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I intend to pursue postgraduate studies in clinical research after completing B.Sc in microbiology next year. What are my career prospects? Arvind Swamy, Chennai The clinical research industry recruits trained medical/dental investigators who could be graduates in pharmacy, life sciences and biotechnology for managing clinical sites; clinical trial coordinators for signing up patients; clinical research associates, essentially data and site monitors, and clinical data managers. In sum, clinical research is a highly rewarding career. I™m a B.Com graduate working in a firm for the past four years. To improve my career prospects, I want to sign up for an MBA degree programme. Should I opt for a part-time or full-time course? Deepak Shinde, Pune A full-time MBA course is preferable, especially for individuals with two-three years of work experience. But if you have more than seven-eight years of work experience, a part-time MBA will do. I want to enroll in an MBA degree programme in tourism studies after completing my undergrad studies. Which country offers the best postgrad tourism programmes? Navin Malhotra, New Delhi The US is perhaps the best study destination for a Masters in tourism ” preferably an MBA (tourism and hospitality management). The admission procedure requires aspirants to apply to universities/colleges through their online portals. Applications should be supported with academic transcripts, proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS scores), statement of purpose, recommendation letters, etc. Some universities may also insist on a good GMAT/GRE score. I™m interested in a career in dietetics and nutrition. Which subjects should I opt for in undergraduate studies? Christina Vaz, Mumbai You could sign up for a B.Sc in home science, food technology/science or nutrition followed up with a Masters or complete a bachelor™s of life sciences course followed by a postgrad diploma programme in nutrition and dietetics. With growing health and lifestyle awareness within the public, career prospects are promising. I will complete my B.Sc (chemistry) in 2016. What are my options after graduation? Neeta Desai, Ahmedabad You could enroll in a Masters in chemistry. After postgraduation, you become eligible for the position of a researcher/scientist at eminent institutions such as TIFR, BARC, DRDO, etc. Once employed, you could simultaneously continue your studies and enroll in a Ph D programme. After graduating as an IT engineer next year, I want to pursue a Masters in information technology at a foreign university. Please advise. Dilkip Chatterjee, Kolkata Most universities abroad offer the Masters programme in IT. The most popular study destinations are the US, UK and Australia. Every country has differing admission procedures and requirements. How important is the job of a social media manager in commercial organisations? I finish my postgrad degree in mass communications next year and am interested in working as such. Neena Sippy, Mumbai A social media manager increases a company™s brand awareness by writing blog posts, Facebook, Twitter pages and develops and manages social media campaigns, and regularly updates her organisation™s page on social networks with relevant and engaging content using analytic tools to gauge click-throughs and…