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I’m a class XII commerce student interested in a career in journalism. Will a BMM (bachelor of mass media) degree help me get started? Neela D’Souza, Mumbai A BMM degree is a good stepping stone for a career in journalism. Two specialisations offered in the BMM programme are advertising and journalism. Career prospects are bright in the print and audio-visual media for journalism graduates. I’m a class XII (commerce) student. I would like to do CA (chartered accountancy) parallely with my B.Com degree programme. Can I also pursue the CS (company secretary) study programme simultaneously? Deepak Rane, Pune Concentrate on completing class XII, then focus on your B.Com and CA programmes. Additionally signing up for the CS programme is not advisable as it’s best to focus on any one professional programme at a time, as you have to study for your undergraduate degree conterminously. After my B.Sc (IT) degree, should I opt for a career in IT or teaching? Ravi Nair, Bangalore If you are interested in teaching, you should sign up for a B.Ed programme which will qualify you to teach in schools. Alternatively you could enroll in an MBA diploma programme which will multiply your job options. With a mere B.Sc degree, you will be eligible only for entry-level jobs in an IT company. I am a class X student keen on a career in hotel management. Please suggest diploma courses in hotel management. Nandini Iyer, Chennai Short-term diploma courses in hotel management with cookery, bakery and confectionery as specialisations are offered by a host of institutes across the country. However, it’s advisable that you complete your Plus Two and then opt for one of these diploma programmes. A Plus Two certificate will also qualify you to apply for courses offered by the highly-reputed Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition which has branches countrywide including Chennai. Employment opportunities in this career are excellent as the hotels and hospitality industry is growing steadily. After completing my class XII (arts), should I enroll in a BBA (bachelor of business administration) or English (Hons) degree programme? I want to pursue an MBA after graduation. Nalini Mehta, Ahmedabad Since you are planning to acquire an MBA, it would be more useful to enroll in a BBA degree programme. However, if you aren’t quite sure about your career plans, sign up for the English (Hons) programme followed by an MBA. Can I write a bank exam while doing my BAF (bachelor’s in accounting and finance) course? After completing this course, I want to do an MBA.  Cyrus Irani, Mumbai Bank exams are for two entry levels: clerical cadre (after class XII) and probationary officer (after graduation). Currently you are eligible to write the clerical exam. But if you want to write the probationary officers exam, you will have to graduate. You can also study for B-school entrance exams and opt for an MBA in finance. This is advisable as you won’t be totally dependent on success in the bank exam, as an MBA diploma gives…