CAREER HOTLINE
Opting for newsreading

Q I would like to know what to do to become a news reader. Is there any special qualification or audition to make a career in this line? Please guide.

— Honey Samar

A You could look at the following courses:

• Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi; Course: PG Diploma in TV Journalism (one year)

• New Delhi YMCA, Institute for Media Studies & Information Technology, Jaisingh Road, New Delhi. Course: PG Diploma in Television Journalism (6 month)

• Jamia Millia Islamia, MCRC Course in Electronic Journalism (Hin/Urdu, weekend).

• Jagran Institute of Mgt & Mass Communication, F 21-23, Sec 8, NOIDA; Courses: Certificate in TV Anchoriing (Elig: plus two)

• Janakidevi Mahavidyalaya (Delhi University), Ganga Ram Hospital Marg, Delhi. Course: Short-term course in Hindi Newsreading on TV (for women).

• Makhanlal Chaturvedi Patrakarita Vishwavidyalaya (contact their affiliated institutions/study centres); Course: MA in Broadcast Journalism.

• Bihar Institute of Film & Television (BIFT), Patliputra Colony, Patna. Course: Diploma in TV Journalism.

Besides these, some minor TV personalities also conduct short-term courses on television presentation. However, do check out their offerings before you sign up. Many of them offer substandard fare that will get you nowhere.

While it's an asset, it's not absolutely mandatory to do a course. If you are a graduate with a clear diction, a pleasant well-modulated voice and pleasant looking, you can appear for the written test (a background of the cultural traditions of the region and overall general awareness are important criteria for selection) conducted by radio/TV channels. If you manage to qualify the written test, you will be called for an audition followed by an interview.

Take a shot at the FM channels as well.

Nursing in USA

Q What is the scope of employment for nurses in the US?

— Anita Khanna

A Presently, there is a virtual red carpet opportunity for Indian nurses in the US. The US government has issued a memorandum providing H-IB visa guidelines for registered nurses, which can subsequently be converted into a green card. This is another avenue for nurses to take up employment in the US and subsequently a green card. Nurses earn up to $4000 pm. (whereas the average salary in the US is $2,200 -$2,500).

To become a Registered Nurse (RN) you must clear the NCLEX-RN exam, which is conducted all over the USA.

This objective-type computer-based exam starts off with 75 questions in 75 minutes. If you pass 50 per cent of the first 75 questions, the exam stops. Otherwise, it will go up to 265 questions in 5 hours. Details: www.nclex-test.com

— Pervin Malhotra

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