I’m a class XII (science) student interested in studying medicine. If I don’t qualify for medical school, what related specialisation should I choose in my B.Sc degree programme?
Raju Iyengar, Chennai
Your best options are pharmacy and biotechnology, which offer good employment opportunities. You may also want to consider microbiology, life sciences, genetics, and zoology. To improve your career prospects, sign up for an M.Sc degree programme.
I’m a class X student interested in the forensic psychology degree programme offered by John Jay College, New York. Which other foreign universities offer this programme?
Aditi Patil, Pune
The forensic psychology degree offered by John Jay College is undoubtedly highly reputed. But the Alliant International University, California School of Forensic Studies and the American School of Professional Psychology are equally reputed. The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology also offers a degree programme with forensic psychology concentration. In the UK, the University of Portsmouth and London Metropolitan University are well-known for forensic psychology.
After completing class XII (science), I want to study chemical engineering. What are my job opportunities?
Mario D’Souza, Panjim
Chemicals are used in almost all manufacturing industries from toiletries, medicines, fertilizers, petrol additives, lubricants, construction chemicals, and pesticides, to plastics. Unsurprisingly, there are over 70,000 enterprises manufacturing chemicals across India. So there’s no shortage of employment opportunities.
To qualify, a B.Tech/BE degree in chemical/ biochemical engineering is a prerequisite. The job profile of a chemical engineer involves designing, monitoring and developing chemical/biochemical equipment and processes; ensuring production units are safe and environment-friendly; evaluating costs and preparing production reports; conducting research; supervising maintenance staff; and using software packages to design plant and equipment. Job opportunities are in production, operations, R&D, quality management, plant maintenance, logistics, procurement, health, safety and environment management. Remuneration is also attractive.
I’m currently in my second year B.Sc degree programme and wish to sign up for a Masters in environment sustainability and ecology abroad. Which universities in the US and UK offer these programmes?
Ragini Advani, Mumbai
In the US, Yale University offers a Master of environmental management programme and University of Pennsylvania a Master of environmental studies degree programme — both of which are highly-reputed. Syracuse University also offers a Masters programme in environmental engineering, and in the UK, Lancaster and Buckingham universities offer postgrad programmes in environmental engineering.
I’m a BA (history) student. After completing my Masters, I want to make a career — other than in teaching — in a related field. Please advise.
Neerja Mukherjee, Kolkata
There are three main specialisations related to history — archaeology, museology and archival studies. With an undergrad degree in history, you are eligible to sign up for a Masters in any of these specialisations. As an archaeologist, your work will be research-based or field-oriented (or both). Excavation work or digs is only one aspect of archaeology. Most archaeologists specialise in chosen areas of historical interest and become experts, for example on coins (numismatist), weapons, sculpture and inscriptions (epigraphist). Archaeologists are employed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). As a museologist, you will work in a museum, with your duties combining research, administration and public relations.
Archivists are experts in the preservation and repair of parchment and paper manuscripts, and digitising or microfilming documents. They work in museums, libraries, the National Archives of India and archives maintained by state governments.
A degree in history also equips you with a set of transferable skills useful in a wide range of careers, including heritage management, publishing, journalism and the media, librarianship, teaching, advertising, social work, civil services etc.
After graduation, I want to sign up for an MCA (Master of computer applications) degree. Please advise.
Vivan Bhardwaj, New Delhi
Any graduate who has studied maths till class XII is eligible to apply for admission into the three-year MCA programme offered by universities across the country. Since 2004, IIT-Roorkee has been conducting an All India MCA Entrance Test (AIMCET) which is being used for admission by a number of education institutions. Good performance in this test will qualify you for admission into MCA courses offered across India. Also several state governments conduct their own MCA entrance tests.
I’m a class XI (commerce) student interested in qualifying as a chartered accountant. What subjects should I focus on in my undergrad degree?
Deepak Mehta, Ahmedabad
You must focus on maths and accounts since finance-related fields require in-depth knowledge of these subjects.