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"Never be disappointed with 'start up' problems. Do a course in entrepreneurship."
"Engage in community, participate in academic competitions outside your required course work (increase your intellectual capacity), and develop a habit of leadership."
On May 15, 2015, Rediff.com had organised an online chat with overseas education consultant NNS Chandra.
For those who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript.
Suraj Solanki: I've finished my engineering in information science last year.
I have been working to start a company of my own, but due to many reasons I could not start it up.
I run a website to keep me busy doing something. I had a job I did not join.
Now I'm thinking either to go for "MBA" or "MS" which is the best and where must I study. I'm good at Business and also technology.
NNS Chandra: Several universities offer technology management at masters level. Try that out.
Never be disappointed with 'start up' problems.
Do a course in entrepreneurship. Take a look at several online courses available.
Jayalakshmi Hirevenkanagoudar: My daughter did MBBS in India , now want's continue her education in USA what is the procedure and which are the good universities do MD, MS
NNS Chandra: Continuing her MD in USA would be a challenge.
It is technically possible but a long shot.
Doing an MS or a diploma would be a good idea for her to get to know US health care system and build her network. May be even write some qualifying exams while here.
Anurag Bhargava: hi, I want to work in USA, I have done BTech and 6 years of work experience.
My question is which are short term courses in management or supply chain management I should do so that I can get job there and what's the job market condition over there? Thanks.
NNS Chandra: Hi Anurag, US job market is OK, I would say. For now.
Added 200,000 new jobs last month (Ref-Job report by US Govt.). Try out online courses with MIT or Berkeley.
Abhisar: I am looking forward to PhD-procurement work in US- my education background is Engineering Bachelor's and Master's Degree with 5 years of professional experience, kindly suggest how to move forward and get through.
NNS Chandra: Get yourself organised and plan for GRE, TOEFL etc.
Work on your SOP. And identify research topic, and develop an abstract.
May be then you can start looking at universities, professors and start communicating.
Sundar: Hi, I completed masters in Engineering and have close to 10 years of IT experience in India.
I always had interest to pursue PhD in US but worried about the cost part.
I'm married and a father of two.
Will I be able to survive with family during my PhD with the financial assistance from the university?
NNS Chandra: I understand, Sundar. My simple answer would be -- it all depends on you. I have done that myself.
I have seen several students coming from different parts of world, doing two jobs and at the same time working on their doctoral degree plus running their families -- even taking kids to soccer games:-)
It is possible. It is all in you, your determination and commitment.
Alan George: Dear Mr.Chandra, how to get into the best universities in the US?
Will there be any fees waiver in the 2nd year, if the student performs well in the 1st year?
What will be the approximate cost to study MS in a reputed university ?
NNS Chandra: It is easy to answer your first question, Alan.
Work hard, get top grades, great GRE, be a good engaged student and present yourself in a neat SOP.
I am yet to see a waiver in 2nd year based on 1st year performances. But have seen assistance offered. Several of them. And last question - cost varies. I won't advice to do that.
ZEN: My son has just completed class 10 here in India.
He is a national level basket ball player and wishes to go to the US for undergrad studies and wished to play basket ball professionally.
He is preparing to give his SAT and Toefl. What universities in US should he look at??
NNS Chandra: Hi Zen -- you must be proud.
If you can send your sons credentials, I can get it evaluated by my colleagues Mr O’Bannon or Kenyon Murray (Kenyon used to play professional basketball and both of them are accredited BB coaches too) They might be able to guide your son into an appropriate basketball programme.
I put your question across to my colleague Aplphonce O'Bannon. This was his reply.
I quote "This is a WISH of all kids. He should come and compete in US, be in the SEP for 1 or 2 years.
Be noticed and in BE RECRUITED so he can be noticed. Basketball is very competitive and opportunities for professional are limited."
sridhar-nanagiri: Can you suggest how is study in Singapore?
Singapore is catching worlds attention for its innovation and smart city concept. Will it a good destination for my son who wants to study analytics degree in data mining?
NNS Chandra: You are right, Singapore is becoming a education destination. Lots of opportunities. Good Universities. Great facilities.
I always think a good amount of learning happens outside the class rooms and outside the walls of Universities. As a city state, there are challenges when compared with a place like Boston, for example.
Simon Xavier: I want to study in Melbourne in engineering branch so pls tell me how much I have to score in IELTS?
NNS Chandra: In my understanding, minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS is required for admission at the first-year level.
An alternative is TOEFL (iBT): minimum score 79-80. Each university can provide details of its own requirements.
Megha Nambiar: Hello Sir, I am doing my third year in B.E in computer science and im doing it from India, and I am very much interested in pursuing my graduation in animation and I want to do it from abroad.
Can you help me with the best university and from which country should I get it done and please help me with the fee information, thanks.
NNS Chandra: Hi Megha - It would be a fascinating Masters, I can assure!
Do you want to approach it from arts side of it technology side of animation?
Vinu Murthy: Hi sir, I am studying in my 3rd year BBM, and I wanted to ask you whether I am eligible to write GRE? And my second question to you is that whether business schools all over accept GRE scores for their MBA programs?
NNS Chandra: Yes, Vinu Murthy. This is the best time to try out GRE. What do you mean all over?
GRE/GMAT scores are popular choices of admission officers of B Schools in North America to understand strength and aptitude of the candidate.
rksatija: Hello sir, my son doing Diploma in Civil Engineering after diploma and he want to settled in Europe Country. Please suggest me which country is best for study.
NNS Chandra: If the question is about academics and focus in study, I would say, try Germany.
The question is very general.
If I can know more about your son, your resources, long term plans, I might be able to guide more properly.
I must say – plan for three things 1) GRE 2) TOEFL 3) SOP Start preparing, fix dates.
Make firm plans. Then look for your topic of interest (research). Work on it.
Identify universities, professors and go over their publications -- around your selected topic.
senthilpalaniarjun: my son is doing his MECHATRONICS course. Tell me about the career options and internship facilities available in U.S and Eroupe countries
NNS Chandra: Where is he doing the course, Mr Senthil?
Discipline has been popular in Europe for a while now, starting to get attention it deserves, in my opinion, in North America.
The multi disciplinary approach to engineering and especially product development and design is key this decade, you can be assured of great career prospects.
I have seen internship requests in several Universities and sites. Should be a lot available.
Suresh Mehta: [SKB] I have just finished my class 10 exam, so I want to study in abroad.
Can you suggest me how can I study in abroad and what to do to study in abroad ?
NNS Chandra: Great Suresh. Appreciate your interest.
I would encourage you think more in terms of preparing for University.
In India, there aren’t many University Prep programs.
Are you an IB student? Any case plan, build a 2-year plan for yourself.
Engage in community, participate in academic competitions outside your required course work (increase your intellectual capacity), and develop a habit of leadership.
If you are looking for US, then you might have to take SAT/ACT and/or TOEFL.
If you need guidance, please feel free to write me.
Photograph: Jonathan Alcorn/Reuters
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Have questions for NNS Chandra? Post them here! He'll answer them every Friday between 3 pm and 4 pm IST.
You may also email him on syam.chandra@transwebglobal.com
Based in Boston, USA, Chandra is an engineer by training, an academician by trade and researcher by passion.
He often shuttles between India and the US to coach students in admission related counselling.
He is associated with professional organisations like Study Iowa, NACAC, OCACA, ACA, ASCA to name a few.