Melbourne, says he chose Monash because it offers a double Master’s degrees - an MBA and a second Master’s degree in a chosen specialisation. Monash also offers the flexibility of linking the MBA to other fields such as engineering, applied finance, law and so on. 

   “In contrast to an MBA that had a set of pre-determined subjects. It gave me the comfort of having the option of furthering my existing engineering background, or choosing another area of specialisation. In the end, I did an MBA with a professional track in managerial finance. Secondly, I found that in the international market, people had a high level of awareness about Monash as compared with other Australian universities, and domestically, Monash is highly regarded. I’m sure that the reputation of Monash worked in my favour in securing this position,” added Perera.

  

 

 www.monash.edu.au

 

 

   Sunil Sharma

    Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

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www.dilsedesi.org

'MBA across three global cities'

‘An MBA across three global cities’

 

THE top-ranked partnership programme between US-based Columbia Business School (CBS) and UK's London Business School (LBS) has expanded to Asia. EMBA Global, an MBA programme for working professionals, will now be offered in partnership with the University of Hong Kong (UHK) as EMBA-Global Asia. 

   "We are very excited as this new programme represents the expansion of EMBA-Global. UHK has a world-class reputation, robust academics and is the natural partner for the expansion of the programme into Asia," said Ethan Hanabury, associate dean (executive MBA programmes), CBS. This would be the first programme to offer learning and networking opportunities across three global cities -- New York, London and Hong Kong. The programme has been designed specifically for globally focussed executives and managers, primarily based in Asia, who seek to deepen their understanding of both Western and Eastern business perspectives. 

   Hanabury further elaborated: "It is a rigorous, 20-month residential programme drawing upon renowned faculty from CBS, LBS and UHK's Business School. The course of study will be conducted on a monthly basis for several consecutive days at one of the school's campuses." The core will be delivered in each of the three cities and the electives can be chosen from the partner schools' portfolio. Depending on the electives, the degree can be attained in 16 months. 

   Speaking about the admission process, Hanabury said: "The EMBA-Global Asia admissions process is rigorous and competitive to ensure that students enrolling in the programme will be studying alongside the very best students. Applicants will need to demonstrate the knowledge and experience necessary to contribute to high-level class discussions. Applicants will also need the ability to balance significant responsibilities of their professional lives with study and travel time." The GMAT test is required as well as the TOEFL/IELTS if applicable. Further, all applicants will need a letter from their employers granting them the time off work to complete the programme. 

   The programme is an equal partnership among the three schools and they would jointly confer degrees as well. "In Hong Kong, students will study at UHK's new Cyberport campus, and faculty from partner schools will travel to Hong Kong to teach, in addition to the students travelling to HK, London and New York," said Hanabury. Besides, upon graduation, students become part of the alumni network of all three schools. 

   The total cost of the programme is $1,20,000 --- including tuition, required international seminar, books and food during the residence weeks. It also includes accommodation for the first three terms but does not include travel. Applications to the programme will be available online by the third week of September and the inaugural class will begin in May 2009. 

   www.emba-global.com/asia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Sunil Sharma

    Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

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www.dilsedesi.org

E & C Counselling(Careers in Leather Industry, business consultant, Computer and Geography, MBA after BTech, Operations Management, Other careers related to medicine,

EDUCATION & CAREER COUNSELLING

Leather Industry 

I am keen on taking up a job in the leather industry. Could you please tell me about the scope for designers in this field? 

 Lachhi Ram

A sector with great potential, India's leather industry is the fourth largest export earner in the country.

   Whether you are designing leather garments, footwear, handbags accessories or leather upholstery and furniture, it calls for basic knowledge of leather technology and specialised training in different aspects such as styling, creating patterns, fabrication, and keeping yourself updated with the latest in international designing and manufacturing trends and standards.

   Special courses in leather design and technology are offered at several institutions.

Business Consultancy

After doing my MBA from a medium-rung Bschool, I could not get a decent job so I have been working with a call centre for the last six months. But I feel I am in a dead-end job. Somebody suggested that I should shift to a business consultancy BPO. Is this a good choice? 

   Girish Singh

Being virtually chained to a chair for eight to 10 hours dealing with annoyed customers can be a very taxing job. This is one of the main reasons for the high attrition rates in the call centre industry.

   To get round this problem many Indian BPO companies are trying to break away from the mould of being ‘just another low cost destination’ where costs are the only consideration for outsourcing work.

   By moving up the value chain, these companies offer high-end services like business consultancy, in turn, giving people like you the opportunity to take up more challenging tasks.

   The scope of consulting can range from process specific consulting to vertical specific consulting like process mapping, process transfer, optimisation and upgradation.

   As an offshore business consultant you will work with clients to understand their needs, formulate business specifications and translate them into functional applications. This is no back-end, repetitive job and there are no canned scripts. You will have to think on your feet working out problems like how to enhance speed, security, analyse competition, cost management etc.

   Another related niche area is Business Research Outsourcing. It is estimated that about 2,000 to 3,000 professionals drawn from the field of engineering, MBAs from Tier-1-3 B-schools, CAs, postgraduates in maths, stats, finance and economics are currently engaged in business research.

   Don't worry; even if you have graduated from a medium rung B-school this will not hamper your progress. For example, recruitment at the highly sought after McKinsey Knowledge Centre is not restricted to the creamiest layers of top B-Schools.

   Apart from the international exposure, the icing on the cake is that you take home a 20-30% fatter paycheque at the end of the day.

   Some other agencies that have captive research centres in India are Bain & Co, Frost & Sullivan and the Everest Group while third-party providers like Evalueserve, Genpact (formerly GECIS) WNS, Pipal Research, Office Tiger, Copal Partners also offer research services to clients.

Computer and Geography

I am a student of class XII. My favourite subject is computer and geography. What are the good opportunities that I can get in these subjects? Please advise. 

Pramila Rai

You are lucky. There is a field that combines your love for both subjects.

   Geographical information System (GIS) is a high-tech computer-based system capable of capturing, assembling, storing, manipulating and displaying location ally-defined geographically referenced data. GIS is used for digital map making, site selection, finding the best route, solving environmental problems, exploring natural resources, urban planning and solutions for other problems.

   Application of GIS in India has matured with GIS software being used in various mission critical national projects including those pertaining to the environment, forestry, land records, and utilities.

   Map and satellite information sources can be combined in models that simulate the interactions of complex natural systems. GIS allows planners to calculate the emergency response time in the event of a natural disaster like the floods in Bihar. It also helps the police track down criminals.

   The Department of Space, National Informatics Centre, State Forest Departments, the Survey of India, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Geological Survey of India and educational institutions like IITs, IIMs, Universities and their affiliated colleges use GIS software.

   GIS is becoming indispensable in business. Recently, corporate giants have made significant investments in this technology. For instance, Reliance Digital World deploys GIS as a strategic IT tool in their network planning and execution. Besides utilising its potential in operations and maintenance, they are extensively using GIS in various projects including Infocom, Retail outlets, Hydrocarbon exploration and Gas pipeline execution.

   Remote Sensing is yet another related area of specialisation you could consider at the postgraduate level.

MBA after BTech

My son is doing third year engineering. He wants to do MBA after BTech, but we can't bear the high expense. He got 73% in the first year and 78% in second year. Please tell me how much it will cost in Delhi University or Lucknow University. 

BN Khare

I would advice your son to work for a couple of years before going for an MBA. Besides gaining valuable work experience that is an asset for pursuing a good MBA, it will also help him earn and save some money to pay for his MBA programme. Not that lack of funds should be a problem for getting into the IIMs or FMS or LU.

   Every year almost half the students admitted to the IIMs apply for loans. Banks like State Bank of India, Allahabad bank and PNB come to campus for offering loans. Some banks may require you to have (or make) an LIC policy of the amount applied for and a couple of other things. Overall, the banks are quite helpful with the loan sanctioning procedure. The loans cover your fees and mess bills, and an optional computer. Moreover, you can easily get an unsecured loan of up to Rs 4 lakh from any nationalised bank in India. Collateral is only required for higher denomination loans of Rs 7 lakh.

   While private B-schools do not offer financial aid IIMs have a policy of not denying any deserving candidate admission due to lack of funds. However, it is still easy to get financial aid for doing an MBA, especially if you are going to any of the top AICTE-approved B-schools. Banks are willing to give student loans to aspiring MBAs. The loan has to be repayed only after your son starts working. Considering that your son will be going to a top B-school, finding a high paying job should not be difficult at all.

   The fee payable at the time of admission to FMS, Delhi University (www.fms.edu) is Rs 9,950 and similarly for Lucknow University (www.lkouniv.ac.in/dept_buss_admin.htm), the fees are very modest as compared to other Bschools. The exact figures are listed on their respective websites.

Operations Management

I am taking the CAT this year. I know about specialisations like marketing, finance and HR. But what exactly is Operations Management about? Who should be going in for it? 

   Amrit Lal

 

Operations management is concerned with production related activities such as job routing, scheduling, quality control, production planning, inventory and control. It also involves other areas of the organisation such as accounting procedures, computer systems and other functional areas and systems through which work in the organisation is planned and performed.

   A specialisation in operations is specially suited for those with engineering backgrounds since it involves application of managerial skills to engineering and technical problems.

   Besides a strong grounding in technical and statistical skills, it also helps to possess good interpersonal skills. Job openings are mostly concentrated in manufacturing organisations.

Other careers related to medicine

Are there any other careers related to medicine that I could look at - just in case I don't make it to MBBS or BDS? 

   Gehar Nath

Certainly, there are plenty of other interesting career options beyond the traditional, which you could consider.

   Besides looking at some of the branches of alternative or traditional systems of medicine such as ayurveda, homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, naturopathy and yoga. You could also look at related fields like pharmacy, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, physiology, veterinary science & animal husbandry, zoology, agriculture, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech & audiology, optometry, medical technologies such as ophthalmic technology, lab and X-ray technology, perfusion technology, biomedical engineering, dental

mechanics, hospital administration, health management, nutrition, dietetics, food processing, medical transcription, medico-legal work and rehabilitation counselling among others.

   Sunil Sharma

    Moderator

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