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Media beckons
The media and entertainment sector has shown a phenomenal growth in the country during the recent years. Going by the prevailing situation, a large number of trained media professionals would be required in near future.
Already there is considerable shortage of skilled manpower in several emerging fields in the domain. Hence, the media industry beckons students with a creative mindset who wish to have their presence felt.
Trends and pointers
Till recently, most educational institutions running study programmes in journalism and mass communication have, by and large, remained focused on reporting and editing with major emphasis on print media. Some efforts have
also been initiated for radio and television programme production. However, major areas in which there are a host of career opportunities are yet to be
explored, including Internet journalism, multimedia applications, computer graphics, packaging, animation and gaming.
Who is eligible?
Many universities, colleges and other educational institutions offer specialised courses as well as degree programmes in mass media, journalism and mass communication at graduate as well as postgraduate levels.
The minimum educational qualification is plus two for graduation and a bachelor's degree for master's courses. Most of the institutions admit students on the basis of separate entrance tests.
Premier institutes
These include the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), which is located on the JNU campus in New Delhi and is run by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It offers postgraduate diploma courses in English and Hindi journalism, radio and television journalism, besides one in advertising and public relations.
Then, Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi, offers master's courses in journalism and mass communication, electronic media and convergent journalism, besides a diploma course in development communication. The Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad, runs specialised study programmes in advertising management and marketing communication. The admission is through CAT. Among other specialised courses, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) offers study programmes in film direction, editing and other such technical fields. Then, there is the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, which runs technical courses in film production. Likewise, the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, offers a course in sports journalism, while NIFT, Delhi, runs a course in fashion communication.
The Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication offers study programmes in the print and electronic media as well as corporate communication. Manipal University also offers a course in corporate communication.
Latest courses
Many premier educational institutions in the field of media training have not introduced new courses during the past decade as per the requirements of the changing times. Nonetheless, some universities of the region, including Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra; and Punjabi University, Patiala, have come up with quite a few study programmes in the emerging disciplines. From the current academic session, the Institute of Mass Communication and Media Technology at Kurukshetra University has launched a course in music, media and electronics, which sounds interesting. Then, there is a postgraduate course in multimedia and others in graphic arts, animation and so on. Adopting the policy of "catch them young", the institute has opened the doors for the adolescents after passing senior secondary in any stream. Punjabi University, Patiala has also introduced new courses like a postgraduate diploma in videography and television programme production. Delhi University, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Guru Nanak Dev University (Regional Campus), Jalandhar, GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi, and Rajasthan University, Jaipur, also offer courses in the discipline. Makhanlal Chaturvedi Rashtriya Patrakarita Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, and Kushabhau Thakre Patrakarita Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, specialise in Hindi Journalism. Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, YMCA and YWCA offer diploma courses.
There are undergraduate courses in the subject at certain colleges in Haryana as well as some of those affiliated to Delhi University.
Several leading media houses have also set up their own journalism schools. These include the Times School of Journalism, Delhi, Malayalam Manorama School of Journalism, Kottayam, Pioneer Media School, TV Today Media School and Total TV Media Institute.
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Course chat
The content of news, presentation and marketing of media material have undergone a drastic change over the years, says Prof
B.K. Kuthiala, Director, Institute of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Kurukshetra University.
What are the latest trends in media education? Today we see a different kind of media all around us. Not only the content of Which are the areas where media education needs special
focus? Printing and packaging industry is witnessing unprecedented growth and printers with specialization in packaging are in great demand. Then, there is a huge market for musical programmes both in audio and audio-visual modes. The platforms for delivery have also multiplied. We need an army of trained persons who can use the latest electronics to produce and deliver music to the masses. And what about animation and gaming? Today, animation is a multi-billion industry; and Europe and USA are looking for partners in India for outsourcing the production of animated content. It is not only cost-effective here but it has been established beyond doubt that Indian minds are highly creative. Digitalized games is another area where demand is many times more than the supply. We need creative technologists who can create games.
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Interest subsidy for education loans
The Government of India has decided to extend interest subsidy to those students who take education loans from banks for pursuing professional courses like engineering, management and medicine.
The scheme is likely to be launched by the Ministry of Human Resources Department (HRD) to benefit students from the academic year 2008-09. Earlier, students who used to take loans from banks were given a moratorium period in the sense that they did not have to pay the interest on the loan amount till they completed their studies. Now under a proposed scheme, the entire interest amount on the loan taken would be subsidised by the Ministry of HRD. Only those students will get this benefit who will raise loans for pursuing professional courses from the banks approved by the Indian Banks Association. The scheme will also be applicable to all private recognised institutions across the country. Public sector bank Canara Bank, which is the nodal bank to the ministry of HRD, will disburse the interest subsidy to the banks which will provide educational loans to the students. The scheme will have much impact because premier institutions have already raised fee for professional courses and now most of the students will be able to take the benefits of the scheme. The government has earmarked Rs 4000 crore for interest subsidy scheme for The government proposed to provide some avenues to mitigate their financial problems and, moreover, to ensure that nobody is denied professional education because he or she is poor. According to Nitin, a student of the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra University, this is really a good scheme being launched by the government and would help in benefiting thousands of students across the country, especially those who are poor. Though banks would be quite willing to provide loans to students studying for professional courses, the requirements for securities will increase. Till now, the maximum loan offered for studies in India was Rs 10 lakh and there is paper work required for the initial Rs 4 lakh. After that, there needs to be a guarantor for a loan up to Rs 7.5 lakh and above this, some collateral is required. Banks, over the years, have been gearing up to meet the demands of aspiring IIM and IIT students because the repayment ability is there. Banks are now looking at providing students with bigger loan by raising the limits. For this, they have already approached the Indian Banks Association.
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Are you browned off?
That particular state of frustrated boredom called “being browned off” is known to most people at one time or another. Life will suddenly become savourless, work uninteresting, play a bore.
In such a condition, one finds it difficult to believe in himself, he suspects the motives of other people, and he may even come to the place where he feels that life is scarcely worth living. Naturally if you suffer a great deal from this kind of moodiness you will take care to get a medical check-up. Your moods could be a warning sign to a doctor that something was wrong physically. But with most, the cause lies within ourselves and so does the cure. Perhaps the first thing to do is to take it for granted that you will never be always on top of the world. Everybody has temperamental ups and downs. Take your mood for granted, and, therefore, don’t take it too seriously. It is possibly unpleasant and a great nuisance, but it will pass. Emerson’s advice was “Wait for your returning strength.”
James Mursell describes how he was once making his way through a very narrow valley that cut across a range of mountains. “Clouds were clinging to the range, and when I got into the valley I could have sworn that the weather had completely changed and that a downpour was imminent, for there was not one speck of blue sky to be seen. Yet after I had gone along the track about a mile, I found myself bathed in the sunlight of a beautiful bright day, and the clouds that had seemed to stretch from horizon to horizon were just a little tuft of vapour in the pass behind me.” It is so with a good deal of our depression. Assure yourself that the clouds do not extend far enough to cause you much trouble, and decide to drive right through them.
The remedy for our moods lies mostly in ourselves. We should not identify ourselves with them, for by doing so we merely increase their power over us. Moods are like fears; they grow by being given attention. A medieval legend tells of a certain man who, having offended his lord, was taken off to prison and put in a dungeon. A guard brought his food twice a day and he was kept for many years there. At last he felt he could bear it no longer, and resolved to end it all. He decided he would attack his jailer the next time he came with his food, hoping in the struggle to be killed and put out of his misery. To catch the man, he went close to the door, and took hold of the handle. To his amazement, the door opened at his touch. It had no lock and never had one. He was not locked in at all. Trembling with excitement, he groped his way up the dark stairway, but hesitated when he saw two soldiers standing chatting at the top. Yet, as he drew nearer, they just glanced at him but made no attempt to stop him. The same thing happened at the great gate. The armed guard at the drawbridge regarded him indifferently, but made no attempt to hinder him. So he walked out of the gate a free man, went home and lived ever after unmolested. He could have been free at any time during his 20 years in prison and he just walked out. He was only a prisoner in thought. It may be, of course, that we have good reason for our depression. Sometimes circumstances are difficult. We get up against something or somebody, and there is definite reason for unhappiness. But when we are depressed it will help us a good deal if we remember the responsibility we have for other people. There is nothing that spreads more quickly than depression. It is like a fog, which envelopes the whole of a home or place of business, insidiously seeping into every last place. If you feel “browned off”, force yourself to think of doing something for somebody else. It doesn’t matter much what it is, so long as it involves a real effort to snap out of self. Go for a brisk walk. Stride along with your shoulders back, your arms swinging, and with regular deep breaths, and you will begin to feel better. Look out deliberately for things to interest you, look for sights and sounds you have never noticed before. We should apply treatment immediately to the pricks and scratches that life gives us. Situations which upset us, attitudes and words of other people that give offence are like thorns, which prick us. They will do no harm if we pull them out at once, but will fester if we leave them. Many a dark mood could be avoided by dealing at once with some minor cause of this kind. We must cultivate emotional resilience. Not every mood is caused by slight things. You may have very good reason for depression. Sometimes circumstances are difficult, we are up against something or somebody and there is definite reason for unhappiness. At such times it helps to remember that in the end what matters is not one’s circumstances but one’s reaction to them. Life has to go on, and we might as well determine to make the best of it. There are still important things waiting to be done, even when we are feeling “browned off”. Give yourself some absorbing aim; something you feel is too important to leave even for a day. Feel an obligation to carry it through; it will save you from falling prey to many a dark mood.
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Smart Skills
Being on TV brings you instant stardom. No wonder there are so many people who want to get into television. Of all communications media today, television is the most powerful — its transmissions can reach millions of people over a wide geographic area. What is more, the messages are received directly in the home.
The main function of television broadcasting is to entertain, inform or educate. Television caters to audiences of varying tastes and preferences, from diverse social, economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. Most networks, therefore, present a range of programmes that target segments according to age, sex, language, occupation, special interest and include entertainment programmes such as music, drama series, sit-coms and game shows and reality shows, educational programmes, specific interest programmes which could cover gardening, cooking, beauty, or household tips, news and current affairs programmes, sports programmes which cover news and live broadcasts of sporting events within and outside the country; and documentaries, which make an in-depth study of a variety of topics. With the continuous proliferation of satellite television channels and multinational media networks, there is a wide spectrum of job openings for all those with starry dreams of being in the limelight, acting in television serials or anchoring talk shows. But that's only the thin icing on the cake. The rest of the pie includes just about everything you can imagine it takes to put together a programme — directors, producers, engineers, technicians, journalists, writers, researchers, computer animators, script editors, videotape editors, set designers etc.
Work in TV & video
The process of production of TV programmes is divided into three stages: pre-production, production and post-production. Planning or pre-production involves conceptualising of the programme ideas, research and compiling of information, script writing, commissioning key personnel, arranging for equipment, preparing the sets and the budget. It can also include marketing air time to advertisers, or programmes to other networks. Production involves conducting the filming, interviewing and recording of all audio and visual aspects of the programme. This can be conducted in a studio, on location, or specially erected sets. There is a team of producer, production assistants, production executives, and technical professionals — cameramen, sound recordists, set designers etc. who collectively handle the production work.
Post-production involves editing the filmed material, recording of voice-overs and sound effects.
Major jobs in television
Producer: The producer is in charge of the programme right from conceptualisation, choice of artists to the recording and filming to budgeting too. Most entry levels jobs in television are made in the area of production as production assistants who run errands, liaise and coordinate the work of different departments in accordance with the producer/director's instructions, prepare and type log sheets of footage and generally provide support to the director/producer. Director: The director provides the creative input to the programme and decides on the kind of shots and sequences required during filming, as also the subsequent editing of the programme. There are no clearly defined roles of producer and director in television, both functions are often performed by one individual, particularly for news programmes. Announcer/presenter/anchor persons: This is one of the most sought-after jobs in broadcasting and the one most people identify television with. The work includes presenting news bulletins, weather bulletins and special broadcasts, coordinating panel discussions and interviewing, hosting and compeering
programmes. Most announcements and presentations are live and require good voice quality and modulation, a photogenic appearance and strong camera presence. Correspondent/Reporter: Most television journalists start their careers as correspondents/reporters who cover a story and write the report, and often graduate to presenting it too. A good command over the language and high level of general awareness and an interest in current affairs, along with professional qualifications in journalism are useful in building a career in this field. Actors/actresses work in television serials, are given their scripts and are instructed by the director of the film on how to perform and emote. They have to sign a contract with the producer and director to work with them for the assigned duration of the shooting of the serial, or a required number of episodes. Those looking for a break in acting require to have good screen presence, acting ability, and excellent voice and language skills. Researcher & scriptwriter: While the researcher provides the background information on the subject of the programme, the scriptwriter has to write the actual words to be used by characters, presenter or commentator in the programme. Script writers write for television serials, documentaries and features, and need to have a good command over language and
flair for writing and ability to picturise words for a visual medium. A literary background and training in scriptwriting and some experience in theatre is useful. In addition, there are several technical jobs in television. Camera person operates the video camera and translates the director's concept into visual terms, designs lighting plans, and composes shots. Camera work or cinematography is a specialised job requiring a creative mind and good technical skills. Sound recordist handles all sound recording during filming and is overall responsible for the audio quality of the programme. Videotape editor: The videotape editor puts together a film or documentary by arranging the sequence of shots along with the music and special effects to make the presentation appealing and one which makes impact. In addition, there are jobs in lighting, engineering and other technical jobs as well as graphics which covers providing illustrations, animations and various kinds of artworks to enhance a programme, set and art direction which involves design of the background/location for the film that will enhance and enrich the programme, costume design responsible for the design of clothes suitable for portraying the character, mood and historical perspective of the film/programme. Such jobs require managerial and administrative acumen, and for which an MBA, or qualifications in marketing management or advertising may be a preferred route.
Getting In
Creativity and technical knowledge combined with professional training and experience are required for this field. Most non-technical jobs in television broadcasting, particularly in planning, production and direction, are gained There are degree and diploma courses in mass communication, which normally cover training in all forms of media, including advertising and public relations, TV, radio and filmmaking. You can specialise in the field of choice. You can also take up graduation in any subject followed by a post-graduate degree or diploma in mass communication. These courses are best suited to students looking for a career in production or direction. However, for technical posts and other specialised jobs, appropriate skills and qualifications are necessary. A two-year post-graduate degree in mass communications which includes training in radio, TV and film production is offered by the Jamia Millia Mass Communications Research Centre, New Delhi. There are also post-graduate diploma courses offered by several institutes including Indian Institute of Communications, New Delhi, Xaviers Institute of Communications, Bombay, the Film and TV Institute of India, (FTII) Pune, Asian School of Journalism, Chennai, Bharitya Vidhya Bhavan in Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities and Sophia College, Bombay. Selection to these courses is normally through an entrance test, followed by a personal interview and a group discussion.
Degree courses in mass communication are also offered by Delhi University, GGSIP University, Mumbai University, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University and several others. The writer is a noted career expert.
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Career Hotline
Q. We've heard of white-collar workers and blue-collar workers, but who are green-collar employees and what do they do? A. These are the people who work for companies that are finding ways to substitute limited resources and oil for unlimited resources like air to create power. These green-collars work for a new breed of alternative energy or "green" companies that are bringing in major amounts of the green stuff (money). Every country from Europe to India and China is "cleaning up" their act in the hope of promoting a good self image while doing the right thing by their air, water and land. With "green" companies bringing in good profits lately, all these countries are benefiting from the trend. Doing our part to improve the planet isn't a new idea, but with hybrid cars and big-name companies bragging about what they're doing to contribute to the movement, alternative energy has certainly picked up in speed and effort. In fact, it is now going global. Besides, as long as there is a demand for renewable energy, "going green" will also have a positive effect on the stock market.
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SSC exams
Q. What is the scheme for exams conducted by the Staff Selection A. The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Graduate Level Exam every year for various posts for which qualification is a bachelor's degree, and the Combined Matric Level Exam for posts for which the required qualification is matriculation or High School.
Those who qualify in the Prelims have to appear for the Mains. Candidates qualifying in the Mains have to appear for an Interview or Physical Efficiency Test (PET). Those qualifying in the Matric Level Main Examinations have to pass a skill test (typing or stenography). Some examinations such as those for Section Officers, Investigators etc are held separately, and no Prelims are held for them.
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Bike racing prospects
A. With superbikes catching on in India, biking clubs are not far behind.
For instance, the racing school for beginners at the MMST Track , supported by TVS Motor Company Ltd and organised by the Madras Motor Sports Club, trains fresh enthusiasts who wish to join bike racing. There conduct theory sessions to acquaint the riders on basic track rules and practical sessions on bikes. Certificates are issued by MMSC on successful completion of training. The charges are approximately Rs 1000, for cost of fuel and food, use of track (half day: and for the instructor. Accommodation is provided for outstation applicants. The application form can be downloaded from the website of Madras Motor Sports Club (www.mmsc.in). Besides TVS, Yamaha also has two biking clubs, The Frenzy Riders (Yamaha RI) in Bangalore and the more recent, Yamaha Gladiator Club. The Royal Enfield Company runs the Bullet Club, in Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chandigarh and Kolkata. The club boasts of a membership of over 2,500 avid bikers.
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Educational management
Q. I'm a schoolteacher. I wish to do a course in educational management. Could you please suggest some recognised courses, preferably through correspondence? A. Like any other sector, the education sector is getting 'corporatised' and 'professionalised'. As a result, many structured positions and profiles are opening up in this sector. Besides teaching, exciting and innovative changes are happening in content, research, and delivery mechanisms. Positions can be at three levels: front-end, back-end, and a combination of both.
The front-end involves teaching, delivery, etc, while the back-end involves research of content, support material etc. We also have people who manage education, teachers, content, replication etc. So, there are many opportunities opening up. The phenomenal growth of secondary education in India has created a huge gap between demand and supply of principals, headmasters and teachers. Courses through distance learning:
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Ayurvedic (dentistry) & CMS exam
A. No. Only candidates having a recognised MBBS degree The Combined Medical Services Exam is conducted by the UPSC for the recruitment of medical officers (at different levels) in the various GoI services (i.e. Railways, Health, Municipal Corporation of Delhi) each year. Short-listed candidates are called for a personality test and medical examination. MBBS degree holders under 32 are eligible to The Medical Officer cadre in the ITBP has been restructured on the lines of the Central Health Service. You will be recruited as a General Duty Medical Officer, Group "A" in the rank of Asst Commandant in ITBP, M/o Home Affairs for a minimum period of ten years. After 4 years of service, you will be upgraded to the level of Sr Medical Officer (pay scale of Rs 10,000-325-15,000). The age limit is 30 years (some relaxation is allowed for reserved categories). Some physical and medical (you should have good vision and not be colour blind, knock kneed, flat footed, etc) fitness norms (same as those for the IPS) are also specified because you may be required to serve in high altitude and in locations with extreme climatic conditions. Shortlisted candidates are called for a detailed interview. The writer is a
noted career consultant.
Please send in your query, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com
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Usha Albuquerque
Pervin Malhotra
There are now millions of green professionals that install solar panels, weatherise homes, brew biofuels, build hybrid cars and erect giant wind turbines.
Q. I have completed M.Sc (mathematics). I am 24 and want to make a career in bike racing. Is there any institution for this?
Q. Are graduates in dentistry Ayurvedic/Unani systems of medicines eligible to sit for the CMS exam?