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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Career as IT Professional

Technical details

THERE IS A GROWING NEED TO DEVELOP NEW SOFTWARE EMBEDDED WITH INNOVATIVE AND USER FRIENDLY FEATURES. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, APTECH LTD, GIVES AN OVERVIEW

The IT industry, t o d ay, embraces a huge gamut of areas of expertise to suit the requirements of diverse sectors of business and industry like airlines, retail, banking, insurance and travel and tourism. New age needs of IT include:

Animation and multimedia - this has shown tremendous growth in the entertainment and media industry. This includes web development, 2d-3D animation,VFX and programming.

Hardware and networking - increased adoption of IP-based service offerings like VoIP and IPTV, data centres automation solutions and unified communications has increased hardware and networking needs. The use of wireless devices like Blackberry, Apple iPhone or Xbox, capable of accessing data on news, sports etc, has induced greater processing power and network speed.

BPO/KPO - IT/ITES services for data entry processes to high-end data analysis and project management are required for the booming BPO/KPO industry.

Gaming - there is huge growth in the business of mobile gaming, console gaming and PC gaming due to the increased use of mobile phones.

Learning services - this includes learning solutions and content development for various industry segments.

GLOBAL HUB

India has become the global destination for all IT and ITES needs, thanks to the huge pool of technically qualified English-speaking professionals and cost-effective quality output. According to recent NASSCOM estimates, the Indian ICT industry will contribute 7% of the country's GDP by 2009, providing direct employment to more than 2.2 million people and indirect employment to nearly twice that number. The industry is growing at a rate of around 20-22 % in IT services and around 55% in ITenabled services annually.The past few years have seen a gradual evolution of global perspectives about offshore outsourcing. India remains an integral part of any major global sourcing strategy and is also developing as a brain bank for providing learning solutions and content development for international markets.

CAREERS IN THIS INDUSTRY

The industry continues to be amongst the largest employers, directly employing (at present) more than 1.6 million and indirectly creating employment opportunities for an additional 6 million people in related industries.

Training in any branch of IT is sure to give a great career growth. There are various degree and diploma programmes available in the country to make a career either in animation/multimedia, hardware and networking, programming and so on.

REMUNERATION

Adequate training and exposure can bring in good packages for the aspirant. The salary range for an IT professional, depending upon the corporate house he/she is working with, can be anything between Rs 15,000-20,000 initially. After gaining experience, a person can carry a yearly package of Rs 6-10 lakhs, depending on his/her area of expertise.

Over and above this, a professional can also work as a freelancer and take up individual projects of developing websites, programming or designing and earn handsomely. One can also be an entrepreneur without much investment. Besides, it has great scope for women who prefer to stay at home and pursue a profession. For Indian professionals, outsourced international projects are another good source of income.

The scope and growth of IT and ITES sector is tremendous in the coming days and trained manpower is in great demand. Today, a career in this field is one of the most enterprising ideas that one can perceive.

Sunil Sharma

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Bussiness Education in India

B-line for India

OXFORD UNIVERSITY'S SAID SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IS ALL SET TO KICK-OFF ITS EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN INDIA

INDIA is fast emerging as a lucrative market for executive education for global business schools. After Harvard Business School recently conducted its first-ever executive education programme in India, it's now the turn of Oxford University's Said School of Business to announce its initiative in India.

Due to its present business environment, the Indian market is ripe for executive education programmes. "Indian companies are looking at developing general and senior management skills. Companies are internationalising so fast that they need skills to run not just domestic, but international operations as well," informs Lalit Johri, programme director, Oxford AMP, Said School of Business.

The first programme that the Said School will launch in India is its flagship Advanced Management Programme (AMP), which aims to help participants deal with global challenges, organisational challenges, leadership issues and in planning for the future. "We intend to launch the AMP in India by March next year," says Johri. The school is investing one million pounds to develop the India AMP, which will be suitably customised for an Indian audience. Eventually, the school also hopes to launch the Oxford Strategic Leadership programme, a programme in project management, one in negotiations and some customised programmes in finance and operations management.

There are two directions the AMP can possibly take in India. It can either be an open enrolment programme or one focused on an industry vertical. For now, Johri has identified one industry vertical that the AMP will focus on - the construction sector. "In the construction sector, there is still a disparity as far as knowledge of international practices is concerned," states Johri. Further, the school has already signed on Hindustan Construction Ltd as a partner for this programme, which will cater to executives from companies in, or related to, the construction industry - like financing companies, regulators, suppliers of steel, cement and hardware, and joint venture partners of construction companies.

Currently the AMP runs twice a year in Oxford and once in Saudi Arabia.The programme costs 20,000 pounds. "However, in India it will cost just 11,000, as the remainder will be paid for by our benefaction," adds Johri. The programme will involve Indian case studies and will subsequently also include Indian faculty members. "Eventually, we will have 18 Oxford faculty members and about 2-3 from India, besides a mix of tutors," says Johri.

Sunil Sharma

Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

Fashion Education in India

EDUCATION is power. It is enlightenment, a cornucopia and an elixir. It is everything, but is it fashion?

To most of us the only similarity, perhaps, between fashion and education is that both are extremely important part of our lives. Fashion is your personal style statement. It is present in every aspect of our lifestyle - garments, home furnishings, personal and interior accessories. However, what most of us don't realise is that for any fashion to emerge, exhaustive research, analysis and experimentation is required.

"Fashion is not just about walking the ramp. It is actually a consummate integration of design, technology, management and communication," informs Kautilya Dagaonkar, a student of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Major institutes offering fashion education in India include the Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Pearl academy of fashion and NIFT.

Apart from the well-known designing courses in fashion, textiles, knitwear, leather and accessory design, NIFT also offers a course in fashion technology that trains students in core garment manufacturing technology. Suhail Anwar, course coordinator, states: "Besides apparel production, the knowledge of information technology is also imparted which prepares students to someday become the agents of change in the industry".

Further, Shilpa Toshn-iwal, pursuing a two years' advanced diploma in textile designing at INIFD, feels that the course is very appropriately designed and covers all the requisites for creating a textile designer in just two years. Apart from various undergraduate programmes, Pearl Academy of Fashion offers postgraduate courses in fashion marketing, fashion merchandising and fashion retail. To gauge the changing requirements in this global business of fashion, a formal education is apparently necessary. There is immense scope for penetration in this field, as one can explore and experiment. Besides, there's always the chance to make a global mark.





Sunil Sharma
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Dil Se Desi Group