CSIR and CSIO: Know The Opportunities

I completed BE in mechanical engineering in 2010 and want to join organisations like the National Innovation Foundation, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO). Do they recruit freshers in such research organisations?

-Mahesh

Premier research institutes such as the CSIR and CSIO and others take on specialists in a variety of disciplines for undertaking research and academic work as well as special projects. Most institutes prefer to take on post-graduate candidates and recruitment announcements are normally posted on the website of the institute. In addition, a certain number of junior research fellowships are awarded each year by CSIR to those holding MSc or equivalent degree, with minimum 55% marks after qualifying the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by CSIR twice a year. Currently, the CSIR website appears to invite applications for a two-year full-time residential Post Graduate Research Programme in Engineering in cutting-edge technological areas. As stated in the notice, candidates should be graduates in the relevant discipline of engineering depending on the specific programme as stipulated in the programmes list with outstanding academic credential preferably with a valid GATE score. The age of the candidates should not be more than 25 years (for general and OBC category) and 28 years (for SC/ST/PH category) as on July 01, 2011 for admission to the programme. As the last date for applications in May 23, it may be advisable to check the website for future announcements and prepare yourself accordingly.

I completed BCom with 56% marks from the University of Mumbai last year. I have not joined any job. I am interested in the chartered financial analyst (CFA) programme from a US institute. Is this course suitable for students with a second-class BCom degree? Are there any supporting courses related to CFA in India which will help me in studying for it?
-Rajesh Pai

The CFA programme imparts training in the fields of corporate finance, investment management and financial services, like venture capital, leasing and hire purchase, project planning and so on, as well as international finance, and investment management. It is, therefore, best suited for those who want to enhance their skills in finance. The CFA is an international professional certification offered by the CFA Institute (formerly AIMR) to financial analysts who complete a series of three examinations, and have 48 months of qualified, professional work experience.

The course is conducted by ICFAI in India through the distance-mode with contact classes in major cities.

The CFA programme can also be done as a regular course on the campus in two years. It can be pursued at some business schools like Narsee Monjee Institute of Management, Mumbai; SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai; International Management Institute, New Delhi; BITS Pilani and Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar. However, this is an intensive finance programme, best suited to students with good mathematical and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. So, you may like to consider other options after BCom.

If you are good at accounts, you can consider courses such as cost and works accountancy. This course, offered by the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India, enables you to work as a cost accountant with companies and government departments. You can also consider a career as a company secretary (CS). The CS programme is multi-disciplinary, covering law, management and accounting. After BCom, you can go for courses in banking and insurance offered by some universities. Depending on your area of interest, there are many other options which you can choose even in areas like mass communications, event management, media, travel and tourism, computers etc.

Author: Usha Albuquerque ( HT Horizons)

Date: 6^th June, 2011