Career Guide

UPGRADE KNOWLEDGE
I have been working in the merchant navy for the last three years. Is there any related course that I could pursue for brighter careers opportunities?
Anonymous
Other than a general MBA, you could look at an MBA in shipping or port management as a logical extension of your field.
As you must have realised, managing ports today is a highly complex business and depends on the combination of material handling, road transport, storage, safe ship operations, health and safety.The core modules of port management are designed to train aspiring managers in the essential management skills required for meeting the challenges of the ever-growing sea freight market. Large ports need to deal with a number of activities such as the movement, loading and unloading of ship, containers and other cargo, as well as human resources. Anchorage, channels, lighters, tugs, berths, the warehouse and other storage spaces have to be allocated. The efficient management of a port involves managing these activities and resources as well as the flow of money between the agents who provide and use these resources and updating all management-related information.
On completion of the port management course, you will be eligible for managerial positions in shipping companies, agency houses, clearing and forwarding firms, exportimport houses and major ports worldwide. Port managers are employed by a number of private and public port authorities.
Among others, you could look at courses offered by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur; Indian Maritime University, Chennai; Academy of Maritime Education and Training; National Institute of Port Management and the Institute of Rail Transport, among others.
Management-centric programmes such as the MBA will prepare you for managerial positions in organisations such as shipping companies, agency houses and at ports.
FINANCIAL ADVICE
I am a BSc maths student. I am a little worried about my future. I scored 76% marks in the last two years. After completing my Bachelor's degree, I wish to work and simultaneously prepare for the CAT because I wish to attend the University of Delhi (DU). But my parents think I am taking a wrong decision.Please guide me.
Deepika
In today's globalised world, there is a demand for finance professionals who have in-depth knowledge of finance -mutual funds, derivatives and equities, real estate, investment analysis, insurance management, treasury management, risk management, portfolio management and project appraisal, to name a few.With the requisite training, you can look at a range of careers, including financial institutions, stock exchanges, venture capital and private equity firms, banks, insurance companies, real estate organisations, asset management companies (mutual fund houses), and financial consultancy and advisory firms.
DU's MBA in financial management is a twoyear, full-time programme including courses in finance and accounting and a super-specialisation in the last semester, which is aimed at equipping students with skills in financial plan ning, decision-making and control while familiarising them with the financial and regulatory environment.
The curriculum includes courses in investor psychology, investment philosophy, mathematics of financial markets and technology valuation as well. More details are available at http:www.mfc.edu Graduates in any discipline are eligible to apply. The university uses the CAT to shortlist candidates, followed by a group discussion and personal interview. So, start preparing for the CAT while you are in your final year of college, if possible.
You would also be well-advised to apply to other institutes where you could choose finance as your major or specialisation. Either way, you would be set for a profitable career in the world of finance.
IDEA TESTING
What is experimental psychology? What type of career avenues does it lead to?
Avantika Dhar
Psychology can be loosely defined as the science of mental life and its scope includes a wide variety of issues. It addresses such questions as: how do we perceive colours? How do children acquire language? What predisposes two people to like each other? What causes schizophrenia?
Experimental psychology is essentially a scientific discipline involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas. It works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection. Exciting research is underway in the fields of human cognitive processes, neuroscience, vision and developmental psychology. Given the nature and breadth of the subject, you would be able to consider a wide range of options, including careers in professional psychology, counselling, teaching, research, health services and industry.
LAW PRACTICE
I have completed my law degree from Europe. Due to family reasons, I will relocate to India shortly. Would I be eligible to practise corporate law in India?
Yash Sikand
As far as law degrees go, there is a certain reciprocity between India and some foreign countries. This means similar academic qualifications are considered equivalent and therefore, acceptable for the purpose of undertaking further study or for professional practice.
Since you have not specified the countryuniversity from which you have received your law degree, it is difficult to give you a precise answer. But, for all practical purposes, you can practise law in India provided you have a law degree from a college recognised by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
However, you can do so only after clearing the Qualifying Examination for Indian Nationals Holding Foreign Law Degrees recognised by the BCI. For details of the exam, which tests your knowledge of substantive and procedural law subjects that are specifically needed to practise law in the country, please visit http:www.barcouncilofindia.org With global law firms waiting in the wings to enter India, the market for corporate lawyers is on the verge of an exciting phase. You can also explore the option of working in the legal department of large corporate houses.