Since Im not keen on enroling in an MBA or chartered accountancy programme after acquiring a B.Com degree next year, what higher study options do you recommend?Cecilia DSouza, Panjim You could read for an M.com degree and follow it up by writing UGCs National Eligibility Test (NET) to qualify as a college lecturer. Alternat-ively you can complete M.Com followed by a B.Ed to qualify for teaching positions in junior colleges and senior secondary schools. Other options include a cost and works accountancy or a company secretarys course, LLB degree, MA in journalism and mass communication, postgrad diplomas in journalism/advertising/public relations/cinematography/film editing/ direction, MA in social work/development studies or a bachelor of library and information science. Can I read for a course in actuarial science simultaneously with my B.Com degree programme? Please advise. Raghav Rao, Bangalore My advice is that you first complete your B.Com with statistics as a subject and subsequently opt for actuarial training through the Institute of Actuaries of India (www.actuaries india.org), or sign up for an M.Sc programme in actuarial science. Actuaries are currently in great demand and theres no dearth of job oppor-tunities for trained professionals. Im in class XII (science) and interested in a career in biology/life sciences. Please recommend undergraduate study programmes in the subject. Srinivas Iyer, Chennai You could enroll in a B.Sc life science/botany/zoology or B.Sc in optometry degree programme after finishing school. If your grades in science subjects are not high, opt for non-science disciplines. While interest is an important factor in determining further study choices, it should also be backed by ability and aptitude. Im a B.Com graduate with keen interest in art and want to pursue further studies in the business of art abroad, preferably in Europe. Please suggest institutions/universities offering this subject. Neelam Patil, Pune Sothebys Institute of Art in London offers a unique Masters in the art business. An important component of the programme is analysis of art markets worldwide. The programme is designed for students with a background in art aspiring to understand the business as well as technical and structural elements of the international art market. Students learn how to evaluate and market objets dart ranging from antiques to modern art. Europe also hosts a number of respectable centres/institutes offering programmes in the business of art. To qualify for management positions in the pharmaceutical industry, should I study for a B.Pharm or an MBA (Pharma Tech) degree? Naveen Bhatia, New Delhi From the career progression perspective, an MBA (Pharma Tech) is definitely a better option since it covers pharmacy as well as management subjects. It is designed to prepare students for management positions in the pharma industry. A B.Pharm study programme, on the other hand, is more technical and research-oriented. I will complete my bachelors in business management next year and am interested in a career in finance. What courses do you suggest I sign up for? Nilima Shah, Mumbai An mba in finance is ideal but alternatives include a Masters in finance and control,…
