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I will complete class XII (science) next year and am interested in a career in meteorology. Which institutes offer this subject and what are their eligibility requirements? Deepak Iyer, Chennai Meteorologists understand, explain, observe and forecast the earth’s atmospheric phenomena and/or how the atmosphere affects earth and life on it. Specialisation in meteorology can be attained after study through various levels. You should focus on physics, chemistry and mathematics at the Plus Two level. Next, sign up for a bachelor’s degree programme in physics, mathematics, geology/geophysics, applied mathematics, statistics or computer science. This should be followed by a Masters degree or a postgraduate diploma in atmospheric science, meteorology or climatology.  Andhra University, Visakhapatnam; Cochin University of Science & Technology; and MS University of Baroda, Vadodara offer M.Sc programmes in meteorology. Punjabi University, Patiala offers a postgrad diploma programme in meteorology and Bharathiar University, Coimbatore’s study centre in Pune offers an M.Sc programme in climatology. After class XII I want to enroll for a BMM (bachelor of mass media) study programme. Should I choose journalism or advertising as my specialisation? Nandini Mehta, Mumbai Both careers are related to mass communication. Therefore writing skills are important. Introspect about what appeals to you more and assess your strengths and aptitude. After completion of a BMM degree, you have the flexibility to enroll in postgrad programmes in either field.  I’m a second year BA student and want to sign up for a course which will help me land a teacher’s job in a junior college. Please advise. Sonali Kulkarni, Pune You must press on to acquire a Masters degree followed by a bachelor of education (B.Ed) qualification. Keep track of admission notices of B.Ed colleges in the final year of your MA degree programme.   What is the job market reputation and rating of an MCA distance education degree vis-à-vis a full-time programme? Suresh Nair, Bangalore As far as the course content is concerned, there’s no difference. However, a full-time MCA degree programme will definitely give you greater practical experience. Hence, given a choice, employers tend to prefer graduates with a full-time degree from a reputed university. Generally speaking, distance MCA programmes are targeted at working professionals who want to enhance their qualifications, or students already enroled in full-time study programmes. Also some full-time MCA departments offer campus placements — a facility not available to those studying through the distance mode. Other things being equal, it’s advisable to pursue a full-time programme to improve your career prospects. I’m a third year B.Com student and keen on a career as an actuary. Please advise. Dhiren Shah, Ahmedabad Actuaries are the analytical backbone of a country’s financial security programmes. They design and develop insurance products, weigh risk, and discharge asset and liability valuation duties. This profession offers handsome rewards in terms of intellectual challenge, professional status, job satisfaction and attractive remuneration. To qualify as an actuary, you must be accepted as a member of the Institute of Actuaries of India. This involves clearing a tough 16-paper exam conducted by the institute. For…