I can't get into MBBS, what next? Careers360 answers

Q. I am an MBBS aspirant. This is my second attempt. What options besides MBBS? Any career options in biology field?
Ravi, Bangalore

A. MBBS has it charms, but to spend more than two years just seeking admission is not very advisable. If you do not get admission during this attempt, then you should move on to other equally exciting fields. Pursue pharmacy, and get into drug discovery, do biology and pursue biotechnology or biochemistry. The range of options available in this sector is good. You could also look at medical technology field, an upcoming area. But whatever you pursue, do it with commitment.

Read more on Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Paramedics and Medicine...

Q. I will be completing my B.Pharm this year. Since I don’t want to go into research, please suggest some other course that will allow me to remain in the industry, preferably at a professional level higher than that of a medical sales representative.
Sona Mitra, Kolkata

A. Pharmaceutical industry has emerged as one of the biggest employers in the country. You can focus on the wider field of pharmaceutical management, marketing, wholesale and drug store management, finance, operations, quality assurance, R&D management, drug laws or IPR -depending on which one you find interesting. Even mainstream retail chains like Pantaloon and 24/7 are zeroing in on pharma retail in their outlets for which an MBA (Pharma) would be an ideal choice.

Q. What is the future for MTech Environment (engineering)?
Shruti, Balasore

A. Environment is a major area of concern and with new international treaties coming into force, India will not be able to get away from getting its environment act right. Job prospects would in the environment wings of private firms, State boards, IP firms, consulting organisations, international development organisations focusing on environment etc. Start working with NGOs like Toxic Links right now, so that you are equipped to handle assignments when they come your way.

Q. I am in final year BE (Electrical). What are the jobs I can get right now?
Ramesh, Nagarcoil

A. Electrical engineering is an evergreen field. Firms like BHEL, Siemens etc recruit engineers from this field. But recruitment is a function of the college you are in and the kind of performance you put in, at the entrance exams conducted by these organisations. So, learn to do puzzles, verbal reasoning and analytical reasoning. Be aware of general happenings in your sector and the country in general.

Q. I am doing my final year BCA and am interested in networking and troubleshooting. What should I go for?
 Ramakrishnan, Thirunelveli

A.With an MCA degree from a reputed institution, you will have a choice of sporting any of the following job titles: Application programmer, Computer consultant, Computer security analyst, Data communications specialist, Management information systems analyst, Systems analyst, Systems design specialist or Systems development manager! Knowledge of hardware is the foundation for a career in Networking. Typically, you would start out as a Network Administrator - responsible for analysing, installing and configuring an organisation’s network (hardware and software) even from a remote location. With sufficient experience and additional certifications, you could move up to becoming a Network Programmer or even a Network or Information Systems Manager.

Q. I am a third year student of BTech. I am in a dilemma whether to opt for MBA or MTech. Which one would be a better option? My discipline is Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Please suggest which stream I should go for in higher studies.
Nag Chaitanya, Hyderbad

A. Go where your heart leads you. In other words, you need to ask yourself what is it that truly sets your pulse racing? Is it technology? Then M Tech/ MS is the right option for you. If, however, what interests you more is the business side of things, then MBA is the right choice. Do not be influenced by factors like peer or parental pressure.

Q. I am a BSc (Physics) graduate, now doing MCA. Can I get into the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi with this degree?
Manab Goswami, Gawhati

A. NPL invariably recruits science graduates, especially with a Master’s or tertiary degree. An MCA may not be the ideal route to get into NPL. If you are interested in computer science, then an MSc in computer science, ideally from institutes like the Institute of Mathematics, Chennai, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore or Tata Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Mumbai would be a better choice. Degrees from such institutes would also open the doors for other research intensive organisations like the Department of Atomic Energy, DRDO, as well as research divisions of corporations like IBM, Microsoft and GE. So plan your higher education, accordingly.

Q. After an MTech in Design Engineering, I am working with an MNC. But I would like to start my own business. How do I go about it?
Ravi, kannur

A.All businesses start with an idea to solve a need. So the first step is to identify areas in your field of interest where there are products or solutions that are needed but are not available at the moment. Once you identify 10-12 product ideas, review whether any of them could evolve into a viable business. Participate in business plan contests. Team up with like-minded individuals. Network with organisations such as TIE and NEN, which nurture entrepreneurship. Starting a business takes time and effort, and is a risk too. So assess carefully before you take the plunge.

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Q. I final year CSE diploma student, I want to enter B.Tech under lateral entry scheme. Could you also tell me which is better - BE or BTech?
Ramakant Panda, Bhubhaneswar

A. In a lateral entry scheme, you would be directly admitted into the second year of the engineering programme. So branch allotment would be on the basis of the specialization at the diploma stage. You could either opt for computer science or information technology or any other close variant. BE and BTech do not vary much in terms of value and what is being taught. They are just two ways in which an undergraduate programme is named by various universities.