Dual degree is the way to go

• Q: I completed bachelor of technology in electronics from the National Institute of Technology and worked for a little over a year in an engineering company. I am keen to pursue postgraduate studies in the United States to improve my job prospects. But I just can’t decide between a masters in electronics or information technology and a postgraduation in business administration.

— Rishab Sengupta

• A: In recent years it has become increasingly possible to earn a pair of master degrees in less time and at less cost or get an advanced degree in an unusual discipline. Graduate schools in the US (our postgraduation is their graduation) generally confine students to one field.

But now as working across fields has become necessary, US colleges and universities are offering joint degrees that allow students to link two very different but synergistic areas of study. Time and money are saved by allowing credits from one field to be applicable to the other. Moreover, a dual degree adds value by expanding your education and, therefore, your employment potential.

Joint degree programmes are most attractive to those who switch careers. For example, a medical professional may seek formal education in business and healthcare management to re-enter the medical field in a different role. Students who wish to make a career transition may like the fact that the joint or dual degree option allows them to earn two degrees faster than they could by pursuing the degrees separately.

For instance, Boston University’s School of Management offers an MS-MBA to turn out managers adept in technology (somewhat like our MBA in IT). Typically, the course load is heavier and may include an additional semester (21 months). But I think it’s worth it. Do explore some of the other leading B-schools for similar offerings. For someone with your background, the MS-MBA sounds perfect.

Outsiders have little or no choice

• Q: I passed Class XII with physics, chemistry and biology from Calcutta. But I am not a domicile resident of Delhi. Can I still appear for the Delhi premedical test?

• — Deepmala Bisht

• A: Only students who have passed / appeared in Class XII with physics, chemistry and biology with 50 per cent marks and studied Classes XI and XII in a recognised school situated within the national capital region of Delhi are eligible to appear in the Delhi University Medical-Dental Entrance Test in mid-May for admission to the MBBS programme in Maulana Azad Medical College, Lady Hardinge Medical College or University College of Medical Sciences.

However, children of armed forces personnel from outside Delhi can take the entrance exam for admission to the Lady Hardinge Medical College only.

Set sail across the seven seas

• Q: I am doing BTech in mechanical engineering (seventh semester) and have so far secured 62 per cent marks in the aggregate. I want to join the merchant navy but am a little wary as I secured less than 60 per cent marks in Class XII. Please advise.

— Bikram Burman

• A: I don’t think you should have a problem if you enrol for the one-year pre-sea training course, the eligibility for which is a BE in mechanical engineering or naval architecture. The following institutes offer the course —

• Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai-400033.

• Binny Engineering Ltd, 65 Armenian Street , Chennai-600001.
  
  
• Institute of Armament Technology, Pune. [It offers ME in mechanical and marine engineering.]
  
  
• International Maritime Institute Ltd, 13 Institutional Area, Surajpur Kasna Road, District Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida-201306.
  
  
• Punjland Shipping & Maritime Services, SCO 487-488, Sector 35-C, Chandigarh-160022.
  
  
• International Maritime Institute Ltd, 13, Institutional Area, Surajpur-Kasna Road , Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida-201036.

However, make sure you are medically fit if you are seeking admission to these courses. Glasses are permitted but the power in each eye should not exceed +/-2.5. You must also not suffer from colour blindness.

On completion of the course and after obtaining Part ‘A’ of the MEO Class IV Certificate of Competency from the ministry of shipping, you will be recruited as an assistant marine engineer on any vessel.

Of course, you will have to approach these companies directly. With further experience at sea and upon obtaining a higher certificate of competency, you will have the opportunity to rise up to the level of chief engineering officer.