<p>Dear Sir, <br /><br /></p>.<p>I am a Class IX student studying under the IGCSE Board. I want to take up Genetic Engineering. I am told that an MBBS degree would be the ideal starting point for a career in Genetic engineering. Can I do it without a Medicine degree? Could you suggest a few colleges which offer my course of choice in India or abroad?<br /><br />Yashaswini P<br /><br />Dear Yashaswini,<br />You can become an engineer in genetics by taking Science at the PUC level (preferably PCMB), and then either directly taking up a BE/B.Tech in Genetic Engineering (which is offered by a few selected universities in India), or by studying Biotechnology or Biomedical Engineering, which are available in many colleges in Karnataka and outside. If you are a good student, you may even aspire for an integrated MSc in reputed institutions such as the IISc, IITs or BITS Pilani, and then move on to what you wish to specialise in.<br /><br />Dear Sir,<br /><br />I have completed three years of a diploma in Computer Science Engineering but I have a backlog. This will require a year’s loss in terms of my career. Is it possible to pursue a short-term course in Ethical Hacking during this time? Can you suggest a recognised institute in Bangalore or Mysore which offers this course in ethical hacking? Will my arrears disqualify me as a potential candidate?<br /><br />Mohammed Haris M<br /><br />Dear Mohammed,<br />Ethical hacking is more a skill than a qualification, though there are international certifications such as CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator). But without the basic qualifications, you will not be eligible for any such course. You can utilise your free year to learn the basics of ethical hacking from any computer institute, and practise on a regular basis till you sharpen your skills. Subsequently, if you can get a lateral entry into the second year of a BE in Computer Science and complete your degree, you will have a very good future.<br /><br />Dear Sir,<br /><br />I am currently pursuing a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication from NITK-Suratkal (2009-2013). I have always been interested in drawing and sculpting and I wish to pursue a course in animation. I am aware of colleges such as NID and NICC, etc, which offer courses in the same. What is the admission procedure to these colleges? How can I ensure I get placed for a design and art course? I have quite the portfolio to show for my skills. I am worried about switching fields while still studying. Does the animation industry give out competitive salary packages? Is there a course that connects art and technology? <br /><br />A Rohit<br /><br />Dear Rohit,<br /><br />Design and creative fields are essentially meant for those who always think outside-the-box, carve their own path, and are willing to take risks. If you wish to forego a steady engineering career which you will be able to start next year with your degree from NIT, then go ahead without thinking of the money and salary. IIT-Bombay (Industrial Design Centre), NID in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, NICC at Bangalore, MICA Ahmedabad, DSK Institute in Pune and many others are now offering very challenging courses and admission is not very difficult for the truly talented student. However, if you wish to play safe and get a regular salary, then it may be better for you to first get work experience as an electronics engineer and postpone your creative dreams for the time being.</p>
<p>Dear Sir, <br /><br /></p>.<p>I am a Class IX student studying under the IGCSE Board. I want to take up Genetic Engineering. I am told that an MBBS degree would be the ideal starting point for a career in Genetic engineering. Can I do it without a Medicine degree? Could you suggest a few colleges which offer my course of choice in India or abroad?<br /><br />Yashaswini P<br /><br />Dear Yashaswini,<br />You can become an engineer in genetics by taking Science at the PUC level (preferably PCMB), and then either directly taking up a BE/B.Tech in Genetic Engineering (which is offered by a few selected universities in India), or by studying Biotechnology or Biomedical Engineering, which are available in many colleges in Karnataka and outside. If you are a good student, you may even aspire for an integrated MSc in reputed institutions such as the IISc, IITs or BITS Pilani, and then move on to what you wish to specialise in.<br /><br />Dear Sir,<br /><br />I have completed three years of a diploma in Computer Science Engineering but I have a backlog. This will require a year’s loss in terms of my career. Is it possible to pursue a short-term course in Ethical Hacking during this time? Can you suggest a recognised institute in Bangalore or Mysore which offers this course in ethical hacking? Will my arrears disqualify me as a potential candidate?<br /><br />Mohammed Haris M<br /><br />Dear Mohammed,<br />Ethical hacking is more a skill than a qualification, though there are international certifications such as CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator). But without the basic qualifications, you will not be eligible for any such course. You can utilise your free year to learn the basics of ethical hacking from any computer institute, and practise on a regular basis till you sharpen your skills. Subsequently, if you can get a lateral entry into the second year of a BE in Computer Science and complete your degree, you will have a very good future.<br /><br />Dear Sir,<br /><br />I am currently pursuing a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication from NITK-Suratkal (2009-2013). I have always been interested in drawing and sculpting and I wish to pursue a course in animation. I am aware of colleges such as NID and NICC, etc, which offer courses in the same. What is the admission procedure to these colleges? How can I ensure I get placed for a design and art course? I have quite the portfolio to show for my skills. I am worried about switching fields while still studying. Does the animation industry give out competitive salary packages? Is there a course that connects art and technology? <br /><br />A Rohit<br /><br />Dear Rohit,<br /><br />Design and creative fields are essentially meant for those who always think outside-the-box, carve their own path, and are willing to take risks. If you wish to forego a steady engineering career which you will be able to start next year with your degree from NIT, then go ahead without thinking of the money and salary. IIT-Bombay (Industrial Design Centre), NID in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, NICC at Bangalore, MICA Ahmedabad, DSK Institute in Pune and many others are now offering very challenging courses and admission is not very difficult for the truly talented student. However, if you wish to play safe and get a regular salary, then it may be better for you to first get work experience as an electronics engineer and postpone your creative dreams for the time being.</p>