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Q: Dear Sir,
I'm 18 years and doing my Local ALs this year in the Bio Science stream. I did science because I was interested and wanted to learn more on science before my higher studies. My aim is to hold an Executive Post and ultimately become a CEO of a reputed company. So I'm hoping to do an MBA after my exams. What other courses/degrees should I follow in order to reach my goal?

And will learning foreign languages be an advantage towards my goal?
Your early response is highly appreciated.

Guidance Seeker
Via Email
Dear Guidance Seeker,

A:I see, too much of your effort is focused on gaining knowledge, but not enough time dedicated to putting that knowledge into practice. In an article published by the HBR, Myth of the well educated manager, the author Sterling Livingston points out there is no relationship between performance in school or training programmes and records of success in management,

The article discusses the inability of formal management education programmes in both universities and industry to develop explicitly the traits, knowledge, and skills that are essential for career success and leadership in any business organization.

Today this comment is more than evident, when one looks at the failure of the most educated CEOs who have studied at some of the best institituitions known for its leadership and best practice.
In a nutshell you need to develop enterprise skills, which are problem solving, working with finance, being creative, taking and managing risks and a can -do attitude which comes with experience.
For example you can start at the bottom with a start up bio tech company.

For inspiration you can turn to people like Anita Roddick(Body Shop),Bill gates,or Steve jobs, Sir Richard Branson.
Ask your self the question why have Sri Lankan companies not achieved truly global status.
The problem ????? You figure it out.

Q: My name is Sarala and I've sat my local O/L. My results were 4As, 3Bs and 1C. I prefer the IT field so I planned to skip my A/L and go through an IT degree. I would appreciate if you could advise me on this and tell me whether it would be a problem later on because of skipping my A/L.
Would appreciate your quick reply via e-mail.
Sarala.

Dear Sarala,
A: The lack of certainty over the value of university degrees is "descending into a farce," says the chair of a committee of MPs investigating degree standards.

I hope you understand what this statement means, I have met many a student who have got an IT degree skipping their A/Ls only to realize they end up paying more for it, since the programme would start you up on a foundation programme, but also realizing that the degree is not going to get them anywhere.

Based on some mystery customer surveys done by me, some local institutions put students in grave difficulty by promising them prosperity and speed when they skip the A/Ls.

An institution can award as many firsts as it wants as long as it satisfies its own criteria of what a first means,". The degree classification system is no longer "fit for purpose" - and therefore be careful that the degrees are not national courses or exams and that standards are individual to each institution.
As such it is possible for universities/institutes to decide how many degrees are awarded at upper levels - as long as they matched the rules set by the university themselves.

Tell me the options you have chosen for the degree. I could then give you focused insight.

Q: I did my A/Ls in 2008 in the Bio- Science stream.... being a bio student can I choose CIMA for my higher studies? I haven't done commerce as a subject in my O/Ls either... and what are the career paths? Must I complete every stage to be employed? And what are the employments that suits a girl? And how much will it cost approximately?
Confused Sstudent
Shihana Nazeer

Dear Shihana,
A: I see three issues with your question:
First, you have not decided on the critical question, career first or qualification first, make a decision
Second, you have not explored the options available with the bio stream. Please refer my previous career guru questions, where the options were shown out

Finally, you need to explore where this qualifications would take you that is either the Bio or the CIMA option.
Find answers to the above and write to me.