Dear Sir,
I am in the last semester of mechanical engineering with an aggregate of 63%. I want to pursue my Masters’ in Industrial or Mechanical engineering from USA or Canada. Will I have to take the GRE exam? Thereafter, would I be able to get admission in a university in September 2008?
I am otherwise getting admission in post graduate diploma in Quality Assurance in Canada. Should I join this diploma course and do my Master’s after it? Please guide me about the importance of post graduate diploma and Master’s. Which is more beneficial at this stage for me?
Amoldeep Singh

Dear Amoldeep,
The PG diploma in QualityAssurance is an exclusive course focusing on the specifics of the subject. If your focus is on a broad area of Industrial or Mechanical Engineering, you will not be able to identify in which area of the industry you will be working. Any education allied to the field, is not a waste. Specific importance or otherwise of Quality Assurance depends on the nature of the job. Moreover, it appears that you have not made any preparations for taking GRE and TOEFL. If you feel confident of pursuing the Diploma and taking preparatory steps, you may think about going ahead with the Diploma now. Also keep in mind, that in order to pursue Master’s, it is worthwhile sacrificing the diploma at this point. You could take it on any time in the future should you find it necessary. There is a fair chance that the industry you get employed in after Master’s, may sponsor you for any need based education in the future.  

 (Ing K Raja Reddy is Counsellor for emotional issues and a career guide. Is also Director of Banjara Academy and Coordinator of Helping Hand, a free counselling centre).