Dear Sir,
I am doing my B Sc in biotechnology, biochemistry and microbiology. After my B Sc, I thought of doing MBA as I want to be an entrepreneur. Some people have told me that it is better to work for sometime and then do MBA. If not MBA, what else can I do to be an entrepreneur? Is there anything like MBA in biotechnology or microbiology? Which are the best colleges offering such courses in Karnataka?
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
MBA in Biotechnology is now being offered by a few selected universities like Pune University in Maharashtra, but not yet in Karnataka. For being an entrepreneur it is definitely advisable to get a first-hand feel of the business world by taking up a job that gives you exposure to different functions in an organisation, then you have ample opportunities to do your MBA either full time, part time or through distance learning. Also check whether you are a risk taker, an adventurous person with a lot of creative and lateral thinking, and whether you are good at handling money and people. These are the most vital skills for being a successful entrepreneur. Begin the process of identifying what area you would like to do your business in, the product or processes, and whether you will set up a manufacturing, marketing, services or any other type of business.

Dear Sir,
I am a student of PUC II. My subject combinations are PCMB. I am interested in joining the merchant navy. I have very little information about it. Please guide me for its entrance exam and about its centres.
Shahnawaaz
Dear Shahnawaaz,
When you get interested in a field without knowing much about it, you should question yourself whether you are getting carried away by the glamour or by some vague comments or people.  It is strongly advisable that you find out more about the field. While salaries are very high, life is equally tough. You need to have attributes like physical fitness, ability to be away from society for long periods of time, stress management of your crew, love for the sea, ability to adjust to new people and cultures, etc.  If you feel you have the right aptitude, you can study for qualifying as a marine officer through Tolani Maritime Institute (www.tolani.edu), RL Institute of Nautical Sciences (www.rlinstitutes.com), or any other recognised institution, after which you will have to seek a job in the private shipping companies. Courses for Merchant Navy officers are both technical and non-technical.

Dear Sir,
I passed SSLC in March 1999.  From then I am in the construction field. Now I want to study for engineering in architecture. I came to know that I should do PUC II.  But what should I do andfrom where should I start?             Alpesh S
Dear Alpesh S,
If you are a creative person and wish to acquire a five year B Arch degree in architecture, then you have to complete your PUC with Math, Physics and Chemistry. Other options available to you are diploma in architecture or design, and training in Computer Aided Design (CAD).  Architecture, the design field is different from engineering. You can also opt for Civil or Construction engineering at either degree or diploma level.  IGNOU now offers Civil Engineering degree through correspondence for those who are already working in the field. 

Dear Sir,
I am doing my I year BBM. I am very interested in psychology (especially counselling), but since I have already taken up BBM, I don’t want to discontinue it and hope on to BA (psychology). Am I eligible to do MA in psychology from Mysore University after my BBM? And if yes, will it be very difficult. I have no background about it? Can I take up any other courses for counselling (preferably in and around Mysore). I seriously want to help youngsters through counselling. Please guide me.
Maria Kulsum
Dear Maria Kulsum,
You can take up a post graduation in psychology or psychological counselling only through correspondence since your basic qualification will be in business management. Madras, Annamalai and Kuvempu Universities offer distance learning M Sc and M S courses, open to all graduates. Alternatively you can take up a post-graduation in Human Resources Management (HR) which will also equip you to deal with people. You can also sharpen your skills in counselling by doing part-time counselling courses offered in Bangalore by private institutes like Banjara Academy, Prasanna Counselling Centre, Parivarthan, Christ College etc.