My Science School

I'm a student of Class 12 and currently studying Computers, Maths, Chemistry and Physics. I want to become a Software Quality Assurance (QA) Manager. Is there a scope for this in India? If yes, what can I do in order to achieve my goal? What course should I take in University - B.E. Computers or B.Sc. Computers?

Software Quality Assurance and Testing Engineers are key personnel who solve problems in software products before these glitches can hit the customer. During the process of developing software, the Test Engineer conducts several checks to confirm whether it is working smoothly.

To be considered for a Software Tester position, you need to have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or the equivalent. As companies continue to grow and expand their product lines, quality assurance professionals become more important. There are several different positions available, such as working in production quality assurance or quality assurance and safety.

Duration of B.Sc. (Computer Science) is 3 years, while for B.Tech. it is 4 years. Also course contents and syllabus level of B.Sc. is somewhat easier than that of B.Tech.; the fees are less and there is hardly any competition for admission. In B.Tech., you will get more technical exposure, better course content and a deeper knowledge of Computer Science and related subjects, along with wider career options.

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I have just completed my Std XII examinations (HSC board) with PCM as the main subjects. I also appeared for the National Aptitude Test for Architecture (NATA) and secured 108/200. Is this score good enough to get into JJ College of Architecture? What are the other requirements and NATA cut-off marks for securing admission? What other institutions are good for studying architecture? What is the scope of architecture in India? Is B. Tech. a better option than B.Arch.?

Sir J. J. School of Architecture, Mumbai, is considered one of the foremost institutions of architecture in India. Therefore you need good score in NATA to get into this institute. Marks in 10+2 exam is also given due weightage for admission.

Other notable institutes are School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT); Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh; National Institutes of Technology all over India; School of Architecture, Centre of Environment Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad.

Opportunities in this field are highly dependent on the level of local construction. Big cities are developing very fast, and construction of commercial as well residential buildings are going on. Even renovation of old buildings is on the rise. This trend is especially good for architects, as it provides many job opportunities.

B.Tech. is totally based on technology, on the other hand, B.Arch. focuses on designing part of architecture along with technology. To become a good architect you must be a good designer.

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I am in Std XII right now and I am preparing for my board exams in March. I have opted for non-medical stream and I am interested in doing animation and web designing. Does this line have any value today?

To become an animator, it is necessary to have a formal training in Fine Arts/Applied Art/ Commercial Art/Graphic Design/Animation Design/Visual Communication Design. Many institutes and polytechnics all over the country offer these courses. While polytechnics offer such courses to 10th pass students, other institutes may require students to clear 10+2 first.

A strong portfolio (a collection of the artist's best work) is the best way to enter the profession. Knowledge of computer packages like PageMaker, CorelDraw, PhotoShop, is a requirement for all animators today.

This is a field that changes constantly as it evolves. Digital editing, digitized effects and the latest computer advances make new, ever more amazing things possible. The growth rates and opportunities in this sector are tremendous, but competition is keen as many are attracted to this work for the associated glamour and excitement.

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I am in Std XII (Humanities). I am very confused about my career choice. I am interested in psychology as well as sociology and I am not able to decide which subject to take up after 12. I am into psychological stuff but at the same time I want to do social work and make a difference in society. Please guide me in choosing the best career.

To work in the field of social work, it is not compulsory to have a degree in social work. Undergraduates in psychology and sociology can also apply. But, a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) is generally necessary for positions in health and mental health settings, public sectors and administrative positions. MSW is of two-year duration and requires some field-work.

Entry into an MSW programme does not necessarily require a Bachelor's in Social Work, but courses in Psychology, Biology, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, and History may also be considered. Usually a written test is conducted for admission to these courses.

If you are interested in psychology and social work both, you can go for graduation in Psychology and later specialize in the field of Social Psychology and Counselling Psychology.

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An Arts degree opens up a vast array of career choices and opportunities. You can enter into Public Sector Banks through examinations for Bank Probationary Officers. It is one of the highest entry-level job profiles for which an examination is conducted nationwide. Other Government jobs are in Central Secretariat, Railways and many more. They conduct separate entrance tests like UPSC, SSC CGL, Railway Exam and LIC.

If you're good in communication, you can join a BPO as a Customer Service Associate or a Relationship Executive. Another option for Arts graduates with a great personality and outgoing character is Public Relations. This field offers great job prospects along with lucrative salaries. If you are good in writing, you can join any media house as a Sub-Editor or an Ad Agency as a Copywriter.

If you are interested in a particular subject, you can go for further specialization in that subject. For example, Psychology is recommended if you have an interest in working with people. A strong foundation in the understanding of human behaviour opens the career door to a variety of options including personnel work for a company, child development, counselling and law, just to name a few.

Still, getting a job with the Arts stream is not that easy. Because of the limited number of opportunities in this field, only the best lot get good jobs. So enter into the Arts stream only if you really like those subjects and can excel in that field. Also, if you are planning to take Arts because you do not want to study, then you are in the wrong stream! Rather, in this stream you should be self-motivated to study and need to work hard, since there is not much of pressure from faculty.

To better equip yourself for future challenges, think about combining your Arts degree with a career oriented advanced degree. While Political Science, Philosophy and Psychology are excellent exercises for your mind muscle, they will be more marketable if you combine them with career-oriented fields such as public administration or personnel management.

 

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I am good in Maths, Chemistry and Physics. My parents want me to opt for IIT, but I am thinking about IIM which has been my dream since I was younger. What should I do?

Both IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) and IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology) are very prestigious and world famous group of institutions. IIMs offer PG diploma in management, admission for which is through a competitive examination Graduates from any field are eligible to appear for the examination. IITs are famous for offering B.Tech. (Bachelors in Technology), besides offering many other courses including MBAs.

The good news is that you may join both. First go for B.Tech. in IITs. Eligibility is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. After completing B.Tech., you may go for post-graduate level management qualification from IIMs. But be prepared for the hard work, as entering into these institutes requires lot of effort, preparation and thorough knowledge.

 

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I’m in Std XI. I want to know the difference between BBM and B.Com – which is a better course and what are the specializations it offers? Which field has more scope as in finance, marketing, human resource, etc? Which are the best colleges in Bangalore that offer BBM/B.Com? What are the aptitude tests that people often speak of as being very difficult to clear? I’m in a fix, please help.

BBM and B.Com. are both undergraduate degree courses and the duration of both is three years. By doing a BBM course, you gain good exposure to the world of business management. You gain a lot of practical experience through your final year project and internship. B.Com, on the other hand, is more theory-oriented and covers a wide array of subjects.

While BBM is more focused on management concepts, B.Com is more about accounts. While the two undergraduate programmes have some similarities in their course content, there is a huge gap in the course fee. B.Com is offered by almost every college in India, but BBM is also becoming very popular. Bangalore University offers both these courses.

Admission to BBM is generally through a competitive test, which is not very difficult. Just go through 10th level maths, English and general knowledge.

 

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I have completed my Std X board exams and will opt for Physics, Chemistry and Maths for the upcoming 11th. I have a creative mind; which field in engineering should I opt for according to this?

Are you creative and imaginative with a special interest in design? Then architecture may be best suited to you. It includes courses on design and aesthetic theory, engineering and technology, arts and grafts. Eligibility is 10+2 with physics, chemistry and mathematics and duration is five years. Admission is through competitive examinations.

Student work is often in the form of drawings and renderings, either through computer-aided design or drafting by hand. They also build physical models and create presentation boards for drawings and graphics.

The work of an architect is varied, challenging and brings alive the creativity in oneself. They not only design a building, but also look at other aspects like how it will be used, what it will cost and how it will be built.

 

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I’m a student of Std XI and I’ve opted for Commerce with Maths. Since I come from a small town, Commerce is considered more as a weak subject and many of my fellow mates have been telling me to drop out. But I don’t like science. I want to know the scope of this field and any five best colleges which I can go to after completing my 12th.

A commerce degree opens up a world of career opportunities: commercial banking, accounting, retail management, real estate, foreign trade, etc.

Then there are courses like Chartered Accountancy (CA), Cost & Works Accountancy (CWA), Company Secretaryship (CS), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), where having a commerce background is a definite advantage. While chartered accountants are highly valued in Finance & Accountancy related jobs, cost accountants are considered experts in optimizing the cost for better product and service. Company secretaries are quite influential in the decisions regarding financial matters of a company. Chartered financial analysts focus mainly on financial analysis of corporate sector.

If interested in management, you can go for MBA. Students can also go for a course in library science, journalism, travel & tourism, teacher’s training, law various competitive examinations, where the eligibility is graduation. Some of these are: Probationary Officer’s Exam, Civil Services Examinations.

 

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Besides the medical field, a study in Biology provides a foundation for various other careers like pharmacist, physical and occupational therapist, medical technologist, college professor and administrator, research scientist, agriculturist, nutritionist, and bio-medical engineer. A growing emphasis on environmental preservation is creating another career path for biologists: conservation, wildlife study and occupational safety.

Large industries that deliver healthcare products seek Biology graduates for manufacturing, marketing and sales positions. With an advanced degree, you may work in management or administration, plan programmes for food and drug testing, direct activities at zoos or botanical gardens or go for applied research. If you have an interest in computers, you may go for Bioinformatics, a field which promises to change the way we diagnose and treat diseases and provide healthcare.

 

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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 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 am in Std XI and have opted for Arts with Geography. What career options and further studies does Arts offer? I’m interested in doing an MBA or Economics (Honours), and finally join IIM. Please guide me.

Geography is a very small profession. Graduates in Geography find work in Cartography, oceanography and land survey. Some graduates go for jobs in practical conversation, in parks or outdoor recreation. Those with a Master’s degree get involved in urban and regional planning and development, housing development, town planning, transport planning, environmental planning and monitoring.

Remote Sensing is a new technology widely used in the survey and management of natural resources and environment. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is another latest field, which utilizes the skills of a geographer and a computer professional. The GIS generated map can be constructed to show layers of the physical features, such as telephone and electrical power lines, or to show non-physical features, such as population density or income distributions.

For doing an MBA, you should be a graduate in any stream. Admission into IIMs requires good preparation.

 

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I am now doing +2 (Commerce). I don’t know what to choose next. My family is not financially stable to send me for higher  studies. What are the courses that I can choose after this? Is there any good scope in hotel management?

After 10+2 Commerce, you can go for courses in Chartered Accountancy or Company Secretary, etc. These are postal courses and take a minimum of four years of thorough studies. But if you are not interested in any specific field and even do not want to study further, then it is better that you start working. Many jobs are available for 10+2 passouts.

There is a great demand for data entry jobs. Many small and medium size companies need data entry operators. The only skill you need here is a good typing speed and basic knowledge of some software like word processing, database, spreadsheet, etc. You must be able to type 40 to 50 words per minute. If you do not have a good speed, then you can practice on your PC and you will learn in a few weeks.

A call centre job is also good for both 10+2 as well as college dropouts. Here you need to talk in the local language of the state. But for international call centres, you must have good English speaking skills. Because of outstanding, call centre jobs are available in abundance. You can give a walk-in interview.

If you’re good in convincing, you may become a sales representative or network marketer. In this job, you have to sell products to customers. Companies like Reliance, Airtel, McDonalds, etc., always require sales representatives.

Network marketing is also like marketing, but here you have to build a team under you. You might have heard about companies like Amway. There are many network marketers who are not educated but make millions. Here, first, you have to become a member of big network marketing company and then you have to get in more members under you. As your members grow you make more money.

If you are physically fit and strong, you may go for the post of constable in the police department. The Indian Army also offer posts like soldier, clerk, soldier, technical, etc. after joining the army at a lower rank, you can appear in different exams and become an officer. Railways, Forest department, Indian Navy and Coast Guard also offer opportunities to 10+2 pass outs.

Every year the Staff Selection Commission conducts combined higher secondary level examination for filling posts like data entry operator, lower division clerk and stenos. You should have basic knowledge of computers and good typing skills. The selection is based on the performance in the objective exam followed by a skill test. In government sectors, once you get into the job, you will be paid regularly and handsomely. Job security and promotions make it more attractive.

 

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After 10+2 Commerce, you can go for courses in Chartered Accountancy or Company Secretary, etc. These are postal courses and take a minimum of four years of thorough studies. But if you are not interested in any specific field and even do not want to study further, then it is better that you start working. Many jobs are available for 10+2 passouts.

There is a great demand for data entry jobs. Many small and medium size companies need data entry operators. The only skill you need here is a good typing speed and basic knowledge of some software like word processing, database, spreadsheet, etc. You must be able to type 40 to 50 words per minute. If you do not have a good speed, then you can practice on your PC and you will learn in a few weeks.

A call centre job is also good for both 10+2 as well as college dropouts. Here you need to talk in the local language of the state. But for international call centres, you must have good English speaking skills. Because of outstanding, call centre jobs are available in abundance. You can give a walk-in interview.

If you’re good in convincing, you may become a sales representative or network marketer. In this job, you have to sell products to customers. Companies like Reliance, Airtel, McDonalds, etc., always require sales representatives.

Network marketing is also like marketing, but here you have to build a team under you. You might have heard about companies like Amway. There are many network marketers who are not educated but make millions. Here, first, you have to become a member of big network marketing company and then you have to get in more members under you. As your members grow you make more money.

If you are physically fit and strong, you may go for the post of constable in the police department. The Indian Army also offer posts like soldier, clerk, soldier, technical, etc. after joining the army at a lower rank, you can appear in different exams and become an officer. Railways, Forest department, Indian Navy and Coast Guard also offer opportunities to 10+2 pass outs.

Every year the Staff Selection Commission conducts combined higher secondary level examination for filling posts like data entry operator, lower division clerk and stenos. You should have basic knowledge of computers and good typing skills. The selection is based on the performance in the objective exam followed by a skill test. In government sectors, once you get into the job, you will be paid regularly and handsomely. Job security and promotions make it more attractive.

 

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