Dated 25th October, 2000

I am a Commerce graduate planning to take the UPSC examination. I would like to take Psychology as one of the optional subjects. Can you please let me know what the chances are of being successful in this subject as I have never come across any civil servant with this subject option.

Pappu Verma

Patna

It may be a difficult option for those who do not have a background in the subject or are not oriented to it. Therefore you do find many candidates opting for the same. The chances of succeeding with this option are the same as with any other. It depends on the amount of effort and dedication that the individual is able to devote, to attain this goal.

I am keen on pursuing MBA in the U.S and therefore wish to write GMAT. I would like to know the score, which will get me a good reputed college. Where could I secure material for the preparation of GMAT? Are there any libraries or institutes in Delhi that impart sessions on GMAT Please also suggest any software or CDs, that could help me prepare for the exam?

Shalini Sinha

New Delhi

The Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT is a test conducted by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) the world over. They also provide for study material and other preparatory kits to prepare for the test. There are innumerable institutes that provide coaching for the test. On line preparatory test kits are also available. You can also visit the following websites, www.gmat.com, www.gmac.com, and www.gmattutor.com for further information. There is no minimum or an acceptable score as such. In order to seek admission into a reputed institution, a good score will suffice.

I have completed my Intermediate in the science stream and am now preparing for CA Foundation course examination . I am greatly worried after observing that in your supplement 'OPPORTUNITIES,' there are very few vacancies available for a CA and that too are for those with minimum ten to twelve years of experience as a CA. I want to know from you that what the future prospects of a CA are in India as well as abroad.

Prakhar Dixit

Lucknow (UP)

The demand and requirement opportunities for a CA will always be there. You can enhance your qualification by pursuing a degree in computers or management simultaneously. This will certainly help ensure better prospects in the job market. To pursue a similar profession abroad, you would have to qualify as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). To practice in the US, certain additional requirements have to be fulfilled. It is essential for this purpose to complete a program of study in accounting at a college or university. The American institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York (AICPA) recommends 150 hours of college study (US), which in the Indian context could be B.Com or higher CA/CWA/CS/MBA/equivalent. One needs to pass the uniform CPA examination developed and graded by the AICPA in addition to possessing professional work experience in public accounting. This is essential to work in international locations or in MNCs in India and abroad.

I have completed my M.Com and MBA in Marketing. I am presently employed in an electronics company with a work experience in marketing of three years. Should I do any other course like e marketing or ERP? Will these courses help get a job in USA or any other country? Please advise me about these courses.

Hemant M. Ramchand

Orissa

A course in e-commerce will definitely prove to be useful, especially in e-retailing, e-marketing etc. ERP, though not very popular in India is quite popular abroad. Hence, equipping yourself with computer courses in JAVA, E-Commerce, Database Management and other similar courses may help you find employment abroad. You can begin by gaining work experience in an MNC or an established Indian company and thereafter securing an opportunity to work abroad.

I am pursuing my postgraduate degree in economics and am aspire to work as a civil servant. I know it is a long-term subjective preparation. In the mean time I want to secure some job to be financially independent. I can't go for banking which involves objective wise preparation.

Mrs. Swapnasita

Bhubaneshwar

You could take up employment in academics as a lecturer or teacher. This will help you balance your schedule conveniently. It will provide you with the time to pursue your preparation for the civil services examination and earn your living at the same time.

I am a postgraduate in Veterinary Science and I am presently pursuing my Ph.D in Livestock Products Technology. Despite a very good academic background, I am very insecure about my career. There are very few limited job opportunities in my area of specialisation (only teaching and research in agricultural universities and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research). Recruitments in these places are very rare and may take time. I am thinking of joining some courses in software or in medical transcription. Please suggest whether I should continue my Ph.D or take up either MT or some software courses. Whatever may be the case, please, suggest the recognised institutes that offer job oriented courses in MT, and their contact addresses.

Dr. Suresh Devatkal

Bareilly

A keen listening ear attuned to the American accent and high- grade typing skills are required. A typical, comprehensive training course in medical transcription would take anywhere between five to six months and would include familiarisation with medical terminology. A lumpsum is charged for the training, after which the candidate is absorbed into the firm. There are various institutes everywhere that train people in medical transcription. Most offer training as well as placement services. There are institutions that begin to pay the candidate stipend in the initial stages. You could also work (in academics) and pursue your Ph.D simultaneously.

I have completed my graduation (B.Sc. in math) University of Colombo. I wish to study MBA in India in any University in Andhra Pradesh since I have some friends in AP. When I approached the High Commissioner of India in Colombo, they informed me to contact the University directly. I have written to Andhra University, Vishakapatnam and Osmania University, Hyderabad. But there is no response from them. Kindly advise me the procedure to secure admission into MBA in India by a foreign national.

Jayani Senanayake

Sri Lanka

As a foreign national, you can directly seek admission into an MBA program in India without qualifying through any of the entrance examinations. A graduate degree is the eligibility criterion for the postgraduate study program. The fee structure for foreign nationals is comparatively higher than that for regular students. You can garner more information about the same from your friends domiciled in India.

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