Career Hotline
Stepping stone to concrete future

Q. I am in Class XII this year and am preparing for B. Arch exams. Some of my teachers say that it is not easy to establish oneself in this field and that getting a job is very difficult. What does the job of an architect involve and what are the qualities one needs to succeed in this field?

— Anuj Wadai

A. Your teachers are right in saying that it is not easy to become a successful architect, but then rarely does success come easy in any field. If you have the talent and are willing to work hard, then go ahead and you are sure to touch the sky.

Although the study of architecture is long and demanding, the sheer diversity of the course is the most fascinating part of the exercise. Every project you execute is a learning experience.

In the initial stages of your career, you will work as an assistant to an established architect. Assignments will include researching zoning regulations, working with subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, masons...) and drafting plans (now essentially on the computer). Once you've gained some experience as a junior architect, you can start designing parts of a building or its interiors. At this stage you will interact with the contractor to ensure that the construction and fabrication conforms to the plans.

It is not until a decade or so that most architects get actual opportunities to design and plan full-scale buildings as the lead architect.

The professional terrain is harsh and demands good academic skill, analytical thinking and an observant eye. Besides creative skills, what you need is a stonemason's instinct for raw material, a technical engineer's knowledge of structural design and above all, a fine sense of aesthetics. You have to master everything — from science to mathematics to almost all fields of humanities. Apart from talent you also require practical, interpersonal, and organisational skills accompanied by immense patience and commitment. As a successful architect you must be able to visualise, express, and finally translate your dream building into an enduring and functional reality.

Government organisations that provide employment are Public Works Department, Ministry of Defence, Departments of Railways, Housing and Urban Development Corporation etc. In the private sector, you can work with architectural firms, urban planning agencies, builders, consultants or function as an independent architect. If you are academically oriented, you can also opt for teaching, or writing books etc. Town planners and landscape developers are in great demand as cities expand, and services must be provided for the increasing population. In fact, considering that construction is one of the largest sectors of investment, which is currently in a boom phase, there is no dearth of demand for people with the relevant skills. And now with FDI coming in, this industry is going to be an exciting place to be in.

Q. I am a final year student of B. Sc (Physics). Due to certain family constraints I won't be able to pursue long-term higher studies. Can you give me an overview of the jobs available to physics graduates?

— Nikhil Chauhan

A. Teaching: B.Sc. graduates can teach at the school level after a doing their B. Ed. To teach at the high school level, an M. Sc in the subject plus B. Ed is the stipulated qualification.

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. The lab-assistant arranges instruments and apparatus for the various experiments to be conducted in the lab. He also cleans and stores 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 his duties, he 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.

Forester: Candidates qualifying in the written test and fulfilling prescribed physical requirements are sent to the Indian Forest Research Institute and College at Dehra Dun or Coimbatore for a 2-year training course in Forestry. On completion of the course they are appointed as foresters, ultimately rising to senior posts like Forest Officer, Assistant Conservator of Forests, etc.

Forest Ranger: While the method of selection varies from state to state, the physical requirements are the same as for the Forestry course. Selected candidates are sent to the forest ranger's College at Dehra Dun or Coimbatore for a 2-year training programme.

Defence services: Science graduates and postgraduates who meet the prescribed physical and medical requirements and clear the entrance tests are eligible for appointment in the Indian army, Indian Navy and Air Force, and in the Defence Science Service.

Other entry occupations: Physics graduates can always try for other options open to graduates of all streams. These include various competitive exams, Govt. jobs, subordinate executive and clerical posts, etc.

Sales: Science graduates are specially suited for sales of commercial products like pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments, biotechnology 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: On the basis of a selection test and interview, many business houses employ promising science graduates as management trainees. On successful completion of training, they are employed as executives.

— 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