PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
HAI!
This information below is being addressed to students who have an Engineering/Computer applications background . Others may Leave.
Hello , I am Jayabharath , graduate student of the Georgia Institute of technology .
Straight to business , I am assuming ur background to be one of engineering and that u are in your 2nd , third or fourth year at an engineering college . Now , U have come to a point where U might have to decide which career path to take , and u have a number of questions . I intend to clear all ur basic questions in this area ,so that U may use ur upcoming years more productively and with a lot of orientation. If u are in ur final year and about to take a standardized examination u may leave to the appropriate links .
Why
further studies?
This is the first question that arises in your mind , when u have options before u , like good jobs , through your college placement cell. Here a few reasons why u may take further studies.
Now if u are satisfied that U have to take up further studies , with any of the reasons listed above or ur own , u may now contemplate on what to do. and this website has been built to guide you to exactly that end . and lots more too .
There are a number of options now before you . Degrees which most students generally pursue are
1. Master of Science(MS/MEng)
2. Master of Business Administration( MBA/PGDM)
Students preferred destinations are
1. USA/UK/Canada/Australia.
2.Our own India.
Indian graduate education system is one of the best in the world , and highly rewarding for careers inside India . The next most popular destination is USA , and American education is extremely rewarding particularly for Indian students , who are generally preferred by most American multinational companies.
AMERICAN EDUCATION:
American education is extremely costly , and students should look forward to education here , only if they will be able to support themselves during at least 2 semesters of graduate study , which might cost at least 7-8 lakhs in the cheapest schools .But since a number of banks are nowadays funding graduate studies abroad , it wouldn't be much of a concern , if u have sureties to support such loans . And of course , these loans don't come without interest and generally interests are payable every 3 months , to the tune of 14 percent . Also , U will be requested to pay the margin money of 25 percent whenever u get the loan sanctioned .
so keeping this mind , carefully decide ur goals.
why US ..why not UK or Australia. or Germany?
United states is the preferred destination , becoz American visas let you , work for one year after u complete your graduate studies , and u shall , using that time apply for a H1 B visa , which lets u work in USA for 6 years . Contrary to such a system is the American and British system , where u might be required to get a job , before u finish , ur program ,and that will not be easy. And u cannot stay back even one day after u graduate in these countries . I am not sure about the German system , but there are a lot of hurdles to face here , coz of the language barrier , although most grad programs are taught in English . Germany has facilitated work for international applicants through its newly introduced green cards. In Canada , the system is pretty simple and its the easiest country to get into and stay back , if u so wish . Immigration is encouraged by the Canadian government . Climate is a barrier here , in terms of harsh winters for students from India who are used to the tropical climate . It takes more than 3 months to process the Canadian Visas , so if u plan to to study in this country u have to plan pretty much in advance .
Master of Science :
Master of science degrees are advanced/specialized programs , that are similar to the ME/MTech programs offered in INDIA . The different and flexible coursing structure , independent decision making opportunities , cutting edge research , and good jobs are reasons that attract students to this degree . programs are typically offered in the the broad specializations of engineering and science . Top students (excellent GPA/percentage coupled with good GRE scores) can expect to get funded with their admission letters. Average starting salaries at 50000-55000$ a year.
MBA:
MBA is worthwhile done in the top 30-40 schools in US . If not the top 15 , I personally recommend Indian MBAs(from Top 20 schools , I mean) ..coz they are now internationally recognized and open excellent opportunities. Beware , MBA programs in US do not fund you , and they are two year programs and u should expect to spend a minimum of 30000 dollars in fees ALONE , for 2 years . As I said that's the least u have to expect to spend and most top 20 schools are offensively costly. If u have the background to spend so much money (or) u have the repaying capability , and the capability to get admitted in a good school there , it is a worthwhile proposition otherwise , u will have to look at the less costly , 1 and half year MS program . But if u make it into the top 20 MBA programs in US , u can expect to earn after graduating average salaries of 100k dollars a year or more . also to get admitted u need a minimum of 2 years of full time professional work experience .
for more information on MBA, take this link MBA ASPIRANTS
Others take any of the links u may find appropriate depending on what position u are in.