Have a strong base in maths and stats

I am a Class XI student of commerce. I want to become a chartered accountant (CA) but I also want to get a degree in actuarial science. Is there any way I can first complete my CA course and then do one in actuarial science?

Naman Jodhani

Since you are in Class XI, I would suggest that right now you keep your focus on getting the best marks possible in Class XII. That will help you:

• Get admission in a good college for your bachelor’s degree
• Have strong fundamentals such that you can clear the necessary exams for the CA qualification (https://www. icai.org/).

After you complete the CA course, you can appear for the actuary exam. Since the CA course is very rigorous, I would suggest that you focus on that course during and after your bachelor’s degree. Especially since you not only have to clear several exams but also successfully complete the articleship/internship under a CA.

Actuarial studies (http://www.actuariesindia.org) is considered equivalent to a master’s degree in India. Anybody with a BTech degree, CA qualification or bachelor’s degree in maths and statistics can pursue actuarial science. Since actuaries specialise in risk analysis and financial modelling, they need to be extremely strong in maths and statistics. Therefore, make sure that your mastery over algebra, integration, vectors, probability and logical reasoning is high.

It is great that you are thinking about short-term as well as long-term goals. I hope you spend most of your energy achieving short-term goals so that long-term goals become more feasible. Keep yourself open to change and make appropriate decisions in keeping with emerging opportunities.

MTech or MBA

I am in the final year of BTech (information technology). I want to pursue management in information technology or MBA/PGDM in finance, but my elders suggest that I opt for MTech in information technology or computer science instead. Which of these courses will ensure a good starting salary?

Rishita Chowdhury

People succeed with both degrees (MTech and MBA). You should plan your career based on your strengths. If IT is your area of strength, jump into MTech, no questions asked. If you prefer corporate finance, an MBA degree may be the best way forward. However, it will be better if you work for a couple of years before joining an MBA course. Since working with hedge funds, mutual funds or equity will require a strong ability in maths, get a degree in maths and finance (combined) or financial engineering.

Degrees are just tools that enable you to meet your goals. But if your strengths are not in tune with your qualification, it will be difficult to succeed.

Luck and personality play a role in determining the salary package an individual gets. But the key differential will always be the skills you bring to the table during placement.

Shivani Manchanda has master’s degrees in career counselling and child development. She has been counselling about opportunities in India and abroad since 1991. Mail your queries to telegraphyou@gmail.com with Ask Shivani in the subject line