Scope in financial modelling

Pervin Malhotra

Q. I am a final year student of BCom. I want to know about career scope in Financial Modelling. Which are the institutes offering this course? — Reshma Rawat

A. Financial Modelling can be an excellent add-on skill. It basically involves how to build a financial model; how to use these models to evaluate a project, department, or entire business’ performance; how to make realistic financial projections, and execute a pro forma valuation of a company and subsequently take decisions based on the financial data. When it comes to jobs in finance, employers look out for candidates who know financial modeling and the basics of business valuation, project finance and portfolio management.

A short-term MS-excel based skill programme in financial modeling will equip you to speak the language of finance to get a jumpstart on your MBA, or make a career move.

As there’s no specific entry requirement, you can do it along with your graduation.

There are institutes in Delhi that offer certification courses in financial modeling in collaboration with prestigious bodies such as the NSE, BSE etc. For more details, you can log on to their respective websites.

BSc chemistry vs Chemical engineering

Q. I am a Class XII student and have opted for non-medical stream. I am in a dilemma as I am unable to narrow down on a course to opt for in college. I am confused between BSc in chemistry and Chemical Engineering. — Arun Verma

A. In a nutshell, the big difference between chemistry and chemical engineering is one of originality and scale.

Those who pursue Chemistry work with chemicals and analytical equipment in a traditional lab setting to develop new materials and processes, and chemical engineers take these materials and processes and upscale them to make them larger or more efficient.

Starting with a BSc in Chemistry, you’ll pursue advanced degrees (MSc, PhD and even Post-doc) in specialized areas to expand your opportunities. The doctorate will equip you for going into research or for teaching chemistry at the college or graduate level.

While essentially working in the lab with chemicals in smaller quantities, you may also do sample analysis or contribute to R&D. Higher qualifications may lead to supervisory roles in research.

Most chemical engineers start off with a BE in chemical engineering, at times followed by a Master’s (doctorates are relatively few compared with those pursuing chemistry).

Although the chemical engineering syllabus includes most of the stuff taught in BSc chemistry, it also includes engineering courses and additional math (including differential equations, linear algebra, and statistics).

You’ll study fluid dynamics, mass transfer, reactor design, thermodynamics, and process design.

Chemical engineers work on R&D teams, process engineering at a plant, project engineering, or management in factories. Those with a Master’s degree often find themselves in management or start new companies.

While the industry hires both types of professionals, those who’ve done chemistry are the kings of lab analysis. They examine samples, develop new materials and processes, develop computer models and simulations, and often teach. Apart from academics, chemistry postgrads and PhDs are hired industries like pharma, oil & natural gas, metallurgy, soap and detergent, glass, cement and even food processing.

On the other hand, Chemical engineers are the masters of industrial processes and plants. While they may work in a lab, many others work in the field, on computers. The work would include designing reactors, heat exchangers, or other equipment that deals with chemicals.

And while there are opportunities for both, chemical engineers do tend to have an edge because of their broader training in design, etc

Lastly, getting into a BSc programme is relatively easy. Admissions are usually based on the aggregate scored at the Class XII level (The better the college, higher the cut-offs).

On the other hand, admission to chemical engineering or integrated MSc Chemistry courses is on the basis of competitive entrance tests like the JEE Mains and JEE Advance (the latter, if you’re looking at the IITs).

PG courses in distance learning mode

Q. After doing my BSc Agriculture, I have been working with my father and uncles on our farms for the last four years, we now wish to diversify but do not have the necessary know how. Could you please suggest some relevant courses which I can pursue at the PG level via distance learning? — Arvind Sharma

A. Yes, there are two such that you should check out:

Yashwantrao Chawan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik (Mah) https://ycmou.ac.in

MSc in Agricultural Extension

Eligibility: BSc (Agri), 1st Div

IGNOU (www.ignou.ac.in)

PG & Advance Diploma

Post-Graduate Diploma in Plantation Mgt

Post-Graduate Diploma in Food Safety & Quality Mgt

PG & Advance Certificate

Post-Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Policy

Don’t let disease disrupt your studies

Q. I am a Class XI student with a medical condition that confines me to the bed most of the time. I also have to make frequent trips to the hospital for dialysis. I don’t wish to discontinue my studies because the doctors say that my condition is treatable. Is it possible to appear as a private candidate next year? — Rajni Shukla

A. First of all, let me tell you how much I admire your spirit and wish you a full and speedy recovery. You haven’t mentioned which Board your school follows. If it’s CBSE, then you’ve nothing to worry about. Fortunately, regular students like you who’ve completed their regular course of study and are allotted a Roll Number but cannot appear for the exam due to medical reasons (except shortage of attendance) can do so as private candidates under the All India Scheme.

Incidentally, this option is also open to ‘Failed’ candidates as well as to Teachers of educational institutions affiliated to the CBSE. In any case due to the lockdown CBSE has announced several modifications and updates regarding promotion to higher classes. Please check with your school as well as on the CBSE website (http://cbse.nic.in) for the latest information.

Another option is to switch to the NIOS (The National Institute of Open Schooling) Board which would also give you a lot of flexibility – in terms of giving your exams one-at-a-time – and at your convenience. You can get all the details on: www.nios.ac.in. So just focus on getting well and look ahead..!

For more extensive coverage visit https:// www.tribuneindia.com/news/jobs&careers

Email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com