Career Hotline
Big opportunities behind small screen
Pervin Malhotra

Q. What is the work involved in TV production? How is it different from direction?

A. Television production incorporates multiple tasks: from managing the entire production process to ensuring that the programme is made within the stipulated budget and time.

The work includes co-ordinating with other departments to select the cast, clear scripts and co-ordinate the use of production facilities such as studios, cameras, lighting etc. It also includes supervising the production staff and the editing department to ensure quality of production.

As opposed to the film industry where the producer is essentially a financier, in TV production the work is a mix of direction, cinematography and editing. There is no separate director. In either case, the job calls for extensive hands-on experience, creative talent, and technical knowledge of cameras, lighting, and editing software, besides a high level of planning and organisational skills.

Working as a production assistant is considered a perfect hands-on entry-level job for anyone who has the ambition to move into the production end of TV.

Before you rush in, just make sure you have the absurd levels of energy required — an entire episode (even several episodes) is often canned in a single day, and where normal shifts stretch beyond 10 hours! Which is why when you look at the age profile of our present-day TV producers, you’ll find they are all in their 20s or early 30s.

A degree in mass communication with specialisation in audio/video production or a related diploma from reputed institutions will help you get your foot in the door. Also don’t be unduly choosy to begin with. As an entrant, you should be willing to do all kinds of work since that’s the best way to learn.

Q. Both my parents are doctors. So, it was always taken for granted that I would also follow in their footsteps. I like the idea of doing medicine because I know what is entailed. But, on the other hand, I have not explored any other option. Am I doing the right thing?

A. If you grow up seeing your parents enjoy what they do, it’s natural to think about doing it yourself. Going into the same career can give you major advantages. You will not only have grown up seeing what is required in the job, but also what is required to succeed in it.

Without realising it, you will have picked up a whole lot of ‘inside’ tips just listening to your parents talk about their work at the dinner table. Being able to bounce off ideas also makes a big difference, besides strengthening family bonds. You also have a readymade list of contacts that can make your entry into the field a lot easier.

The only flip side I can possibly think of is being "pressured" to measure up if your parents have been very successful in their field. But that can act as a great spur to better your achievement, which is a good thing.

It is equally important to consider your own interests and aptitude carefully because they can help you find a rewarding career. Some other factors must also be examined when exploring educational and career opportunities. Think about how your interests, abilities, experiences, personality, and values will influence your satisfaction and success. These factors are also important in career exploration — just as important as your interests. For example, certain fields require a lot more study and work than others. If you find that hard work and study do not appeal to you, take this into account when considering a career.

Q. My batcmates and I will be finishing B.Tech (electronics) this year. Can you give some useful tips for students like us looking for jobs after BE/BTech?

A. Here are some useful tips for final year engineering students or recent graduates who are trying for jobs off-campus – from veterans who’ve managed to land plum jobs:

First of all, decide whether you wish to go for a job in your particular branch of engineering or for a software job, as is happening increasingly in the top campuses. This is particularly significant for those in electrical, civil and mechanical engineering.

If you are double-minded, you’ll have to prepare and apply for both types of jobs. There are a fair number of jobs in technical companies.

Information about jobs in Government. undertakings like BHEL, NTPC, DRDO etc. can be found in Employment News (there should be a copy in your library). However, some of these companies ask for 70 per cent + in B.Tech.

Tests for jobs in technical fields definitely require you to know major subjects of your branch thoroughly, so make sure you have brushed up your fundas.

Opportunities in companies like Punj Lloyd/Siemens/Gammons appear on e-groups like jobsforrec@yahoogroups.com. To join the groups for job info send a mail to: jobsforrec-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

You can also post your CV on jobsites like www.naukri.com or www.monsterindia.com specifying your interest in civil, mechanical engineering etc.

The other option is to take the GATE and pursue a master’s in your area of interest at an IIT and then try for a job.

For software/hardware jobs, learn your C/C++. "object-oriented programming in Turbo C++" by Robert Laffore and "Let us C" are popular with beginners. Plenty of advanced level text books are also available. Those interested in networking/VLSI etc. will have to be thorough in those areas. Many students also manage to pack in some Java in between their year 3 and 4.

If you want to improve your skills for the written tests, go through books on Mathematics by R. S. Aggarwal & Summers/Shakuntala Devi’s Maths Puzzles (Orient Paperbacks) thoroughly.

Don’t worry too much about the GD. Software companies essentially want people with logical/analytical skills, although good communication skills are always a great asset.

If you are good at programming then you are the guy they are looking for. You only have to show that in the interview. Do not let the panel spend too much time on the extra-curricular stuff. Try to bring the discussion around to your area of strength e.g. your summer project, your paper presentations, subjects you like etc.

On the other hand, if you are looking at the MBA option, then you do need to prepare for GD/interview properly. Don’t keep waiting for your turn to start speaking in the GD. Try to initiate/conclude the GD if possible. IT is presently on a roll. Many of the leading s/w companies like TCS, Satyam, Infosys hold walk-ins all over India. Log onto the "career" section on their respective websites.
Just keep your eyes open for any opportunity you can spot. Good Luck!

Q. I have completed Class XII (science stream). Can you please tell me about some technical courses in the field of medicine i.e. X-Ray, MLT etc. which can help me find work right away?

A. With advancement in medical sciences, the technical support team, along with doctors and nurses, has become indispensable for any medical set up. Whether it’s a general physician, a surgeon or a specialist, each one is dependent on the services of technically qualified professionals to assist them in diagnosing and treating diseases.

These professionals include medical technologists, radiographers and radiotherapy technicians who work in close association with doctors in clinics, medical labs, X-ray departments and operation theatres. They perform chemical and microscopic tests in highly specialised laboratories. They also supervise the work of lab technicians and assistants who perform routine lab tasks.

Radiology technologists prepare patients for X-ray under a doctor’s supervision. Medical technicians are also trained to conduct pathological investigations besides examining tissue samples and operating electrocardiograms, CAT scans, sonograms, mammograms, densitometry, etc. to conducting stress tests and monitor the various recordings now increasingly using computers. Radiation is given to cancer patients by radiotherapy technicians under the directions of a qualified radiotherapist.

You can choose from a very wide range of degree level courses which can be pursued straight after plus two as well as after B.Sc.

Q. I would like to take up aircraft maintenance engineering. Can you please tell me something about the job prospects in this field?

A. Before the pilot enters the cockpit, each plane is meticulously tested for airworthiness by a team of qualified aircraft maintenance engineers and certified by the aviation engineer as ready for take off. Safety being of paramount consideration, the highest safety standards must be followed throughout.

Courses in aircraft maintenance engineering are offered at a large number of institutes recognised by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The syllabus at these institutes is approved by the DGCA. Nonetheless, do ensure that the institution you select is equipped with the necessary aircraft, engines, library and modern teaching aids, etc.

Eligibility for these courses is plus two (PCM), age limit: 23 years (at times, the upper age limit is relaxed for engineering diploma-holders and science graduates.

You can also opt for a BE/BTech in aeronautical engineering. While these courses include instruction on maintenance of the aircraft and its components, the emphasis is more on the design and development of commercial and military aircraft.

The Aeronautical Society of India (ASI) conducts an Associate Membership Exam. Clearing both Sections A and B of this exam has been recognised by the Ministry of Education, on a par with a Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from an Indian university. Hence, you can pursue the distance learning programme in aeronautical engineering from the ASI.

The minimum educational qualification for taking the exam is a pass in Class X. Students who have cleared plus two with science subjects are directly eligible for Section A.

For further information, contact: ASI, 13-B, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi 110002 (www.aesi.org).

On clearing the internal exams the DGCA will grant you an AME license.

Several international airlines are now operating through India, while the existing ones are expanding their fleet and range of operations and a number of new private players have entered the market. As a result, the prospects for well-trained and highly qualified engineers are bright in the years to come. An estimated 400- 500 jobs are expected to be created in the next few years.

Indian Airlines, Air India, Pawan Hans, and a few other private airlines like Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines pay a gross salary of Rs 40,000-1.25 lakh pm to qualified ground engineers.

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