What to Do After 12th Class

After passing 12th class examination most of the students get confused what to do after 12th class.

What career options should they choose?
What should they do to get high paying jobs etc?

Some students already set their goals at very early stage but most of them don’t. There may be several reasons for that and one reason is lack of proper guidance and when they pass the 12th class then a question arises in their mind what is the best short term course which can provide them early job and high salary package or what should they choose to make their career bright. So pre planning, guidance and an aim should be very important.

If you have not set your goals or you are just awake then don’t worry, take proper guidance for various courses and careers opportunities in your stream as well other stream. First come to know about various courses and career options in Arts, Commerce or Science steam. If you have interest in computers, software, we designing etc, know about the career option and available courses. If you have interest in particular field, take proper knowledge about the same.

Course and career options available after 12th

Careers in Civil Engineering

Considered as one of the oldest engineering disciplines, Civil Engineering involves planning, designing and executing structural works. The profession deals with a wide variety of engineering tasks including designing, supervision and construction activities of public works like roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, airports, dams, water works, sewage systems, ports etc. and offers a multitude of challenging career opportunities.

A civil engineer is responsible for planning and designing a project, constructing the project to the required scale, and maintenance of the product. A civil engineer requires not only a high standard of engineering knowledge but also supervisory and administrative skills. The planning part of their work involves site investigation, feasibility studies, creating solutions to complications that may occur and the actual designing of structures. They have to work with the guidelines of the local government authority and get plans approved by the relevant authority. They may prepare cost estimates and set construction schedules. Construction work involves dealing with clients, architects, government officials, contactors and the supervision of work according to standards. Their work also involves the maintenance and repair of the project.

The major specialisations within civil engineering are structural, water resources, environmental, construction, transportation, geo-technical engineering etc. On most projects, civil engineers work in teams or in coordination with many other engineers. They can find work as a supervisor of a construction site or a managerial position or in design, research as well as teaching in government services or private concerns. They can also work as independent consultants.

Eligibility: Educational: A bachelor's degree in Engineering is the minimum requirement to become a qualified civil engineer. A post graduate degree is required for research or teaching posts and an additional degree in business administration is desirable for management positions.

Engineering courses are available at two levels. There are the degree and postgraduate degree courses offered by the engineering colleges and Institutes of Technology (IITs), and, the diploma courses available at polytechnics. There is also the Associate Membership Examination of the Institute of Engineers (AMIE), which enables working people in the private and public sector, or diploma holders to acquire a Bachelor's engineering degree through distance education. IIT Chennai and Institute Of Post Graduate Studies And Research, Hyderabad gives MS courses in civil Engineering, through distance education, the basic qualification of which is BE/ B tech in engineering.

The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech in Civil Engineering is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with high percentage of marks in Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics).

Selection: Selection to the graduate courses ( BE / B.Tech ) is based on merit i.e the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through entrance exams. Entrance to the IIT's is through 'JEE' (Joint Entrance Exam) and for other institutions through their own separate entrance exams and other state level and national level exams. Apart from the IIT's, some other famous institutes also recognize JEE scores for selection. Selection to the postgraduate courses ( M.Sc / M.Tech) in different universities is through an 'All India Combined Entrance exam' conducted by JNU, New Delhi and to IIT's through 'GATE' in Two year/ 4 semester M.Tech courses and through JEE in five year integrated M.Tech courses.

Duration: BE/B.Tech courses are of 4 year's duration. The diploma courses are of 2-3 year's duration

Fees: In private colleges fees range from approx Rs.1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh annually for a bachelors degree. In IIT's it varies between Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 20,000/- per year.

Personal Skills: A civil engineer needs to have a sharp, analytical and practical mind and give attention to details. Excellent communication skills is a necessity and he should have the ability to get along at all levels, as part of a team. He should be good at organizing and solving problems. He may need to work under pressure and have the ability to keep calm during crisis.

He needs to know about surveying methods, environmental issues like whether the area is susceptible to tremors or has sandy soil etc, properties of building materials like its load bearing strength, resistance to fire and corrosion etc. Besides having a good technical designing knowledge conceptualising structures, they should be computer literate in order to use design, drawing and word processing software. Civil engineers need to know building and safety regulations, local authority and government regulations, acceptable standards for construction and how to draw plans.

Job Prospects and Career Options: Civil Engineers can find job in Government departments, private and public sector industries, research and teaching institutions etc. Job opportunities for civil engineers are expected to increase as fast as the average for all jobs, although the construction industry is vulnerable to fluctuations in the economy. Civil engineers will always be needed to maintain and repair existing facilities and structures and to construct new ones. After doing B.Tech, one can look for jobs in road projects, building work, consultancy firms, quality testing laboratories or housing societies. The experts say there is a high demand for experienced civil engineers in developed countries.

Civil engineers are employed in all the major construction projects carried out by the state or central government, the railways, private construction companies, military, engineering services, consultancy services etc. Civil engineering graduates can also go in for research and take up teaching or they can open their own independent consultancy services.

Remuneration : The earnings depend on the industries employing civil engineers such as Central or State government departments or private concerns. In India, a bachelor's degree candidate in civil engineering can receive a starting salary of Rs.4000 up to Rs 7500 approximately with 2-3 years experience. With more experience or as an established independent consultant one could earn more. Most employers prefer candidates with Computer (Autocad) knowledge.

Companies abroad in Singapore, UAE etc pay Rs 15000-20,000 approximately for candidates with 2-3 years experience. In USA, according to a 2001 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, a bachelor's degree candidate as an initial salary offers averaging $40,616 a year, master's degree candidates received an average offer of $44,080, and Ph.D. candidates were offered $62,280.

Careers in Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy alias physical therapy, one of the fastest-growing allied area of medicine, is the system of treatment of disease and disability using physical exercises. It is the most important rehabilitative service needed in a community and a vital therapeutic supplement of the medical profession, integral to the treatment of most patients.

Physiotherapy may be defined as a science that seeks to improve movement dysfunction, promote optimal health and functions of the human body. Physiotherapy helps in optimal functioning of the body. It involves the assessment, maintenance, restoration of the physical function and performance of the body and is strongly recommended for people with degenerative disorders, the physically challenged, sportspeople and those suffering from arthritis and neurological disorders. This preventive and remedial procedure is very often used as a supplement with oral medicines. It could also include heat radiation, water therapy, massages, diathermy, traction and other procedures.

Physiotherapists are as essential as doctors in helping recover and rehabilitate a patient from a state of incapacity, due to genetic defect or the result of an accident or an illness. They must have a thorough knowledge of the human anatomy and the way the bones, muscles and nerves move. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of ailments, so specialisati on is possible in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports physical therapy, neurology, clinical electrophysiologic and cardiopulmonary therapy.

The job of a physiotherapist, which is preventive, restorative and rehabilitative, is challenging but lucrative at the same time. They are qualified to perform a history and physical examination, conduct assessments to determine a diagnosis process, select appropriate physical therapy interventions to treat the dysfunction, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Physiotherapists use various therapeutic intervention techniques to treat a patient. Some of the them are Manual Therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation used to control pain), Ultrasound Technique, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Manipulation, Acupuncture etc. Although the work of a physiotherapist may tend to be physically very strenuous as it involves physically lifting and supporting patients, their profession brings with it much satisfaction, since it involves relieving patients of pain and helping them recover from specific physical ailments.

Eligibility : Students with a science background can opt for a career in physiotherapy. To become a practicing physiotherapist or be employed as a professional in a hospital or clinic, one should have a B.Sc. degree or a diploma in physiotherapy. One could also go in for post graduation. The basic eligibility for courses in physiotherapy is 10+2 passed or equivalent examination with physics, chemistry, biology and English. At least 50% of marks should be secured in each of these subjects. Age limit for the candidates is 17 years.

Selection: The admission to institutes is through entrance examination. There is a Common Entrance Test (CET) for the course in Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT). Admission is based mainly on CET scores.

Durations: There are both degree level and short-term courses available in physiotherapy but all of them may not be recognised by the government. Degree level courses in physiotherapy generally range from 3 to 4 years while short-term courses may be between 3 months to a year. For a Degree Level course, the last six months involves an internship period at a hospital.

The courses are designed to give the students a basic understanding of the human body, based on medical sciences, training in understanding the procedures for therapy and the related skill training. The course contents include anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, psychology, medical and surgical conditions, biomechanics, kineseology, disability prevention, rehabilitation and other subjects. A major part of the course work is practical in nature including an internship period where students work under the supervision of professionals at various hospitals and institutions.

Personal Attributes: Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary for the job of a physiotherapist because it is very people oriented. To be a good physiotherapist, one needs an above average analytical and logical reasoning skill, scientific reasoning and problem solving skill, ability to memorize and recall scientific facts, manual dexterity and physical stamina to work long hours, patience and understanding of people, a sympathetic approach towards the patients, a keen desire to help people live their normal lives, must be level headed to deal with emergencies in work conditions, strength of mind and purpose, team spirit, good observation power, ability to instill confidence and courage in patients. These attributes together with a thorough knowledge of the human anatomy are the makings of a successful physiotherapist. The work demands an organised and systematic way of working. Working as per the directions of doctors, keeping record of the work done and technical precision are important in the profession.

Job Prospects and Career Options : Employment opportunities for physiotherapists are tremendous as it is a career where the demand exceeds supply. A physiotherapist could be employed in the rehabilitation departments, municipal corporations and private bodies. Their demand in medical institutions is increasing since physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of patients with muscular and cerebral problems. Like all other medical and paramedical professionals, physiotherapists can work in hospitals, orthopaedic departments, rehabilitation centres for the handicapped, schools for the mentally retarded and physically disabled children, health institutions and defense medical establishments. Physiotherapists can also opt for teaching, while those with adequate capital can establish private clinics of their own.

The demand for physiotherapists in the country as well as abroad is immense. They are in great demand in USA, Canada and Australia

Remuneration : The initial remuneration of physiotherapists in government hospitals varies between Rs. 3000 to 5000. But the private hospitals offer a relatively better package. Most well-run private hospitals offer a starting salary around Rs 7,500 which could go up to Rs 10,000 per month. The remuneration for established private practitioners can be almost Rs 20,000 to 40,000 per month.

Some hospitals also pay the physiotherapists according to the number of patients he/she sees. Most physiotherapists, after gaining an experience of around five years, could start their own practices, in which case, they charge according to the number of hours given to individual patients, usually around Rs. 250 to 400 per sitting.

Careers in Interior Designing

Designing is the blend of artistic talents and creativity. Design encompasses a number of different fields. It can be mainly divided into four ie, Fashion designing, Product designing, Graphic designing and Interior designing. Fashion designing deals with clothing and textiles, product designing with designing the products and graphic designing deals with designing for websites, movies, logos, signage, etc. Interior designing is the arrangement of living space i.e organizing, managing and planning of the interiors of rooms at homes, offices, retail shops, showrooms, hotels, airports, exhibition halls, conference centers, theatres, TV and film studios and commercial establishments etc. The objective of designing space is to achieve functionality and to create the right kind of atmosphere for the right budget. Interior designing as a specialisation became popular only in the last few years. Earlier architects would do all the design work, both exteriors and interiors themselves. Of late people have become more conscious of the design, layout and placement of their interiors, for offices, factories as well as residences. This has opened the door for a large number of professional interior designers. Most interior designers specialise in a particular area. For example, some may concentrate on business design, while others focus on residential design and landscape designing. Still others may specialize further by focusing on particular rooms, such as kitchens or baths. With a client’s tastes, needs, and budget in mind, interior designers prepare drawings and specifications for non-load-bearing interior construction, this includes choice and decoration of walls, floors, roofs, choice and placement of furniture and other indoor objects, window treatments and other indoor objects, lighting and control of visual and sound effects. Interior Designer should be aware of the change in trends and keep up with the latest styles. Interior designing as a course has become popular in the last few years, there are only a few institutions offering reputed programmes in interior designing in India. School of Interior Design, Ahmedabad offers Five-year programme and J.J School of Arts, Mumbai offers 4 years Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Unlike many other careers, design inevitably requires both a strong aptitude as well as a creative talent in the field.

Eligibility: The 4 years Bachelor of fine Arts (BFA) programme offers specialisation in Interior Design. The school of Interior design, CEPT, Ahmedabad offers 5 year professional programme in Interior design to candidates who have passed +2 with 55% aggregate in Maths/Biology, Physics, Chemistry and English. Many part time one year diploma course being run in every city, which require very minimal qualification. There are many private institutions offering certificate courses for interior designing, qualification required for such courses is SSLC. Interior designers' success depend on their ability to satisfy clients for that, they must posses certain skills- artistic, technical interpersonal and management skills. Interior designers need to be imaginative, creative, self-motivated and good at listening. Excellent communication skill is essential for an interior designer, as they need to describe their ideas and requirements to clients and other professionals such as builders and electricians. They should have a high level of technical knowledge about past and present styles of architecture, computer-aided design skills, artworks, building materials and infrastructure, texture and lightings. They should be able to calculate the cost of a design and to work out a budget. Interior designers need to have good eyesight and normal Colour vision. In addition, they also need to be able to inspire confidence in their clients and at times accept criticism.

Job Prospects and Career Options: Interior design is one of the fastest growing professional fields. There are lots of employment opportunities for interior designers in various fields. Interior Designers can find employment with architects or architectural firms, builders, public works department, hotel and resort chains, hospitals, town planning bureau, regional and metropolitan development works, private consultancies, studios and theaters and exhibition organizers. etc. They can also set up their own business. Once they make a name, it is a very lucrative profession.

Besides new structures, Interior Designers also plan the interiors of existing structures that are undergoing renovation or expansion. The first step in developing a new design or altering an existing one is to determine the needs of the client, the ultimate function for which the design is intended, and its appeal to customers or users. When creating a design, designers often begin by researching the desired design characteristics, such as size, shape, weight, color, materials used, cost, ease of use, fit and safety. After consulting with the client, Designers then prepare sketches or diagrams by hand or with the aid of a computer to illustrate the vision for the design. In big projects, a creative director or a product development team of designers create detailed designs, using drawings, a structural model, computer simulations etc.

Interior design offers excellent opportunities for those who wish to be self employed, or work part time. It is one of the few professions where one can operate from home with a minimal investment. Designers sometimes supervise assistants who assist them to carry out their creations. Increasingly, designers are using computers to plan layouts, because computers make it easy to change plans to include ideas received from the client. Computers have become essential for many designers, especially those in industrial and graphic design.

Remuneration: Interior design is an immensely rewarding profession. Earnings for interior designers varies widely depending on the type of design they do. Beginners monthly salary range between, Rs. 5000 to Rs. 8000 while established designers gets Rs.50,000 to Rs. 75,000.

Careers in Chartered Accountancy

Chartered Accountancy Course is a professional course in Accounting introduced in our country in 1949, with the enactment of the Chartered Accountants Act. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was formed the same year . This Institute is both an examining and a licensing body. It is the responsibility of the institute to conduct the Chartered accountancy (CA) Course. The course involves a blend of theoretical education and practical training which run concurrently for a period of three years and equips a student with knowledge, ability, skills and other qualities required of a professional accountant.

A Chartered accountant is one who is specialised in accounting, auditing and taxation. He also serves as a management and corporate caretaker. In recent times, accountancy has become popular as a profession. The services of a CA is required in money matters even in a small business . Moreover according to the Company Act only CA's in professional practice are allowed to be appointed as auditors of companies in India. A chartered accountant is a person who is accepted as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) after having passed the Final examination of the Chartered accountancy course conducted by the institute. CA programme is of two years apart from the training period. It has three sections, Professional Education (course-I), Professional Education (course-II) and Final examination. A candidate who has passed the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) or waiting for the 10+2 exam results can register for the CA programme. Commerce graduates with 50% marks, non-commerce graduates with subjects other than Mathematics with an aggregate of 55% marks and non-commerce graduates with Maths with an aggregate of 60% marks has exemption from doing the professional course I and are permitted to register for Professional Education Course II. The registration for Professional Education Course-I & Course II is open throughout the year. A student may register at any time during the year. However, as the examinations will be held twice a year in May and November, it is necessary that a student must register at least ten months before the examinations.

After passing the Professional Education exam II candidates are eligible for registration as articled clerks/audit clerks for practical training.Computer Training Programme is compulsory for the candidates who wish to register themselves as auditor clerk. Students can undergo this programme while pursuing Professional course I or course II. Articled clerk is a trainee attached to a practicing chartered accountant under a Deed of Articles for the duration three years. During this period the articled clerk will also need to continue studies for the CA exam. An audit clerk is a person who has served as a salaried employee for a minimum period of one year under a practicing chartered accountant. During the training period, candidates would be required to work in different areas learning the basics of auditing and taxation This training enables them to learn the technical details of the job as well as to get an idea of the working environment of the profession.

The scope for this lucrative career is bright in an economically developing nation like ours and as such the career can be termed as challenging and rewarding for competent professionals in the field.

Eligibility : A Candidate who has passed the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) or waiting for the 10+2 exam results can register for the Professional Education course I (PE 1)of the CA programme. There are no restrictions with regard to the age of the candidate or marks secured in Senior Secondary Examination. Commerce graduates with 50% marks, non-commerce graduates with subjects other than Mathematics with an aggregate of 55% marks and non-commerce graduates with Maths with an aggregate of 60% marks are exempted from the Professional Education course I, and are permitted to register for Professional Education course II (PE 11). Candidates who have passed the Final Examination conducted by the Institute of Cost & Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) can register for professional education course II.

After passing Professional Course II, the candidates can register as Articled clerks for practical training and for admission to the Final course of the Chartered Accountant. Every graduate above18 years of age is eligible to register as an articled clerk/Audit Clerks for Chartered Accountancy. Computer Training Programme is compulsory for the candidates who wish to register themselves as auditor clerk. Students can undergo this programme while pursuing Professional course I or course II. Candidates aspiring for this career should have a pleasing personality, practical approach and a natural instinct to deal with figures to do well in this profession.

Job Prospects and Career Options : The growing importance of trade and industry along with the rapid growth of capital and money markets in an economically developing nation like ours, has increased the importance of Chartered Accountants enormously. Moreover all the companies registered under the Companies Act, are required to get their accounts audited only by practicing Chartered Accountants. A qualified Chartered Accountant has the option of joining the Government Service, Public Sector undertakings or taking up a lucrative assignment in the private sector. The duty of Chartered accountant is to ensure that the financial transactions of an organisation are maintained according to the law, they also keep track of cost of management of the company and manage tax matters.

Chartered accountants work as Finance Managers, Financial Controllers, Financial Advisors or Directors (Finance) and watch over the finances in the day to day management of companies. Their main areas of work include Accountancy, Auditing, Cost accountancy, Taxation, Investigation and Consultancy.

The accounting department prepares, analyses financial reports and documents of an organisation. Auditing involves checking the accuracy of the financial statements, ensuring that the accounts presented are drawn up on correct accounting principles. Cost Accountancy involves maintaining cost auditing records, compiling cost information, installing cost control and performing cost audits. Taxation involves dealing with direct taxes, like income tax and wealth tax, assessment of taxes, filing returns and providing advice on indirect taxes. Investigation include expert examination of specific aspects of businesses for the information of interested parties on new issues of share capital, the purchase, sale or financing of a business and for reconstruction. The various areas of consulting include Management accounting and internal audit, corporate law advice, project planning and finance, business advise, systems design and information consultancy. Chartered Accountants also act as directors, arbitrators for settling disputes, handling work related to insolvency, bankruptcy etc. and also as executors under a will or trust in order to carry out the administration of an estate or settlements. They are also engaged in activities like markets research, budget planning, working capital management, inventory control, policy planning, securities consultancy, registrar of issues of securities etc.

Some of the opportunities available for Chartered Accountants are in capital markets, business houses and industry. They can also have their own consultancy or private practice which could be more lucrative and satisfying. With the country liberalizing its policies and approach, opportunities are expected to grow further.

Remuneration : Chartered Accountancy is a well-paid profession, be it Government Service, private firms or own consultancy. Most multi-national firms provide numerous perks besides the salary such as medical benefits, house allowance and so on. Some of the average monthly earnings range between Pre Qualification Rs. 2,500 - Rs.3,000, Fresh CA's Rs. 5,000 - Rs. 6,500, Accounts Managers Rs. 6,500 - Rs.8,500, Financial Controllers Rs. 8,500 - Rs. 15,000, Directors Rs. 10,000 - Rs. 25,000 and an experienced CA's may get more than Rs. 25,000 according to the company they work for or depending upon the cities they are working in.

Course Details : CA programme is of two years apart from the training period. It has three sections, Professional Education (PE-I), Professional Education (PE-II) and Final examination.

Professional Education Course -I and Subjects

Anyone who has a 10 + 2 can enroll for the Professional Education Course I. Duration of the course is 10months. Graduates who doesn't have the request percentage of marks have to do the Professional Course I. The registration for Professional Education Course I is open throughout the year. A student may register at any time during the year. The exam will be held twice a year in May and November. Students have to ensure their registration at least 10 months before the examination. The application for registration should reach the office of the institute on or before 30th of June and for November Examination on or before 31st December of the preceding year. A candidate is declared successful in Professional course I, if he/she secures an aggregate of 50% of the total marks in all the papers subject to a minimum of 40% marks in each paper.

Subjects for Professional course I

Paper 1- Fundamentals of Accounting
Paper 2 - Mathematics & Statistics
Paper 3 - Economics
Paper 4 - Business Communication and Organization and Management

Registration for Professional Education course-I

Eligible candidates have to forward their application for registration along with a crossed demand draft for the requisite amount (registration and tuition fee) drawn in favour of Secretary, The Institute of Chartered Accounts of India payable at the respective places where the Offices of the Institute are located.

Professional Education Course-II & Final Course

The CA Programme is mainly divided into Professional Education Course II and Final course. After completing the Professional Education Course I or graduation with required marks can go for Professional Education Course II .The registration for Professional Education (Course-II) is open throughout the year. A student may register at any time during the year. The exam will be held twice a year in May and November, it is necessary that a student must register at least ten months before the examinations.

After passing the Professional Education Examination-II, and computer training programme as specified by the council, the candidate can register as an articled clerk with a firm of chartered accountants for undergoing practical training and simultaneously as a student with the Board of Studies for theoretical education. The candidate is a trainee for a period of three years. During this period he gets thorough knowledge of the various fields in which a Chartered Accountant can render services. During this period the articled clerk will also need to continue studies for the CA exam. On successful completion of the Final examination one becomes the member of the Institute. Member of the Institute may either practice as a Chartered Accountant on his own or go for employment.

Subjects for study:

Professional Education course-II

Group I

Paper 1 - Accounting
Paper 2 - Auditing
Paper 3 - Business and Corporate Laws

Group II

Paper 4 - Cost Accounting and Financial Management
Paper 5 - Income Tax & Central Sales Tax
Paper 6 - Information Technology

Final Course

Group I

Paper 1 - Advanced Accounting
Paper 2 - Management Accounting & Financial Analysis
Paper 3 - Advanced Auditing
Paper 4 - Corporate Laws & Secretarial Practice

Group II

Paper 5 - Cost Management
Paper 6 - Management Information and Control Systems
Paper 7 - Direct Taxes
Paper 8 - Indirect Taxes

Some Useful Contact Information : The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), (Website : http://www.icai.org/common/index.html ) with its headquarters in New Delhi, acts as the nodal agency in regulating the profession of the CAs as well as conducting examinations, granting certificates and exercising disciplinary control over the members. There are five Regional Councils and several branches under them. There are several chapters overseas also.

Head Office : Northern Region- Regional Office: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Indraprastha Marg, New Delhi 110052 Ph: 011-3318371, 3312055, E-Mail: Contact Us (For candidates residing in the states of Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Union Territory of Chandigarh)

Central Region- Regional Office: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, 16/7 Civil lines, The Mall, Kanpur 208001 Ph: 0512-368642, 311048, E-mail : Contact Us (For candidates residing in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan)

Southern region- Regional Office: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, 122, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Post Box No. 3314, Numgambakkam, Chennai 600034 (EPABX No: 044-39893989) E-mail: Contact Us (For candidates residing in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Union Territories of Pondicherry and Lakshadeep)

Western Region- Regional Office: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, 'Anveshak', 27 Cuffe Parade, P.B.No. 6081, Colaba, Mumbai 400005 (Ph: 022-2183122/23/24/25, E-mail: Contact Us ) (For candidates residing in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli)

Eastern Region- Regional Office: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, 7 Russell Street, Kolkata 700071(Ph: 033- 290207, 290321, E-mail: Contact Us ) (For candidates residing in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram and Union Territory of Andaman & Incobar Islands)

Membership fee and Registration fee of the students is also accepted at the following offices-

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, 123 Sardar Patel Colony, P. O. Navranpura,
Ahmedabad - 380014
Telephone No.: (079) - 2768 0946, 2768 0537, Telefax No.:(079) - 2768 0946, 2768 0537
E - Mails : Contact 1 , Contact 2

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, No. 16/0 Millers Tank Bed Area, Bangalore - 560 052
Tel:- (080)2205891, 2252546, 2257109, 2252546, Telefax : (080) 2252547, Email: Contact Us

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, 11-5-398/C Red Hills, Hyderabad-500 004
Tel : (040) 23317026, 23393182, 23317026, Telefax : 91-040-2339320, Email:- Contact Us

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Amber Chambers Vth Floor, 28/A, Budhwar Peth
Pune-411 002.
Tel: 020 - 4451636, 4489732, Telefax: 020 - 4489732, Email:- Contact Us

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, D-1 Institutional Area, Jhalana Doongri
Jaipur-302004
Tel:- (0141) 2707278, 2705396, 2707309

Careers in Photography

Photography is a unique and creative medium of self-expression. It is an art form requiring aesthetic sense as well as technical expertise. A hobby that can be made profitable by going professional by the talented.

With the explosion of the communication network, the growth of advertising and media and the fashion boom, and digital photography, it has now become a profession with great commercial value. Photos are an essential part in both print and electronic media. So this is an area offering great scope for those who have an interest and attributes needed to be a professional.

Being a creative medium, photography requires more of inherent talent for success than formal training. However training hones the inherent skills and help to shine in this competitive field with various specializations like portraiture, fashion and advertising photography, journalistic photography, wildlife and outdoors photography etc. Creating a commercial quality photograph requires the skill for choosing and presenting a subject in a way to achieve the maximum effect with the appropriate equipment. One should have a definite know how of the angle, lighting and the latest equipments and technology to make a name in the field.

Eligibility

Educational: There are no specific academic requirements for full time courses in photography, however, candidates who have cleared the 10+2 exam are eligible for the diploma/certificate courses in photography. There are many students who learn photography along with their college degree, doing a part-time course. Besides the Certificate and Diploma courses in the field, Photography is also offered as an optional subject for a bachelor's degree in Fine arts. Some institutes offer full fledged B.A courses in photography of three year duration.

Besides the academic requirements, having a background in computers or electronics, related work experience and training is beneficial for making a break in the field.

Personal attributes: Successful photographers are creative individuals who can think and communicate in visual terms. They are able to interpret a client’s needs, translating their ideas into images that work. Thus photography basically requires a keen, observant eye, and an intelligent, curious and perceptive mind. A photographer must have full knowledge and command over the variety of cameras, ligh ts and props, and all kinds of photographic techniques. They should have a sense of light and shade and the magic of colours. Photographer must have creativity, determination and good powers of observation. They must also have the ability to work quickly under pressure, in difficult conditions and irregular hours.

Job Prospects and Career Options

Job Prospects

One of the most exciting aspects of photography is the variety of jobs available in the field, ranging from highly specialized, technical work to jobs that require creativity and Visual literacy.

One can begin your career as an assistant of a senior or professional photographer, so that he/she can grasp the finer points of photography. Photographers can specialize in areas such as portrait, commercial and industrial, advertising, scientific, fashion, news, wildlife photography etc. They have the option to either take up jobs with news papers, magazines, advertising agencies, government agencies, industrial houses or work as free lancers. The government employs photographers on a regular pay scale to do general photography documentation, for covering day-to-day events and functions and for making photo features and captioning. Fashion photographers can find employment with fashion houses, designers, fashion journals and news papers.

Career Options

Press photographers are also known as photojournalists. Press photographers supply pictures to the national and local press, and must be versatile with an ability to photograph all kinds of subjects. They must have journalistic instincts, know what makes a good news picture, be able to write accurate captions, work well with reporters, be quick and often work under difficult conditions.

Feature photography essentially involves telling a story in pictures and therefore requires knowledge of the subject. Feature Photographers cover an entire theme or subject with a set of photographs. The work is varied, and leads to assignments at any time and in any place-photographing people at home, or life in foreign parts, or schools at work, anything that makes a story. Photographers specialise in the photography of wildlife, sports travel, environment etc. They may work with news reporters or work as free-lancers and take independent assignments on environment, wild life etc.

Editorial Photographers work normally for magazines and periodicals, nearly always as freelancers. The main task of an editorial photographer is to pictorially illustrate what is written in the article or report. Work can be varied, depending on the article or report, which needs illustration.

Commercial/ Industrial photographer takes pictures of merchandise, exteriors and interiors of factories, and machinery both indoors and outdoors to be used for company brochures, annual reports, and in advertising and selling. An industrial photographer's main emphasis is on taking pictures for a single company or firm. The main intention is to make the company's factory, machines or products look good.

Portrait / wedding photographers: They take pictures of individuals or small groups. Portrait subjects like pets, children, families, weddings, functions and activities of sports and social clubs. However, there is an increasing demand for portraits in the home, garden or workplace, especially in the case of children's portraits. Portrait photographers may work for a studio or be self-employed.

Advertising photographs are either taken by the photographic departments of advertising agencies, by photographic studios, or by freelance photographers. A large number of photographers do catalogue work, while some studios specialize in 'mail order' photography. This is the best paid and most competitive branch; success in this sphere depends entirely on ability, efficiency and the right personality. Advertising photographers are usually provided with instructions as to what exactly has to be photographed. However they are also expected to suggest their own ideas for new angles.

Fashion photography as a career developed recently in India. It is an extremely creative and well paid profession. Most fashion photography is done by specialist studios or freelancers who are commissioned by fashion houses or advertising agencies. They usually work under the direction of a fashion expert. The bulk of fashion photography is carried out in either Mumbai or Delhi and involves by highly sophisticated and well-equipped studios by freelancers who are commissioned by fashion houses of advertising agencies. They can also find employment with fashion houses, designers, fashion journals and news papers.

Fine arts photographers sell their photographs as fine artwork. In addition to technical proficiency, fine arts photographers need artistic talent and creativity.

Digital photography involves the use of a digital camera. The images are captured on a disk, floppy or directly on to the computer. In conventional methods of photography the images were captured on film which had to be processed and then scanned with the help of a scanner onto the computer for any further changes or effects that the image may need. Digital photography saves time and money that goes into scanning images. Digital photography is used largely in the media, as digital images can be stored easily and conveyed quickly over long distances.

Nature and Wildlife Photography involves taking photographs of animals, birds, plants and landscapes. While photos of rare species are in great demand, nature photographs are also widely used as pictures for calendars or covers. Romantic sunsets, flowers, trees, lakes and waterfalls, etc, all make interesting subjects for a nature photographer.

Forensic Photography: A crime scene must be photographed from every angle clearly to show detail, with the emphasis on accurately recording the size and distance of objects. They can find employment with law enforcement agencies, police, legal system and in the investigative services of the government and also private detective agencies.

Freelancing has been the most popular career choice among photographers. Photographers who want to be self-employed need to have business management skills. They must have good communication, problem solving skills, and be able to work independently. They can do freelancing in any of the above fields.

Remuneration

Photographers can start working as assistants to senior photographers, in which capacity they are paid around Rs. 3,500 - 6,000. Your earnings can go up to 25,000, depending upon the designation and the organisation likewise and maybe more once you have established yourself as a freelancer.

Careers in Indian Army

The Indian Army is one of the largest in the world, with a history going back several hundred years. It was during the British era, that a Military Department very similar to the present Ministry of Defence was set up but, with most of the senior positions occupied by the British. It was after Independence, on 14th January 1949, the Army had its first Indian Commander-in-Chief, General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa. The army headquarters is located in Sena Bhavan and portions of the south block of the Red fort in Delhi.

Armed Forces offer excellent career opportunities to the adventurous young candidates. It is a career that offers immense facilities, a privileged lifestyle and of course, honour in serving the country. The Armed Forces characterize the ideals of service, sacrifice, patriotism and our country's composite culture. The basic responsibility of the Army is to safeguard the territorial integrity of the nation against external aggression. In addition, the Army is often required to assist the civil administration during internal security disturbances and in the maintenance of law and order, in organising relief operations during natural calamities like floods, earthquakes and cyclones and in the maintenance of essential services.

The two main lines of work in the armed forces are categorised under the Fighting Forces and the Support Services. The fighting forces comprise the armoured corps, artillery, signals, engineering and the infantry (and similar divisions in the navy and air force), while the Support Services include electronics and mechanical engineering, ordinance corps, medical corps, intelligence and education.

The Indian Army functions under the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), formerly designated as Commander-in-Chief. COAS is assisted by Vice - Chief of the army staff and seven other Principal Staff Officers (PSO's), namely, the two Deputy Chiefs of the Army Staff, Adjutant General, Quarter Master General, Master General of Ordnance, Military Secretary and Engineer- in- Chief.

The Army is divided into six operational commands (Field armies) and one training command, each command under a General Officer Commanding in chief who has an equal status to the Vice-Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS), and working under the control of Army HQ in New Delhi. The major field formations are Corps, Division and Brigade which are commanded by a Lieutenant General, Major General and Brigadier respectively.

The Indian Army is organised into five regional commands:

HQ Central Command, Lucknow ;

HQ Eastern Command, Calcutta ;

HQ Northern Command, Udhampur;

HQ Western Command, Chandimandir; and

HQ Southern Command, Pune.

In addition, there is a Army Training Command at Shimla for the purpose of laying down the training policies for the Army.

The Indian Armed Forces employ more than a million young men and women each year. One can join the Army as an officer or an Army Man. The recruitment to the Armed Forces is voluntary and every citizen of India, irrespective of his caste, class, religion and community is eligible for recruitment, provided he meets the laid down physical, medical and educational criteria. Recruitment into the Army is carried out according to Recruitable Male Population (RMP) of each state

Careers in Call Centres

Call centres are comparatively a recent introduction to the world of career options in India. The career avenues provided by call centres is one of the best suited and growing option which even a fresher can opt for. With the opening up of the Indian economy and the advent of globalisation more and more companies from abroad are basing or outsourcing their call centre services to India, a trend started by GE when it established a call centre near New Delhi in 1998.

A call centre is a service centre with adequate telecom facilities, access to internet and wide database, which provide voice based or web-based information and support to customers in the country or abroad through trained personnel. Call centres exist in all sectors of business including banking, utilities, manufacturing, security, market research, pharmaceuticals, catalogue sales, order desk, customer service, technical queries (help desk), emergency dispatch, credit collections, food service, airline/hotel reservations etc. The wide area of services provided by the call centres makes it a lucrative career with a range of opportunities.

Traditionally, call centres meant only voice-based customer support. But now most call centres are more of a contact centre, offering e-CRM services, that include voice based customer support as well as e-mail response, web-based text-chat services and other customer interaction channels. The call centre services can be 'inbound' where in calls are received from customers enquiring about a service or product that an organisation provides. The call centre services can be 'outbound' where in calls are made to customers to sell products or collect information/money etc. Call centre services can also 'specialised' say in business processing where in calls are made from one company to another company.

Some call centres stick to only domestic businesses dealing with customers within the country called domestic call centres while others such as an International call centre mainly deal with clients from abroad say from US, Europe etc. There is a great scope for Call centres in India, with a large population of educated English speaking people. The wide range of opportunities, comparatively well paid jobs fo r the minimum qualification it requires and the facilities the companies provide like to and fro transport, subsidized meals and medical facilities makes Call centres a good option.

Eligibility

There are no specific educational qualifications required to become a CSO ( Customer Service Officer/Operator or call centre adviser/ representative, customer service representative) in a call center. It is a good option for plus two or fresh college graduates as well as even housewives and retired people.

Personal Skills and Attributes: The skills required vary depending on the project and the type of business that is being handled. A very good command over English language is the main skill required. Computer literacy, typing speed, knowledge of consumer behaviour, marketing skills (a certificate or Diploma in Marketing in case of 'outbound' telemarketing is preferable), the ability to enter and retrieve information quickly from databases and an ability to analyse problems are other useful skills that come in handy.

Good communication and listening skills are important. CSO ( Customer Service Officer) should have the patience to listen to and comprehend the need, be unfailingly polite, good natured, reasonably intelligent to choose between options and remedy problems effectively to the satisfaction of the customer. Persuasion skills are needed in an 'outbound' contact centre where you either collect money from defaulting customers or try to promote sales and encourage customers to use your client’s products. They may be required to work at odd hours especially in International Call centres where the customers may be calling from places where the timing may be several hours behind IST.

Training: Freshers have to undergo intense training to make themselves suited for the job. The training include accent training, listening skills, 'slang' training, accent neutralisation, telephone etiquette, telesales etiquette and cyber grammar, interaction skills, customer relationship, management skills and call centre terminology. They will also be given a thorough knowledge about the product of the company, even how it could malfunction, breakdown and fail its objective, to deal with complaints from customers. Continuous training at regular intervals including updation on the latest references and slang the callers are likely to use, updation on the new products, developing faster ways of accessing information is a must for growth in this field.

There is no standardised training period. It can be between two weeks to twelve weeks depending on the project. There will be an initiation programme, which includes familiarising the companies work culture and the international environment in which they deal with their clients to have an awareness of the culture abroad. Then the actual training begins which includes both theoretical and on the job training.

In India, the training is usually done by the company itself. There are many institutes that give training in this field abroad, recently the trend is picking up in India also. International certifications from STI Knowledge, a leading provider of call centre training in the US have recently been introduced in India. STI offers international certifications following a Web-based exam after completion of the course. The certifications are Help Desk 2000, Call Centre 2000 and Knowledge 2000 for all the three tiers, that is the operators, managers and director.

Job Prospects and Career Options

There is a great scope for Call centres in India. The large population of educated English speaking people and the comparative low cost are encouraging more and more companies from abroad /inland to base or outsource their call centres to India. GE capital, American Express, Wipro Spectramind, Infowavz International (Mumbai), Daksh, Reliance Infotech are some of the call centres which are on a recruitment spree.

Call centre operaters / Customer care executives

This is the entry level in call centres. Your general duties include answering telephone calls, taking down details of the caller’s query and logging this information on a computer, providing the caller with appropriate information or advice, in some cases, selling a caller products or services. In outbound call centre services such as tele-marketing, an operator will also need to identify potential customers and make outgoing calls marketing their organisation’s product, occasionally following-up calls by sending letters, faxes or e-mail, deal with customer complaints etc. A call centre operator’s duties will depend on the type of product or service that the organisation provides and the type of client he/she is servicing. Customer service executives can move on to the technical, financial or the insurance sector etc.

Call centre Supervisors and Managers

After working as an operator for three or four years, you will be promoted to a supervisory level based on your ability and performance. As vacancies occur it will be published in house, an interview will be conducted and promotions made. As a supervisor, you will be in charge of the various operators working under you. Then you can be promoted to the managerial level depending on your experience, ability and skills acquired.

Performance is measured based on targets achieved in the particular business. In outbound centres, like telemarketing your performance is calculated on sales per hour, or in collection department of a bank, performance is measured on contacts made and money collected. In inbound call centres, performance is measured on the basis of average talk time, that is, the time you take to satisfy the customer, analysis and understanding of the problem and the courtesy extended to the customers.

A call centre experience is regarded as worthwhile experience for customer relations, sales jobs or insurance sector. One has a better chance of moving on to other industries with experience in call centres. for eg insurance sector if you have had experience dealing with insurance clients.

Remuneration

As a fresher, one could start his/her career in an International Call Center as a Call Center Executive and earn highly attractive pay packages ranging from Rs. 6,500 to Rs.10,000 approximately per month other than bonuses for outstanding performances.

Careers in Pharmacy

Pharmacy or Pharmacology is one of the main disciplines under Biomedical Science and the pharmaceutical industry. There are many disciplines within the Biomedical sciences.

Pharmacy is related to health sciences. It is the profession responsible for the preparation, dispensing and appropriate use of medication and which provides services to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. A Pharmacists job is to prepare, mix, compound or dispense drugs and medicines, ointments, powder, pills, tablets and injections on the prescription of a medical practitioner, dentist or veterinarian. In detail, they are concerned with production of pharmaceutical products, development of the methods or processes of production and quality control. Those in research concern themselves with synthesis of new drugs (what is commonly referred to as molecules), new processes, clinical testing of the effects of such drugs on animals and humans, and obtaining the required License from the drug control authorities. A pharmacist is required to explain the mode and precautions regarding the use of medicines dispensed in a hospital pharmacy, prepare special formulations normally not available in the market, assist the physician in rendering necessary information about various drugs, their contra-indications, incompatibility etc.

There are over 225 programs in Pharmacy conducted by different universities in India. The main courses in Pharmacy are the 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), 4 years Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), 2 years Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) and Ph.d programmes. The admission announcement usually comes out in May- July.

Eligibility

The main courses in Pharmacy are the 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), 4 years Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), 2 years Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) and Ph.d programmes. Admission to the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), requires a pass in10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Maths or Biology. Candidates who posses 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, Maths & Biology are admitted to the 4-year bachelors program level (Bachelor of Pharmacy or B.Pharm). At Bachelor level there is no specialization. At the masters level (M Pharm) specialization is available in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Engineering etc. And after M.Pharm candidates can go for Ph.d programme in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Marketing & Management.

Some institutions conducts their own entrance test for the admission to B.pharm courses. Main entrance exams for the admissions to pharmacy courses are State wise entrance exams, AIEEE (for degree courses) GATE (post graduation) etc. Institutions like IITs and some other institutions also accept the score of these entrance exams.

After obtaining a diploma or degree in pharmacy, and registering with the state Pharmacy Council, it is possible set up your own pharmacy or chemists and druggists shop to stock and sell medicines and dispense them according to doctors prescription.

Personal Qualities : In order to be a successful pharmacist, one must have a liking for science particularly life sciences and medicine. An ability to put hard work, strong logical thinking, patience, a sense of responsibility, patient counseling skills are some of the qualities needed for pharmacist. Strong analytical abilities and strong academic foundations are needed in the field of research. To be a successful medical representative, one needs to have good communication skills and a flair for convincing people, Retail pharmacists need to have business skills together with good product knowledge.

Job Prospects and Career Options

India has a vast and growing pharmaceutical industry. Increasing number of hospitals, nursing homes and pharmaceuticals companies all over the country is a clear indication of the growing scope in this area. Pharmacy offers reasonably good career opportunities both by way of jobs as well as in terms of starting your own business.

The job avenues for a pharmacist are with pharmaceutical industry, government departments, universities, teaching hospitals, investigation and research institute etc. Within the pharmaceutical industry you might be involved in activities relating to the development, formulation, production or marketing of new drugs for clinical use. Drug control administration and armed forces also offer a wide range of opportunities to pharmacists. Appointments are also available in sale promotion work as medical representatives. As a Medical Representative he keeps the medical practitioner informed about the new drugs and treatments developed by various pharmaceutical companies and thus indirectly promote their sales.

M.pharm or Ph.D holders are normally absorbed in research work, to develop new useful drugs, in laboratories and in production work in pharmaceutical industry and analyzing them for purity and strength. Pharmacist may also take up teaching as a profession as lectures in pharmacy colleges and universities.

Pharmacists are hired within the central and state government departments- the Health Protection Branch of the Department of Health and Welfare, the Pest Control Division of Agriculture, the Department of National Defense, Provincial Research Councils, and the Provincial Departments of Agriculture or the Environment. There is also employment opportunities within the food and cosmetic industries or within any other industry that requires the assurance that new products are as safe and effective as possible. In government departments, a pharmacist maintains proper records according to various Government acts governing the profession of pharmacy. As a drug inspector or government analyst he is to make sure that the drugs manufactured and sold, are of standard quality.

A diploma or degree holder in Pharmacy, after registering with the State Pharmacy Council, can set up and run their own pharmacy or chemists and druggists shop to stock and sell medicines and dispense them according to doctors prescriptions. In a retail Pharmacy he has varied duties, including buying and selling of related items demanded by the public.

Remuneration

Pharmacy is a highly reputed job. In this field, monthly salary is according to the jobs, the pharmacist have taken up. The average starting salary for a pharmacist is around Rs 4,000. Research Scientists Rs.10,000 - 40,000 per month, Medical Representative Rs. 5,000 - 10,000 per month + incentives, Manufacturing Pharmacists Rs. 5,000 upwards, Hospital Pharmacists Rs.3,000 - 5,000 per month, Government Jobs Rs. 1,500 - 2,500 per month (basic) along with Contributory Provident Fund, D.A., Insurance, Medical reimbursement, and other allowances and benefits as per government rules.

Careers in Hotel industry

Hotels are amongst the most visible and important aspects of a country's infrastructure. Hotel industry is a closely linked one to the tourism industry. A number of factors like promotion of tourism and rapid industrial progress have given a boost to hoteliering. The recent liberalisation of trade and opening up of economy will further lead to revolutionary growth in this sector.

With increasing globalisation, career opportunities in this field are not only limited within the country but there are chains of hotels which operate internationally providing scope of a career abroad. It is a glamorous profession which has a bright future. With the growth of hotel industry propelled by foreign and domestic tourism and business travel, the demand for well trained quality personnel too has grown impressively.

The diversity of experience in hotel management is greater than in any other profession. Hotel industry involves combination of various skills like management, food and beverage service, housekeeping, front office operation, sales and marketing, accounting. Today, the rise in corporate activity (leading to greater number of business trips) as well as the wish to travel on holiday has made the hotel industry a very competitive one.

Eligibility

One can enter this field by direct entry or through hotel management institutes. For direct entry the vacancies are generally advertised in the newspapers and the minimum prescribed qualification is graduation with 50% marks. They are trained by the hotels themselves. But Qualified personnel's are always given a higher preference.

Educational: Minimum qualification required to go for a course in hotel management is 10+2. For certificate, diploma and bachelors courses 10+2 is sufficient. Duration of certificate courses is six months to one year. Bachelor and diploma courses are of duration one and half to three years. Those with graduation can go for post graduate diploma courses the duration of which is one year.

Selection to most government recognised institutes is based on common entrance test. Test consists of English, Reasoning, General Science and General Knowledge. The test is of two hour duration and is held around April every year. The test is followed by a group discussion and interview, in which a person's personality and confidence is seen. Private institutes also conduct tests of their own, the pattern of which is almost the same.

Some of the prominent schools that conduct courses in this area are: The Oberoi centre for Learning and Development, 1 Sham Nath Marg, New Delhi- 110054; Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Ra uza Bagh, Aurangabad- 431001; Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Valley View Hotel, Manipal- 576119, National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Pusa, New Delhi.

Course areas include food processing, Food and beverages service, Accommodation operation or front office, hotel accountancy, Business communication, French language, hotel engineering, computer, nutrition and food service, Hotel laws, Principles of management, sales and marketing management, Human resource management.

Personal attributes: They should have a good organizational background, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong commitment and self-discipline. One must be an extrovert, co-operative, polite and respectful to the guests, have patience to deal guest criticism even when you know you are right, willing to work hard even at odd hours and yet be cheerful.

Job Prospects and Career Options

Job Prospects

Lots of lucrative and interesting openings are there for hotel management graduates in various fields like:

Hotel & Restaurant management
Airline Catering and Cabin Services
Club management
Cruise Ship Hotel Management <
Hospital administration and catering
Hotel and Tourism Associations
Forest Lodges
Guest Houses
Institutional Management (supervising canteens in college, schools, in factories, company guest houses etc.)
Catering departments of railways, banks, armed forces, shipping companies etc.
Hotel and catering institutes
Self employment

Career options

A hotel consists main departments such as Operations, Front office, House keeping, Food and Beverages, Accounting, Engineering/ Maintenance, Sales and Security. Each department has a number of positions that one can opt for.

General Operations

General manager who is the main in charge, is the coordinator and administrator, responsible for staff management, financial control, provision of services, quality control and customer care. Depending on the size of the hotel, general managers could have assistant managers to supplement their work.

Front Office

It is the centre of all activities. Important functions of receiving the guests, making room reservations, handling correspondence and preparing bills and keeping accounts of the guest services are handled at the front office. The department is headed by Front office manager or Executive House-keeper who supervises and co-ordinates the work. Then there are Assistant Manager, Lobby executive, front office supervisor, information assistant, receptionist, bell captain, bell boy, doorman etc. to perform their assigned roles.

House Keeping

The work of keeping the hotel, the rooms, the bars, the restaurants etc. clean and making it presentable to the guests and ensuring facilities and comfort to them is handled by this department. Those handling this department are Chief executive house keeper, floor supervisor, room attendants, linen supervisors, Maids etc.

Food and Beverages Department

This department is the hub of the hotel industry and is responsible for all the food that is prepared and served in the hotel. The main functions performed by the department are- presentation, preparation and service of food and beverages involving kitchen, bar and baker. Overall in charge of kitchen is known as Chef de Cuisine,the in charge of section is called Chef de Partis and the one who supervises and coordinates the work of Chef de partis is known as Sous-Chef. One who cooks food is known as Cook, the person in overall charge of dining hall is called Maitre de hotel, Captain in charge of part of dining hall is known as Chef de Range, one who serves food is Demi Chef de Range or Steward. Then there is the restaurant hostess who makes the guests comfortable and deal with any complaints by the guests. Those serving drinks are bartenders.

Accounting Department

This department deals with both cash and credit transactions, i.e all the financial transactions like purchase of materials, offering of services to the guests etc. This department also compiles information required for budgeting, pricing of food and services and so on. Professionals like cash, cost and works accountants are given higher positions in the department. Chief cashier, cash clerk/bill clerk are the positions handled in this department.

Sales & Marketing

This department keeps in touch with travel agents and tour operators as well as other potential corporate clients in order to sell hotel facilities. Advertising and Public Relations is also normally handled by this department.

Engineering / Maintenance Department

Qualified engineers are appointed for the maintenance of the building and various machines involved in the premises. They are assisted by necessary staff in the electrical and mechanical departments. Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineer, Plumbers, carpenters etc are employed by this department.

Then there is the Security department which provides security to the guest and their belongings and employs security Officers/ guards for this purpose. Retires Army personnel are preferred by this department.

Remuneration

After completing the diploma or the bachelor's course, a graduate is usually taken as a trainee. After successful completion of training, they may be absorbed in positions with salaries range between Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,500.

Careers in Bio-Technology

Bio-Technology is a research oriented science, a combination of Biology and Technology. It covers a wide variety of subjects like Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Chemistry and Engineering and is also concerned with many other subjects like Health and Medicine, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Cropping system and Crop Management, Ecology, Cell Biology, Soil science and Soil Conservation, Bio-statistics, Plant Physiology, Seed Technology etc. Bio-Technology is the use of living things, especially cells and bacteria in industrial process. There is a great scope in this field as the demand for biotechnologist are growing in India as well as abroad.

There are many application of biotechnology such as developing various medicines, vaccines and diagnostics, increasing productivity, improving energy production and conservation. Biotechnology's intervention in the area of animal husbandry has improved animal breeding. It also helps to improve the quality of seeds, insecticides and fertilizers. Environmental biotechnology helps for pollution control and waste management.

Most of the information that has led to the emergence of biotechnology in the present form has been generated during the last five decades. The setting up of a separate Department of Biotechnology (DBT) (www.dbtindia.nic.in ) under the Ministry of Science and Technology in 1986 gave a new impetus to the development of the field of modern biology and biotechnology in India. More than 6000 biotechnologists of higher skill are required in India as per the report from the Human Resource Development Ministry. To overcome this vast requirement the department of Biotechnology (DBT) has highlighted the need to set up a regulatory body for the maintenance of standard education under the name of 'All- India Board of Biotechnology Education and Training' under the AICTE.

Eligibility:

If you want to join a course in biotechnology you must have a background in science, that is Physics or agriculture, chemistry and biology at the intermediate level can join for B.Tech. In India, some universities offer the B.Sc biotechnology which one can join after class 12 or equivalent examination, with physics, chemistry and mathematics. Graduates in all sciences/engineering technology/medicine are eligible for the postgraduate (M.Sc.) course in biotechnology. Programme in Biotechnology. P.G. courses available are M.Sc. Biotechnology, M.Sc. (Agriculture) Biotechnology, M.V.Sc. (Animal) Biotechnology, M.Tech. Biotechnology,M.Sc./M.V.Sc.in Veterinary Biotechnology, M.Sc.(Marine) Biotechnology,Medical Biotechnology, M.Tech.in Biomedical Engineering/Biotechnology.Depending upon the aptitude and necessity, more advanced courses such PH.D.and Post-Doctoral Research in Biotechnology can also be pursued.

Integrated M.Tech. programme offered at IIT Delhi and Kharagpur is through a Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), which is held for students who have successfully completed the 10+2 or equivalent examination, with physics, chemistry and mathematics. For admission to IIT, a pass in the IIT-JEE is required. The Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, AIIMS, Jadavpur University, Kolkata and Anna University also offers integrated M.Tech course. Selection to the graduate courses ( BE / B.Tech ) is based on merit i.e the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through entrance exams. Entrance to the IIT's is through JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) and for other institutions through their own separate entrance exams and other state level and national level exams. Apart from the IIT's, some other famous institutes also recognize JEE scores for selection. Selection to the postgraduate courses ( M.Sc / M.Tech) in different universities is through an All India Combined Entrance exam conducted by JNU, New Delhi and to IIT's through GATE in Two year/ 4 semester M.Tech courses and through JEE in five year integrated M.Tech courses in Biochemical engineering and Biotechnology.

Personal Qualities Required-A prospective biotechnologist should have a scientific aptitude and a keen interest in the biological sciences. He should be methodical and patient by nature, able to work neatly and accurately and have a flair for laboratory work. The ability to work independently is another important aspect. ability to use computers in work is very important. biotechnologist needs certain skill of problem solving, information technology skill, analyzing and interpreting skills.

Duration: Three years duration for B.Sc course. Two years to complete the M.Sc. course. B.Tech. course is of four years duration and five year for integrated M.Tech. programme offered at IIT Delhi and Kharagpur.

DBT (The Department of Biotechnology) has therefore, launched an integrated Manpower Development Programme which includes training of scientists/technologists for the expanding biotechnological R&D activities and for filling critical gaps in internal competence. The programme includes

Short term Training Courses;
M.Sc/M.Tech./Post Doc.Programmes;
National and Overseas Associate ships;
Visiting Scientist from Abroad Programme;
Short-term Training Course for Industrial personnel
Technician Training
Biotechnology teaching/training programme for school
Biotechnology Publications
Popular lectures
Biotechnology films etc.

Job Prospects and Career Options

Biotechnology as a subject has grown rapidly. And as far as employment is concerned, it has become one of the fast growing sector. Employment record shows that biotechnology has a great scope in future. Bio-technologists can find careers with pharmaceutical companies, chemical, agriculture and allied industries. They can be employed in the areas of planning, production and management of bio-processing industries. There is a large scale employment in research laboratories run by the government as well as the corporate sector. Biotechnology students in India may find work in a government-based entity such as universities, research institutes or at private centers as research scientists/assistants. Alternatively they may find employment in specialized biotechnology companies or biotech-related companies such as pharmaceutical firms, food manufacturers, aquaculture and agricultural companies. Companies that are engaged in business related to life sciences (ranging from equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, etc) also consider a biotech degree relevant to their field. The work scope can range from research, sales, marketing, administration, quality control, breeders, technical support etc.;Armed with this powerful combination of fundamental cell and molecular biology and applied science, graduates are well placed to take up careers in plant, animal or microbial biotechnology laboratories or in horticulture, food science, commerce and teaching.

Some major organizations employing bio-technologists in India include Hindustan Lever Ltd, Thapar Group, Indo-American Hybrid seeds, Bincon India Ltd, Bivcol, IDPL, India Vaccines Corporation, Hindustan Antibiotics, National Botanical Institute, National Chemical Laboratories, Tata Engineering Research Institute etc.

Career options

As there is increasing popularity and explosive growth, there is plenty of opportunities available in Biotechnology field. You can be a Research Scientist, Teacher, Marketing manager, Science Writer, Bioinformists, Quality Control Officer or Production in-charge in the Food, Chemical and Pharmaceutical industry. Analyst (Venture-Capitalist)Environmental / Safety Specialist .Biotechnology companies require Corporate Executives with business/management Degrees. A graduate in Biotechnology can get job in government sectors such as Universities and Colleges, Research institutes or at Private Centers as Research scientists/assistants.

Lab technician: includes cleaning and maintaining equipment used by scientists and working on the various pieces of lab equipment as instructed. Research associate: If you are interested in Research and Development, then becoming a Research Associate can provide an interesting career that allows you to carry out experiments under the instruction of established Scientists. Research scientist: if you wish to enter the field at a high level, you may choose to become a Research Scientist. This involves working alongside established scientists to design and carry out experiments, then writing reports for future publication. Engineer (Chemical, Electrical, Environmental and Industrial): This position would involve engaging in a range of projects from building robots to assisting with Research and Development. Sales representative: As a sales representative, you would work with hospitals, doctors and a wide range of medical institutions to keep them aware of biotechnology's latest offerings, as well as trying to encourage their approval for your products over rival products in the market. Marketing: In biotechnology marketing, you would manage and devise campaigns aimed at particular customer areas, through such methods as working with advertising agencies and maintaining a visible presence at medical conventions and trade shows. Business development manager: This position involves working with colleagues to introduce products and to negotiate agreements with strategic partners.

Remuneration:

The amount of remuneration depends upon academic qualification, institute or university from which the degree is attained and the level of work experience. In the corporate sector, fresh IIT pass outs may get anything in the range of Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 85,000 as annual income and fresh B.Sc./B. Tech. graduates from other universities may get anything in the range of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000 as annual income. Those working in the research institutes can expect something around Rs. 60,000 as annual income.

Careers in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a health profession that focuses on helping individuals with mental or physical illness/disabilities to achieve the highest level of functioning and wellness possible in their daily lives. In other words occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals with disabilities, achieve independence in all facets of their lives. This includes performance of all daily normal activities in work, play, leisure etc.

Occupational therapists (OT's) work with those who have physically, mentally, developmentally, or emotionally disabling conditions. They help patients identify imbalances they may have in their lives and design activities to deal with them. This type of therapy is patient specific, involving recreational, creative or educational activities. The patient's specific interests, his background, his previous experiences also form an integral part of treatment.

OT's area of work includes giving customized treatment programs for specific disabilities, evaluating home and work environments and giving recommendations for necessary adaptation, recommending adaptive equipment for permanent/temporary loss of function, such as wheel chairs, splints, aids for eating and dressing needed for the patient and training them in its use, assessing and recording the patients progress periodically and also giving guidance to family members and care givers how to care for the patient.

Occupational therapists use various methods in the treatment of their patients to assist them in maximizing their potential in the categories of occupational performance areas and occupational performance components. The term occupational performance area refers to all activities of daily living, such as grooming, dressing, food preparation and eating, communication, and mobility; work activities, including home management, care of others, educational activities, and vocational activities; and play or leisure activities. The term occupational performance component refers to the functional abilities required to perform the tasks of daily living. These abilities include sensory motor, cognitive, and psychological components.

A wide variety of people can benefit from occupational therapy, including those with

work-related injuries including lower back problems or repetitive stress injuries
limitations following a stroke or heart attack
arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions
birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities
mental health or behavioral problems including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress
problems with substance use or eating disorders
burns, spinal cord injuries, or amputations
broken bones or other injuries from falls, sports injuries, or accidents
vision or cognitive problems that threaten their ability to drive

Eligibility

Educational: Entry to the occupational therapy course is after 10+2 with PCM (physics, chemistry and biology). Some institutions may opt for an entrance examination and may select candidates on the basis of performance in the entrance test.

Occupational Therapists undergo several years of schooling in Medical subjects, Psychology, and Occupational Therapy. Besides ongoing practices in clinical/ paraclinical subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology/ Biochemistry, Medicine and Surgery (mainly diagnostics and not actual practice of Medicine and Surgery) in addition to Occupational Therapy interventions, therapists are needed to undergo at least 6 months of compulsory internship in various clinical setting, e.g. Orthopedics/ Rheumatology/ Hand Surgery, Neurology, Paediatrics, Burns/ Plastic Surgery, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, etc.

The occupational therapist enters the field with a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. Occupational Therapists in India and around the world, usually enter practice with a Bachelor's degree of 4 years. In order to become licensed, he or she must earn this degree from an accredited program, and must pass a national certification exam. In the U.S., while most Occupational therapists are already entering the profession with a Master's degree, from 2007 onwards all colleges/ universities will be mandated to offer only Master's level degrees as the entry-level qualification to practice Occupational Therapy. There are also programs in the US that train Occupational Therapists at the doctoral level at the entry level for the profession.

Those who complete an Associate Degree or Certificate program in Occupational Therapy can become an Occupational therapy assistant (OTA) or aide to the Occupational Therapists. They get most of their training on the job.

Personal Attributes:

An eye for detail
Service mentality
A scientific bent of mind, liking for machines and equipments
He /she also needs to be empathic towards the pain of the patients
He /she needs to have good communication skills and be able to build rapport with the patients to elicit better results
Ability to work hard
A logical bent of mind and honesty toward the profession
Team Spirit
Alertness of mind
Willing to work even at odd hours

Job Prospects and Career Options

Therapists are in high demand in the conventional medical and fitness arenas. OT's work with the patients of various disorders who have orthopedic, neurological and psychological/psychiatric conditions. Therapists may practice privately and own their own clinics or work in conjunction with other medical specialties in polyclinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, special schools, psychiatric institutions, community mental health centers, adult daycare programs, sports teams, residential care facilities etc. They may also be involved in ergonomic consultations in industries/work places and architectural arenas for greater accessibility by the disabled.

Career Options

Occupational therapists may work exclusively with individuals in a particular age group, or with particular disability/disorder. To treat these problems, therapists choose activities that help people learn to cope with daily life. Activities include time management skills, homemaking, budgeting, shopping and use of public transportation.

Schools: In schools, for example, they evaluate children's abilities, recommend and provide therapy, modify classroom equipment, and in general, help children participate as fully as possible in school programs and activities.

Adult day care programs/ Residential Care: Occupational therapy is also beneficial to the elderly population. Therapists help senior citizens lead more productive, active and independent lives through a variety of methods, including the use of adaptive equipment.

Mental Health Care: Occupational therapists in mental health settings treat individual s who are mentally ill, mentally retarded, or emotionally disturbed.

Ergonomic consultations: They may also work with individuals who are dealing with alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, eating disorders, or stress related disorders.

Remuneration

Junior occupational therapists may initially draw salaries ranging between Rs 8,500 and Rs 11,500 per month. However, with rank and experience, remuneration increases. In the private sector, salaries are a lot higher.

Careers in Gemology

Careers in Gemmology Gemstones have intrigued us throughout history and are reputed as symbols of wealth, power, healing, and love. They are desired for their beauty, rarity, value, durability, tradition and portability.

Gemmology is the scientific study of gemstones. It is a branch of mineralogy that is concerned with the study of gem materials, including identification and testing methods, cutting and polishing synthetically manufactured gems, precious metals and alloys, their sources and origins and grading and appraising. Those interested in possessing gems for their value should have an idea of Gemmology to distinguish one gem from another

The first step in learning about gems is its categorization. The next step is to learn the terminology of gemstones and then their physical and optical properties, and how those properties are used to identify gems. After getting the background one can proceed into gem identification. Studies relating to this field are gem cutting, sorting, grading, valuation and identification of gemstones, fashion, computer pattern designing, jewellery making, consultancy regarding stones, selling etc.

While Gemmologists study the quality, characteristics and value of gem stones, Jewelers typically do the handiwork required to produce a piece of Jewellery. Gemmologists identifies the gems and advises the jeweller about the compatibility of gems to particular metals. In Jewellery, identification is one of the key element of business. Some rubies and garnets sometimes look alike, but their values are considerably different, only a Gemmologists can easily identify the difference and know its physical characteristic and value.

In India the Gems & Jewellery scenario is undergoing a positive change with diamonds and stones like Tanzanite, Tourmalines, Peridots dominating the consumer preference. At the same time traditionally preferred Gems like Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds have maintained a consistent position.From trade point of view Gems & Jewellery has been one of the biggest foreign exchange earner for India. It is therefore, highly necessary that people associated with the trade, receive training and carry out the operations scientifically and professionally so as to achieve greater success.

Eligibility

Candidates who have qualified 10+2 or equivalent/ Higher Secondary/ Senior Secondary or equivalent examination from a Recognized Educational Institution can apply for Gemmology degree/ diploma/ certificate courses. The minimum age required is 18 years. There is no maximum age limit. The qualifications for research in the field are degrees in geology, chemistry or physics.

Art colleges offer Bachelors/ Masters degree of Fine Arts (BFA /MFA) in Jewelery design. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT, Delhi) offers a 3-year intensive diploma programme in accessory design that includes Jewellery Designing. Indian Institute of Gemmology (IIG New Delhi) is offering various courses of Gemmology. There is a three-and-a-half month course in gemmology (resident programme) as well as a one-year home study programme. The Indian diamond institute and the Indian Gemological Institute conduct advanced fellowship programmes of 1year duration for science and engineering graduates. some of the other courses are Post Graduate Diploma in Diamond Technology, Diploma in Diamond Processing, Diploma in Diamond Trade management, Certificate course in International system of Diamond Grading, Certificate course in Grading, Cutting, Polishing, Bruiting etc, Certificate course in Planning& Marketing, Certificate course in Hard Shape Grooving, Diploma in Gemology, Certificate course in Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing, Courses in Jewellery Design & Machine Cast Jewellery. For P.G course eligibility is Graduation and for other courses Higher Secondary or equivalent.

Gemmologists need excellent powers of observation, attention to detail, precision, the ability to concentrate, ability to work on one's own, excellent hand -eye co-ordination, an objective approach and a great sense of responsibility. In addition to the above qualities, they require artistic and creative skills, aesthetic sense and colour sensitivity. They should also acquire an insight into customs and tradition as well as the latest trends as these do influence art forms and design. Effective communication skills facilitate an understanding with the clients as well as the crafts persons.

Job Prospects and Career Options

The Indian gem and jewellery industry has entered the new millennium with great confidence. Employment opportunities for Gemmologists are increasing now a days, because jewellery sales are on the rise. A gemmologist / jewelery designer can begin by working with jewellery houses or work as a freelancer. There are lot of job opportunities mainly in the private sector export houses as well. Working full-time with firms or established designers requires the designer to conform to their standards and client profiles. However, if one is talented and designs one's own line of products, the chances of carving an individual niche are much higher provided they could satisfy market needs and continue to be creative at the same time.

There are many areas of specialisation in this field- gem grinders, gem polishers, gem assorters, engravers, jewellery setters, researchers and scientists.Related occupations could be of gem-cutters, hand engravers and watchmakers and repairers. There are also opportunities for setting up retail and trading units. Gemmologists can be engaged in making small gem sculptures, giving shapes to the Gemstones, exporting jewelry etc.

Indian gem cutters and craftsmen are held in high regard the world over. Further, the increasing numbers of affluent individuals, working women, double-income households and fashion-conscious men are expected to keep gems and jewellery sales strong.

Remuneration

Gemmology and Jewellery Design is a profession with great scope. You would get paid extremely well once your designs and ideas are appreciated. However, this may have you marketing yourself for a while. The figures in the beginning may range from Rs. 8,000 to Rs.10, 000.

Careers in Careers in Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the perfect science or knowledge of life is believed to be the oldest treatment method which evolved around 600 BC in India. The word Ayurveda originated from the two Sanskrit words, 'Ayur' meaning life and 'Veda' meaning knowledge. Ayurveda practiced by special physicians called 'Vaidyas' is known to promote positive health, natural beauty and long life.

Life, according to Ayurveda, is a combination of senses, mind, body and soul. The medicinal system believes that human beings and nature should be in perfect harmony and that disease occurs when the equilibrium between these two is disrupted. Restoration of this fundamental balance, through the use of nature and its products is the main goal of this medical system. The concept is not just on curing bodily ailments but also on preventing. Ayurveda emphasizes that 'Prevention is better than cure'.

In Ayurveda, which is basically a humoural medical system, diseases are understood as an imbalance between the body's three humors, Vata (nerve energy), Pitta (catabolic fire energy) and Kapha (anabolic nutritive energy). Natural herbs and minerals are used for preparing medicines. Apart from herbs, purification and detoxification, dietary changes, body massages and meditation are used to promote health and prevent and treat illness. Ayurvedic medicines are rapidly gaining acceptance all over the world as they have no side effects and is found to have cures for even rare ailments. Check out the link Ayurveda to know more about the system.

Central Council for Research in Indian medicine and Homoeopathy (CCRIMH ) was established in 1969 by the Government of India for a systematic research in Ayurveda . In the year 1978, CCRIMH was split into four separate councils, one each for Ayurveda & Siddha, Unani, Yoga & Naturopathy and Homoeopathy. The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha (CCRAS), an autonomous organization formed under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is engaged in research in various fundamental & applied aspects of Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Education in India is presently monitored by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), (www.ccimindia.org) a Statutory Central Government body. At present there are about 154 recognized Under-graduate and 33 Post-graduate Ayurvedic Colleges in India. The five and half year under-graduate programs in Ayurveda lead to a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Post-graduate programs is structured into16 branches leading to a Doctorate in Ayurveda.

Nowadays Ayurveda has become very popular among the tourists especially foreigners. It is a part of a new movement towards a global medicine that includes the best developments from the whole world. As modern medicine with its strong synthetic chemical drugs fails to combat nature, there is rapid and progressive acceptance of this system. Patients from all over the world are coming to India for Ayurveda treatment. With the popularity of the system the demand for Ayurvedic doctors are on the rise.

Eligibility

The Ayurvedic Colleges of India awards the Degree of "Ayurvedacharya" or B.A.M.S. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) at the bachelor level. Duration of B.A.M.S is 51/2 years/61/2 years including Internship.

Eligibility required to join B.A.M.S (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) is Higher Secondary/P.U.C. preferably with Sanskrit or an examination equivalent there to, or Intermediate (Ayurvedic group- Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Sanskrit) of any recognised University/Board which confirms to the specifications approved by the Council. Minimum age of joining for BAMS course is 17 years.

Some institutions also offers certificate courses or pre Ayurvedic courses of 1 year to 2 years. Eligibility needed for such course is S.S.L.C./ Matriculation preferably with Sanskrit or an examination equivalent.

Main entrance exams for admission to a Bachelors degree in Ayurveda include, 'All India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Exam' conducted by Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE), Delhi on a national level to select the candidates at an all India level (except in the states of Jammu & Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh ) for admission to roughly 15% of the total seats in the colleges of each state, Pre-med entrance exam conducted by different states on their own for domiciled candidates. Some national level institutions where admission does not hinge on domicile status, give admission on the basis of merit in the 10+2 examination, or conducts their own entrance test for admission to BAMS courses.

Candidates who have passed BAMS can apply for post graduate programmes. The Post graduate programmes are conducted by many recognised institutions and has a duration of 3 years leading to degrees of Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda (M.D. (Ayu)) and Master of Surgery in Ayurveda (M.S. (Ayu)).

Candidates who have passed MBBS course recognized by Medical Council of India and have completed one year internship training can also apply for Post Graduate course in Ayurveda.

Post-graduate programs is structured into 16 branches leading to a Doctorate in Ayurveda. The 16 branches are Ayurvedic Sidhanta (Fundamental Principals of Ayurveda), Ayurved Samhita ( Treatise of Ayurveda), Rachna Sharira ( Anatomy), Kriya Sharira (Physiology), Dravya Guna Vigyan ( Materia Medica & Pharmacology), Ras- ShastraBhaishajya Kalpana ( Pharmaceuticals), Kumar Bharitya ( Paediatrics), Prasuti Tantra (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Swasth Vrita (Social of Preventive Medicine), Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine, Rog Nidan ( Pathology,) Shalya Tantra ( Surgery), Shalkya Tantra ( Eye & ENT ), Mano Roga ( Psychiatry), Panchkarma (Detoxification of body).

To be a successful Ayurveda practitioner, one must have a strong power of concentration, self-confidence, responsibility, caring nature, good communication and counseling skills, and have the ability to make pivotal decisions after weighing up relevant factors.

Job Prospects and Career Options

An Ayurvedic practitioner can get employment as medical officer/doctor at government and private Ayurvedic hospitals. One can also start his/ her own practice or open ones own retail shop of Ayurveda medicines. They can also find employment as supervisors in 'Panch Karma' ( Ayurvedic massage) / health centres, as tutors in Ayurvedic colleges or do research, conduct workshops, seminars and retreats.

Nowadays Ayurvedic treatments are gaining much more importance. The number of Pharmaceutical companies manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines are increasing and the medicines are getting popular even in other countries. Patients from all over the world are coming to India for Ayurvedic treatment. More and more 'Pancha Karma Centres' are coming up for serving the tourists especially foreigners. With the popularity of the system the demand for Ayurvedic doctors are on the rise. In some of the states in India, it has been made mandatory to appoint at least one Ayurvedic Doctor in every civil hospital. So Ayurveda graduates have a bright scope in future.

Remuneration

In government Ayurveda hospitals the starting salary scale is Rs.8000-275-13500 for BAMS graduates. Tutors in Ayurveda colleges get more than Rs 8000/- per month. In private practice the remuneration depends totally on the effort you put in and your professional reputation. Dedicated and competent practitioners can earn more.

Careers in Oceanography

Oceanography, the science of oceans is the scientific study of all aspects of the ocean, their boundaries and their continents. To be more specific, oceanography is the study of the seas, its coastline, estuaries, coastal waters, shelves and the ocean bed. As such it is an interdisciplinary science that integrates principles of Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology and Physics. Oceanography is an exciting field offering you the advantage of being involved with a variety of scientific disciplines and an opportunity for lifelong learning.

Oceanography is today of great significance to developing countries. A career in this area is really a challenging one and it provides opportunity to those with intrinsic curiosity and a desire to venture into the vast realm of the unknown, which exists within our oceans. The work involves collecting samples, conducting surveys, analyzing data using sophisticated equipment in the sea for long hours.

Oceanographers apply the basic sciences to study the world’s oceans and coastal waters. They study the motion and circulation of the ocean waters and their physical and chemical properties, and how these properties affect coastal areas, climate, and weather. Often, they are chemists, physicists, biologists, or geologists who bring their special skills to ocean studies. Being essentially a research–oriented profession, long periods are spent at the sea with all its challenges and hazards. Depending upon the areas of specialisation they work in several fields such as marine biology, geological oceanography, physical oceanography and chemical oceanography.

Eligibility

Educational: Those with graduation in pure science can go for a course in oceanography. In almost all cases mathematics is required as well.

A doctorate, a masters degree in any basic science is essential to commence marine research. Most of the courses in oceanography are of three years duration.

As the work is highly specialised professional training is mandatory for a career in this field. Specialised branches of oceanography are chemical, geological, physical and marine biology. The most prestigious institutes conducting courses in this field are: IIT Madras, Mumbai Institute of Technology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Annamalai University and Karnataka Engineering College.

Personal attributes: Love for the ocean, sea-worthiness (should not be seasick), a sense of adventure, physical stamina, enduring patience, ability to withstand boredom and loneliness, a curious and analytical mind, co-operative nature to work in a team, love for exploring new places and appreciative of nature and its wonders. Apart from all these knowledge of swimming and diving are essential attributes.

Job Prospects and Career Options

Career opportunities for oceanographers are vast as well as varied. Those with right qualification can get employment in public sector, private sector and various governmental establishments as a scientist, engineer or a technician. In public sector one can find opportunities in Oil India. Government sector organisations include Geological Survey of India, Meteorological Survey of India, Department of Oceanography etc. Companies in the private sector with interests in the marine industries, products or research also provide job options. Candidates with skill and ability can also choose teaching.

Career Options

Chemical Oceanography: It deals with the composition and quality of water. Chemical oceanographers are interested in the distribution of chemical compounds and the many chemical interactions that occur in the ocean and the seafloor. The aim is to research and develop such technology that will be able to recover valuable elements from the sea. This area is also involved in developing methods of solving pollution problems in estuaries near-the-shore waters due to increasing population and industrial waste. Their work is of special relevance today in view of the growing level of pollution.

Geological Oceanography: Geological and geophysical oceanographers describe the shape and material of the seafloor. Involves the study of the surface and sub-surface, and geological and geophysical characteristics of coastal margins, for the selection of suitable locations of marine structures as well as the exploitation of the oceans mineral resources. They seek to understand the origin of seafloor sediments and rocks and their patterns in which they exist.

Physical Oceanography: Physical Oceanography studies about all the physical properties of the ocean. Physical oceanographers investigate such ocean properties as temperature, density, wave motions, tides, and currents. Remote sensing is one of the important areas in this field. This field of work looks at the relationship between the sea, the weather and the climate.

Marine Biology: Marine Biology is the field which studies life processes in marine environments. Marine biologists study the ocean processes that control the productivity and distribution of marine life.

Other categories include marine archaeology, ocean engineering and marine policy.

Marine archaeologists are involved in the systematic recovery and study of material evidence, such as shipwrecks, graves, buildings, tools, and pottery remaining from past human life and culture that is now covered by the sea. They require a background in archaeology or anthropology.

Marine and ocean engineers apply scientific and technical knowledge to practical uses.

Marine policy experts combine their knowledge of oceanography and social sciences such as law, economics, political science or business to develop guidelines and policies for the wise use of the ocean and coastal resources. Marine policy studies require a background in at least one of the social sciences.

Remuneration

The starting salary after your post graduation can be in the range of Rs 6,500 to Rs 8,000 per month in the government sector and slightly higher in the private sector. With a Ph.D., you can earn about Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per month.

Careers in Genetic Engineering

Careers in Genetic EngineeringGenetic Engineering (GE) is a highly complicated and advanced branch of science which involves a wide range of techniques used in changing the genetic material in the DNA code in a living organism. 'Genetic Engineering' means the deliberate modification of the characters of an organism by the manipulation of its genetic material. Genetic engineering comes under the broad heading of Biotechnology. There is a great scope in this field as the demand for genetic engineers are growing in India as well as abroad.

A cell is the smallest living unit, the basic structural and functional unit of all living matter, whether a plant, an animal, humans or a fungus. While some organisms are single celled, others like plants, animals, humans etc are made up of a lot more cells. For eg humans have approximately 3 million cells. A cell is composed of a 'cell membrane' enclosing the whole cell, many 'organelles' equivalent to the organs in the body and a 'nucleus' which is the command centre of the cell. Inside the nucleus are the chromosomes which is the storage place for all genetic (hereditary) information which determines the nature and characteristics of an organism. This information is written along the thin thread, called DNA, a nucleic acid which constitutes the genes (units of heredity). The DNA governs cell growth and is responsible for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

Genetic engineering aims to re-arrange the sequence of DNA in gene using artificial methods. The work of a genetic engineer involves extracting the DNA out of one organism, changing it using chemicals or radiation and subsequently putting it back into the same or a different organism. For eg: genes and segments of DNA from one species is taken and put into another species. They also study how traits and characteristics are transmitted through the generations, and how genetic disorders are caused. Their research involves researching the causes and discovering potential cures if any.

Genetic engineering have specialisations related to plants, animals and human beings. Genetic engineering in plants and animals may be to improve certain natural characteristics of value, to increase resistance to disease or damage and to develop new characteristics etc. It is used to change the colour, size, texture etc of plants otherwise known as GM (Genetically Modified) foods. GE in humans can be to correct severe hereditary defects by introducing normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones.

Eligibility

Educational: A qualified genetic engineer, must have a graduate / postgraduate degree in genetics or related fields such as biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology or biochemistry OR a doctorate (PhD) from a recognised university, based on 2-3 years of his own research under the guidance of a professor/lecturer.

The basic eligibility criteria for a graduate degree (BE / B.Tech) is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics as well as genetics as part of the biology OR a bachelors degree in science or molecular biology.

Most institutes do not offer courses in Genetic Engineering as a special discipline but as a subsidiary in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry streams. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Biotechnology offer specialisation in genetic engineering.

Selection to the graduate courses ( BE / B.Tech ) is based on merit i.e the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through entrance exams. Entrance to the IIT's is through JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) and for other institutions through their own separate entrance exams and other state level and national level exams. Apart from the IIT's, some other famous institutes also recognize JEE scores for selection. Selection to the postgraduate courses ( M.Sc / M.Tech) in different universities is through an All India Combined Entrance exam conducted by JNU, New Delhi and to IIT's through GATE in Two year/ 4 semester M.Tech courses and through JEE in five year integrated M.Tech courses in Biochemical engineering and Biotechnology.

Personal Attributes: To be a successful genetic engineer, one must have sharp analytical mind, an aptitude for research, high levels of concentration, eye for details, lively imagination, abundant physical stamina to put in long hours of work, ability to work as a team, moreover he should have a sound moral sense.

Job Prospects and Career Options

There is an increasing demand for genetic engineers in India as well as abroad. Genetic engineers are mainly absorbed in medical and pharmaceutical industries, the agricultural sector, and the research and development departments of the government and private sectors. They can also take up teaching as an option.

Genetic engineering involves developing hybrid varieties of plants, making a plant disease resistant by transferring genes from a plant that already has the characteristic, introducing Genetically Modified foods by changing the colour, size, texture of the produce of plants such as fruits and vegetables. GE in humans can be to correct severe hereditary defects by introducing normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones.

A team headed by Ian Wilmut and his colleagues at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland made history when they produced a lamp named Dolly, an exact genetic copy or clone of a sheep. This landmark discovery of the regeneration of an exact replica of a whole animal by transferring nuclei from the cells of that animal to unfertilized eggs of another animal, without the help of a male counterpart, has given researches a wide area open to be discovered. With this discovery, genetic engineering has become globally recognized.

Remuneration

Genetic Engineers with a postgraduate degree can earn between 5000 Rs to 8000Rs / month whereas those with doctoral degrees can earn up to 10,000Rs/ month as a starting salary.

Careers in Airhostess/Pursers

Careers in Airhostess/Pursers One of the important aspects of travel by air is concerned with making the journey of the passenger as much comfortable and safe. It is in this respect the Air hostess/Pursers play their role.

This is a very promising career option with the vision of a smart, efficient lady in mind. Many young girls opt airhostess as a full-fledged career prospect because of the exciting experience of flying, visiting different places, interacting with different kinds of people on board and a very attractive pay package. Liberalisation of air policies have increased the private operation of air services and this has created immense job opportunities in this field. Even though this career gives exciting experience it is not as easy as it seems. This is a highly demanding job which requires a lot of patience and involves odd duty hours. To be more specific behind this career lies a strong conviction, commitment and hard work for learning the technical aspects of aircraft operation and skills to tackle difficult situation.

The air hostess is called the first person to welcome a passenger, her welcoming smile and greeting acknowledge every passenger. Inside the aircraft, she seems to be here, there and everywhere, greeting every passenger, guiding each to his or her seat, helping a passenger get settled, co-ordinating security personnel, giving directions as and when required and doing a myriad things. Basically, she’s on constant call all the time.

Eligibility

Educational: Eligibility for an airhostess-training programme is plus two/ or a graduate degree with a diploma/degree in Hotel Management or Tourism Management. The aspirant must be eligible to hold an Indian Passport and should be below twenty-five years of age with a minimum height of 157.5 centimeters. The weight should be in proportion to height. Further, one must be unmarried, with normal eyesight of 6/6 uncorrected vision in each eye. Fluency in English, Hindi, and knowledge of an international language is an added advantage.

A flight purser, male counterpart of the airhostess has to be a graduate below 26 years, and have a minimum height of 163 cm with proportionate weight.

The applicant should be physically fit with a pleasing personality and clear complexion. After the initial screening of applicants is completed the airline company calls them for a written examination, usually of the objective type (multiple choice). Those who qualify in the written examination have to appear for a group discussion followed by a personal interview of successful candidates. If selected you will be on training for 2 to 3 months in which time you learn about service, grooming, safety and first aid, after which you are initially put on trainee flights.

The training covers several topics, each of which deals with technical or non-technical aspects of the aircraft. Beginning with the history of aviation, the candidates are made to learn In-flight Service, Passenger Handling, Passenger psychology, Service of meals on the Aircraft, the art of conversation, Transactional Analysis, Emergency Evacuation System, Personal Grooming and Hygiene, First Aid, Confidence Building, Handling of visually impaired passengers, Making announcements, Emergency demonstration etc.

Personal Attributes: Common sense, sense of responsibility, initiative, friendly outgoing personality, politeness, physical stamina and the capacity to work for long hours on one's feet, ability to react quickly in times of emergency and a presence of mind, systematic approach, unruffled appearance, a well-modulated pleasant voice, and a proportionate figure with a graceful carriage.

Job Prospects and Career Options

With privatisation and foreign collaboration increasing every day, the future is bright for an air hostess. Most airline offices are looking to increasing their fleet and there is a demand for air hostesses. They can find employment with private owned domestic and international airlines namely Sahara, Singapore airlines, Jet Airways etc and government air services like Air India and Indian Airlines. Ads for recruitment normally appear in all major newspapers.

Career options

An Air Hostess has every chance to be promoted to the post of Senior Flight Attendant and then Head Attendant. Career as an Air Hostess would last for about eight to ten years, after that she could move on to the ground duties including the job of a Ground Hostess, Check Hostess, training of airhostess or work in the management level. One can also diversify into any one of the other departments in the airline industry.

The duty of an airhostess last throughout the duration of the flight. The job of an air hostess begins long before the arrival of the passengers. It starts with safety check on the aircraft, where she has to check the safety equipment, blankets, pillows, magazines, plates, napkins and medicines, etc. as well as the cleanliness.

After the passengers board the flight the job includes assisting passengers to settle down. Special care is needed in the case of sick travellers, VIPs, babies or children or elderly people traveling alone. Once all the passengers are seated it is the duty of the airhostess to go about ensuring that safety arrangements are in proper condition and demonstrate the use of emergency equipment.

They has to provide first aid if such a situation arise. Her responsibilities also include serving meals to passengers. In case of an emergency during the flight, she need to take responsibility and determine the most appropriate steps to deal with the situation.

In short she has to work continuously with presence of mind and must be on call all the time.

Remuneration

In the beginning, depending on the airlines you are getting into, your salary and other allowance may ad up to Rs.16,000 to Rs.35,000(approx) or more per month. The maximum you can earn as a senior airhostess is about Rs.75,000 per month in Air India or Indian Airlines. Domestic private airlines pay more. In foreign airlines, pay for a senior airhostess can cross Rs.3 lakh a month in Indian currency.

Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics

Careers in Nutrition and DieteticsDietetics is the science of managing food and nutrition to promote health. A relatively new profession, this field has gained importance with the realisation that inappropriate eating habits can lead to many major diseases and that quality of life depends on the quality of food we eat.

Dieticians or nutritionists help to promote good health through corrective eating habits, thus improving the quality of life. They assist people in planning meals depending upon their age, sickness or work routine, counsel and educate them about healthy eating- selection and preparation of food items according to the principles of nutrition and evaluate and make changes in their clients diet periodically.

Dietitians promote nutritious eating habits through education and research, as well as through overseeing the selection and preparation of food services for many different institutions and groups. They fix nutritional regimens for patients in a hospital, athletes in physical training camps, mountaineers on an expedition and so on. They do research on nutritive value of food which help to understand the various components of food we eat and the right type of food which provides a balanced mix of the essentials like vitamins, minerals etc needed for the human body. They study the digestive process, the various reactions of food stuffs in the body and find out what is harmful and thus help to prevent diseases through a proper diet program. Some of them specialize in areas such as obesity, pediatrics or diabetes. They form a vital part of the health team.

Organisations involved in food product manufacture use the services of the nutritionist or dietician to plan and research new products. The nutritionists also has excellent prospects in the mass media where top of priority is given to disseminating vital information on healthy living .They could find employment in hospitals, research labs of food manufacturers, catering departments of star hotels, health departments and recreation clubs, teach the science of nutrition and dietetics in colleges and universities. They can also work as consultants or do private practice.

The trends today show a increasing interest in health and fitness. So future prospects in this women dominated field are bright.

Eligibility

People opting for a career in Dietetics and Nutrition should study home science or dietetics and nutrition, food science/technology courses at the graduate and postgraduate levels.

Candidates desiring to seek admission to the course in Bachelor course in Nutrition & Dietetics are required to have a pass in the Higher Secondary Examination or Plus two in science subjects covering physics, chemistry, home science and biology. Besides a B.Sc in Nutrition & Dietetics, other preferable fields of graduation are Home Science, food science and technology, Medicine, Hotel management or Catering Technology.

The three-year B.Sc. Home science courses covers subjects including food and nutrition. Several universities or colleges offer B.Sc. and M.Sc. Courses in Home science. Four year Food technology courses after Plus two in the science stream are also available in a few colleges and institutions.

In the post graduation level, Dietetics and nutrition course can be either 2 year Masters programs or 1 year Post Graduate Diploma (Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition (DDPHN).Those with Bachelors degree in food science, home science, hotel management & catering technology, microbiology, biochemistry and medicine are eligible for Post Graduate level Degrees or Diplomas. In a 2 year M.Sc. Home Science course, one can specialise in food science and nutrition.M.Sc. home science course includes biochemistry, physiology, biostatistics, research methods, investigation into nutrition, human nutritional requirements, food microbiology and principles of food science in the first year, human nutrition and dietetics, institutional management and food science are included in the final year.

The one year DDPHN course has a compulsory three-month internship, working in a hospital under a qualified dietician. Subjects of study covered during the DDPHN training include biochemistry, nutrition, applied physiology, food, microbiology, administration, therapeutic nutrition, and public health nutrition. After doing Post graduation programme, one can also go in for PhD and do Research in Food and Nutrition.

The National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad www.icmr.nic.in/000229/nin.htm is a premier institute under Indian Council of Medical Research, www.icmr.nic.in an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Government of India, that offers regular nutrition training courses every year .

Those who take a doctorate degree in the area can aim at a better career in the research /academic fields. The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad www.jntu.ac.in offers research facilities for Ph.D. in food technology. Postgraduates in chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, home science, agriculture, horticulture, food technology, food science and nutrition, veterinary science, M.Tech in chemical/ diary/agri/ food technology are eligible for admission.

Personal qualities - A good dietitian or nutritionist should have an interest in food and food preparation. Good communication skills to communicate with people individually and in groups and good writing skills for producing reports, leaflets etc are essential. One should have patience and genuine concern for fellow beings. They should also have planning and administrative skills and organizational ability. Dietitians need to be fit and healthy and able to work as a team member.

Job Prospects and Career Options

Nutrition and Dietetics is a vital, growing field and the opportunities and possibilities in this field are endless. Nutritionists and dieticians could find employment in hospitals, health and recreation clubs, canteens, nursing care facilities, teach the science of nutrition and dietetics in colleges and universities, catering departments of star hotels, research labs of food manufacturers, in health departments of government etc. They can also work as consultants or do private practice. Moreover they could find openings in the mass media where top priority is given to disseminating vital information on healthy living

The main fields in which a dietician or nutritionists can work is in Food service field, Institutional Catering, Health Care field, Research & Development and Social Welfare. Food service field include food Catering service, Restaurants etc where professionals can do menu planning, monitoring the food preparation etc. Institutional Catering is another field where Nutrition and dietetics professionals are needed to plan, supervise and prepare nutritious and well-balanced meals for schools, colleges, factories or office cafeterias etc. Their work may also include the estimation and purchase of food supplies and equipment; receiving, checking and taking inventories of provisions etc. Those who are involved in such work are called Administrative or Management dietitian or Nutritionists.

In Health Care field,people suffering from certain diseases such as diabetics, heart diseases, obesity etc, need to take extra care of their eating habits and the kind of food they eat. Depending on the nutrition needs of the patients, dieticians prepare their diet charts and monitor the results of dietary therapy and maintain records. Professionals working in this field are called Clinical/ Therapeutic dietitian or Nutritionists.

Research and Development involves conducting research on various food items to ensure their quality as well as studying the effects of various types of diet on the body chemistry in labs. The research dietician or nutritionists do research on nutritive value of food which help to understand the various components of food we eat and the right type of food which provides a balanced mix of the essentials like vitamins, minerals etc needed for the human body. Organizations involved in food product manufacture use the services of the nutritionist or dietician to plan and research new products as well as to check the nutritional quality of their products. Research careers occur mainly in universities, specialist institutions, food product manufacturing companies and hospitals.

Nutrition and dietetics professionals also work for Social Welfare,they work in organizations mainly public health departments run by government, which helps in improving the eating habits and consequently, the health of the public. Public Health / Community dietitian.

Remuneration

Remuneration for Nutrition & Dietetics professionals is depended on the job and the area of work. In private hospitals, trainees may get starting salary of Rs. 2500 per month and after they gain more experience their salary may range between Rs. 4500 - 5000 with benefits. Research work, teaching, catering jobs etc. has good payment as also Food Technologists working in a food services department or industry etc. Consultant dieticians in private practice can earn more depending on their practice.

Careers in Forestry Wildlife

Careers in Forestry WildlifeForestry is an important and interesting subject of study. Forests form part of the vital natural resources of a country. From time immemorial forest resources have been a source of human sustenance. They are home to the most amazing herbs, medicinal compounds, natural cosmetics etc. Forestry and Wild Life go together since forests serve as home for wildlife.

Forest wealth also contributes significantly to the economy of the country. Specially trained personnel are therefore needed to maintain and regenerate the forest cover, forest wealth and resources. This involves the services of forestry specialists, forestry management experts and forest officers.

Forestry involves protection of forests and farming of trees to ensure contributing timber supply. Forester takes care of forest resources by protecting them from fire, pests, disease, encroachment and indiscriminate felling of trees.

Eligibility

Educational: Various courses in forestry are available, at the graduate, postgraduate and diploma level, as well as at the Ph.D. level.

Those with Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the intermediate level can go for B.Sc Forestry course. Further the masters level offers specialisation in subjects like Forest Management, Commercial Forestry, Forest Economics, Wood Science & Technology, Wildlife Science, Veterinary Science etc. The Indian Institu te of Forest Management (IIFM), Nehru Nagar, Bhopal offers a study programme in Forest Management. There are also opportunities for doing Ph.D in Forestry at the recognised centres. Those with Bachelors degree in related subjects can appear for Indian Forest Service exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission.

Personal Attributes:

Liking for outdoors, spirit of adventure, good health, stamina and physical fitness, patience, scientific temperament, organizing ability, public relations skills, practicality, courage, decision-making ability, capacity to work long hours, a genuine interest in the preservation of the natural environment and habitat, inclination for research and academic bent of mind, curiosity, excellent skills of observation, interest in agriculture and geography.

Job Prospects

Foresters can take up work either in offices, laboratories or outdoors depending on their field of specialisation. Employment opportunities exist with
Governmental, non-governmental organisations interested in preservation of forest resources
Corporates having own plantations for timbering
Industries that utilise forest resources employ industrial and agricultural consultants
Indian Council Of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and its affiliated Forestry research institutes such as Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, Institute of Social Forestry and Eco-rehabilitation, Allahabad etc.
Wildlife Research Institutes in Dehra Dun, Coimbatore etc.
Zoological Parks
Wildlife Ranges
Education sector as tutors

Career options

There are various people who work in forest and wild life conservation. For example, foresters, dendrologists, ethologists, entomologists, silviculturists (forest propagation and culture), forest range officers, zoo curators etc.

Forester: The forester is responsible for protecting and regenerating forests, protecting wildlife habitats, checking for and fighting wild fires, landscape management and so on. With experience foresters can graduate to managing public relations, preparing reports and managing budgets.

Dendrologists: Dendrologists specialise in the scientific study of trees and woody plants. Their work involves research on the history, life span, measuring, grading, classifying the varieties of trees, and studying ways and means of tree improvement through afforestation etc.

Enthologists: Ethology is the scientific study of animal behaviour in its natural environment. An ethologist studies and analyses the evolution, behaviour, biological functions etc. of an organism in its natural environment. Enthologists design healthy habitats for animals in zoos, aquariums, and laboratories. They also study animal behavior to enhance our knowledge of human physiology and psychology.

Entomologists: Entomologists specialise in the study and control of diseases caused by insects and pests.

Silviculturistsis: Silviculture is an aspect of Forestry that refers to the growth of plantations that yield periodic harvests.

Forest Range Officers: Forest range officers take care of public forests, sancturies, botanical gardens etc. They have conservators, loggers and other junior personnel working with them. Entry into this post is through the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.

Zoo curators: They are responsible for animal welfare in the zoos and also undertake conservation programmes. Zoo curator plays a role in the administration of zoo functions and captive breeding programs. They review reports made by zookeepers, calculate the budgetary requirements for the zoo and encourage research activity.

Institute

Arid Forest Research Institute, Rajasthan
Arid Forest Research Institute, situated at Jodhpur in Rajasthan (India ) , is one of the institutes of the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education ( ICFRE ) working under the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India. The Objective of the Institute is to carry out scientific research in forestry in order to provide technologies to increase the vegetative cover and to conserve the biodiversity in the hot arid and semi arid region of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Dadara & Nagar Haveli union territory. The Institute Campus covers 66 ha. of area on the New Pali Road, Jodhpur.

Arid Forest Research Institute
P. O. Krishi Upaj Mandi
Basni,
New Pali Road,
Jodhpur-342005 (Rajasthan) INDIA

Rajasthan
India
342005

Phone: +91 291 2722549
Fax: +91 291 2722764
E-mail: dir_afri@icfre.org
Website: http://www.afri.res.in

Careers in Air Force (As Officer)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) the youngest of the three defence services, was commissioned on October 8, 1932, with four single-propeller engine Wapiti aircrafts, six pilot officers, two airmen and 19 Hawai Sepoys. The first Indian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee one of the founding members of the Air Force took over on 1st April 1954. Today, the IAF is the fourth largest Airforce in the world with its forty-five squadron strength and some of the most sophisticated fighter air crafts like Mirage 2000, MIG 29, MIG 27, Jaguar, MIG 25, MIG 23 and MIG 21. The transport wing has the huge IL 76 (Gajraj), AN 32 and other smaller aircrafts.

Armed Forces offer excellent career opportunities to the adventurous young candidates. Its a career that offers immense facilities, a privileged lifestyle and of course, honour in serving the country. The major activity of the air force is that of flying combat air crafts and helicopters. Other activities include technical work such as aeronautical engineering, electronics, and computer engineering, as well as administrative, financial and planning duties.

One can join the Air Force either as an Officer or Airman. The officer cadre provides opportunities for men having 10+2 (Intermediate), graduate, engineering and postgraduate degrees, in their three different branches. Women who are graduates, engineers and post graduates can join as an Officer in the Air force. The officers will be posted either as a Pilot, or a Navigator, or a Technical or a Ground Duty officer in any one of the Air Force bases. Women have opportunities only in the Officer cadre of the Air force.

In the Airmen cadre, there are opportunities even for class tenth pass (Matriculate) and below candidates, 10+2 (Intermediate), Diploma, graduates, postgraduates etc in their technical and non-technical trade fields.

::: Careers in Airforce as Officer :::

One can join the Air Force as an Officer in either one of the three branches, the Flying, Technical or the Ground branch. The officer cadre provides opportunities for men with 10+2 /Intermediate (only in the flying branch), graduates ( all three branches), engineers (all three branches) and postgraduates (all branches except the Flying branch). Women who are graduates, engineers and post graduates can join as an Officer in the Air force. Candidates short-listed after the initial selection procedure, go through a rigorous training regimen at one of the Air Force training establishments. Thereafter, they are commissioned as officers and posted either as a Pilot or a Navigator, or a Technical or a Ground Duty officer at any of the Air Force Stations.

Only the Officer cadre of the Air force provide opportunities for women. But they will be appointed only on 'Short Service Commission' i.e for a term of 10 years which you can extend up to 10 more years depending on your conduct or retire at the age of 40 whichever comes first. Only men will be granted 'Permanent Commission' from the Indian Air Force i.e will be accepted in service, for life. They can also opt for 'Short Service Commission'.

The Flying branch includes Fighter pilots who fly combat or fighter planes carrying ammunition and missiles; Transport pilots who fly planes which carry men and materials, and Helicopter pilots who provide air support to a moving army, or are used for para-dropping men and supplies. This branch also includes navigators who fly along with the pilot and guide the aircraft by using the latest avionic equipment.

The Technical branch consists of all the engineering sections which are responsible for the engineering equipment and weapons systems of the air force. Aeronautical engineers in the mechanical department ensure the proper maintenance of all aircraft; while those in the electronics department handle the electronic and communication equipment in aircraft.

The Ground Duties Branch includes all the departments that provide logistical, meteorological, educational and administrative support to the flying and technical branches. This includes the Air Traffic Control Officer who provides control and advisory services to enable the pilot to conduct flights in total safety. The Fighter Controller monitors the skies for any potential threat and selects the appropriate air defence system using modern electronic equipment to intercept these threats. The logistics Officer is responsible for provisioning the aircraft with spares, fuel, armaments and so on, while the meteorological branch officers are engaged in conducting scientific research on the prevailing weather and atmospheric conditions. There are also other branches such as administration, education and accounts.

Eligibility

The three branches of the Air force are Flying, Ground duty and Technical branch. The officer cadre provides opportunities for men with 10+2 / Intermediate (only in the Flying branch), graduates (all three branches), engineers (all three branches) and postgraduates (all branches except the Flying branch) in the various positions. Women with graduate (all three branches), engineering (all three branches) and post graduate degrees (all branches except the Flying branch) have openings as an Officer in the Air force. The career options and eligibility for the candidates having different educational qualifications for the Officer Cadre in the different branches of the Air force are given in the following links.

Engineer
Graduate
Post Graduate
Intermediate (10+2 )

Physical Standards

Physical fitness is one of the most important prerequisites for joining the Air Force. Irrespective of the branch you are applying for, you must fulfill some basic physical standards.

General physical requirements common for all candidates.

You must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease/ disability, which is likely to interfere with efficient performance of duties. There should be no evidence of weak constitution, bodily defects or overweight.
The height and weight standards for men and women differ.
Your chest should be well developed. The minimum range of expansion after full inspiration should be 5 cm.
There should be no disease of bones and joints of the body.
You should be free of any past history of mental breakdown or fits.
Your hearing should be normal without any evidence of present or past disease of the ear, nose and throat.
There should be no sign of functional or organic disease of the heart and blood vessels. Your blood pressure should also be normal.
The muscles of the abdomen should be well developed without any enlargement of the liver or spleen. Any evidence of disease of internal organs of the abdomen can be a cause for rejection.
An un-operated hernia can make you unfit for selection. If operated, this should have been done at least six months prior to the present examination and healing should be complete without any potential for recurrence.
There should be no hydrocele, varicocele or piles. If operated for hydrocele and/or varicocele, this should have been done at least six months prior to the present examination and healing should be complete without any recurrence.
Urine examination will be done and any abnormality, if detected, can be a cause for rejection.
Any disease of the skin, which is likely to cause disability or disfigurement, will also be a cause for rejection.
Vision will be tested. You must have good binocular vision. In case you have undergone or are detected to have undergone Radial Keratotomy, or any other procedure to improve the visual acuity, you will be permanently rejected.
You should have sufficient number of natural and sound teeth. A minimum of 14 dental points will be acceptable. When 32 teeth are present, the total dental points are 22. You should not be suffering from severe pyorrhoea.

Conditions pertaining to women that will entail rejection for all Air Force Duties:

Acute or chronic pelvic infection
Severe menorrhagia
Severe dysmenorrhea
Complete prolapse of uterus
Pregnancy/ Amenorrhea
Any other gynaecological condition, if so considered by the specialist.

Height And Weight Standards for Men
Height in cm. (without shoes)	Average weight in Kg
	18yrs	20yrs	22yrs
	44 46 47 48 50 52 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 70 72 74 77	46 48 49 50 52 53 55 57 59 61 62 64 67 69 71 73 76 78	47 49 50 51 53 55 57 58 60 62 63 65 67 70 72 74 77 79

Height And Weight Standards for Women
Height in cm. (without shoes)	Average weight in Kg
	18yrs	20yrs	22yrs
	36.8 37 38 39 40 42 43 43 45 46 46 47 49 50 51 53 55	40 41 42 42 42.5 43 44 44.5 46 47 47.5 48 50.5 51.5 52.5 55 56.5	41 42 43 43 44 45 45.5 46 46.5 47.5 48.5 49 51.5 52.5 53.5 56 57.5

If you belong to the North Eastern regions of India, Garwahal or Kumaon or are a Gorkha then the height is relaxed by 5 cm.

Selection

The selection procedure for picking the candidates is quite strict and elaborate. The four steps involved are

Scanning of Application
Testing Officer like Qualities
Conducting Medical Examinations
Preparing All India Merit List

Scanning of Application

After checking all eligibility wise application forms for the three branches, you will receive a call letter with further instructions.

If you have applied to the Flying Branch through the NDA or CDSE, your applications will be sent for processing to UPSC. There after you will receive a call letter for writing the UPSC Exam. Men after clearing the UPSC Exams take the pilot aptitude battery test (PABT). If you are a woman applying for the Short Service Commission or applying as an NCC Senior Division 'C' Certificate Holder, you skip the UPSC Exams, and move to the next step i.e PABT, after your application has been processed. PABT comprises a written test in which a candidate's perception and grasp of the subject is gauged. This is followed by two machine tests for checking the basic co-ordination and psychomotor skills.

If you have applied to the Ground Duty Branch, your application will be sent to the Air Headquarters for short-listing. Then the candidates need to undergo an officer intelligence-rating test.

If you have applied to the Technical Branch, you will be required to take the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). If you pass the EKT, you move to the next step.

Testing Officer like Qualities

After you have successfully cleared Step 1, you will receive a call letter to report to any one of the Air Force Selection Boards (AFSB) located at Dehradun, Varanasi and Mysore. At the Air Force Selection Boards, you undergo a number of psychological tests, an interview and group activities, which are collectively called the Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) Tests.

The Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist.
The Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor tests. We expect active physical participation from you.
The Interview involves a personal conversation with our Interviewing Officer.

All of the above are screening tests. If you do not make the passing grades, you are routed back home the same day. If you have applied through NDA/CDSE (for Flying Branch) there is no screening; you are tested for your second/third choice of Army and Navy.

At the conference held on the last day, all the assessors, i.e. the Psychologist, Ground Testing Officer and the Interviewing Officer, discuss your performance. Based on your performance, you will be selected for the next step.

Conducting Medical Examinations

If you have applied for the Flying branch and are found suitable by the Selection Board, you would be sent to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment, New Delhi or the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bangalore for a thorough medical examination.

If you have applied for the Technical or Ground Duty Branches and are found suitable, you would be asked to return home and await a call for a medical examination depending upon your position in the merit list.

Preparing All India Merit List

An All India merit list is compiled on the basis of your performance at the group tests as well as the medical examination. If you qualify the merit list, depending upon vacancies, you are instructed to go to the training academy.

Remuneration

Air Force not only offers you an adventurous and challenging career, but also takes care of all your needs including basic accommodation, health care, recreational areas, education facilities for your children etc.

Even before you are commissioned as an Air Force officer you start earning a monthly stipend of Rs. 8000/- during your training period at any of the Air Force Training Establishments. And on successful completion of your training you receive the retrospective D.A. for the complete training period.

Once you are commissioned as a Flying Officer, besides getting an attractive pay package, you and your family enjoy an excellent way of life. Depending on your branch, you start your career with the following emoluments on the grant of Permanent Commission:

Post	Monthly Income
Flying Branch (Pilots/ Navigators) Technical Branch (Electronics/Mechanical) Ground Duty Branches	Rs 16,900 (approx.) Rs 13,400 (approx.) Rs 12,400 (approx.)

The other benefits include living accomodation with 2-3 bed rooms (depending upon the rank), Insurance cover of Rs 10 lakhs at low premium rates, an annual leave of 60 days and 20 days causal leave, liberal Leave Travel Concessions to you and your family, Liberal loans for purchase of cars, computer or a house from the Air Force Group Insurance Society, Medical Facilities including specialist services to you and your family, Ration, Schooling facilities and opportunities for higher learning and facilities for recreational as well as competitive sports and other adventure activities.

After retirement, you are offered a large number of benefits like pension, medical facilities, use of the canteen etc.

The following is the pay you get according to your rank and branch chosen:

Gross Annual Income (approx.)

RANK	Flying Branch	Technical Branch	Ground Duty Branches
Flight Lieutenant Squadron Leader Wing Commander Group Captain Air Commodore	Rs 2.43 lakhs Rs 3.04 lakhs Rs 3.42 lakhs Rs 3.75 lakhs Rs 3.85 lakhs	Rs 1.88 lakhs Rs 2.33 lakhs Rs 2.70 lakhs Rs 3.02 lakhs Rs 3.34 lakhs	Rs 1.77 lakhs Rs 2.21 lakhs Rs 2.58 lakhs Rs 2.90 lakhs Rs 3.23 lakhs

Admission Procedure:

Flying branch

The time of release of advertisements varies for the different modes of entry for the Flying Branch.

Mode Of Entry	Month Of Release Of Advertisement	Send Applications Here
NDA	April / November	The Secretary, UPSC, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi 110011
CDSE	April / November	The Secretary, UPSC, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi 110011
NCC	June / December	DGNCC, West Block IV, RK Puram, New Delhi-110066.
SSC (Women)	January / July	Post Bag No. 001, DHQ Post Office, New Delhi-110011

Ground Duty Branches

The time of release of advertisements varies for the Air Traffic Controller/Fighter Controller and other Ground Duty Branches are as below:

Branch	Month Of Release Of Advertisement	Send Applications Here
Administrative Logistics Accounts Education Meteorology	January / July	Post Bag No. 001, DHQ Post Office, New Delhi-110011.
Air Traffic Controller/Fighter Controller (Administrative)	April	Post Bag No. 001, DHQ Post Office, New Delhi-110011

::: Careers in Airman:::Young men can join as an Airman in either the Technical and Non-Technical trades of the Air force. The Airman cadre provides opportunities for men (only men)with matriculate or below, 10+2 /Intermediate, graduates, Diploma holders and postgraduates in either of the three combatant groups i.e 'X', 'Y' or 'Z' of the technical and the non-technical trades. Candidates short listed after the initial selection procedure, are allotted a suitable trade and go through a rigorous training regimen at one of the training institutes. Thereafter, they are inducted and posted as Airmen at any of the Air Force Stations.

Each trade offers opportunities to grow and enhance your skills. Depending on your inclination and talent/suitability you can move from one trade to the other and grow in ranking. One can even get commissioned as an Officer in the Air Force.

As an airman under the Technical Trades, the work involves the maintenance and testing of aircraft and flying related equipment. One will also be directly or indirectly involved in the maintenance and overhaul of ground equipment and armament. As an airman in the Non-Technical trades, the work involves assistance and support to the various functions from weather forecasting to maintenance of records and files of the Indian Air Force and all its branches.

As an Airman, apart from your basic pay, you are also entitled to a number of perks and benefits. Even during the training period you get a monthly stipend of Rs. 2850 if you join Combatant Group X or Y and Rs. 2650 if you join Combatant Group Z. The basic pay of the lowest ranking 'Aircraftsmen' (AC) to the highest ranking 'Master Warrant Officer' (MWO) in the three combatant groups, range from Rs. 4500-10,700/ month. Along with the pay there are benefits such as free accommodation, free ration, medical facilities, children's schooling, Insurance cover, after retirement benefits etc.

The Technical Trades and Non - Technical Trades grouped under 3 combatant groups- Combatant 'X', Combatant 'Y' and Combatant 'Z'. The various trades in each group are:

Groups	Combatant 'X'	Combatant 'y'	Combatant 'Z'
Technical Trade	Radio Fitter Radar Fitter Missile Fitter (E) Missile Fitter (L) Missile Fitter (M) Workshop Fitter (B) Workshop Fitter (C) Instrument Fitter Electrical Fitter Airframe Fitter Plant Maintenance Fitter (E) Plant Maintenance Fitter (M) Engine Fitter Weapon Fitter	Photo Technician Safety Equipment Worker Machinist Mechanical Transport Technician Air Defence System Operator Radio Technician	-*-
Non - Technical Trade	Education Instructor	Ground Training Instructor Meteorological Assistants Air Field Safety Operator Telephonist / Radio / Telephone Operator Indian Air Force Police Clerk General Duties Equipment Assistant Clerk Pay Accounting Medical Assistants Mechanical Transport Drivers Aircraft Hands General Duties Catering Assistant	Musicians

As an airman in the Indian Air Force, you get the opportunity to move ahead in your ranking by moving on to specialised trades or also become an officer. Enterprising Airmen are nominated at regular intervals for the post of officers and will be granted one of the following Commissions Know more details

Careers in Nursing

Careers in NursingNursing, a profession that recalls the name of Florence Nightingale is indeed one of the noblest professions in the world. It is the art of caring for sick people with the science of health care. It is a vital component of any form of medical care.

The largest group of workers in the health sector are those in the nursing occupations as nurses and nursing assistants. In a hospital from the general ward to the operating theater, nursing forms an integral part. This is one of the few domains of work that is almost totally dominated by women.

Nursing duties are manifold and cover a wide range of functions and responsibilities, that depends with the level of qualification and the working environment. At the initial level, nurses are required for the bedside care of patients, while at senior level they are required to manage special group of people like psychiatric, pediatric, intensive care patients etc which require specialised skills. They are also involved in dispensing medication, keeping records of the patients progress, setting up and operating medical equipment, administration and several other routine chores.

This field is both mentally and physically demanding and nurses are often exposed to health risks from infectious diseases. As such this profession demands long hours of work and duties which incorporate both skill and understanding of patients needs. Those who come forward to take up this as a career has to be patient, courageous, have a service mentality and at the same time be ready to work for extra hours even night shifts.

Eligibility

Educational: A large number of institutes in India offer diploma, graduate and postgraduate courses in nursing as well as midwifery courses.

B.Sc Nursing

Eligibility: 10+2 with Biology, Physics and Chemistry
Duration: 3 to 4 years

B.Sc nursing course provide basic knowledge about nursing, first-aid and midwifery. They are trained in all the theoretical as well as practical aspects of nursing.

M.Sc Nursing

Eligibility: B.Sc Nursing
Duration: 2 years

General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM)

Eligibility: 10+2 with Biology, Physics and Chemistry
Duration: 3 1/2 years

GNM programme is to prepare general nurses who function as members of the health team, to hold first-level positions in both the hospitals and other such places.

Auxiliary Nurse Midwife/ Health Worker (ANM)

Eligibility: 10th
Duration: 18 months

ANM course provide training as to how to take care of health related needs of the people living in rural areas especially children, mothers and old persons.

Personal attributes: The nursing profession calls for tremendous patience, responsibility and dedication. The job requires alertness of mind, team spirit, tact, compassion etc. One should also be physically fit, in peak health for the job involves a lot of hard work. They should have the instinct to help and serve the patient without getting sentimentally attached. Apart from all these one must have a pleasant smiling face whatever be the situation.

Job Prospects

They can find employment in

Hospitals
Nursing homes
Clinics and Heath Departments
Orphanages and old age homes
Military
Schools
Industrial houses and factories
Railways and public sector medical departments
Training Institutes as educators

Career options:

Hospital Nursing: Hospital nurses form the largest group of nurses. Hospital nurses are usually assigned to any special area of work such as surgery, maternity, intensive care, pediatrics, obstetric, rehabilitative etc.

Public Health Nursing/ Community Health Nursing: Public health nurses / Health worker work in government and private clinics and health departments in urban and rural areas to provide basic medical services to the local population. They instruct individuals, families and other groups in health education, disease prevention, nutrition and child care. They arrange for immunizations, blood pressure testing and other health screening.

Military Nursing: Provide health care services in armed forces.

Educators: This field combines nursing with the teaching of students of nursing and administration of educational programmes.

Industrial Nursing/ Occupational Health Nursing: They work under the direction of the industrial physicians and assist in taking preventive safety measures. They provide emergency care at the time of accidents taking place inside the industrial premises.

Psychiatric Nursing: This nursing involves working with patients suffering from emotional and psychological distress. Nursing these patients requires devotion and patience. They generally work in coordination with the psychiatrists, doctors and other specialists.

Pediatric Nursing: is concerned with the care of sick babies and children.

Orthopaedic Nursing: requires a knowledge of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Remuneration

Remuneration of nurses depends on the level of seniority reached. Nurses employed by government hospitals receive a monthly salary of Rs 6,500 to Rs 10,000. Those working for private hospitals or the military receive a slightly higher remuneration. Private nurses have a fixed daily fee. Midwives receive above 4,000 per month approximately, plus a fixed amount per birth registered. Health workers receives between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 per month.

Careers in Forensic Science

Careers in Forensic scienceForensic science is primarily concerned with the application of scientific principles for the investigation of crime. Using the very latest in technology, forensic scientists convert the clues collected from a crime scene into evidence admissible in a court of law. It is the use or application of science in courts or legal proceedings. This is a challenging and interesting field for those who have are inquisitive and loves adventure.

Forensic Science is essentially a crime laboratory-based profession, the course qualifies students to apply their knowledge of science to the investigation of crime. But the expertise of a forensic professional is also used in civil cases for issues like proving the validity of a signature on a will, to a claim of the products liability, to find out whether an industry is complying with environmental rules.

Forensic scientists analyze all physical evidence found on a victim on the scene of a crime and compare it to evidence found on a suspect and provide expert testimony in a court of law. The evidences might include traces of blood, saliva, other body fluids, hair, fingerprints, footwear and tyre impressions, explosives, specimens of tissue for poisons, blood and urine for alcohol etc. Their expertise lies in the determination of facts using these evidences. They have to prepare a report of their investigation and appear in the court to give evidence. They work closely with the police to provide scientific evidence that is admissible in the court.

Forensic science is not a discipline or branch of science, but is a catch-all for many distinct disciplines. It is broadly grouped into three: Medical, laboratory and field science.

Forensic /career/options/forensic/datamedicine is a broad medical subject which includes forensic pathology, psychiatry, psychology, forensic medicine and odontology (dentistry). Laboratory sciences include chemistry, biology, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprints, questioned documents and marks and impressions. Field sciences include crime scene investigation which incorporates areas such as fire and explosion scenes and clandestine drug laboratories.

Eligibility

Educational: To take up a masters course in forensic science you need to be a graduate preferably with a first division in Physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, biochemistry, microbiology, B.pharm, BDS or applied science.

To become a specialist who conducts post-mortems on dead bodies to find out the cause of death, you must first secure an MBBS degree and then go for an MD in Forensic Science. All Indian Universities that offer MBBS courses also offer an MD in Forensic Science.

For Research : Indian nationals below 30 years and who have obtained 1st class marks in Master's degree in any one of the subjects : Physics / Chemistry / Biochemistry / Anthropology / Zoology / Molecular Biology / Maths (with Physics as one of the subjects at the bachelor degree level) / Biotechnology / Mi crobiology / Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Forensic Psychology etc. or M.Phil in the same subjects whichever is the essential qualification for the award of Ph.D degree of a recognised Indian University.

Personal attributes: An inquisitive nature and a concern for accuracy is the main attribute required to be in this field. They must have keen observation, intelligence, an eye for detail, ability to work along with a team, a logical, practical and methodical approach. An aptitude for scientific analysis is essential.

Job Prospects

They can find employment with law enforcement agencies, police, legal system and in the investigative services of the government and also private agencies. They can also work as teachers in institutes that conduct courses in this subject.

Opportunities for forensic scientists exist in government organisations such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and as investigative officers in the crime cells of state police forces. Forensic experts essentially work in forensic labs and sometimes even in large private detective agencies to establish the link between the criminal and the crime.

Career Options

There are variety of options for forensic professionals. They can specialise in subjects as varied as medicine, engineering, fingerprinting, insect study, languages, geology etc.

Crime Scene Investigation: Scene investigation involves issues such as security, prevention of contamination, locating and collecting relevant items of evidence, interpretation of evidence and possible reconstruction of the event. Scenes can range from a relatively simple house break to a fire in a multi-storey building or a city bombing.

Qualification required: Diploma in Forensic Investigation or Degree in Forensic Investigation or Degree in Analytical Chemistry.

Forensic Pathology/ Medicine: Forensic pathologists determine the time and cause of death in cases of suspected murder or suicide. This involves post mortem examinations of deaths reported to determine the cause and the manner of death. (i.e. sudden and unexpected deaths or deaths due to accident or injury, suicide or homicide).

Qualification required: Medical degree (MBBS) with M.D or appropriate post-graduate qualifications in Forensic Science.

Forensic Anthropology: Forensic anthropologists use their knowledge of human skeletal anatomy to assist in the identification of skeletal remains. They are called to identify individuals murdered or killed in disasters such as plane crashes, explosions, fires and other tragedies resulting in the loss of life and mutilation of bodies. They may also be able to discover the age, sex, ancestry, stature, and unique features of the deceased.

Qualification required: A Ph.D in anthropology with an emphasis on the study of human osteology and anatomy or a Medical degree (MBBS) with appropriate post-graduate qualifications.

Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry: Psychiatry and psychology are concerned with whether a mental state may be a mitigating circumstance in the commission of an alleged crime, whether a person is mentally fit to stand trial and treating those convicted of crimes who are mentally ill. A forensic psychologist is any psychologist who by virtue of training or experience may assist a court or other fact finder in arriving at a just or correct decision.

Forensic psychologists or psychiatrists may be called on to evaluate a murder scene to suggest a possible psychological profile of the killer.

Qualification required: Medical degree (MBBS) with appropriate post-graduate qualifications

Forensic Dentistry (Odontology): It is a branch of dentistry which deals with the collection, evaluation and proper handling of dental evidence in order to assist law enforcement officers and in civil & criminal proceedings. The role of the odontologist is to identify bodies and skeletal remains from dental records, reconstruct faces from skulls and where possible, interpret bite marks.

Qualification required: Degree in Dentistry, Post Graduate Diploma of Forensic Odontology.

Clinical Forensic Medicine: Those involved in clinical forensic medicine amongst other things, examine victims of crime and suspects who may have sustained an injury while allegedly committing a crime. They give interpretations of their findings such as the possible causes and timing of the injuries.

Qualification required: Medical degree (MB BS) with appropriate post-graduate qualifications

Forensic Entomology: Forensic entomology is the application of the study of insects and other arthropods to legal issues. The time of death, for example, can be determined using insect evidence gathered from and around a corpse.

Forensic Serology: Forensic serology is the study of blood groups, blood, and other bodily fluids for identification purposes following a crime. Forensic serologists also carry out DNA fingerprinting, which offers the possibility of positive identification of an individual from samples of blood or semen.

Forensic Chemist: Areas of work includes the detection and identification of illicit drugs, accelerants used in arson cases, explosive and gunshot residues, trace evidence, including paint, glass, polymers and fibres.

Qualification required: Science degree with a major in analytical, applied or forensic chemistry.

Dactyloscopy: Dactyloscopy is the scientific study of fingerprints. Fingerprints is perhaps the most well known of the forensic sciences. It also involves the identification of fingerprints and their ability to categorically link suspects to or exclude suspects from a crime scene.

Forensic linguists: Forensic linguists analyse the content of written or oral communication to identify who is speaking and indicate the speaker's intent, and can determine whether two communications are from the same person. This is obviously important in cases of kidnapping.

Ballistics: Ballistics is the study of the flight paths of projectiles, but modern ballistics now includes the study of everything to do with firearms. It also involves the determination of the angle and distance a gun was fired from to hit a specific target.

Qualification required: Science degree with a major in a relevant discipline, Diploma in forensic investigation, Degree in forensic investigation.

Toxicology: Toxicology involves the detection and identification of illicit and pharmaceutical drugs and poisons, interpreting toxicity levels and the effects on the functions of the body.

Qualification required: Science degree with a major in chemistry or biochemistry.

Forensic Engineer: Deals with traffic accidents, fire investigations, and a variety of wrongful injury cases. Engineers are involved in failure analysis, accident reconstruction, causes and origins of fires or explosions, quality evaluation of construction or manufacturing etc.

Qualification required: An Engineering degree with post-graduate qualifications in Forensic Engineering.

Photography: A crime scene must be photographed from every angle clearly to show detail, with the emphasis on accurately recording the size and distance of objects.

Forensic artists & sculptors: Forensic artists can draw a likeness of a person based solely on eyewitness accounts. Modern techniques of computer animation are now starting to be used to show evidence or expert testimony to courts. Forensic sculptors can reconstruct faces, usually in modelling clay or on a computer from skulls or other fragments. The expertise may enable the police to find out who a person was when no other clues are available.

Cytology: Bullet cytology is a new subject which makes it possible to determine which part of the body a bullet went through by the tissue which is left on the bullet.

Geology: Forensic geologists can determine such things as where the suspect or victim walked by examining soil samples taken from their shoes or feet

Remuneration

Remuneration for various state forensics departments would be as per government pay scales. The state department salaries begin around Rs. 4000 and increases according to the rank and years of experience. Forensic scientists holing postgraduate qualifications can expect to start with a salary of Rs.6000 - Rs.8000 depending on the nature of the organisation. Private forensic laboratories offer lucrative pay packages to scientists with a few years of experience behind them. A freelancer in the field can charge according to requirements of the individual case.

Careers in Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering

Careers in Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering is one of the most challenging fields of engineering with a wide scope for growth. This field deals with the development of new technology in the field of aviation, space exploration and defence systems. It specialises in the designing, construction, development, testing, operation and maintenance of both commercial and military aircraft, spacecrafts and their components as well as satellites and missiles.

As Aerospace engineering involves design and manufacture of very high technology systems, the job requires manual, technical as well as mechanical aptitude. Aeronautical engineer's usually work in teams under the supervision of senior engineers, bringing together their skills and technical expertise. Though highly paid, the work is very demanding. An aeronautical engineer needs to be physically fit and fully dedicated to his work. One needs to be alert, have an eye for detail and should have a high level of mathematical precision to be successful.

The specialisations includes in areas like structural design, navigational guidance and control systems, instrumentation and communication or production methods or it can be in a particular product such as military aircrafts, passenger planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets etc. Engineers may work in areas like design, development, maintenance as well as in the managerial and teaching posts in institutes. They find a very good demand in airlines, aircraft manufacturing units, air turbine production plants or design development programmes for the aviation industry. Aerospace environment is sophisticated with rewarding career opportunities involving leading-edge technology.

Eligibility & Course Area

To be an aeronautical engineer one should have a graduate degree (B.E/B.Tech.) or at least a diploma in Aeronautics. The degree and postgraduate degree courses are offered by the engineering colleges and Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the diploma courses are available at polytechnics.

The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and must have a fairly high percentage of marks in the aggregate. One must also pass the qualifying exam JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) conducted by the IIT's.

There is also the Associate Membership Examination of the Institute of Engineers (AMIE), which enables working people in the private and public sector, or diploma holders to acquire a Bachelor's engineering degree through distance education by studying the syllabus and appearing for the Associate membership examination of the Institute of Engineers (AMIE) conducted by ASI ('The Aeronautical Society of India'). This degree is equivalent to aeronautical engineering degree. Those with a degree in electronics, mathematics or physics can also find opportunities in this area.

Some Institutes offer postgraduate (M Tech) and Doctoral (Ph D) programmes in Aeronautics. The Madras Institute of Technology offers a three year Graduate Programme in Aeronautical Engineering for B Sc students, subject to their having passed Maths and Physics at the graduation stage. The Indian Institute of Science (IIS), Bangalore has M Tech and Ph D programmes in aeronautics.

Duration : The duration is four years, ending with a degree recognised by the ministry of education, government of India. The diploma courses are of 2-3 years duration.

Personal Skills : Aeronautical engineers should have an eye for detail and be good at problem-solving. They need mathematical precision and design skills, computer skills, and the ability to communicate well. They also need good planning ability and a knack for working under pressure. An aeronautical engineer needs to be physically fit an may need to often work at great speed especially in checking and maintenance of aircrafts during turnarounds. They must have a normal colour vision.

Job Prospects & Career Options

Aeronautical Engineers work with one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering. The main thrust in this area is on design and development of aircrafts to space and satellite research. Jobs are available with the national, international, public and private Airline Services as well as aircraft-manufacturing units.

Job opportunities for an Aeronautical Engineer in India, lies with various airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Helicopter Corporation of India and flying clubs, private airlines and government owned air service and aircraft manufacturers like the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) with its factories at Bangalore, Nashik, Koraput, Kanpur etc. Defense Research and Development Laboratories, National Aeronautical Lab (NAL), Aeronautical Development Establishment, Civil Aviation Department etc. The Defence services and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also happen to be two major employers.

Initially, candidates begin work as graduate engineer trainees or junior Engineers. Keeping in view their performance, academic background and aptitude, they are placed for training in the aircraft maintenance/overhaul or support section. On completion of training they are placed as assistant aircraft engineers or assistant technical officers. They have to clear departmental examinations for further promotions. They may advance to administrative or executive positions or become consultants. Aeronautical engineers are assisted by aircraft mechanics in maintenance of aircraft frame, engine, electrical system and other ancillary fittings

Remuneration

Engineers in government organisations, are paid official scales while those in the private sector are paid according to the scales decided by the management of the company.

The approximate starting salaries in the government /public sectors such as HAL, NAL are Rs. 8,000 to Rs.10,000 (excluding other allowances). In the private sector, the scales are decided by the management of the company and are approximately Rs.8,000 to Rs.15,000 per month plus perks. Engineering graduates with management degrees get a starting salary of Rs.10,000 to Rs.40,000 per month plus perks. Entrepreneurs can earn above Rs.20,000/- per month. Airline professionals get fringe benefits of free travel for self and family also, apart from numerous other perks.

Careers in Music

Music is one of the most profound human achievements. It is a universal sound which can create emotions and express feelings. Music also soothes the mind. There is rarely anybody who is not touched by music in some way at some time in their lives.

Talent, genuine interest, sincerity and willingness to work hard can guarantee a big success in the field of music. Having an inborn talent to sing is a wonderful gift. But making a career out of this talent, demands regular devoted practice. Joining an institution and getting trained is one of the first steps towards making a career in Music but the main emphasis should be real dedication and commitment.

A person considering a career in music should have a genuine love for music, a musical sense, which means a sense of time and rhythm, besides versatility, creative ability and also stage confidence. At the same time one needs to have publicity- contacts with the right people, money for training and for making demo cassettes for commercialization.

Just as there is a wide variety of forms in music like classical, folk, jazz, pop, fusion etc there are also a variety of opportunities in this field. Besides becoming a performer (vocal or instrumental) or a teacher, one can be a composer/song writer, music publisher, music journalist, Disc Jockeys/ Video Jockeys, Music Therapist, Artist manager/PR and so on in the Music Industry. Today the advent of satellite television, the growing popularity of the music channels and corporate sponsorship of musical events, has all made music big business. Although fame and money in this field depends a lot on luck and getting a good break, but once you are established there is ample scope for making good money in this field.

Eligibility & Course areas

Educational: There is no specific qualification required to enter into this field. However, to take up a course in this subject the basic requirement is 10+2. Courses offered in this area are certificate courses, bachelor courses, diploma courses and post graduate level courses. Duration of various courses: Certificate course is of one year, Bachelor courses is of three years, Diploma and Post Graduate level courses is of two years.

Training in this field is imparted by many schools and institutions. Most prominent among them is Kalakshetra in Chennai and The Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi.

Course areas include music theory, music interpretation, history of music, composing, voice instruction etc.

Personal attributes: Among the attributes, one that top the list is a good voice. Other attributes include inherent talent, dedication, determination and hard work, creativity and adaptability, team work, accept criticism in the right spirit, self confidence, ambition etc.

Job Prospects

Talented and qualified persons can find numerous employment opportunities in this field with the advent of satellite television, music channels etc. Various employers in this area are:

Television channels like Doordarshan
AIR and private FM channel stations
Music channels
Government departments of culture and public relations
Production houses
Music troupes
Music research organisations as a musicologist
Music companies
Educational Institutions, Kala kendras etc.
Hospitals as music therapist
Newspapers and magazines as music critic or correspondents
There are also many opportunities for self-employment in the form of holding private classes at home or opening a music school or producing and directing independent programmes.

Career Options

Today with music getting into the league of big business, there are a list of careers one can choose from in the Music Industry. Besides becoming a performer (vocal or instrumental) or a teacher, one can be a composer/song writer, music publisher, music journalist, Disc Jockeys/ Video Jockeys, Music Therapist, Artist manager/PR and so on in the Music Industry.

Music composers / Songwriters: Those with a flair in writing and an inborn talent in music can take up the career as a music composer. A composer creates and writes music, may combine it with lyrics to give a new song. Musicians in this field create music or lyrics alone or create both together. Composers are required to write music creatively based on their knowledge of sound, understanding of various musical styles and taste of the audience to which it has to be presented. A song writer or lyricist must understand the theme, mood and audience, the music into which one is putting words. There are a separate category known as Jingle writers who specialize in writing music for radio and television commercials.

Composers/ song writers can create music for film, television / radio jingles, folk songs and for albums. Musicians who are interested in this area are often required to know about the business aspect of song writing such as copyrights, networking, publishing, contracts, performing rights etc.

Music composers often work with advertising firms, production houses, recording companies, music publishing firms, film, television, radio etc. Jingle writers can get in through contacts in ad firms and production houses, contacts with directors / producers help to get in film/ television companies.

Singers / Performers: Performing artists may work alone or in a group with or without musical instrument. One could be a classical or pop artiste or an instrumental musician. Performance careers differ widely and depend a great deal upon the instrument played and the performance medium. A high standard of musical and technical skill is required and expected from performers in all areas.

They can undertake challenging performance in concert halls, small or large ensembles, in studios as recording artists, and live shows in lounge settings, pubs, night clubs, etc. They can also work for film industry as playback singers.

Producers: Producers brings together the various elements of recording and works to present them as an artistic whole. They book the studio, hire musicians and engineers, oversee the the production of the recorded music and control the recording budget. They have the final say on the development of their material. To be a successful producer technical knowledge and tact is a potent combination. Sometimes ex artists/ sound engineers enter this field.

Artist / Music Management: This is considered as one of the emerging options. Artist management is the planning, organising and negotiating of an artists career. They work in the business area of music and deals with the tough, unpleasant stuff behind the scenes. The work involves meeting with radio and television producers and getting air time for their artist, negotiating with recording companies and programme sponsors etc. Perseverance and knowledge of music and media industries are vital. Experience and training in Music as well as a business background helps to be successful in the field.

They can work for a particular artist or band as well as in a artist management firm, performing organisation, Touring music group etc.

Music Journalist: They review performances and recordings, conduct interviews with performers for various publications and write music reviews. They give news and updates on new releases and performers. Some may work as music critic also. This is one of the option available in music field for freelancing. They can also work for newspapers, magazines and websites.

To take up this career one must have keen interest and knowledge in music, flair for writing and good command of language.

Music Educator / Teacher: Teachers can open music schools and also conduct private classes. Music teaching is often in demand at schools, colleges, universities and institutional set-ups. Their main job is to instil an interest and enthusiasm for music among the students.

Main attributes required for them is classical music qualification, initiative and patience. They must have a thorough knowledge of music to impart training to their students.

Music Therapist: Music therapist are a unique breed of musician-counsellors, with specialised training in the use of rhythm and melody to improve psychological and emotional well being. Emotional stability and insight are essential for competent therapists. They must have the ability to explore, interpret and develop the creative use of sound.

Music therapists provide therapeutic programs to people of all age group with psychiatric disorders, mental retardation and developmental disabilities, speech and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and neurological impairments. A career in music therapy offers challenge, opportunity, and distinctive rewards to those interested in working with people of all ages with various disabilities. Music therapists are employed in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, residences for the mentally disabled etc. They can also do private practice.

Musicologist: With good knowledge of music, an aptitude for research and excellent communication skills, one can work as musicologist in research institutes.

Video Jockeys (VJs) & Disc Jockeys (DJs): With the advent of various music channel video jockeying is becoming an exciting career option for the music mad generation. Their job include introducing a music video, conducting interviews with artists and music personalities.

No specific educational background is required for VJs/DJs except some personal attributes. However, background in mass communication, visual communication or the performing arts comes in handy.

Main attributes required to work in this visual medium are excellent presentation skills, clear voice, presence of mind, in depth knowledge about various styles of music, musicians and albums, communication skills, confidence, ability to take split-second decisions, good body language and dress sense.

Music Librarian: Colleges and public libraries offer opportunities for trained music specialists with knowledge of library and research techniques. Some opportunities for music librarians also exist in radio, television, and motion pictures. In addition to any music qualification they need to have bachelors degree in library and information science.

Careers in Fire Engineering

Careers
in Fire engineeringFire engineering is a field which explores the various possibilities of preventing fires. It can be defined as the art and science of designing buildings and facilities for life safety and property protection in the event of an unwanted fire. This includes the application of scientific and engineering principles, based on an understanding of the phenomena and effects of fire and of reaction and behaviour of people, property and the environment as well as the impact of fire protection systems including detection, alarm and sprinkler systems. Fire Engineering is becoming world's one of the noblest profession by virtue of its growing role in saving life and property.

Fire Engineering is a very dangerous profession which requires a strong sense of commitment to public service. The role of fire engineers span engineering design to operations and management. In India ,the major fire Engineering programme is the one conducted by National Fire Service College www.nfscnagpur.nic.in at Nagpur that offers a 3 1/2 years programme leading to Bachelors of Engineering.

Fire engineers play a pivotal role in ensuring protection and taking the necessary precautions against fires. Fire Engineers main responsibility is reducing the consequences of fire if there is an incident. They are responsible for determining causes of fire and methods of fire prevention. They find new ways to maintain and improve the present firefighting equipment.

Fire engineers have to work in shifts in dangerous conditions and are at risk of burns, smoke inhalation and exposure to chemicals. They need to be patient and disciplined, quick and efficient, reliable, self-confident and able to work well
in teams. They need to know about streets and places in their district, the handling of dangerous goods and building construction. They also need to know about fire-fighting, different types of fires and how to deal with them, and
about rescue methods and equipment.

Educational Qualification

Most of the occupations in fire engineering requires a bachelor's degree. A degree in Fire Engineering can be a Bachelors of Engineering and post-graduate qualification of either Master's or PH.D. level. The entry requirement for the post graduate qualification is generally a Bachelor of Engineering, B.E. degree in Chemical, Civil, Mechanical or
Electrical Engineering. The selection for BE in Fire Engineering is through Entrance test and it is normally held in May/June. The eligibility for BE in Fire Engineering is BSc with Chemistry and either Physics or Maths or both as
optional subjects. The age limit for joining BE is between 19 to 24 and the duration of the course is 31/2years
There are also certificate and diploma courses in fire engineering offered by private institutes and for most of the courses the eligibility is SSLC or +2. After 10 + 2 with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry or its equivalent examination, one can opt for a diploma in Fire engineering. For diploma courses the duration varies from 3 months to 2 years.
Apart from the educational qualification, candidate should posses some specified physical qualification. He should be physically fit and free from organic disease to undergo practical training. Minimum acceptable physical standards for the Fire Engineering course are Height: Minimum 165 cms, Weight : 50 kgs. Chest measurement: 81 centimeters, with five centimeter expansion, Vision : 6/6, Preferably without any aid.
Personal skills
The personal skills needed for a fire engineer is good communication skills, organisational ability, skills in evaluating situations, making quick decisions and solving problems. The other qualities include physical agility, presence of mind, calmness of mind, self-discipline, a sense of responsibility and leadership qualities. Fire engineering is a technical
profession that calls for a person with a scientific bent of mind Job Prospects and Career Options A degree in fire engineering makes one eligible for the management cadre in Fire Service in the government or public sector. Fire
engineers have always been in great demand by corporations, educational institutions, consulting firms and government bodies around the world. They are employed with the fire prevention departments in large companies and they are
also recruited by the fire brigades. When ther are instances of fire accidents, fire engineers are called upon to assess the extent of the damage, investigate the cause of the fire, the efficiency of equipment installed and so on. There is a vast scope of employment chances for fire engineers in large manufacturing organizations particularly those like petroleum
refineries, petrochemicals and plastic, fertilizers, textiles, LPG and LNG handling and bottling plants, chemicals and other plants where there are risks of fire. Fire engineers are also employed by fire departments of local government bodies, insurance companies, architectural and building design, project management, aircraft industry, industrial processing, and any area of safety where the possibility of fire or combustion represents a hazard. Fire engineers may also work as surveyors in insurance companies. Remuneration In Government sector, the starting gross salary of a fire engineers could be in the range of Rs 5,000-7,000 per month. Opportunities for getting a job in industry, office complexes, or other private sector establishments generally exist after a few years of experience. In private sector, salary on joining may gross around Rs 8,000-14,000 per month.

Careers in Advertising:

Advertising is the means of informing as well as influencing the general public to buy products or services through visual or oral messages. A product or service is advertised to create an awareness in the minds of potential buyers. Some of the commonly used media for advertising are T.V., radio, websites, newspapers, magazines, bill-boards, hoardings etc. As a result of economic liberalization and the changing social trends advertising industry has shown rapid growth in the last decade.

Advertising is one of the aspects of mass communication. Advertising is actually brand-building through effective communication and is essentially a service industry. It helps to create demand, promote marketing system and boost economic growth. Thus advertising forms the basis of marketing.

Advertising plays a significant role in today's highly competitive world. A career in advertisement is quite glamourous and at the same time challenging with more and more agencies opening up every day. Whether it's brands, companies, personalities or even voluntary or religious organizations, all of them use some form of advertising in order to be able to communicate with the target audience. The salary structure in advertising is quite high and if you have the knack for it one can reach the top. It is an ideal profession for a creative individual who can handle work-pressure.

Today, new areas are emerging within advertising like event management, image management, internet marketing etc. Event management wherein events are marketed, Image management wherein a a particular profile of an individual or an organisation is projected. Internet marketing has also brought about a lot of changes in advertising as Internet means that one is catering to a select group of audience rather than a mass audience.

Eligibility & Course Areas

Educational: Most advertising agencies recruit candidates with a formal management or advertising/mass communication qualification. Preference is given for MBA's for posts in the market research, client servicing and media planning departments.

In the creative department, on the other hand, a general BA with a command of the language of communication plus knowledge of designing packages like Photoshop, coral draw or fine arts is the requirement.

There are also specialised courses in advertising/mass communication at diploma level and post graduate level for which basic qualification is graduation. However, advertising is also offered as a subject for the graduate degree course in mass communication studies at certain institutions for which minimum qualification is 10+2. In addition there are also certificate courses for which 10+2 is enough.

Personal attributes: Basic qualities like creativity and flair for writing or ability to translate ideas into a visual format are required for making a successful career in this field. They should have insight into the interests of people from all walks of life, ability to work as part of team, mental and physical toughness to be able to withstand high pressure and criticism, must be sociable and have calm temperament. Market and media researchers should have an analytical and logical brain. Those in creative field should possess artistic abilities to make the ad appealing to the masses.

Job Prospects

Career opportunities in advertising include openings in private advertising agencies; advertising department in private or public sector companies; in advertising sections of newspapers, journals, magazines; commercial section of radio or television; market research organisations etc. One can also do freelancing.

Career Options

Advertising field offers a range of lucrative, interesting careers. The job in this field is categorised into two, executive and creative. Executive side include Client Servicing, Market Research and Media Research. Creative side consist of copywriters, scriptwriters, visualisers, photographers and typographers.

The executive department understand client needs, find new business and retain existing business, selects the appropriate media, analyses timing and placement of advertisements and negotiate the financial aspects of the deal. Creative department creates the advertisement copy. They verbalises and visualises the specific need of the client.

As ad films are also a part of film making career options of film are related to this field.

Executive Department

Client Servicing : The Client Servicing department is the link between the client and the agency. It is an important part of any advertising firm like what the heart is to the body. This department is responsible for meeting prospective clients and getting business for the company. It involves a study of the client, the product and the market; an analysis of consumer behaviour and marketing; a knowledge of all available media and their cost effectiveness, and a strategic plan to be presented to the client. Those in client servicing must therefore interact with clients, gather information, oversee research where necessary, gauge consumer attitudes and based on this, work along with the various departments of the agency to formulate the most appropriate and effective advertising strategy within the specified budget.

To be an effective client-servicing person, the candidate has to have a thorough knowledge of the client's business and also know his weak points so that, through advertising and communications, the gap can be minimised.

An accounts executive who works in the client servicing department takes care of all the monitory dealings. He should know the most effective way to advertise clients product or service i.e the media and their cost effectiveness. Account executives should also have an idea about market research and target audiences.

Market Research : Every good ad plans, start with research. This is the department which surveys the market and analyses and studies consumer behavior about a product or service. They are involved with collection of data- information about the consumer, the market, existing competition and so on. The research studies provide basic information to the manufacturer, for planning a new product.

If you are a MBA or hold a degree in statistics/operations research, you can go for market researching jobs.

Media Planning/Research: Responsibility of media planning department starts at the point when the ad is complete. Media Department is responsible for the planning, scheduling, booking and purchase of space and time (in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV, and outdoor hoardings). The media department must therefore devise the most effective use for an advertising budget to effectively and economically transmit a campaign message to the target audience. This department consists of the following:

Media Planners who decide the different media where the ads would be featured in order to get maximum viewership.

Media Buyer has to negotiate to buy space in the Press, or time on electronic media at the best rates for which he has to understand the buying as well as selling trends.

Creative Department : The Creative department designs and conceptualizes the advertisement. This consist of copywriting department and art department. Copywriting department works on text for the ad and themes for campaign. Art department visualises the campaign.

Copywriters : The Copywriter evolves a theme for the campaign and provides the text for advertisements. He is responsible for making the ad look attractive and delivering the message to the point. They work out the campaign slogan, jingles, scripts and promotional literature of the product or service as well as proposals, concept notes and film treatments. They are also expected to edit all textual matter for factual, syntax and typesetting discrepancies before it goes into production. Some times specialists called Typographers are appointed for making the format of textual matter who give advise on fonts, lettering etc.

Copywriters need to have a flair for writing backed up by the knowledge of advertising and oral communication skills, to become successful. They also need to have skill in analysing clients' needs, and research skills for finding out about the products and services they are helping to sell. Problem-solving and time-management skills are important.

Visualisers” The Visualisers work on the visual concepts and decide how the ad shall eventually look. They do the overall layout of message including graphics, sketching etc.

Must be artistic. A degree/diploma in commercial arts or fine arts as well as the knowledge of designing software like Photoshop, Pagemaker, Corel Draw etc. are often the required qualifications.

Photographers: Photographers should have an idea about angles and lighting effects. Good technical ability and knowledge of cameras and lenses is essential.

Remuneration:

Job positions and earnings in an agency vary with its size and turnover. Accredited agencies have a large set up while small agencies may have just a handful of employees looking after all the various jobs. The earnings range from 7,000 for production mangers to 8,000 for copy writers up to 35,000 for General Managers plus perks.

Careers in Modeling

Modelling today has become one of the most sought after career options for youngsters in India. This is one of the most thrilling as well as lucrative profession, it attracts males and females equally, though there was a time when females dominated the field. With the expansion of consumerism and media there has been a fabulous boost in the ad industry. This along with upsurge in fashion industry have made modeling an attractive career option. It has generated a large and continuing demand for fresh faces and personalities to launch and promote a variety of branded products or show a garment to its best advantage.

Modelling is, undoubtedly a glamorous field which offers tremendous opportunities to travel and meet various classes of people. Moreover once established it is a highly paid job. Even with all these plus points it involves lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance to be successful in this field. It is a highly competitive and short- lived career. Further, stress factor is high and the hours are erratic. The job also requires a lot of stamina and patience.

It is a profession where educational qualifications become insignificant and physical attributes and personal qualities assume importance.

Modelling are of various types. The modelling can be broadly classified into ramp modelling, television modelling and print modelling.

Eligibility

Eligibility: There is no specific qualification or age limit to enter into this field. First step for making an entry is to prepare a portfolio. This consists of a series of photographs taken by a professional photographer. The portfolio can then be shown to an advertising agency, a model co-ordinating agency providing suitable models according to requirements, or a fashion designer. Another way to enter into this career is to apply for the contests sponsored by magazines, cloth manufactures, cosmetic companies etc and participating in beauty pageants.

There are no set standards of training in this area, and models are usually expected to learn on the job. A beginning for training in this field has been made by ex-models who have set up training schools, however it is restricted mainly to Delhi and Mumbai.

Training programs includes instructions on beauty care, make-up, hair styling, diet and exercise, how to walk and carry yourself elegantly and so on. These training programs include guidance on how to make a contract and other technicalities. Guidance on making a portfolio also forms a part of such training programs.

Personal attributes:

Main attributes required to become a model is a good and healthy complexion, and lustrous hair. Models should be tall, fashion industry criteria for best models are 5'7" to 6' or 6' plus. For a man, height should be 6' or 6' plus and he should be muscular. Being photogenic is the single most important quality to have for a model. Apart from this good knowledge of acting, camera friendly attitude and a great amount of self confidence will reward success in this profession. They must also be open to criticism.

Job Prospects and Career Options

Job prospects

There is no dearth of jobs in modelling these days. Job prospects are available to models :

In product advertising
Featuring in music videos
Doing live fashion shows
Showroom displays or garment fairs
Opening a school for models
Setting up a model co-ordinating agency
Acting in television programmes or films

Career options

Modelling can be mainly classified into Television modelling, Print modelling/Still modelling, Ramp modelling/live modelling, Show room modelling, Advertising modelling etc.

Television modelling: This involves modelling before the Movie camera, to be used for Television commercials, cinema, video, internet etc. Modelling for video or films often includes some acting or dance and is mostly conducted on location. To make a successful television model you need a flair for acting.

Print modelling: Models generally pose for still photographs, to be utilized in the press advertisements, brochures, magazines, catalogues, calendars etc. Models for print media have to work along with ad agencies and photographers.

Show room modelling: As per the name it take place in the showrooms. Models work generally for the exporters, garment manufacturers and the big garment retailers to display the latest trends of fashion to the buyers.

Ramp or catwalk modelling/Live modelling: Requires models to display the garments and accessories in front of a live audience. This can be at an exhibition or a fashion show, or at a showroom or point of purchase. Ramp modelling, thus, requires long hours of practice. Performing in a live show before an audience can be very stressful. It requires tremendous confidence and poise. Ramp models should have a good posture, walking style and body language.

Advertising modelling: This is the one where both print & electronic media has equal importance. It is in order to promote or popularise a product. Advertising models appear in press advertisements, on posters, in TV commercials and advertising films. Advertising modelling is open to models of all age groups. Basic acting skills and a photogenic face are must.

Remuneration

The amount of money paid to models depends upon how prestigious the show is and who the organisers are. Female models typically earn more than male models for similar work. An established model who is consistently on the popularity charts earns anything between Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 per fashion Show. Low budget shows pay models somewhere around Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. Print ads pay according to the number of photographs used. Magazine spreads and billboard advertisements also pay well - reputed magazines paying around Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per photograph.

Comments

WoodpeckieJuly 3, 2012 at 3:33 AM
Relevance of vocational courses is much bright nowadays.In India,I personally feel that one should really go for a good vocational course after class 12th.In the context of India, where everything is so fast & getting competetive, vocational courses in india really an apt choice for getting the best of academic profits.After class 12th one has the choice of getting the best of future.
AnonymousJuly 30, 2012 at 9:26 AM
Thanks for all the information about various career options available to 10+2 students in various streams. I would like to suggest to add some top colleges in all the streams.
PIE MULTILINGUAL SERVICESDecember 24, 2019 at 3:46 AM
This is great knowledge! Very honest and practical. I really enjoyed this blog. Similar blog about Outbound Call Center Outsourcing:
https://www.piemultilingual.com/multilingual-call-center/outbound-call-center-services/
Outbound Call Center Outsourcing

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GHANSHYAM GOUR