A career dilemma

I am a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the 2010 batch and have an overall score of 63 per cent. I wanted a career in the field of Automobile/Mechanical Engineering, but I have a campus placement opportunity in IT. I have three queries:

(1) Should I join the IT company?

(2) In the future, will I have an opportunity to get back to Mechanical and Automotive Engineering?

(3)Will I get an opportunity to pursue MBA?

Sunny Rao

In the corporate world, inter-disciplinary approaches have become the order of the day. There are many illustrations wherein specialists have played a dominant role in the IT sector. Considering that the IT world works on various verticals, there has been a dominant role exchange in fields such as Automotive/Mechanical Engineering and IT. There have even instances of civil engineers taking up IT as they bring in relevant domain expertise to the field of IT.

If a IT entity has accepted a qualified graduate in Mechanical Engineering for domain expertise, then the understanding is that opportunities are available in plenty. Many IT companies provide services to auto majors across the world. You would be part of the same. This is a good opportunity for you to get into the inter-disciplinary mode to enhance your learning. Your future is bright, and you will reach the top echelons of the corporate world through this route. However, if you want to take up offers in automotive majors as an engineer, there are options with many of the global companies which have opened shop in India. You will get opportunities overseas also, once you have the experience.

On the question of going back from the IT-oriented entity to automotive/mechanical entities, your domain specialisation from the IT world will surely keep you in good stead.

Once you are in the corporate world, the opportunities to study are plenty. Most of the corporates have signed up with the top universities/institutes to provide opportunities for the associates; you will surely benefit from the programmes on offer.

Once you become part of the corporate arena, you can even take a sabbatical and pursue an MBA programme in an Ivy League institute and get the best of both worlds. Walk that extra mile now, you will surely reap the fruits in the future.

I want to take up MBA in HR and hence I attempted the CAT, MAT and even the TISS entrance examinations. I could not qualify for the HRLRM course at the TISS. I am still interested in CAT and other examinations. Please advice as to what I should do. I am a B.Sc. graduate.

Mohammed Zaheer Baig

Once you make a decision, the Universe conspires to make it happen.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson (American poet and essayist, 1803-1882)

Sit for CAT, TISS examinations once again, you will surely succeed. Learning from mistakes will place you on a better pedestal. Make the best of efforts and attend coaching classes. You will reap the benefits.

I am in 12th Standard. I want to study Biology, Physics and Chemistry, pursue MBBS and become a cardiac surgeon. I need your advice.

Shiv Krishnan

It will be hard work at all levels, nothing will come on a platter. Your scores in 12th Standard and MBBS matter a lot. You have started early, keep up the tempo.

I am a B.Com graduate and completed my graduation in 2000. However, due to a low percentage, I could not join a college that was affiliated to Bangalore University for an MBA course. I then joined an MBA course affiliated to Newport University, Newport Beach, California. I am now in the U.S. and recently learnt that the MBA degree I have is not from an accredited institution. I am looking forward to doing a correspondence PG course in Organisational Behaviour as I have specialised in HR. Will I be able to qualify for the PG course?

Priya Sadasivam

You are qualified to pursue a PG course in the areas of Business Studies, Management, and Organisational Behaviour. Forget the past, pursue what you want through a university of your choice. Many a university in the U.S. will allow you to pursue online, distance or part-time recognised programmes that will take you to higher levels.

I want to know if the NMIMS organises any courses in Supply Chain studies by postal education. If yes, please provide the contact coordinates for the course.

Hashim

The Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) (www.nmimsonline.org), a deemed-to-be University under section 3 of the UGC Act of 1956, conducts the two-year Post-Graduate Diploma and one-year Diploma programmes in various aspects of management. Supply Chain Management is one of the programmes on offer.

The School of Distance Learning of NMIMS is known for innovative, industry-oriented programmes, which have online support for the distance education learner through the study centres and well-designed Self Instructional Material (SIM). Person Contact Programme (PCP) is given utmost importance as the learner and the counsellor get to interact in the areas of study.

For more details you should contact the School of Distance Learning (SDL), NMIMS, V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai-400 056. Ph: 022-42355555. E-mail:admission.sdl@nmims.edu Fax: 022-26114512. In Bangalore you can contact the SDL, NMIMS, 11, Kaveri Regent, Coronet, 80 Ft. Road, 7th Main, 3rd Block, Koramangala. E-mail: Bangalore.sdlsc@nmims.edu Mob: 98860 65200/99800 65200. All SDL programmes of NMIMS are recognised by the Distance Education Council.