The WILD streak
Usha Albuquerque on careers in wildlife and forest conservation

INSTITUTE WATCH Chaudhary Charan Singh (C.C.S.) Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar Haryana – 125004 College of Agriculture, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand – 263145 College of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan Himachal Pradesh - 173230 Forestry Research Institute, Dehra Dun - 248 006. Indian Institute of Forest Management, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal. Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun

Do you love visiting wildlife parks? Do you love animals and keep a pet, or several pets at home? Do you have a deep desire to protect all of nature? If so, then forestry and wildlife studies may be the ideal course of study for you.

Forests form part of the vital natural resources of a country and are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, plant species, herbs, insects and other natural resources. We, therefore, need to protect and guard our forests while also utilising their resources without disturbing the ecological balance that has preserved them for centuries.

There is a great demand for specially trained professionals for performing these duties. There are various people who work in forest and wildlife conservation departments. These range from foresters, forest range officers and zoo curators to biologists, zoologists, entomologists and environment conservationists.

If you have an interest in science, and in particular in biology, you can consider a career as a wildlife biologist, veterinarian, wildlife manager, zoo curator or environment specialist. However, if you did not do science but would still like to work in the area of wildlife conservation, you can become a wildlife communications specialist; handle awareness programmes, advocacy and wildlife policy analysis.

Job profile

Wildlife Biologist — Gathers, analyses, and interprets data on wildlife and habitats, including behaviour, disease, ecology, genetics, nutrition, population dynamics, physiology, land-use changes, and pollution to conserve wildlife species and improve habitat conditions. 

Wildlife Manager and Zoo Curator — Has an understanding and knowledge of wildlife science, handles and manages wildlife parks, zoological parks and game sanctuaries. He/she also apply scientifically sound solutions to wildlife and habitat management problems.

Veterinarian and Zoologist — Is involved in diagnosing, treating and curing the diverse types of diseases in animals and birds, and study animal physiology, treatment and prevention of diseases among animals. Zoological parks and wildlife sanctuaries also employ veterinarians for the captive breeding of wild animals, feared to be getting extinct and to control the spread of diseases among animals, and help maintain the ecological balance in the forest areas.

Communications and Public Relations Specialist — Writes articles and news releases, create brochures and websites, photograph wildlife and conservation activities, and speak at public gatherings or through the media.

Wildlife Policy Analyst — Works with government departments or non-profit organisations, to formulate laws and regulations governing wildlife and forest habitation. 

If you have a background in geography or economics you can also become a GIS Specialist and work with Geographic Information Systems and other technologies to interpret data and make management and policy recommendations concerning wildlife their migration, movements and habitats.

Forestry — If you plan to work in the field of forestry, there are a number of areas of work. Forestry involves the protection of forests and planting of trees to ensure regular supply of timber for our daily use. A forester takes care of forest resources by protecting them from fire, pests, disease, encroachment and indiscriminate felling of trees.  Specially trained personnel are also 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 of the Indian Forest Service.

Getting In

Those with a background in science can take up a bachelor’s degree in any of the life sciences, forestry science, environment science or wildlife science for a career as a wildlife specialist, biologist, zoologist and in environment conservation. There are also various courses in forestry at the graduate and post-graduate level.

Several colleges/ universities of agriculture/agricultural sciences offer B.Sc programmes in forestry, for which Plus II with PCB is the minimum requirement. Some also offer M.Sc and Ph.D courses.

Punjab University, Chandigarh offers M.Sc in Environment Science for science graduates, while Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, offers specialisations in environment science as well as in zoology.

Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, offers degree programmes in zoology.

Punjabi University, Patiala, is promoting research in diverse fields such as Forensic Entomology, Biodiversity, Animal Physiology and related subjects.

Students can who have passed the Class XII examination with physics, chemistry and biology combination can also opt for Bachelor’s degree in veterinary science and animal husbandry. Most universities have veterinary colleges and admission is on the basis of an entrance test. Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science, Ludhiana offers a five-year B.V.Sc and A.H. programme, with the PG Institute of Vetinerary Education & Research offering undergraduate and postfraduate courses in animal biotechnology, and Punjab Veterinary Science University at Bathinda offers various specilisations in veterinary sciences.

Those with non-science background, and having graduation in any discipline can seek admission to the Indian Institute of Forest Management at Bhopal which offers a PG Diploma in Forest Management. It trains managers in the area of Forest, Environment and Natural Resources Management and allied sectors. While preference is given to science graduates, agriculture and forestry, there is an entrance test for admission to this course.

Other forest and wildlife related courses are offered at the Wildlife Institute in Dehradun, which trains personnel for the many wildlife parks and conservation areas in the country. This Institute conducts a one-year diploma course in Wildlife-Biology and Management. In addition, there is a PG diploma in ecology at the Salim Ali School of Ecology at Pondicherry University, as well as an M.Sc in Wildlife offered to science graduates at Aligarh Muslim University, Madras University and Saurashtra University, Rajkot.

The Tata Energy Research Institute in New Delhi also conducts programmes in environmental studies, including M.Sc. in Environmental Studies and Natural Resources Management, intended to educate students to become natural resource/environmental managers, scientists, researchers, and policy-makers through courses in natural sciences, economics, and public policy.

Those wishing to get into communication and public relations specialisation can take up a mass communication course while picking up work experience or internship with NGOs and organisations such as World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace, Project Tiger programmes and others, for jobs in advocacy, outreach and awareness programmes.

There is a huge need for dedicated young wildlife and forest professionals to protect nature and what is left of the environment that we are misusing. The wanton felling of trees, the plunder of the forests, and indiscriminate killing of wild animals, and destruction of their habitats has already created great damage to our world. There are many opportunities for you to take up the challenge.

Love for the wild

A wildlife study is an ideal career for those who love nature, especially wild animals and have a commitment to conservation. There are job opportunities in government sector with the Indian Forest Services, or with forest and wildlife research and natural resource management organisations, as well as with game sanctuaries and zoological parks. NGOs and international environment conservation organisations are also hiring wildlife specialists for promoting awareness, educating the people living near forests and as consultants for taking up projects such as “Project Tiger”, “Save the Lion” and other such programmes. Some international organisations are also hiring Indian personnel for working in countries like Kampuchea, Vietnam, South Africa and other nations.

Skills required

However, it is a tough job requiring physical and mental alertness, a spirit of adventure, a scientific temperament, curiosity, practicality and patience. So if you would love to do something to protect innocent animals out in the wild, you would do well to consider a career in wildlife studies.

The NUMBER game
Actuarial Science is a lucrative choice, writes Saroj Gupta

If you enjoy playing with numbers and are ambitious, then a career in Actuarial Science might be just what you are looking for. A choice that promises a successful career and a handsome salary, Actuarial Science involves the application of mathematical and statistical methods to the finance and insurance sectors of an economy, particularly to the assessment of risks. Individuals working in this field are referred to as ‘Actuaries’.

Role

Actuaries work in various domains including Banking, Investments, Healthcare, Insurance, Pensions and Asset Management etc.

In the pension industry, an actuary calculates liabilities, measures pre-funding requirements for these liabilities and manages pension, gratuity and other employees’ benefit fund schemes.

What you need to be an Actuary

A person who makes judgment subjectively, rather than using conventional techniques or formulae to arrive at decisions is fit to be an actuary. One should have a strong background in subjects directly related to Mathematics and a fondness for numbers. A very sound and thorough understanding of the business environment, economics, financial markets and accounts is a must. One should be equipped with good computer and communication skills.

Eligibility

In order to get admission to the Actuarial Society of India as a student member and study Actuarial Science, the minimum educational qualification required is the successful completion of Plus II (HSC) or equivalent examination with a minimum of 85 per cent marks in Mathematics/Statistics. Alternatively, one can also get admission to a course in Actuarial Science if one has successfully completed graduation with 55 per cent marks in Mathematics/Statistics/Econometrics/Computer Science. Those who have completed their post graduation in these subjects are also eligible for admission. Engineers in any discipline and those who have completed CA/CS/CWA/MBA (Finance)/MCA are also eligible to get admission to a course in Actuarial Science.

Course structure

There are 15 papers in all, nine papers in Core Technical series, three in Communication series, two in Specialist Technical Stage and two in Specialist Application Stag. After clearing all the papers in the first two stages, the candidate becomes an Associate and after clearing all the papers in all four series the Associate gets Fellowship status.

Prospects

Actuarial science is considered as one of the highest paid profession in the world. As a trainee, a student can expect a stipend which may start at Rs 1,00,000 per annum. In India as a fresh postgraduate one can get a salary ranging between Rs 5 and Rs 10 lakh per annum. On gaining experience of five to 10 years, one will get a salary of Rs 20 lakh per annum.

As an appointed Actuary, one will get a salary of Rs 30 lakh per annum.

In countries like the UK and the US, a freshly-qualified Actuary is likely to receive an average pay of around $ 70,000 per annum.

The number of members in the Institute of Actuaries of India, previously called the ‘Actuarial Society of India’, has increased by a whopping 400 per cent in the past five years.

Job opportunities

Insurance companies with foreign tie-ups are being set up by corporate groups which have created a huge demand for Actuaries. With more than 20 companies operating in India, both in Life and Non-Life Insurance sectors, and many Actuarial BPO and KPO companies operating across the country, there are plenty of opportunities available. The opening up of the insurance sector in India has brought about a host of job opportunities for professionals of Actuarial Science.

Trump and Gates, one of the premier institutions that started Actuarial Science coaching as early as 2004, plans to start distance-learning projects and open its centers outside Delhi, predominantly in the northern states such as Haryana, Punjab, UP and Uttaranchal. It has been a pioneer in Actuarial Science coaching in Delhi and NCR. Their faculties are well-versed in the domain of actuarial science as they have previously worked in the actuarial industry and have hands on experience of the real work that is being done.

 The writer is Director, Trump & Gates, New Delhi

Perfect Prescription
Charandeep Singh

Highlights In terms of volume – India’s pharmaceutical industry is the third largest in the entire world. In terms of value — India’s pharmaceutical industry ranks fourteenth. By 2015 - It will be in the list of top 10 global pharmaceutical markets and it will touch US $ 20 billion. 2008-2009 saw 29 per cent growth in exports of pharmaceutical drugs as compared to 2007. 2013 — Indian formulation market is expected to touch $ 13.7 billion

INSTITUTE WATCH College of Pharmacy, Mehrauli Badarpur Road, New Delhi. Jamia Hamdard University, department of Pharmacy, New Delhi. Hindu College of Pharmacy, Sonepat Department of Pharmacy, Guru Jambeshwar University, Hisar Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Punjab University, Chandigarh. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education, Mohali.

The pharmaceutical industry has developed rapidly in the recent past. India is set to emerge as a leading pharmaceutical player in the global arena in the coming decade. The pharmaceutical industry in India is the third largest in the world, which will be worth $20 billion by 2015. Mergers and acquisitions are a part of this growth. The compounded annual growth rate of the pharma industry in India is 12-15 per cent and the global figures are 4-7 per cent for the period between 2008 and 2013. With such exponential growth expected, the manpower requirement in the sector has increased manifold, which, in turn, is also supplementing the growth of the bio-technology sector in India. Indian pharmaceutical companies are giving a tough competition to the top MNCs. Such a profound growth is possible because of the heavy population figures and with the increasing number of middle class people and their income the access to drugs and medicines is also increasing.

The Central and the various state governments have played a crucial role in the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in the country. It is because of the largesse extended by the government that the Indian pharmaceutical industry is on a high. According to Anand Sharma, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industries, “The pharmaceutical sector in India has grown and it is a major contributor to exports from India. In 1990 the amount was meager as compared to today’s massive figure”. Tax breaks offered by the government too, have played a pivotal role in the remarkable growth of this sector.

In the region, the Himachal Government offered a tax holiday of 10 years to the companies that set up their manufacturing facilities in Baddi. “This scripted the success of Baddi as the pharma capital of North India. With Baddi becoming the pharma hub, the state government has decided to set up a Bio-Technology park near Solan”, says a senior official of the Himachal government. Following the footsteps of Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir has also offered incentives to those starting their manufacturing facilities in the state. To help the Indian companies to compete with MNCs, the government has also laid down certain procedures for the development of drugs, and thus, proper clinical procedures are to be adopted in practice. New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative and the Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research Programme — two schemes launched by the government, have also contributed in the gargantuan growth of the sector.

Institutes in North India

To start a career in pharmacy, a candidate needs to opt for D.Pharma or B.Pharma after Class XII. Both PCB and PCM stream students can apply for these courses.

D.Pharma: It’s a two-year diploma course in pharmacy.

B.Pharma: It’s a four-year degree course in pharmacy.

Admissions to D. Pharma or B. Pharma are mostly on the basis of ranks obtained in entrance exams conducted by the states or the university.

After completing B.Pharma one can go for M.Pharma for specialisation. Later on one can also go in for a Doctorate in Pharmacy.

Career and Scope

With the emergence of new pharmaceutical units in the region the, job opportunities have grown manifold. Most of the job options available to the pharmacists are in the R&D units of the companies. They are also required in the verticals of Quality Check and Quality Control. M.pharma or Ph.D holders are normally absorbed in research work, to develop new useful drugs, in laboratories and in the production work in the pharmaceutical industry and analysing them for purity and strength.

The passouts can enroll as pharmacists in various hospitals. They can also opt for government service as Drug Inspectors and Drug Therapists.

“Passouts from our institute have also got jobs as hospital drug coordinator and research officer in pathological labs”, says Prof. Handa of Punjab University, Chandigarh.

The best of the lot are absorbed by corporates as scientists and even as freshers the start is pretty handsome, in the region of Rs 40,000 per month.

“With the upward swing in the volume of the sector, we have even started having campus placements, which is a new trend”, explains Dr Ahmed of Jamia University.

Students with a degree in pharma and experience find cushy fitments in Bio-technology industry as well.

Pharmacists may also take up teaching as a profession as lecturers in pharmacy colleges and universities.

Study Abroad
sweden
Get the best at half the price
R. M. S. Atwal

Sweden is one of the few countries in Europe that beckons students from the region for its state-funded and student-centric education system that promises their all-round personality development under a multicultural umbrella. The home of the Nobel Prize, the reputation of this key ultra-modern member of the European Union is built on close cooperation between the industry and the academia.

Swedish universities are world-famous for their investigative research and independent thinking, and this reputation is cemented with rigorous quality control and nationally certified degrees. The country has one of the most ambitious educational evaluation programmes in the whole of Europe. I t is aimed at maintaining this competitive edge.

Top universities Jonkoping University University of Kalmar University of Karlskrona Lulea University University of Skovde University of Kristianstad Gotland University, Visby Dalarna University, Borlange & Falun Högskolan i Gävle, Gävle University of Karlstad, Karlstad Linkoping University Lund University Mid Sweden University Stockholm University Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences Top courses Basic Financial Accounting, Business Ethics, Finance and business analysis, Computer and Network, Business Information, Marketing Management, Innovation and Business Creation, Biotechnology Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and MBA are in high demand. Fee structure Since it is the last chance for Indian students to avail the free tuition fee offer in Swedish universities, they should apply fast for the September intake.  With effect from July 1, 2011, overseas students will be levied full tuition fee. Of course, scholarships for bright students will continue. A word of caution Swedish is the national language of Sweden so only restricted number of courses are taught in English. So, if you don’t speak Swedish then you should have good English language standard. If you want to study at a private college, you should check its credentials before paying any money. International students are not allowed to finance their studies from any Sweden bank or students can work while study only for 20 hours in a week as per rules.

Recently, the Swedish parliament has passed a law outlining tuition and application fees for students from non-EU/EEA countries from the 2011-2012 academic years, to be supplemented by scholarship programmes. Those who have begun their education before 2011 should be able to complete it at a normal pace of study without having to pay the tuition fees.

So, eligible Indian students can still apply for the September intake and avail of this unique facility.

Swedish universities offer about 500 master’s programmes (taught in English), ranging from human rights law to mechanical engineering. Interestingly, teachers there are pretty open and frank with their students, always valuing their personal initiative and creative thought.

The Swedish government recently introduced more liberal labour migration laws, making it much easier to move to Sweden for work or to stay back after completing their studies. The students who have a job at the time of the expiry of their student permit, can easily change this into a work permit. There is no set quota for work permits for foreign citizens.

Since there is no tuition fee for now for Sweden, it is a golden opportunity for our students to opt for this European study destination. It becomes all the more pertinent in view of a dicey situation in the West where student visa curbs are increasing day by day, says Amit Gupta, the Director of VG Overseas Education Consultants, a Jalandhar-based company specialising in Swedish education. Excerpts from an interview:

Of late, Sweden has emerged as a key European study destination. How is it helping students from the Punjab region?

A. Yes, as compared to other European countries, Sweden is much better for students from the region wanting to study abroad. The simple reason is the level of education over there is quite high, even higher than the West. Since education is compulsory from the age of 16, the Swedish government considers it as its moral duty to give the best to its citizens. The same applies to overseas students as well.

Education in Sweden is almost free for now. How do our students take it?

From July 1, 2011 it would be no free education for overseas students. So, it is the last chance for our students to grab this opportunity. When we say free, it means a student has to pay for all other expenses like living costs, study material, and food and lodging. Since tuition fee in Europe is quite hefty, our students can save a lot of money on that. It is a win-win situation for them because they get the best education in the world at almost half the price, at least for the September intake. If we talk of tuition fee, it is 4,000-5,000 Euros annually anywhere else in Europe, but in Sweden it is less than 50 per cent.

How is the current job situation over there?

Part-time jobs are available and wages are quite high as compared to other EU countries. This all is there despite recession. I am sure jobs will be aplenty by the time our students complete their courses in Sweden. Moreover, by that time recession too will be over.

Any word of advice for our students waiting in the wings to fly to Sweden?

Our students should go to Sweden without any permanent settlement motive. They should avail the cheap and best education there so that they are able to build their careers in a better way.

Course chat
Broadcast Journalism

New Delhi: NDTV Worldwide, part of the NDTV Group, and IndiaCan, a joint venture between Educomp (India’s largest education company) and Pearson (an international media company with world-leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing), have entered into an arrangement for introducing a broadcast journalism training programme.

With the growth in the broadcast media space across India, more specifically in regional television, the programme aims to address the requirement of the industry - quality candidates equipped with fine journalism skills and the necessary practical experience.

“NDTV has set pioneering benchmarks across news and television broadcasting, while sticking to the highest professional standards. So we are delighted with this association between IndiaCan and NDTV Worldwide, a model that represents the best in our respective fields,” said Sharad Talwar, CEO, IndiaCan.

In its first year the programme will be launched across 10 centres, primarily in metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and Chandigarh. In the second year, more centres will be added in other cities, with the aim of making the programme easily accessible to people across the country. One of the highlights of the programme will be an internship with NDTV awarded to the meritorious students. — TNS

Diploma in security management

India’s first recognised Security and Intelligence Training and Education Institute, OSSIM, has announced admission to Diploma in Security Management (DSM). Diploma in Security Management offers an unique opportunity to aspiring security professionals to acquire skills which would equip them for a wide range of industry and corporate jobs, including opportunities at middle management levels. For the year 2010 the 10-week ‘Diploma in Security Management’ (DSM) will have six sessions.

The course would enable the candidates to secure placement on merit basis in the security industry. This industry has a great growth potential and ready demand for the security professionals.

The course has been designed to develop skills and knowledge in trainees to enable them to handle any security assignment in any organisation since it involves job training as well. Apart from fresh graduates and MBA who wish to work in corporate houses, MNCs, banking, financial institutions, telecom, this course will open an opportunity for those who can be employed as assignment manager; unit-in-charge; assistant manager operations; security & intelligence executives; and senior operations executives.

Career Hotline
Pervin Malhotra

Ideal for environment cause

Q. I am very passionate about nature and wildlife. However as science is not one of my favourite subjects, can I still opt for a career in environment?

— Ritvik Dasgupta

A. Certainly, why not? The Himalayas are melting, The Pacific is rising, Polar bears are dying and we are losing the untapped information and potential of plant species at an alarming rate.

We need to protect the earth not just for ourselves but for our future generations.

And as Yugratna Srivastava, speaking on behalf of the world’s 3 billion children at the UN summit ahead of the Climate Change Conference at Copenhagen asked the assembly of world leaders: “If not here, then where? If not now, then when? If not us, then who?”

However, to work in this field, you not only need a passionate concern for the environment, but also a clear idea about what needs to be done for conserving and improving it. If you have a logical mind, and a working knowledge of subjects like geography, geology, botany, chemistry and zoology, along with good communication skills, there are quite a few routes to working as an environmentalist without studying environmental sciences per se.

Here are some you could consider:

Environmental Education & Communication

This typically involves conducting awareness programmes in colleges/schools, coordinating community awareness programmes — on rural and specific urban issues etc., communicating through the media, television, radio, Internet, Press etc.

Environmental Journalism

Growing public awareness has generated enthusiasm and concern for environmental protection. People’s voices are now beginning to be heard and reported in the media. Reporting environmental issues such as nuclear tests, construction of dams etc., making documentaries on various aspects of the environment, and producing films on various issues concerning the environment are areas that environmental journalists/photojournalists can actively pursue.

Environmental Law

This would involve working as a lawyer for an environmental consulting firm, environmental organisation, conservation group, or the government.

Environmental Activism & Social Work: This would involve working with an NGO, fundraising/lobbying for an environmental organisation, conservation group or actively espousing environmental concerns. Don’t expect a fancy salary, but the work can be very satisfying and purposeful.

Wide scope for content writers

Q. Could you please tell me something about content development on the Internet? What are the skills required for this? I am doing BA English?

— Quaiser Sharif

A. For starters, a Web Content Developer/Creator prepares information, articles and features that go onto a website as per the requirement of the client. Close on the heels of the BPO industry, outsourced web content development is emerging as one of the biggest employers in the field of offshore work.

Depending on the nature of the website or portal, specialist knowledge of a field/subject may be required but the key skills needed are:

The ability to write well as well as edit, re-write or polish contributions from other writers, and the ability to think of new and innovative features and “columns” for the website.

A few general guidelines for all budding web writers like you: Remember, writing on the web is somewhat different from writing for print. It’s best to present the information in easy-to-digest chunks that allow browsers to dive straight in and locate what they require.

A Content Developer co-ordinates with the Web Designer and other members of the editorial team, meets people and keeps up-to-date with relevant news and developments.

Plenty of such opportunities exist in media, web development and online publishing firms. Check out some of the leading jobsites.

There is no tested specialist course for becoming a Content Developer. A college degree with fluency in writing, and preferably some experience at the copydesk or reporting in any media would suffice. Thus, a course in linguistics, journalism, mass communication, English etc would be a good bet. Specialist knowledge as of law or technology would be an asset if you are creating content for a legal or technical website. Familiarity with computer basics is mandatory of course.

This field is booming and job opportunities abound. You can start out as a content writer or ID to a Senior ID, analyst and finally Specialist as you move up the ladder.

Options for science graduates

Q. I am doing BSc (Physics). Due to certain family constraints I may not be able to pursue long-term higher studies. Can you give me an overview of the jobs available to physics graduates?

— Yajini Saxena

A. Besides opting for postgraduate studies in pure and applied sciences, science graduates can take up any of the following:

Teaching: You can become a school teacher after a doing BEd. To teach at the high school level, you need an MSc in the subject in addition to the BEd.

Laboratory Assistant: This job, which, may have alternate names like ‘Lab-technicians, demonstrators etc., essentially revolves around taking care of the laboratory and its equipment. Lab-assistants arrange the instruments and apparatus for various experiments to be conducted in the lab. They also clean and store scientific apparatus, equipment, examine slides, etc. A PG Diploma in Medical Lab Technology would be a better option though.

Scientific Assistant: A scientific assistant works under a scientist and may have responsibilities like recording routine readings of instruments, scanning books, Internet and journals for reference material, compiling working notes, etc.

Depending on the nature of duties, they may be known by different names like programme assistant, shift assistant, professional assistant, etc.

Forestry: Science graduates are eligible for the posts of Forester and Forest Ranger.

Defence Services: Science graduates and post-graduates who meet the prescribed physical and medical requirements after clearing the entrance tests are eligible for appointment in the Indian army, Indian Navy and Air Force, and in the Defence Science Service.

Sales: Science graduates are specially suited for sales of commercial products like pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments, biotech products etc. Medical Representatives are hired by all pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers for promoting and marketing their products to doctors and hospitals.

Apprenticeship: Many industrial undertakings recruit science graduates for paid apprenticeship in the chemical, mechanical or other relevant engineering department. They are paid a stipend during training and may afterwards be absorbed in the factories and laboratories.

Management Trainees: some business houses employ promising science graduates from top-rung colleges as management trainees on the basis of a selection test and interview. On completion of training, they are employed as executives or Junior Managers.

Good communication skills could open up avenues in Technical Writing and content creation while a course in library and information science would open up opportunities in library and information management. The possibilities including those in BPOs, banking etc are numerous.

Lastly, even if your circumstances don’t permit you to pursue regular full-time study, you can continue your higher studies through distance learning while you work.

Good choice for CS

Q. I am an engineering graduate. Although I don’t have a formal degree in sociology, I would like to opt for it for both the Prelims and the Mains of the CS exams. Is this a good choice?

— Suman

A. The youngest among social sciences — Sociology — spans an entire gamut of themes that are an inextricable part of human life, including family and kinship, marriage, social stratification social change etc. As such, no formal degree is required to opt for sociology.

In fact, many students who don’t wish to take up the subject they have studied at the bachelor’s level usually opt for either sociology or psychology.

Of late sociology has also become quite popular because it is scoring and the curriculum prescribed by the UPSC is relatively easy to grasp and interesting to study.

But that doesn’t mean you can afford to slack off in any way. The syllabus is quite vast and has been divided into 10 units, which, for the purpose of study, can be further subdivided into three main categories — concepts, institutions and theories — all of which you must master before taking the exam.

You could consult IGNOU’s study material while preparing for this exam. You should also be familiar with the works of thinkers like August Comte, Karl Marx, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkhiem and Max Webber.

Realm of languages

Q. What exactly is philology? Is it a branch of philosophy?

— Minal Arora

A. Far from it! In modern usage, the term “philology” is most accurately defined as “an affinity toward the learning of the backgrounds and current usages of spoken or written methods of human communication”. Since philology seeks to understand the origins of a language, it is often defined as “the study of ancient texts and languages”, although this is a rather narrow and not entirely accurate view.

In the academic sense of the term, philology describes the study of a country’s language along with its literature and the historical and cultural contexts which are indispensable for understanding the literary works and other culturally significant texts. Philology, thus, comprises the study of the grammar, rhetoric, history, interpretation of authors, and critical traditions associated with a given language.

If this all this doesn’t sound like Greek and Latin to you, here’s more, you could well look at becoming a Philologist who can recognise the words of one language from the roots of another, by recognising the common (shared) roots and grammar.

For instance, the similarities between Sanskrit and European languages, first noted in the early 16th century led to the speculation of a common ancestor language from which all European languages descended — now named Proto-Indo-European. Philology is further divided into five main branches: Comparative philology, Radical philology, Textual philology and text editing, Cognitive philology, and Deciphering ancient texts etc.

The writer is a noted career expert and director, Career Guidance India (CARING). Please send in your queries with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: The Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com

Happiness@work
Gems of ancient wisdom

Don’t stop learning

After we get a job, many of us stop working and most of us stop learning. By the time we reach the age of retirement, the majority, instead of being stepping stones, become stumbling blocks. Be willing to learn whenever and from whosoever you get an opportunity.

Bhima, the second Pandava, remained a student all his life. After having learnt wrestling and mace-wielding skills from gurus Kripa and Drona, he bettered them under the tutelage of Balarama, with Hanuman finally giving a keen edge to his abilities.

Even though Shankar Dev, the 15th century saint from Assam, yearned to go on a pilgrimage, he waited till his daughter Haripriya was married off. Later, he translated the Bhagwad Mahapurana in local language and spread Vaishnavism there.

Guru Amar Das was in his seventies when he came in contact with Guru Angad, the second Sikh master. He served and learnt from Guru Angad despite being related to him and senior to him in age. After Guru Amar Das became the third guru at 73, he trained a band of 146 apostles and set up 22 dioceses in various parts of the country.

Religion was no barrier for Emperor Akbar. He met great saints of his age Mirabai, Soordas and Guru Amar Das and even expressed his desire to meet Tulsidas.

Lying on the bed of arrows, grandsire Bhishma taught the Vishnu Sahasranama, the 1,000 names of Vishnu, to Yudhisthira.

Emperor Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna, heard the Bhagwat Mahapurana in the last week of his life.

Realising that the outcaste, his wife and their four dogs in his path were none other than Lord Shiva, Parvati and the four Vedas, Adi Sankaracharya fell at their feet and accepted them as his gurus.

Kabir in one of his couplets recommends keeping one’s critic close by as he could be the agent to one’s improvement and hence salvation.

Stung by the taunts of their wives, Tulsidas and Kalidas went on to create literary masterpieces. As she was the cause of his evolution, Kalidas even accepted his wife as his guru.

Who says there is an age to learn?

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

Building blocks to success

“Development efforts often focus on how you can achieve your career goals over the long term. Short-term successes, however, are critical to making your next move and preparing for those long-term aspirations. Here are three immediate ways to build your career options:

Play to your strengths. Do more of what you do best. Early in a career, it makes sense to try a bit of everything and push to improve in areas of weakness, but at a certain point, it is better to focus on your strengths.

Reinforce your “brand.” Choose activities outside work that develop the image you want to convey. For example, volunteer for the school building committee if you’re good at managing projects. Gain broader experience and conversational ways to reinforce your capabilities at work.

Create the context for success. Surround yourself with people you need to do your work well. People have to recognise common values and goals before they’re likely to share what they know, so invest in these relationships.

Adapted from What’s Next, Gen X?: Keeping Up, Moving Ahead, and Getting the Career You Want by Tammy Erickson.