Hey, thanks for the warm welcome all :-)

Harsha,
If I understood correctly, you are saying that you wouldn't be able to pursue Post-Grad in your area of interest because of your previous education. This need not be so. It is usually a very flexible system here; for instance I did my Bachelor's in Instrumentation & Control Engineering, yet am pursuing Master's in Computer Science. Hint: your work experience counts. Do mail me on my yahoo address, and I might be able to advise you on this topic!

Jeff,
What you mentioned was something new to me, although I was under the illusion that I had at least a basic grasp of my career prospects in the US! Anyway, I had pondered in depth before coming here and considered several alternative career paths, including entrepreneurship. A Master's degree, while it changes career prospects, to me represents the chance to participate in active research. I've always wanted to know what that is like. I guess it's because of my addiction for "eXtreme R&D"!

Erik,
You seem to be familiar with Raleigh and NC State. I'm guessing you live nearby, and I really wouldn't mind meeting up in person! :-)

kundi