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I™ll be graduating in mechanical engineering next year. I am confused whether to sign up for an M.Tech or MBA postgrad programme. Please advise me on which study programme is more financially rewarding. Ashok Rao, Chennai Make the decision based on your aptitude and interests rather than monetary considerations. An M.Tech degree programme will provide technical knowledge and training while the MBA programme prepares you for management positions in business enterprises. Since the training challenges as well as opportunities are different, evaluate your aptitude and skills before taking a decision. I™m keen on a career in the diplomatic service after completing my B.Com degree programme. What are my options? Nalini Iyer, Bangalore To make a career in the diplomatic service(s), you need to clear the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam. Depending on your performance in the exam, you will have a choice to be assigned to the Indian Foreign Service. However, you can also opt to work in corporate/public relations with MNCs, international banks, foreign embassies etc. After completing class XII in 2016, I want to study abroad either in the US, UK or Australia. Would it be advisable to go abroad for graduation or postgraduation? Also advise me on the tests I need to write to qualify for admission into foreign universities. Manish Chawla, New Delhi US universities offer a four-year bachelor™s degree programme with flexibility to combine subjects from varied disciplines. Students also have the option of pursuing two majors and acquiring international work experience through OPT (optional practical training) under which they are allowed to work for 12-29 months after completion of their degree programme. Hence, the US is a favoured higher education destination. If you have the required funds, signing up for a bachelor™s degree programme in the US is a good bet. Admission is based on academic record, standardised test scores (SAT and TOEFL for US, TOEFL/IELTS for the UK and IELTS for Australia), statement of purpose, application documents etc. Most top-ranked universities in the US require SAT II scores in addition to SAT. I want to enroll in a BMS (bachelor of management studies) programme after Plus Two. What are the admission criteria? Rahul D™Souza, Mumbai BMS is an excellent undergrad degree programme for students planning a career in management. Further study through an MBA/MMS programme will accelerate your progression in the corporate world. BMS entrance exams are usually held around May. The basic eligibility requirement for BMS is at least 50 percent average in class XII in any discipline. After my graduation in commerce and completion of the company secretary course in 2016, I™m keen on working for the United Nations or its associate agencies. Please advise. Subroto Mukherjee, Kolkata The UN and associated agencies such as Unicef, Unesco, etc employ people from a variety of disciplines including developmental economics, social work and international relations. It would be advisable to pursue a postgraduate programme in any subject and thereafter apply for jobs advertised by these agencies. Please remember that they have a…