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Sushil Sukhwani  |594 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Sep 30, 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
Aditya Question by Aditya on Sep 29, 2023Hindi
Career

I am a student in 3rd year of my B.Tech in Computer Science. I want to pursue Masters in either Data Science or in Artificial Intelligence. I like both of the fields. But I don't know if I can get a combined course or are those individually done. I need guidance to which one is better if I'm planning to do it from Germany.

Ans: Hello Aditya,

To begin with, thank you for getting in touch with us. I am glad to hear about your plans on pursuing a Master’s degree after the completion of your Bachelor’s. To answer your question first, I would like to inform you that your professional objectives and interests will play a key role in deciding whether to pursue a Master's in Data Science or Master’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Germany. I suggest that you follow the points mentioned below in order to make an informed choice:

1. Get to know your interests: As you have previously mentioned that you have an affinity for both, the field of Data Science as well as the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), I would suggest that you spare some time to dive deeper and acquire a deeper understanding of both the fields. Familiarize yourself with the particular subjects, course of study, as well as the employment opportunities offered within both the fields as these can prove beneficial in assisting you in deciding which among the two resonates with both, your interests as well as your future ambitions.

2. Research University Standing: As the second step in the process, I would suggest that you conduct an extensive study on both, the universities’ repute as well as the standing of the universities in Germany that provide a Master's in Data Science or Master's in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Remember, your professional possibilities can be greatly boosted through studying at a university with high repute in your preferred field of study.

3. Examine the availability of courses: Next, I would suggest that you check the availability of courses. Keep in mind that although specialized Master's degrees in the fields of Artificial Intelligence or Data Science are offered at certain universities, students’ on the other hand, may be offered courses by other universities that include both disciplines or enable them to specialize within their Engineering or Computer Science programs. I recommend that you conduct a study on German universities offering these programs to decide which programs best match your hobbies and interests.

4. Investigate the Program’s Curriculum: Be sure to look into your preferred programs’ curriculum or content. Machine Learning, Data Analysis, and Statistics are emphasized on in Data Science courses. On the other hand, programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) cover topics like Computer Vision, Robotics, and Natural Language Processing. I would suggest that you investigate courses that align with your professional objectives.

5. Fulfill Language Prerequisites: For the programs you intend pursuing, I would suggest that you look into the language prerequisites for each. Master's degrees are offered in English at the majority of universities in German. Nevertheless, some universities may require students’ to be fluent in the German language.

6. Build Networks and Engage in Internship Possibilities: The technology sector in Germany is expanding. Acquiring hands-on experience can prove beneficial when embarking on your professional journey, and for this reason, I would suggest that you investigate programs offering both, chances to network with business experts, as well as internship placements.

7. Look for Scholarship Possibilities: Studying overseas can be costly. Nevertheless, scholarships help alleviate the cost of studying. I recommend that you look for scholarship possibilities offered by the universities.

8. Take into account your Professional Ambitions: I recommend that you pay heed to your professional objectives. Enrolling in a program in Data Science would be appropriate if you intend pursuing a career in the data engineering, predictive analytics, or business intelligence fields. On the contrary, pursuing a program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) deems fit if you enjoy working on state-of-the-art AI research, wish to enter the field of autonomous systems, or enjoy creating AI algorithms.

9. Consider the Long-Term Benefits Associated with both fields: Take into account the labor market in the long-term. Both the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are highly sought-after worldwide, but I would recommend that you conduct a comprehensive study on both the fields, and determine if one field offers greater chances in Germany or better suits the industrial demands of the country.

10. Lastly, I recommend that you get in touch with professors, academic counselors, or field experts to acquire guidance as they will offer useful information and aid you in making an educated choice.

Remember that exciting job opportunities are offered by both, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science fields. Deciding which field to choose should depend upon your professional objectives and passion, as well as the availability of programs at German universities. To make the most appealing decision for your future, I would recommend that you carry out meticulous research and take into account the aforementioned aspects.

For more information, you can visit our website.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2025
Money
Dear Sir, I am 55 and I am a stage 4 cancer patient for the past 5 years. Presently working with a salary of Rs.30 LPA. I have Rs.75 L in SB account. Rs.25 L in shares out of which Rs.12 L is loss. Rs.12 L in mutual funds. Rs.3 L in EPF. No commitments or liabilities. I need to know how I can get Rs. 70 K per month in case I lose my job. Kindly advise.
Ans: I truly appreciate your courage and clarity even in the face of health challenges. With your current financial resources and the need to secure a monthly income of Rs. 70,000, a detailed and careful plan is very much possible.

Let me give you a full 360-degree solution below, step-by-step.

Understanding Your Present Financial Picture
You are 55 years old and have been living with stage 4 cancer for 5 years.

You are still employed and drawing a salary of Rs. 30 lakhs per year.

You have Rs. 75 lakhs in your savings bank account.

You hold Rs. 25 lakhs in shares, with Rs. 12 lakhs in losses.

You have Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Rs. 3 lakhs is in your EPF account.

You have no loans or financial commitments.

Your main concern is to receive Rs. 70,000 every month if the job stops.

You are not looking to take risks.

You want regular, reliable income without physical involvement.

Step 1: Emergency Medical and Health Fund
Health comes first. Keep money aside just for medical needs.

This fund should cover two years of your full household and medical costs.

Keep Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs aside for this purpose.

This money should be in ultra-safe places.

Prefer a savings bank account and liquid mutual funds.

This should remain untouched unless truly needed.

This emergency buffer gives peace and avoids panic in tough times.

Step 2: Generate Rs. 70,000 Monthly Income
Rs. 70,000 monthly means Rs. 8.4 lakhs needed per year.

Aim for post-tax cash flow from your investments.

Break your funds into income generation buckets.

Use your Rs. 75 lakhs from savings bank as the core capital.

Avoid keeping the full amount idle in SB account.

Allocate funds into low-risk, stable return instruments.

Prefer investment avenues offering quarterly or monthly payouts.

Choose options where you can withdraw in parts if needed.

Step 3: Structured Investment Allocation
Short-Term Bucket: 1 to 2 Years

Set aside Rs. 18 to 20 lakhs for short-term needs.

Put this money into highly liquid options.

Use only those that protect capital and give fixed income.

These funds will generate stable income for the next two years.

Prefer options offering monthly or quarterly payouts.

This will help replace your salary if job stops.

You don’t need to sell any shares or mutual funds right away.

You get time to think clearly, plan calmly.

Medium-Term Bucket: 3 to 5 Years

Keep around Rs. 25 to 30 lakhs here.

Invest in actively managed hybrid mutual funds.

Choose regular plans through a mutual fund distributor with CFP credentials.

Do not go for direct funds.

Direct plans do not come with personalised guidance.

There is no one to help you rebalance, switch or review.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner offer ongoing support.

With hybrid funds, risk is moderate and returns are better than FDs.

Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) to get monthly income.

You can set up SWP of Rs. 40,000 to 50,000 from this bucket.

These funds will last for years while also growing gradually.

Long-Term Bucket: 5+ Years

Keep Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs for the long-term.

This is not for current income, but for inflation beating growth.

Invest in actively managed large cap or balanced advantage funds.

Again, use regular plans with Certified Financial Planner.

These funds will build wealth for later stages.

You can shift gains to the medium bucket after 5 years.

Step 4: Shareholding Review and Action Plan
You have Rs. 25 lakhs in shares.

Out of this, Rs. 12 lakhs are in losses.

Do not sell them in a hurry.

Some may recover if you wait patiently.

First, make a list of all companies and their quality.

Exit poor-quality stocks even at a loss.

Retain good quality stocks with strong future.

If the whole portfolio is confusing, take help from a Certified Financial Planner.

You can harvest the loss now to set off gains later.

Book losses smartly to reduce future capital gains tax.

After cleaning up, move the proceeds to your medium bucket.

Step 5: Mutual Fund Review
You hold Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Find out the type of each fund.

If these are equity funds, hold them long-term.

If returns are low or risk is high, shift to hybrid funds.

Avoid investing in index funds.

Index funds cannot protect capital in falling markets.

They simply copy the market blindly.

Actively managed funds are safer.

Professional fund managers take timely actions.

They reduce your risk and improve consistency.

Step 6: EPF Strategy
You have Rs. 3 lakhs in EPF.

EPF earns stable tax-free interest.

Do not withdraw unless it’s urgent.

Keep it as part of your long-term reserve.

Step 7: Monthly Income Setup
Use short-term and medium-term buckets to get income.

Start SWP from mutual funds for Rs. 40,000 monthly.

Use fixed income tools for Rs. 30,000 more.

Review this every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust amounts if needed based on inflation.

Step 8: Tax Planning and Awareness
Income from mutual funds is taxable.

Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per your slab.

Plan redemptions to avoid tax shocks.

Harvest profits in a planned manner.

Step 9: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Do not invest in real estate.

It is illiquid and needs physical handling.

Do not buy annuities.

They give poor returns and lock your money.

Do not fall for insurance + investment combos.

If you already hold such policies, review them.

Consider surrender if return is poor.

Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds.

Step 10: Use a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner gives structured and unbiased advice.

They help you with fund selection, SWP setup, rebalancing.

They guide you with tax-saving and risk control.

Their ongoing service is crucial at your life stage.

Choose someone with experience and clear credentials.

Finally
You are in a better financial position than many.

You have no loans, no dependents, and have built good savings.

With a calm and simple plan, you can replace your income safely.

You do not need to take risky steps now.

You have already shown strength by managing your life and job for 5 years.

Now your money should serve you with peace and stability.

Break your capital into buckets.

Get monthly income through safe withdrawals.

Review regularly with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid unnecessary complexity or noise.

You deserve a peaceful financial life.

Your health is precious. Let money be your quiet support.

Invest safe. Withdraw smart. Sleep well.

You are already doing well. Just add clarity and structure.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...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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