Student profile: MA Linguistics & Bachelor of Mass Media

A second masters degree is usually unthinkable however, for an ambitious girl with a curious mind it's only the beginning. QS topgradschool.com spoke with Anindita Ghose on education, education and more education.

&wrap= | &md5=1a7255650207f7e9e2091591e2669158" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">&wrap= | &md5=1a7255650207f7e9e2091591e2669158" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">

Nayila JibreelName: Anindita GhoseAge: 25Home city/country: Mumbai, IndiaDegree/s: MA Linguistics (University of Mumbai), Bachelor of Mass Media (University of Mumbai)Place of study: Columbia University, New York (MA Arts & Culture Journalism)Year of intended graduation: 2009Career aspirations: Journalist (Film, Arts and Culture), Creative writer (Fiction, Film)

Education, education and more education that seems to be the key phrase for the 25-year-old double masters graduate studying at Columbia University, New York. Although Anindita's career ambitions seem idyllic, training with an award winning university offers a practical means to attaining a childhood dream. I've always had a curious mind and been a good writer' journalism was an obvious career choice.

Whereas some would stop at a bachelors degree, Anindita believes her chosen courses played a key role in achieving her aims.

Whereas some would stop at a bachelors degree, Anindita believes her chosen courses played a key role in achieving her aims. My undergraduate degree in mass media trained me in mass communication skills. I pursued a graduate degree in an academic field like linguistics for an in-depth approach to subject matter I will encounter in my career as a specialised arts writer. Now, I wish to pursue a second masters degree to consolidate my academic training and stint as a professional journalist.

Prospective students interested in learning from the experiences of award winning journalists and new media specialists on a masters course should hold a previous qualification or work experience in related fields. Before embarking on the program at Columbia University Anindita worked as a freelance journalist for various media outlets and participated in internship programs with local media agencies. I already hold a highly valued masters degree and an undergraduate degree in a related field. This was boosted by a two year stint as a journalist with India's largest selling English language daily The Times of India. My involvement with the arts in various capacities also helped me get selected for the prestigious program.

Graduate school intends to build up or fine tune experienced graduates. Those attending Columbia have already gained prestige and are prepared for alternative careers, anywhere in the world.

Anindita's attraction to journalism is not that of a wannabe crusader, it is of a personal interest in the arts and culture criticism. This is boosted by the opportunities to travel and continually engage with the vibrant world of the arts. Therefore it is not surprising her dream publications for which to work consist of The New York Times, The Times of India and Cond Nast - publishers of established magazines relating to fashion, technology, food, and travel. Most famous titles include The New Yorker, Vogue, GQ and Wired.

Graduate school intends to build up or fine tune experienced graduates. Those attending Columbia have already gained prestige and are prepared for alternative careers, anywhere in the world. Anindita says, Visa regulations make permanent jobs for international students in the US tough. However, the school has an excellent record of placements given the quality of incoming students and the strong alumni network.