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I am a student of Std X. I like studying Maths, Physics and English among other subjects. What are the various career options after doing PCM in 11th other than engineering, medicine and astronomy? I want to join the WBG (World Bank Group). What are the requirements to be an actuary? Is it suitable career option in India?

When you like studying Maths and Physics, then you must follow careers which make use of these subjects. Some of these are engineering, astronomy, banking, insurance and computing. If you want to make English your priority, then creative writing, publishing, translation, etc., will offer you good opportunities.

Actuaries use statistics and probability to plan future risk. The study of actuarial science requires a high aptitude in Mathematics. Eligibility is 10+2 with at least 85% in Mathematics. To enter this field, you will have to clear 15 papers through self-study. For details, visit the Actuarial Society of India, Mumbai. The actuarial profession commands one of the best salary packages around the world. With 5-6 years of experience, a fellow can easily touch a seven-figure salary.

The World Bank Group (WBG) functions as an international organization that fights poverty by offering developmental assistance to middle-income and low-income countries. There are many institutions that aid in its goals to provide assistance.

 

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I am in my first year of graduation (English). I want to become a journalist and pursue higher studies in broadcast journalism. What should I do for this? Please help me out with the course and college needed.



A many institutes offer a 3-year degree in journalism for which the eligibility is 10+2 in any stream. You may go for a one-year post-graduate course in journalism after completing your graduation.

Some of the good institutes are Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Centres, Indian institute of journalism & new media, Bangalore, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, JNU New Campus, New Delhi, and Makhanlal Chaturvedi Rashtriya Patrakarita Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi school of Communication & Management Studies, S, Kalamassery, Cochin, Xavier Instittute  of Communication, St Xavier’s college, Mumbai.

 

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After 10+2 with PCB, you can go for various healthcare careers like physicians, pharmacists, therapists, nursing and medical technologists. But besides these, there are several other general career areas for biologists. The growing emphasis on environmental preservation is creating another career path for biologists: conservation, wildlife study and occupational safety. Those having an interest in computers can also go for Bioinformatics, a field that promises to change the way we diagnose and treat diseases and provide healthcare.

To increase your concentration, the first thing is to switch your phone off or put it in another room! Don’t consume too much tea or coffee. These have caffeine that gives you more strength for some time but soon leaves you sluggish. Speak out loud instead of simply reading. Drawing diagrams will help you to visualize information which would be hard to describe. This creates a visual memory in your mind which can be recalled in an exam.

For better productivity, take a short break after every 45-50 minutes of study as your focus and concentration will become impaired after this period. Lastly, make sure to get adequate rest and sleep well. When you sleep, your studying, so getting a good night’s sleep will help you remember those pesky maths formulas you need for your exam!

 

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I’ve written my SSLC exam and waiting for the result. I am interested in Commerce and my aim is to do C.A. If I want to do C.A., is it necessary to choose basic Maths in PUC or can I go for CEBA (Computer Science, Economics, Business Studies, Accountancy)?

Chartered Accountancy is essentially a finance-related course that empowers you to certify all accounts including the balance sheet of an organization. It also gives you a better grasp of financial statements along with an extensive knowledge of tax laws, management accounting and corporate laws.

The institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the only institute to provide training in this field in India. To be recognized as a C.A., a person must pass all the exams laid down by ICAI, and should be a registered member with ICAI. Eligibility is 10+2 in any stream, Mathematics in 10+2 is not a compulsory requirement.

Chartered Accountancy education and training has three stages – the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), the Intermediate Professional Competence Course (IPC) and the final C.A. course. Dedication and hard work is a must to complete the course. The institute provides postal coaching for all the courses.

For CPT, students can enroll with the institute after Std X and take the test after plus two. The test is held twice a year in June and December. The course content comprises Accounting, Mercantile Laws, Economics and Quantitative Aptitude. It is an objective-type test of 200 marks divided into two sessions of two hours each.

One is eligible for the IPC exam after nine months of study, after passing CPT. The IPC exam has two groups of seven subjects. On passing Group I, a student can register as an articled assistant for three years under a qualified C.A. The articled training is important for the C.A. course. They are paid a striped during the training.

After clearing the IPC examination, register for the final C.A. course which consists of group I and II with eight papers. Students should compulsorily undergo two General Management and Communication Skills courses of 15 days each.

 

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Chartered Accountancy is essentially a finance-related course that empowers you to certify all accounts including the balance sheet of an organization. It also gives you a better grasp of financial statements along with an extensive knowledge of tax laws, management accounting and corporate laws.

The institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the only institute to provide training in this field in India. To be recognized as a C.A., a person must pass all the exams laid down by ICAI, and should be a registered member with ICAI. Eligibility is 10+2 in any stream, Mathematics in 10+2 is not a compulsory requirement.

Chartered Accountancy education and training has three stages – the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), the Intermediate Professional Competence Course (IPC) and the final C.A. course. Dedication and hard work is a must to complete the course. The institute provides postal coaching for all the courses.

For CPT, students can enroll with the institute after Std X and take the test after plus two. The test is held twice a year in June and December. The course content comprises Accounting, Mercantile Laws, Economics and Quantitative Aptitude. It is an objective-type test of 200 marks divided into two sessions of two hours each.

One is eligible for the IPC exam after nine months of study, after passing CPT. The IPC exam has two groups of seven subjects. On passing Group I, a student can register as an articled assistant for three years under a qualified C.A. The articled training is important for the C.A. course. They are paid a striped during the training.

After clearing the IPC examination, register for the final C.A. course which consists of group I and II with eight papers. Students should compulsorily undergo two General Management and Communication Skills courses of 15 days each.

 

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I am a Std X (Science) student and want to take up Microbiology. I want to know whether PCB or PCM or PCMB (ISC) would prove to competitive exams necessary for studying Microbiology abroad (after 12th) because of less scope of education for Microbiology in India. What steps should I take to prepare for this stream?

Microbiology is the study of minute living organisms which cannot be seen with the naked eye. Though the eligibility for graduation in Microbiology is 10+2 with PCB or PCM, I suggest you must take Biology in 11th and make your base strong. Not many institutes offer specialized course in Microbiology at graduation level and admission is on marks basis only. Several universities offer Microbiology at the postgraduate level. Some institutes like School of Bio sciences under Mahatma Gandhi University, conduct an entrance test followed by interview for admission. After completing a M.Sc. in Microbiology with good marks you can opt for M.Phil. or Ph.D. programmes. A doctorate degree is a must for a career in research and development.

 

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I am in Std X and want to become a DJ. I have a great interest in Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and want to make my career in it. Please suggest some courses or colleges I could choose after X or XII.

Working in the music industry sounds very cool, but in fact it is not easy to build a career in that area. Today, there are hundreds of people that dream of having a job in music companies and labels. If you are one of those people it is important to know that there are no exact instructions, some right decisions can increase your chances among so many other professions.

To break into this field, you need to be well-connected and dedicated to the music scene. Start by volunteering at some of the festivals and meet professionals who are getting paid to do that work. Learn about the field and confirm that it’s good fit for you. With experience and relationship-building your career in that industry can really take off.

It is always better to have some sort of training. Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music Kancheepuram, ILM Academy, Bangalore, KM Music Conservatory, Chennai could be considered as good options.

 

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I am in Std XI and have taken Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Computers and English. I am creative and interested in designing and computers. What are the prospects for these subjects (apart from engineering) for girls after Class XII. I also want to know career option in computers and the scope in lectureship.

Web designing is a career which will make use of your designing skills and computers. It is the designing of web pages, websites and web applications. To create a website is like creating a masterpiece of art that has all the aesthetics and attractive appeal along with the commercial viability. It is a medium used by companies to promote their business and corporate agencies to market several products to the customers.

To become a lecturer, you should be a post-graduate in the field of your specializations. Also, it is mandatory to clear an entrance examination NET (National Eligibility Test) conducted by UGC. Prospects of qualified lecturers are very encouraging as teaching is completely unaffected by industry recession. In addition, there is an enormous increase in the number of colleges due to increasing importance given to education and increase in population. So roll up sleeves, follow your heart and march forward!

 

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The cyber crime cell deals with offences related to computer devices and the Internet. Its main aim is to protect people from hackers/phishing/cyber atrocities.

Graduation in law with diploma/PG in cyber laws is the best qualification to enter into this field. You may also go for related courses in Criminology or Forensic Science. You may take any stream in 10+2, and still go for further studies in law.

Many colleges and universities have started a six-month diploma programme in Cyber Law and o one-year post-graduate diploma in Cyber Law and information Technology. The eligibility for these courses is graduation in any field, but during recruitments preference always goes to either graduates in engineering with computer science specialization in computer application, i.e., BCA.

For engineering courses, you need to have PCM in 10+2, but for BCA, Maths in 10+2 is the only requirement. This field has good scope as technology is evolving and there is a greater need for Internet and computer security. You can work in IT firms, police department, public and private organizations and corporate houses.

 

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Cabin crews, also known as Flight Attendants, are considered public relation specialists for the airline. The impressions they make and the quality of service they render is the best advertisement the airline has. Their duty is to provide excellent customer service to passengers while ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the flight.

Flight attendants need to be very customer-focused and professional in their manner. They must be well-organized and alert. Also the abilities to perform under stress in emergency situations, get along with different kinds of people, and remain tactful and pleasant under difficult situations are important.

To become a flight attendant, a candidate should be a graduate (any stream). Some airlines prefer those having a three-year degree/diploma in hotel management and catering. Apart from this, it is not necessary to join any special course. However, some institutes provide training to help develop the basic skills required for the profession. Usually airlines hold a written examination followed by a group discussion/ interview for the selection of flight attendants.

The other eligibility criterion are age (should be below 25 years), height (minimum 157.5 cms for females and 165 cms for males), weight (proportionate to height), unmarried, a pleasing personality, and normal eyesight without glasses. Contact lenses are allowed. The applicant should be physically fit, have a pleasing personality and good communication skills. While proficiency in English and Hindi are essential, familiarity with a foreign language is desirable, especially for some international flights. Knowledge of nursing/first aid and overall general awareness are an asset.

 

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What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? Can a person become either one of them with subjects PCM in Std XII? Are psychologists or psychiatrists needed in the defence forces?

Psychologists and psychiatrists both study the brain, emotions, feelings and thoughts, and work with people suffering from grief, trauma or mental disorders. Though they both work in the same field, the job description, education and training are very different.

Psychologists study the human mind through lab tests, surveys and interviews. They use this information to counsel patients suffering from mental disorders, grief or trauma. Their primary focus is on the patient’s thoughts, feelings and general mental health.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They specialize in the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of mental health problems. They may write prescriptions to help patients manage disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or bipolar disorder.

To become a psychologist, you would begin your education with graduation in Psychology, for which eligibility is 10+2 in any stream. Graduation should be followed by a master’s degree as well as a doctorate degree in Psychology. But if you want to become a Psychiatrist, you should go for MBBS for which 10+2 with PCB is the requirement. Later on, a specialization in Psychiatry should be done. Both are very well needed in the armed forces.

 

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I am a student of Std XII with PCM. What are the career options available after doing Statistics (Hons) or economics (Hons)? What is the aptitude required for these courses and which are the best colleges for these courses and which are the best colleges to pursue them? Being in the science stream will I face any disadvantages if I pursue Economics (Hons)?

An honours degree in Economics provides you with a good understanding of economic theory, empirical/quantitative methods and applied policy analysis. Students with a B.Sc. in Statistics are eligible to apply for various jobs in banking, IT, quality control, etc. they can even take up Actuarial Science as a specialization and join various financial and share trading companies. Candidates with good flair and knowledge of Statistics/economics are in huge demand in the present scenario.

Still, a bachelor’s degree is not sufficient to obtain a good job. One must have at least a master’s degree, for which graduation is the requirement. A Ph.D. is necessary for top positions in many organizations.

After graduation, you can appear in Indian Economic/Statistical Service exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). When selected, you will be absorbed in the various economic and statistical departments.

 

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I’m currently doing my U.G. in Biochemistry. I wanted to know its scope and the available P.G. courses for Biochemistry or courses related to Biochemistry as well as institutions in India and abroad. What steps do I need to take to excel in this field?

Many universities all over India offer PG courses in Biochemistry. Some of these are JNU, New Delhi; Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai; University of Mumbai, Mumbai. All major universities in other countries also offer a specialization in this field. Some of them are Harvard University, MIT, John Hopkins University, Stanford University in USA and Oxford University, Cambridge University in U.K.

Though there is not much with just a graduate degree, there are good opportunities for those with a M.Sc. in Biochemistry. They can work in research laboratories, diagnostic centres, biotech firms, hospitals, agricultural industries, drug manufacturing companies, forensic departments, cosmetic industries, health care centres, and so on. Biochemists are also in high demand in pharmaceutical firms, food industries and agro-chemical companies so as to develop newer products. They are also required to monitor the manufacturing processes, quality control and safety of the existing products.

 

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I want be an IPS officer. I had chosen Arts for my Std XI and XII. Which subject should I give more importance to so that I can achieve my goal?

To become an IPS Officer, you have to apply for UPSC Civil services examination. Eligibility for this examination is graduation in any stream.

This examination consists of three rounds: preliminary exam, then main exams and then the interview. In prelim exams, objective questions are asked from general studies and any one subject chosen by the candidate. Main exams consist of nine papers including English, any language included in eighth schedule of Indian Constitution, easy writing, general studies and two papers from two optional subjects.

These examinations require a thorough study of the subjects. So choose subjects of your interest; that way you will grasp the concepts easily and willingly spend more time studying.

 

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I’m a second year student of Sacramento City College and my major is Biochemistry. I feel that studies in India are better than in the U.S. I am thinking of moving back to India after studies. Please suggest some major or field of study that will get me a well-paid job in India if I get the degree from USA.

Biochemistry career opportunities can be virtually limitless; private research institutions, hospitals, government organizations all hunt for good biochemists. Their goals are usually similar – to research, experiment, conduct trials and find cures for diseases like cancer and AIDS and even mental disorders.

Mainly, there are three specializations. In medicine, they identify the causes of disease, understand their effect on the body in chemical terms and try and isolate the indicators that signal impending disease. This requires tracking chemical changes through normal bodily functions like muscle contraction, respiration, etc. in the field of agriculture, biochemists are developing cultivation innovations, improving pest control and optimizing crop storage. Another popular field is nutrition, where a biochemist’s job is to investigate the effect of various minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins on the human body.

It is always better to specialize but keep in mind that almost all the specializations require good research technique and the ability to combine and analyze information.

 

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