"Banking in India is no longer dealing with checking and savings.
"The sector is now starting to handle products like insurance, wealth management, retirement planning and investing.
"In my opinion (and if you are interested) you must learn more about these, study more (in college, university or getting professional certification) and possibly intern with that experience."
"Return on investment on an executive MBA, in my opinion can be slightly better if you do in USA, considering learning, opportunities, experiences etc."
Overseas education consultant NNS Chandra offers advice on how to pick the right international education.
In an online chat with readers every Friday, overseas consultant NNS Chandra addresses queries on international academic programmes and offers advice.
For those who missed the chat on July 31, here's the unedited transcript:
Laxman: After passing 12th standard any chance of studying in the US?
NNS Chandra: Of course Laxman. You can apply and secure admission for undergraduate programme in USA after your 12th. Or come to do shorter programs in colleges.
vinod_jk@rediffmail.com: [SKB] My son pursuing in 12th class (Delhi) and he want to go abroad for study in aeronautical engineering...How much I money required for that....
NNS Chandra: Each year of study in USA you must budget between 30,000 to 45,000 US $, Vinod including tuition, living expenses books.
Is your son is looking at top private research universities in east coast, then the budget must be up by 8000 to 10000.
prince mp: I have done my B Architecture and working in well reputed company and seven years of exp. I want to pursue MArch from Canada. I am married
NNS Chandra: Good Prince. Yes. Canada got some good Masters programme in Architecture. I am sorry I did not get your question. How can I help?
MANOJ SANGHAVI: My son has done BDS, if he wants to practice in USA, how many years of course he has to do? What if he does his PG from India? Please guide. Thanks
NNS Chandra: Hi Manoj,You can practice as a dentist only after clearing the certification exams, right.
Getting admitted to programmes offered in several universities for internationally trained dental professional. Then clear boards. Once you clear path to certification you can secure work permit and start practicing.
Even if you do your PG in India, your path to practice would remain more or less the same. But you would be more knowledgeable. Besides you can take a more academic route if you are interested.
Debanshu Basak: I have done my BTech in Food Tech this year and now waiting to get joining in an IT company.
I cannot pursue any further academics right now but am willing to do after some time.
Can you suggest me which fields should I consider for higher studies bearing in mind the fact that I am not interested in studying food tech any more.Thanks
NNS Chandra: Are you interested in IT and want to pursue your career in IT, Basak - Is that the plan?
In that case you must look at your future studies and preparations for that in that direction.
Take online courses, experiments, clear up certifications and acquire designations. You will know in no time what you really want to study in future.
In my opinion, data management (data portability between devices and its management), research, information presenting are going to be key growth areas and the one with skills and experience can get occupied with handsome packages.
M S Sanghavi: Hello Chandra sir, my name is messan, I am very keen to join banking sector, I'm into my final year BCom, can you give me some tips what should I do after my graduation?
NNS Chandra: Hi Messan, banking in India is no longer dealing with checking and savings.
The sector is now starting to handle products like insurance, wealth management, retirement planning and investing.
In my opinion (and if you are interested) you must learn more about these, study more (in college, university or getting professional certification) and possibly intern with that experience.
I meant not only dealing with checking and savings accounts alone.
alex: I have completed my graduation and I want to apply for a masters programme in project management in the US.
Wanted to ask you if I should get some work experience before applying? Also, which are the best universities I can consider?
NNS Chandra: Alex - That is a great choice. I know and have some of my students did PM focused MBA. And are quite successful.
As a person teaching courses for bschool, I always recommend to have some work experience before doing an MBA course.
But there are several universities which would accept academically driven freshers into the programme.
I would encourage you to consider clear PMP certification, at least immediately start an application and preparing for PMP exam.
This way you will get an idea on PMBoK (PM book of Knowledge) and basics of project management.
I am PMP my self and quite active member of PMI for last 20 years. Any questions related to application I would love to help.
Amit srivastav: Considering the high costs of education, could you pls advice if I should really consider studying abroad.
If yes, which countries you think would be affordable to pursue a one-year executive MBA?
NNS Chandra: Hi Amit, you are absolutely right on your comment about cost of higher education.
I encourage you to see slightly differently. Say, consider return on investment.
Example - consider if you do an MBA in USA or Europe what are you going to get in return on long run.
I have very limited info on you Amit, on what you do or what is your back ground.
Generalising - I would say, return on investment on an executive MBA, in my opinion can be slightly better if you do in USA, considering learning, opportunities, experiences etc.
Lead image used for representational purposes only. Credit: Hernan Pinera/Creative Commons
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Have questions for NNS Chandra? Post them here! You may also email him on syam.chandra@transwebglobal.com
Based in Boston, USA, Chandra is an engineer by training, an academician by trade and researcher by passion.
He often shuttles between India and the US to coach students in admission related counselling.
He is associated with professional organisations like Study Iowa, NACAC, OCACA, ACA, ASCA to name a few.
