Dated 15th November, 2000

I hold a diploma in electrical engineering and am now pursuing a MCSE (Microsoft certified software engineer) course. What are the prospects in this field? I plan to do an MCA from IGNOU. Will it help me to get a good job in the IT sector? Kindly suggest which of the courses-- MIT or MCS is in greater demand?

Satish Das

Kanpur (UP)

As you must be aware MCSE is a certification test that is recognised internationally, this will enable you to work as a network engineer or a network administrator. Currently Cisco certification is also greatly valued as it includes hands-on training. An MCA from IGNOU and a MCSE certification will definitely brighten your chances. As far as MIT and MCS are concerned, both have good openings.

I have completed my diploma in automobile engineering. I would like to continue my education in the software field, as I want to become a software programmer. So please give me some details about the courses that can be done after my diploma.

R. Roopesh

Chennai

You could pursue a six months diploma course in computer applications. Perfecting languages like C, C++, Java, Corba, Perl would stand you in good stead as they are widely in use now. Applying for a certification such as the JCP (Sun Java Certified Professional) will further enhance your prospects.

I am a postgraduate in history and a graduate in library sciences. Presently I am doing my doctorate in history as well as studying for my post graduation in library sciences. Kindly advise which other course to pursue to further enhance my employment opportunities.

Udita Shukla

U.P

Your present qualifications certainly promise good employment opportunities. You could perhaps consider securing a job on completion of your study programmes. You can mark your time in the field of academics as a lecturer or as a librarian. You can even freelance as a cataloguing expert for corporate libraries. This may provide you with the necessary impetus and ensure an objective consideration of further courses to pursue.

I am presently in class XII with physics, chemistry and biology as my subjects. I want to do a course such as bio-informatics or forensic science. Can you please provide any information about job opportunities (in India) and which institutes provide these courses. Do I have any opportunities in the field of computers?

Sai Guna Ranjan

Puttaparthi

Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, M.P, and Karnatak University offer Criminology & Forensic Science as an optional subject at the bachelor's level. The University of Chennai offers Criminology as a main subject. A postgraduate course (M.Sc) is also available. A one-year diploma course in forensic science is offered at the PG Department of Anthropology, Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar. Those with a M.Sc. or MBBS degree can seek admission here. The Department of Anthropology at Delhi University offers diploma in Forensic Anthropology. Experts in forensic science work closely with the police in providing scientific evidence. Those with a background in the subject can work in government organisations such as the Intelligence Bureau, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the CID, the CPO and as investigative officers with the state police departments.

The University of Pune offers an advanced diploma course in bio- informatics. The eligibility criterion is a postgraduate degree in sciences, engineering, or MBBS. You can write to the university for further information about the course.

I am a 50- year-old graduate, with nearly thirty years of experience in typing and shorthand. I am still good at both. My command over English is also fairly good. Presently I am working as a steno in a bank and would continue to do so till superannuation. I am planning to take up medical transcription so that my leisure time in the evenings would be profitably utilised. Kindly let me know in detail about the course and its scope of employment in my context as I am looking for a part-time job and would not like to move out of this place in view of my present job.

Suggu Sankara Reddy

Bhubaneshwar

Medical transcription involves transcribing the recorded diagnosis of patients by the doctor. This requires the individual to possess a good listening ear, comprehension skills, in addition to an excellent command over English and good typing skills. A regular course in medical transcription usually involves an intensive training period in medical terminology which can last anywhere from a three month period to six months. Most training institutes also absorb students trained by them and some even offer a stipend during the study period. Beginning as a transcriber, one can progress to the posts of a proofreader, assistant editor and even an editor. Medical transcription is one of the important foreign exchange revenue earners for the Indian economy and generates an equitable rate of employment. With more than one lakh employment openings on the anvil, the scope of employment in the field is quite promising. To get more information about medical transcription, you could visit the website, www.hindurecruitment.com and browse through the 'Archives' section.

I am a B.Com second year student with e-commerce as my Honours subject. I want to make software engineering as my career. Kindly advice, regarding the eligibility criteria, the courses to join and institutes offerings the same. Also what is the future of this industry?

Sandeep Kaur

Chandigarh

There are various institutes offering courses in information technology. In order to pursue a postgraduate course in software engineering through formal education, a background in mathematics or engineering at the graduate level is essential. There are various courses in the same being offered by private institutes. You could choose to do the same from a well-known institute locally after checking out the faculty. You could also consider pursuing the DOEACC course. CMC also offers various courses such as PGDCA, DAST, and HDAST for students at various levels and at centres all over India. The Centre for Electronic Design and Technology, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) near Chandigarh are two such institututes.

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