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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Nov 02, 2023

Sushil Sukhwani is the founding director of the overseas education consultant firm, Edwise International. He has 31 years of experience in counselling students who have opted to study abroad in various countries, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. He is part of the board of directors at the American International Recruitment Council and an honorary committee member of the Australian Alumni Association. Sukhwani is an MBA graduate from Bond University, Australia. ... more
Asked by Anonymous - Oct 01, 2023Hindi
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Career

I am a ECE graduate, who wants to pursue MS in Data Science. I have no prior experience in data science except for a small part of data visualization in final year project. What all things do I need to keep in mind, while looking ahead to do masters in US?

Ans: Hello,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. I am happy to know that you have earned a Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering and wish to pursue an MS in Data Science in the USA. Although you possess no prior experience in the data science field, I would like to inform you that with a background in ECE, it is possible to pursue your Master's in the field of Data Science. However, you will need to take into account the following in order to be able to do so:

Firstly, conduct an extensive study on programs and universities in the USA that resonate with your passion as well as your professional ambitions in data science. To fill in the gap between your background in Electronics and Communication Engineering and as a prerequisite for a program in Data Science, I would recommend that you prepare and appear for required courses in programming (e.g., Python), statistics, and machine learning fundamentals. To showcase your interests and abilities, consider creating your own projects in data science. Also remember that displaying those projects in your portfolio can help make up for your limited experience in the field. Keep in mind that to secure admission, a number of universities in USA require students’ to appear for standardized tests viz., the GMAT or GRE. I would suggest that you look into the particular prerequisites for the programs you intend enrolling to. I also suggest that you draft a strong personal statement or statement of purpose (SOP) outlining how your background in Electronics and Communication Engineering is pertinent to the course you intend pursuing as well as your reasons for wanting to pursue Data Science. Robust endorsement letters from employers and professors who can attest to your abilities in the field of data science should also be obtained by you.

In addition, remember to factor in the tuition fees as well as the costs of living. I would suggest that you look into the available assistantships, scholarships, or other forms of financial aid to help alleviate those costs. Keep in mind the last date to apply to these universities and programs. I recommend that you begin applying beforehand. Follow these steps to pursue your Master's in Data Science in the USA and accomplish your educational as well as your professional ambitions.

For more information, you can visit our website.
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You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 02, 2023Hindi
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Career
My Son wants to pursue Masters in Data Science in US after completing his Computer Science (BE with honors in Data Science). As a parent what are the check list from my end.
Ans: Hello,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. Being involved and encouraging of your son's educational goals as a parent is fantastic. Pursuing a Master's degree in Data Science in the United States could provide him with several opportunities. This list of ideas can help you as a parent support your son during the process:

1. Colleges and programs for research: Assist your son in his quest for renowned US colleges that provide Master's in Data Science programs. Take into account program curricula, academic expertise, research possibilities, and industry contacts.

2. Entry requirements: Know the requirements for admission to the universities your son is considering. This could consist of academic records, LoRs, GRE/GMAT test results, a SOP, and evidence of English language ability (TOEFL/IELTS).

3. Planning Finances: Talk to your kid about the costs associated with studying abroad. Examine several financial choices, including grants, loans, assistantships, and scholarships. Calculate the approximate cost of living expenditures, health insurance, and other connected costs.

4. Visa and immigration: Know the US student visa procedure. Examine the required forms, processes, and any difficulties that may arise. Keep abreast of changes to immigration laws and requirements.

5. Application timeline: Assist your son in making a schedule for the application procedure that includes the due dates for financial aid, admission, and visa applications. Assure that he stays organised and provides all required documentation on time.

6. Statement of Purpose: Help your son write a compelling SOP that highlights his academic prowess, research interests, professional aspirations, and his particular interest in earning a Master's in Data Science.

7. Recommendation Letters: Encourage your son to ask professors, mentors, or other experts for strong letters of recommendation. Assist him in gathering all the data and due dates demanded by the recommenders.

8. Standardized exams: Encourage your youngster to study for exams like the GRE or GMAT if necessary. To become acquainted with the format and scheduling of the exams, provide resources and practise materials, and urge him to take practise exams.

9. Academic readiness: Make sure your son keeps up a high academic record throughout his college education. Find him relevant online workshops, tutorials, or courses to help him expand his understanding of data science and related topics.

10. Collaboration and internships: Support your son's attendance at data science-related conferences, seminars, and workshops. Encourage him to look into possible field internships that could improve his practical experience and expose him to the sector.

11. Wellness and good health: Throughout the process, ensure your son's physical and mental well. While studying abroad, make sure he prioritizes his well-being and develops a solid support system.

12. Cultural adaptation: Prepare your son for cultural differences he may face in the United States. Counsel him about adjusting to a new environment, such as housing, transportation, and local traditions.

Respect your son's decisions and be transparent with him throughout the process. Together, going through the checklist might make the journey easier to manage. Good luck to your son as he pursues his Master's in Data Science!

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 10, 2023Hindi
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Career
Deat Sir, I am 2nd year B.Tech student (Computer Science) and would like to persue MS either in UK or US. I Dont have any knowledge about the right process. Can you please guide me how should i prepare for the same?
Ans: Hello,

First and foremost, thank you for contacting us. An important move in your academic and professional journey involves preparing to pursue an MS in Computer Science in the UK or the US. For the same, careful planning and preparation is crucial. The process involves the below mentioned steps:

1. Study available options: The first step involves conducting a thorough research on universities and courses offered in both the UK and the US. Take into account each program’s standing, the location, expense, and particular research fields or specialties you are interested in.

2. Academic Readiness: Ensure you have a good academic record. Maintain a high grade point average (GPA) and enroll in specialized courses in your preferred field.

3. Appear for Standardized Tests: English proficiency tests like the TOEFL or IELTS are often required for admission to universities in the UK. On the other hand, the GRE is required by majority of the universities in USA. Look into the unique criteria of your programs’ of interest.

4. Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement: Compose a convincing SOP that highlights your academic and professional ambitions, your reasons for wanting to pursue an MS, and your interest in the said course and university.

5. Recommendation Letters: LoRs are of prime importance in the application process. You will need to submit letters of recommendation from professors who can attest to your intellectual prowess and character.

6. Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Make a strong CV outlining your academic accomplishments, research expertise, apprenticeships, and any pertinent projects or publications you’ve submitted.

7. Plans your Finances: Look into the finance possibilities, scholarships, and opportunities for assistantship. International students studying in both, the UK and the US are offered scholarships.

8. Submission Deadlines: Each university has different deadlines, keep tabs on application deadlines for the programs of your choosing.

9. Visa Prerequisites: Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements to study in the UK or US. The application process for each country is unique, and you will require to apply for a student visa.

10. Prepare for Interviews (if necessary): As part of the application process, certain programs may require students to appear for interviews. Prepare for the same by evaluating your application documents and practicing your answers to such inquiries.

11. Submit your Applications: Via the official websites of the universities or through the application portals, submit your applications. Take note of all the necessary documents and costs.

On receiving admission offers, the next step involves preparing to migrate. As part of this, you should find accommodation, organize your funds, and get the required immunizations or medical exams done. Plan your travel beforehand, and on arrival, attend the orientation program held by the university. Prepare yourself for both academic and cultural adaptations. For assistance, consult academic counselors and avail international student services. Start socializing with other students and professors early. Search for internship openings that match your professional objectives.

The application process being cut-throat, you will need to begin well in advance and work hard on every part of your application. In addition, consult professors, mentors, and former students who have already undergone the procedure. All the very best for your MS journey!

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |541 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2026

Money
Sir, How can we reduce the Commision on Regular MF ?What is Steps to avoid the Tax if wants to Switch from Regular to Direct?.
Ans: Hi Amit,

Your concern regarding commision in regular funds is quite genuine and common these days due to the misleading content shared by some people.
You should understand that a whilst regular funds have comparatively lower expense ratio than direct funds, and this has risen to the direct fund popularity. But in actual a direct fund portfolio is only good if you know all ins and out of the market, have proper knowledge and knows the correct way to invest perse your individual profile.

There are few benefits of regular fund portfolio which is highly overlooked:
- a professional builds your portfolio keeping in mind your detailed profile, funds selction are done based on your risk profile
- a professional knows the best time to invrease your investments, to hold and to shift. They constantly monitor the same and periodically review them

And a regular fund portfolio definitely beats the direct fund portfolio made with random tips and zero or less knowledge.
Hence I would not suggest you to switch from regular to direct funds if you are working with a professional.

Also switching from regular funds to direct will attract tax, there is no way to avoid the taxation.

However, you can get your portfolio reviewed from another advisor and ask them to guide you to make necessary changes.

If you do not have an advisor, connect with a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |249 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Feb 11, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi there, I am 53 years and retiring on 31/12/2025. I hvae a daughter and son, both studing and un-married. I am curently holding mutual fund (investment only) of around 15lacs. I am doing a SIP of 12000/- PM. Beside this, i have an equity investment of 15.50 lacs. I do have 65lacs in FD and the same amunt is expected upon retirement. I have a own house and there is no loan obligations currently. i have another 50lacs given to relatives and there is no timeline when I will be receiving this amount. I have around 100000 monthly expense and ofcourse the marriage expenses of my daughter and son in next 3-4 years. Kindly advise the best strategy and utilization of funds. Thank you.
Ans: Hi sir ,
You are entering a very sensitive financial phase where protection of capital becomes more important than aggressive growth. At the same time, you still have 30 plus years of life expectancy to fund, along with two large near-term goals children’s marriages and ongoing household expenses. So the strategy has to balance income, liquidity, and moderate growth.

Let me break this down in a practical way.

1. Where you stand today

Assets available / expected

Mutual Funds approx 15 lakh

Direct Equity approx 15.5 lakh

FD 65 lakh

Retirement proceeds expected approx 65 lakh

Money given to relatives 50 lakh uncertain timeline

Own house no loan

Total financial assets (excluding relatives money)
~160 lakh

If relatives repay, corpus rises to ~210 lakh but we should not depend on it for planning.

2. Monthly expense reality check

You mentioned ?1,00,000 per month = ?12 lakh per year.

Assuming 6 percent inflation, this expense will double in ~12 years.

So retirement planning must create income + growth, not just fixed income.

3. Immediate financial buckets to create

Think in 4 separate buckets instead of one pool.

A. Emergency + Liquidity bucket

Keep 18–24 months expenses.

?20–25 lakh
Park in:

Savings + sweep FD

Liquid / money market funds

Purpose: medical, family, urgent needs without breaking investments.

B. Marriage funding bucket (3–4 years)

Do not keep this in equity markets due to time risk.

Estimate requirement realistically. Suppose:

Daughter marriage 25–30 lakh

Son marriage 20–25 lakh

Total say 50 lakh

Park in:

Short duration debt funds

Bank FD ladder

RBI bonds

Capital safety is priority here.

C. Income generation bucket

This is the most critical post-retirement engine.

From your corpus, allocate ~70–80 lakh.

Options mix:

Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS)

Post Office MIS

RBI Floating Rate Bonds

High quality Corporate FD

Debt mutual funds with SWP

Target blended return: 7–8 percent.

This can generate ?45k–?55k monthly income.

D. Growth bucket (Long term)

You still need equity to beat inflation.

Allocate 25–30 lakh minimum.

Continue SIP (even post retirement if possible).

Suitable allocation:

Large Cap funds

Balanced Advantage / Dynamic Asset Allocation

Multi Asset funds

Time horizon: 10–20 years.

This bucket funds late retirement and healthcare inflation.

4. What to do with existing investments
Mutual Funds (15 lakh)

Keep invested. Review fund quality. Shift to:

Balanced Advantage

Large Cap / Flexi Cap

Avoid small cap concentration now.

Direct Equity (15.5 lakh)

Gradually reduce risk.

Move profits into hybrid funds or debt over 12–18 months. Do not exit in one shot to avoid tax and timing risk.

5. Retirement corpus deployment illustration

Here is a simple structure using your ~160 lakh corpus:

Bucket Amount Purpose
Emergency 25 L Liquidity
Marriage 50 L 3–4 yr goals
Income 60 L Monthly cashflow
Growth 25 L Inflation hedge

If relatives repay 50 lakh later:

Add 20 lakh to growth

Add 15 lakh to medical reserve

Add 15 lakh to income bucket

6. Monthly income gap

Expense: ?1,00,000

Income possible:

SCSS + MIS + Bonds: ~?50,000

SWP from debt / hybrid: ~?20,000

Equity dividends / growth withdrawal later: ~?10,000–?15,000

Gap may still exist initially.

So you may need:

Part time income / consulting (even ?25k helps)

Delay large withdrawals till age 60 when senior schemes expand

7. Important risks to manage
Healthcare

Take a family floater + super top up if not already.

Longevity risk

Plan till age 90, not 75.

Relatives money

Treat as “bonus”, not retirement funding.

Document repayment if possible.

Inflation

Do not over-allocate to FD.

That is the biggest mistake retirees make.

8. Action checklist

Finalize marriage budget realistically

Create 2-year emergency fund

Invest in SCSS immediately after retirement

Restructure equity to hybrid orientation

Continue SIP from surplus if feasible

Arrange health insurance buffer

Write a will and nominations

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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