CAREER HOTLINE
Enter the world of economics
Pervin Malhotra

Q Could you please tell me about the job prospects if I pursue my Master's in Economics?

— Amrik S Dhanda

A For starters, you could take the Indian Economic Service or the Indian Statistical Service Exams or the Civil Services Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) after you have completed your Master's in Economics/Applied Economics/Business Economics/ Econometrics. You could also take the competitive exams held by the State Service Commissions, Life and General Insurance Corporations, nationalised banks, etc, where economics is permitted as one of the subjects and eligibility is graduation. The Probationary Officers Examinations are conducted by various Recruitment Boards of various banks.

Graduates in/with economics are also recruited as Research Assistants (Economics) or Economic Investigators (Grade-II) in the Planning Commission or as an Investigator in the M/o Labour & Employment (Recruitment is done by the Staff Selection Commission).

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) attracts young and dynamic postgraduates in economics with its high pay scale and good working conditions. Besides inducting personnel at the general administration level, the RBI has a Planning Division, which recruits research officers in its D/o Economic Analysis & Policy (DEAP).

Large private companies also employ business economists to plan strategy and operations, assess and analyse market factors, costs and sales, labour and productivity, raw materials, equipment and customer demand. As a business economist, you may also specialise in market research, international trade or exports & imports. As a matter of fact, several recruitment ads for Management Trainees ask for MBA/MA (Eco) as the desired qualification.

Business economists can also enhance their job prospects by doing an MBA or postgraduate degree in Finance or International Business (MIB).

Besides working on projects for research bodies such as the Institute for Applied Manpower Research, or the Institute for Economic Growth or the National Council for Applied Economic Research, economists also work for leading international organisations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Down the line, you could also work as consultant or financial analyst for business and industry.

Teaching is another evergreen option. And if you have a flair for writing, you could also venture into journalism. Whether print, television or radio, economic analysis and reportage are at a premium.

Earn and learn

Q I have completed B. Ed this year and want to enroll for M. Sc (Physics) while I teach. Is there any university that offers this course through distance learning?

— Sumit Sharma

A Yes, there are quite a few that offer this course through their respective departments of distance education:

• M P Bhoj Open University, Bhopal (MP)

• Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASE), Sadarshahr (Raj)

• Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Distt Guntur (AP)

• Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar (TN)

• Kuvempu University, Shankargahata, Shimoga Distt (Kar)

• Manomaniam Sunderanar University, Thirunelveli (TN)

• Vidyasagar University, Midnapore (WB)

Navy notes

Q I have completed BE (Computer) this year. I want to join the Indian Navy. Please let me know how to go about it.

— Shiladitya Ghosh

A Here are the different entry routes for engineering graduates like you:

• Direct Entry Engineering Branch Permanent or Short Service Commission.

Eligibility: BE/BTech in Marine / Mech / Aeronautical / Control / Metallurgical / Prodn Engg or any other equivalent qualification recognised by the Institution of Engineers (India).

• Direct Entry Engineering Branch (Naval Architect) Permanent or Short Service Commission.

Eligibility: A Degree in Naval Architecture / Mechanical /Aeronautical / Civil / Metallurgical Engg.

• Direct Entry Electrical Branch Permanent or Short Service Commission

Eligibility: Degree in Electrical/Electron/Avionics / Computer / Telecomm Engg, etc qualification recognised by the Institution of Engineers (India) or Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers (India) as equivalent to a degree course.

For further details, log on to the Indian Navy website: www.nausena-bharti.mil.in

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