In on oline chat with Get Ahead readers on December 9 Prof Ramesh Murthy, Director of Sikkim Manipal University answered readers' queries on distance learning courses and career opportunities they offer.
Here's the unedited chat transcript.
Megha asked, What are the career prospects after doing distance learning courses?
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, at 2011-12-09 13:49:42Distance learning,as an alternative to campus education, is an equally robust form of learning,well accepted worldwide and catching up in our country too. Opportunities are as good as any other.
Nazia asked, Hello prof. Murthy, I am a software engineer with 6-7 yeras of experience. I wish to know whether doing an MBA will help me in career advancement. Will an MBA through distance education be accepted by the companies?
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, An MBA after some years of experience would certainly add value to one's career prospects. As for an MBA thru' Distance mode, well, it is a question of one's perception. Some of the better universities in the US offer Executive MBAs on Distance.Will a MBA be accepted? Certainly, a UGC degree from a university such as SMU should find favor with employers.
Prof Ramesh Murthy says, Hello,an afterthought...this is Prof. Ramesh Murthy, Director, Distance Learning of Sikkim Manipal University
Rohit asked, Interviewers say why are u doing MBA Distance Learning. It has no value. Is it true?
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, Distance learning is pursued at one's convenience, especially if one is employed or wishes to acquire another qualification.Interviewers see value valu in one's overall qualification and work-experience. If one has all his/her degrees thru' Distance mode, well, that would need some explanation!
tapasvini asked, Is MBA from sikkim manipal recognised by Govt. companies? Is it recognised by UGC , AICTE etc?
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, SMU is a creature of the Sikkim Legislature (Act 9 of 1995), duly approved by the UGC. Employers would look at such validation before offering employment.
pras asked, is there any distance course available for BE/BTECH
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, Lab-intensive programs cannot be offered on Distance, for obvious reasons,unless there are dedicated centres for doing so.
Ravi asked, I am in IT industry and mostly done technical work for almost 8 years. I want to shift to management, what courses are available for me?
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, As a Technical person, you are certainly well qualified to do an MBA,post an Undergraduate degree.Management programs are offered at SMU, among other Distance providers,doing so. You are welcome to make a pick of your choice.
sabya asked, Can i pursue PhD after completing my M.Tech in distance education?
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, Certainly! A Ph.D may be pursued after a Master's... but, where did you do a Distance M.Tech from?
ashish asked, Sir, I am +2 pass science pass student currently involved in family business. Plz suggest me some distance courses related to business & allied fields and colleges which offer the same. Thank you.
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, You may do an Undergraduate program in BBA/B.Com from any university.
rajeev asked, How current employees can get a boost to their career through distance education
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, Skill-upgradation, acquiring further qualifications and pursuing any program as defined in the Employment norms of your employer can help one boost one's career.
mukesh asked, Mr Murthy i have done MCA from Sikkim Manipal University, and i dodnt get any benefit of it as the big CMM level companies like infosys , Wipro dosnt recongnise my degree and so i dint get recruited into there company. What did you want say on that
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, Was your MCA alone a disability? SMU Degrees are a consequence of UGC approved programs,having the rigour and strength of any campus-based learning.You may like to find out the reasons therefor.Please check on the UGC website.
nilesh Panpate asked, Hello sir, I did BE in Mechanical Engineering and working in power/Energy company is there any cources like power MBA or Power Mtech or such cources which will helpful in power companys
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, You will have to check from universities that specialise in this sector- research and so on. They may offer Executive programs that you seek.
danny asked, Is it possible to do MS / MTECH after completion of MCA in SMU, DE
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, An MS/M.Tech after an MCA will enable you to move to the Engg stream.You may do it at a university that offers the same.
ANIL asked, Sir, can i pursue Phd after completing PGDBA
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, A PGDBA is not a PostGraduate degree, a necessary qualification to pursue a Ph.D.
ssingh40 asked, what are the course available for house wife 36 yrs(Bcom) and what are the oppertunities available?
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, Oh, you may do an M.Com/MBA, specialising in Finance or even a CFA
Prof Ramesh Murthy says, Thanks for the intelligent queries;look forward to meaningful interactions...
Nazia asked, Thanks for the reply. Going further, what are the management programmes ofered by SMU for people with IT technical background?
Prof Ramesh Murthy answers, SMU offers MBA(IT) specialising in Information Systems>
