Focus on getting a good GMAT score

Q. I did my BTech in electronics more than six years ago with a very average GPA. But since then, I’ve been lucky enough to be working in a reputed product-based semiconductor industry. I now want to pursue an Exec MBA in the US. Will foreign universities consider my UG track record?

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Pervin Malhotra

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Q. I did my BTech in electronics more than six years ago with a very average GPA. But since then, I’ve been lucky enough to be working in a reputed product-based semiconductor industry. I now want to pursue an Exec MBA in the US. Will foreign universities consider my UG track record? — Sharad Bhalla

A.Since your bachelor’s was too far back, it won’t be a factor that will hamper your further studies as the B-schools will be more interested in your over-all work-experience and LORs apart from your GMAT scores.

So just focus on getting a decent GMAT score (certainly 700+), select your B-school and programme carefully, prepare your SOP, resume and recommendations and apply at least a year in advance.

Moving ahead without formal education

Q. My younger brother is quite intelligent but for some reason, not into academics. He enrolled twice for a BSc and then a BCA programme, but for some reason or the other, couldn’t complete either course. He is 23 and there’s a lot of pressure on him from the family to start earning. Although he has no formal training, he’s quite computer-savvy. But since he does not have a formal degree, he’s finding it very difficult to pursue job-oriented courses. He’s beginning to get frustrated so I’m reaching out to you in the hope that you can suggest some course or training programme that’s practical (not theoretical) and preferably short-term. — G.N Mehta

A. There are quite a few options depending on your brother’s aptitude and where his real interests lie. However, since he’s somewhat computer-savvy, here’s something that may just fit the bill.

Google and online education platform Coursera have recently launched a Certificate programme that will equip students like your brother who have no formal academic degree or prior work-experience, to qualify for scores of entry-level IT support jobs within a year (even 8 months, if he’s a good learner). And there are close to 1.5 lakh such openings in the industry currently!

Developed by subject matter experts, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate programme is something your brother could really look at.

Once learners have successfully completed the course, their information will be shared with top companies like Bank of America, Wal-Mart, Sprint, GE Digital, Infosys, TEKSystems, UPMC, leading Banks apart from Google – who are looking to hire these entry-level support professionals. With some experience, your brother and others like him can rise to higher positions in IT. Hope this helps.

Professional skiing courses

Q. I am currently in second year of my graduation degree. Ever since I visited Gulmarg last year with my family, I have been totally fascinated with skiing. Can you please suggest where I could learn this sport professionally without drilling a hole in my pocket? — Randeep Baweja

A. Here’s something that fits the bill perfectly — as far as you, or any other aspiring skier is concerned.

The Basic Ski Course at Munsyari (Distt Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand) is scheduled for February 14 to 28. The Pt. Nain Singh Mountaineering Training Institute which is conducting the course, is an institution under the Uttarakhand government. You will be awarded a certificate on completion of the course. The fee is Rs 12000.

The course will be supervised by Reena Kaushal Dharmshaktu — the first Indian woman to ski from Antartica to the South Pole in 38 days. Email: [email protected]