Category Career Query

What is the career in the field of naval architecture?

From Vasco da Gama’s Sao Gabriel and Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria to the Mayflower, ships have played an important part in history. These vessels have been part of epic voyages, great bottles and discovery of new homelands. Building these mammoth structures to survive fiercestorms and giant waves is the job of naval architects. They are responsible for the design, construction and the repair of the ships and other marine vessels, including offshore and floating structures. Militaries, commercial ships and maritime companies need ships that are sea-worthy and environment-friendly, and this has driven the demand for naval architects. So if you have a fascination for marine vessels and an eye for detail, the field of naval architecture could be the perfect choice.

How it works

Naval architecture is the science of designing and manufacturing of sea-going vessels. It is a branch of marine engineering. Naval architects can build a variety of marine vessels, including fishing boats, barges, submarines and ships. They take the ultimate responsibility of the safety of the vessel.

Building a ship is a team effort that requires inputs from different types of engineers and professionals. The naval architect ensures that all of them work together to build a strong and sturdy vessel.

Required skills

  • Knowledge of different branches of engineering
  • Mathematical ability
  • Creativity and eye for detail
  • Ability to co-ordinate with other professionals
  • Communication skills
  • Patience and time management
  • Sound judgment and leadership skills

Scope

Naval architects are involved in a variety of work that can be classified into design, construction and repair, consultancy, marketing and sales. Ships and yacht builders, offshore companies and engineering and design consultants need naval architects to design new vessels. Major equipment manufactures also employ naval architects to design products such as propulsion systems and auxiliary systems. A naval architect also oversees ship yards where marine vessels are built, repaired, inspected and tested.

What to study?

Several engineering institutes offer Bachelor and Master of technology (B. Tech and M. tech) in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. You need to clear the Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) for admissions, while some have their entrance examinations.

Where

  • Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam: B. Tech and M. Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering; B.Sc Ship Building and Repair
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Madras: B. Tech and M. Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering.
  •  Cochin University of Science and Technology: B. Tech in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding.

Abroad:

  • Newcastle University, the U.K.: M.Sc and PG Diploma in Naval Architecture.
  • University of Southampton, the U.K.: M.Sc in Marine Technology.
  • University of Strathclyde, Glasgow: M.Sc in Naval Architecture.
  • University of New Orleans, the U.S.: B.Sc and M.Sc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

 

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What is the career in the field of osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology?

When the mighty Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago, it devoured everything in its path. The Roman city of Pompeii thriving on the fertile lands around the volcano turned to dust within seconds. Years later, when the buried city was rediscovered, it was found that most of the remains of the city and its residents, were surprisingly well-preserved. By studying the skeletons and other remains, archaeologists were able to put together a detailed account of what the ancient Romans looked like, their lifestyle and even their last moments.

That marked the beginning of the field of osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology, an emerging field of archaeology.

Human osteoarchaeology is the scientific study of human skeletons excavated from archaeological sites. It can tell us about the health, lifestyle, diet, mortality and the physique of people in the past.

Many universities in India and in the U.K. offer postgraduation in Human Osteoarchaeology. So if you are interested in unlocking the rich stories of the past, this could be a promising field.

How it works

Osteoarchaeologists study human remains, while Palaeopathology seeks to understand the nature and scope of past diseases. From studying the mummified remains of ancient Egyptians to assessing the impact of major diseases in history, osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology are crucial to every major archaeological investigation.

Opportunities

  • Archaeological contractor
  • Independent archaeological consultant
  • Local government
  • National heritage agencies
  • Private museums and charities
  • University archaeology departments

Required skills

  • A passion for history
  • Scientific knowledge
  • Patience, analytical and observational skills
  • Willingness to carry out field work
  • Communication skills

What to study?

To get started in the niche field of osteoarchaeology, a background in history is a must. In India, the subject is taught as part of the postgraduate course in Archaeology. However, universities in the U.K. offer specialization in Human Osteoarchaeology.

Where:

  • Deccan College, Pune and Allahabad University: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology
  • Nagpur University: M.A. in Archaeology
  • University of Edinburgh and university of Sheffield, the U.K.: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Human Osteoarchaeology.
  • Reading University, the U.K.: M.Sc. Professional Human Osteoarchaeology
  • Durham University, the U.K.: M.Sc. Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology

 

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What is the career in the field of product design?

At its best, writing is a fine art. A tool for storytelling over the ages. It’s fitting, then, that the making of writing instruments too is an art in itself. And it’s the product designers who make it happen.

Right from a simple toothbrush to a complex spacecraft, all products that impact our everyday life are designed by product designers. This includes designing writing instruments too – fountain pens for school or work and exclusive stylograph for special occasions to luxury designer pens and collector’s items.

Despite the ubiquity of digital communication, a pen never goes out of fashion. Designer and luxury brands, continue to be in demand. Some of the major brands have also come out with digital pens that can write on augmented paper, which digitizes handwritten work.

With design being the focus of this industry, there is a lot of demand for designers who can come up with elegant designs. Designing luxury writing instruments and products can be a perfect choice for the creative minded.

Required skills

  • Understanding of aesthetics and functionality
  • Creativity and patience
  • Strong design abilities
  • Communication skills and ability to work in teams

How it works

Product designers work in a variety of fields, including furniture, architecture and technical design. Among these, designing writing instruments falls under technical design.

Manufacturers of writing instruments approach designers and design studios to come up with new designs for their products. The designers work closely with the manufacturer’s engineers and craftsmen to design a pen that matches the company’s vision and the client’s needs.

Many luxury brands such as William Penn, Mont Blanc and Lamy have offices in India.

What to study

Many institutes across the country and overseas offer a variety of courses that teach how to design writing instruments, as part of product design. Most of the Indian institutes offer a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) in Product Design. Some of them teach product design as part of Accessory Design and Industrial Arts. In universities abroad, product design is part of Bachelor (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programmes.

Where:

India

  • National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad: B.Des and M.Des in Product Design
  • Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune: B.Des in Product Design
  • Indian School of Design and Innovation, Parsons, Mumbai: B.Des in Product Design
  • National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi: B.Des in Accessory Design
  • Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bengaluru: B.Des in Industrial Arts and Design Practices
  • MIT Institute of Design, Pune: B.Des in Product Design Abroad
  • The New School, Parsons School of Design, New York: MF.A in Industrial Design
  • Rhode Island School of Design, the U.S.: BFA and MFA in Industrial Design and Furniture Design
  • University of Applied Arts, Vienna: Masters in Industrial Design
  • University of the West of England, the U.K.: Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Product Design

 

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Is baking a good career?

Imagine a workplace where the air is always fragrant with the delicious smell of baking bread. The day is divided between mixing flour and whisking batter. Dallops of cream are scooped on to delectable pastries of all sizes and colours. What a treat it will be, right?

Well, thanks to the increasing popularity of different types of desserts, there is a huge demand for skilled bakers and pastry chefs in the dynamic food and beverage industry.

The culinary art of baking has become serious business. Professional bakers work in five-star hotels, artisan bakeries, television shows and with dessert manufacturers to produce the delicate and delicious creations that glitter temptingly on our social media screens or shop windows.

If you are passionate about baking, working as a professional baker could be a sweet choice. So put on your baker’s apron, grab a bag of flour and start baking!

Scope

The role of a baker involves much more than just baking bread. People with formal training in baking and pastry arts have a plethora of options, including working as pastry chefs or bakers. You can specialise in a specific type of baked good such as wedding cakes or artisan breads. There is a huge demand for customised and creative cakes. This is known as edible art and is a lucrative field. You can also specialise as a chocolatier or a food stylist. Chocolatiers design chocolate bars, truffles and other confectioneries, while food stylists prepare and style food for photo and video shoots.

How it works

Baking is a skill that can be picked up through training and practice. It broadly involves making biscuits, breads, cakes, muffins and pies. Baking is no longer restricted only to conventional local bakeries. While many bake as a hobby, professional bakers are those that put their skills to commercial use. Plant bakers usually work in small-scale, independent bakeries, five-star hotels or a restaurant chain. The last few years also has seen the rise of gourmet bakeries that cater to different tastes and requirements such as gluten-free and vegan goodies.

Required skills

  • Passion for baking
  • Culinary skills
  • Creativity
  • Innovation
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Patience
  • Dedication

What to study?

Anyone can become a baker, but to work in restaurants and hotels, a degree or a certificate course in bakery and confectionery is a pre-requisite. Hotel management colleges offer short-term courses in baking. Recently, some institutes started to offer craftmanship courses in Bakery and Patisserie, accredited by City and Guides (C&G), London.

Where to study:

  • The Institute of Hotel Management Catering and Nutrition, Pusa, New delhi: Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery (C&G)
  • Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts, Bengaluru: Diploma in Patisserie (C&G)
  • Institute of Bakery and Pastery Arts, New Delhi: Diploma in Bakery and Patisserie Arts
  • Kohinoor College of Hotel and Tourism Management Studies, Mumbai: B.Sc in Hotel Management, along with a certificate course in Bakery
  • Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata: Craftsmanship course in Food Production and Patisserie – one-and-a-half years
  • Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Goa: Craftsmanship course in Food Production and Patisserie – 24 weeks

Abroad

  • Le Cordon Bleu, London and Paris: It offers a Grand Diploma with Professional Immersion programme (includes a course in French language at the Paris campus) and Diploma in Patisserie – Nine months
  • Edinburgh School of Food and Wine, the U.K.: Diploma in Professional Patisserie
  • Ashburton Chefs Academy, the U.K.: Diploma in Professional Patisserie

 

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What is the clipper route?

Clippers were 19th Century merchant sailing ships that sailed mainly between England and China, Australia and New Zealand. They were fast sailing ships, equipped with multiple square rigged sails supported by three masts. These ships gained in prominence because of the booming tea and opium trade between England and China. The route plied by these ships was called the clipper route.

The clipper route ran down the Atlantic Ocean, rounded the Cape of Good Hope and then went from west to east though the Southern Ocean. The ships took advantage of the Roaring Forties, the strong westerly winds that blow between the latitudes of 40 and 50 degrees in the southern hemisphere. It was the fastest route available between Europe and Asia before the opening of the Suez Canal. The ships would continue eastwards on the homeward journey from Australia and New Zealand along the Southern Ocean, sail around Cape Horn in South America and another 100 days from there back to England.

The ships plying the clipper route faced dangers like turbulent weather at Cape Horn and huge waves and icebergs in the Southern Ocean. However, ship captains still preferred the unsafe route as it offered fast passage.

The clipper route fell into disuse as a trade route with the opening of the Suez and Panama Canals. Moreover, streamships gradually phased out clippers. Though clippers were fast, their speed was largely determined by winds while streamships were more reliable in sticking to their schedules.

Today, the clipper route remains the fastest sailing route around the world. So it is popular with sailing enthusiasts, especially for modern circumnavigation attempts and yacht races like the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and Volvo Ocean Race.

 

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What is the significance of the code AII3 in animation films?

Pronounced A-one thirteen, it is the number of a classroom at the California Institute of the Arts in the U.S. CalArts is a private university founded by Walt Disney in the early 1960s. It is where legendary animation film makers learnt their craft. The mysterious code A113 figures in every Pixar film in some form or the other. The popular shows The Simpsons, American Dad, South Park, etc. feature this number. In Finding Nemo, a scuba divers camera bears this number. The Toy Story trilogy has two vehicles with license plates bearing the number A113. In Monsters Inc. it is the classroom number of Scaring 101.

It is the moviemakers’ way of showing their gratitude to their alma mater which shaped their career. Directors who passed out of this university have churned out incredible box office hits.

 

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What is the career in Horticulture?

Stumbling upon a calm oasis of green in the middle of a bustling metropolis can be oddly comforting. Maybe that’s why even sprawling cities such as New York and London cherish their green spaces. With toxic air pollution choking these green lungs, there is a pressing need for horticulturists and conservationists. Professionals specialising in growing plants (both edible and ornamental) are known as horticulturists. Depending on your interest, you can work in landscaping and design, maintenance, research and conservation, and irrigation. If you can imagine a work-day surrounded with the beauty and charm of greenery, the field of horticulture has a plethora of opportunities.

How it works?

From developing manicured lawns and designing water systems to growing hybrid and exotic varieties of flowers, there’s a lot to horticulture than just gardening. Here’s a list of some of the branches in this field:

Garden design is part of horticulture. Garden designers and conservationists aesthetically improve green spaces by landscaping. They also develop and maintain heritage gardens, grounds and other green spaces.
Arborist care for and manage trees by overseeing planting, pruning and tree removal. Like arborists there are also specialisations in growing fruits and flowers. For instance, florists are experts in flowers – they are the ones who grow beautiful and exotic varieties of flowers and experiment with hybrids.
Forestry technicians help manage, develop and conserve woodlands. They improve the quality of natural areas and forests.
Irrigation engineers create and develop watering systems for different landscapes, areas and projects. These projects can range from agriculture and crop irrigation to dams, drainage systems and canals, as well as commercial and residential projects.
Conservation and research involves coming up with new ways of cultivating plants using greenhouses and other methods, and developing their resistance to pests and protecting plants.

Required skills

  • A passion for plants and the environment
  • Creativity and attention to detail
  • Problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Communication skills
  • Research orientation

Scope

Horticulture professionals works access a gamut of organisations, from government agencies to research department at universities. Some jobs emphasise the technological aspects of research and science, while others are more hands-on in nature. Those interested in garden design can work with landscape construction companies or a curators and consultants in botanical gardens. Those keen on maintenance and development can work as plantation managers overseeing the operations of a plantation. Aspirants inclined towards research can find opportunities in government agencies, horticulture societies and universities.

What to study

Educational requirements for a career in horticulture typically include a Bachelor or Master of Science (B.Sc or M.Sc) in Horticulture. An engineering background – Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) or Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Civil Engineering – is needed if you want to work as an irrigation engineer.

Where

  • Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu: B.Sc in Horticulture
  • University of Calcutta: M.Sc Agriculture (Horticulture)
  • INDIAN Institute of Technology Bombay, Delhi, Kharagpur, Kanpur, Roorkee and Madras offer B.E. and B.Tech in Civil Engineering
  • Institute of Horticulture Technology, Delhi: Certificate courses in Production Technology of Cut Flowers and Open Glasshouse Supervison, Fruit Production, Year Round Vegetable Production

Abroad:

  • Cornwall College, University of Plymouth: B.Sc (Hons) Horticulture (Garden and Landscape Design) and B.Sc (Hons) Horticulture (Plant Science)
  • SRUC Scotland’s Rural College, Edinburg: B.Sc (Hons) in Garden and Greenspace Design and B.Sc (Hons) Horticulture
  • The Royal Horticultural Society, the U.K.: Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications in Plant Growth, Propagation and Development; Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance; and Practical Horticulture
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the U.K.: Diploma in Horticulture – three years.

 

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What can you do with a peace and conflict studies degree?

“What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or in the holy name of liberty or democracy?” – Mahatma Gandhi.

War is the horrible, brutal, senseless annihilation of humanity. Whether it is for land, water or oil, nations, communities are constantly resorting to violence against each other. The aftermath of these bloody confrontations often leave behind a trail of destruction – communities uprooted from their homes, scarcity of resources and countless innocent lives lost.

One doesn’t have to look far to see the remnants of war. The beautiful Kashmir valley lies ravaged as tensions between India and Pakistan refuse to die down. Look at the plight of the Rohingya community, chased out of their homeland they are living in pathetic conditions in parts of India.

Strong policies to promote peace and peace-keeping are the need of the hour. And that’s exactly what the field of peace and conflict studies hopes to achieve. An emerging field in India, conflict studies equips you to understand the politics of war and its effect on the people. It charts out the problems of the people in conflict zones and helps in coming up with policies to promote peace.

So if you are interested in working ‘world peace’, this field will help you in achieving your goal.

Scope

With a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies you can work an understanding of conflicts are need in government agencies such as the ministry of foreign affairs and international organisations, such as the UN and NATO. Peace and conflict experts are also in demand in non government organisations working for the communities affected by war or engaging in peace-keeping activities. A background in peace and conflict studies can also help media professionals such as war correspondents, who cover conflicts. Other opportunities are in fields of aw, international relations, human rights, and public administration.

How it works

Peace and conflict studies encompass a wide range of issues from war and humanitarian intervention to peacebuilding and international cooperation to sustainable development and social justice. Peace and Conflict Studies is a relatively new and still evolving discipline that has gained a large amount of attention in the past few years. This is due to various trends such as globalisation, the expanding role of the United Nations and other international institutions focussed on peace and security, the growth of international NOs of all types, and the increasing prominence of armed conflicts, terrorism, and environmental issues in media coverage around the world.

Required skills

  • Research orientation
  • Analytical skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Communication skills
  • An interest in history
  • Knowledge of current affairs and international relations
  • Willingness to work in conflict zones

What to study

While you do not need any particular degree to work in the field of international relations and conflict resolution, an academic background in conflict studies is recommended. Many colleges and universities in India and abroad offer post graduate courses in Peace and Conflict Studies. These courses can range from a short-term diploma to a full-fledged master’s programme of two years.

Where

  • Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati: Master of Arts (M.A.) Peace and Conflict Studies.
  • Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi: M.A. Conflict Analysis.
  • Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, Symbiosis International University, Pune: Violence, Conflict and Peace Studies courses.
  • University of Mysore: M.A. in Peace and Conflict Resolution; DIPLOMA IN Gandhian Studies.
  • Department of Peace and Conflict Study and Management Sikkim University: M.A. Peace and Conflict Studies

Abroad

  • University of Oslo, Norway: Master’s Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies
  • Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Graduate School of Global Studies: M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies.

 

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What is the career in Indology?

A passage to India

India, home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, has captured the world’s imagination for centuries now. The rise and fall of its mighty kingdoms, its protected struggle for Independence and its ancient traditions – Ayurveda and yoga for instance, continue to attract the world’s attention. Little wonder there’s an entire discipline of social sciences dedicated to the study of this mystic land.

Indology or India Studies, helps us understand India’s past, its culture and finally, its evolution into the world’s largest democracy.

Becoming an Indologist is a good option for those students who enjoy learning history and Sanskrit and take pride in India’s ancient traditions.

Scope

Today, opportunities in Indology are largely in academics and research. But the subject is also useful for those interested in understanding the nature and dynamics of Indian Culture and society, particularly to teachers of higher educational institutions, journalists, and those pursuing careers in tourism, archaeology and museums.

Opportunities

** Universities and colleges

** Library and research centres

** Archaeology institutes

** Museums and archives

** Tourism industry

Required skills

** Knowledge of ancient Indian languages, especially Sanskrit

** Research orientation

** Linguistic skills

** Interest in history

How it works

Indology as a subject began in the 18th Century when English scientist William Jones started the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Also, world-wide interest in Indian languages, culture, geography and political climate grew considerably after World War II when India gained Independence from the British Raj.

There are two branches of Indology: classical, which looks at the past; and modern, which studies the contemporary scenario. Classical Indology focuses on Sanskrit and other ancient languages. On the other hand, modern Indology is relevant to the understanding of the current situation in India and uses multiple language sources and social approaches.

What to study

There is paucity of institutes in India offering courses in Indology. Surprisingly, many foreign universities have a chair in Indology and so encourage graduation and postgraduation in Indology and South Asian Studies.

Where

In India:

** Centre for Indological Studies and Research, Ramakrishna Mission Institute of culture (RMIC), Kolkata: A 10-month course in Indology.

** School of Indology, Nalanda Open University: M.A. in History and B.A. (Hons) in History. Certificate courses in Buddhist Studies, Christian Studies, Hindu Studies, Islamic Studies, Jain Studies and Sikh Studies.

** Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi: B.A. Philosophy; M.A. Philosophy; and PG Diploma in Indian Philosophy and Religion.

** Shri Balmukund Lohia Centre of Sanskrit and Indological Studies, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune: (B.A.) Visharad in Sanskrit; Parangat (M.A.) in Sanskrit; Parangat (M.A.) in Sanskrit; Parangat in Indology (M.A.)

Abroad:

** Institute for Indology and Tibetology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany: Bachelors and Masters in Indology; Ph.D. programme in Buddhism Studies.

** University of Wuerzburg, Germany: Bachelors of Indology / South Asian Studies.

** Heidelberg University, Germany: Cultural and Religious History of South Asia (Classical Indology)

** University of Tuebingen, Germany: Bachelors in Modern India and Masters in Indology

** Australian National University: Bachelors of Asian and Pacific Studies

** School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London: M.A. Intensive South Asian Studies

 

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HOW HAS MACHINERY CHANGED FARMING?

Machinery has made it possible for the work of a dozen farm workers to be done twice as quickly by one worker. There are fewer people working on the land in developed countries than ever before. Machinery exacts a price from the environment as well, as hedges and ditches are removed to allow larger machines to work the enormous fields. Crops have been bred for the machine age, too. They need to ripen together, not over a period of time, so that machinery can harvest them in one operation.

Farm machinery, mechanical devices, including tractors and implements, used in farming to save labour. Farm machines include a great variety of devices with a wide range of complexity: from simple hand-held implements used since prehistoric times to the complex harvesters of modern mechanized agriculture.

The operations of farming for which machines are used are diverse. For crop production they include handling of residues from previous crops; primary and secondary tillage of the soil; fertilizer distribution and application; seeding, planting, and transplanting; cultivation; pest control; harvesting; transportation; storage; premarketing processing; drainage; irrigation and erosion control; and water conservation. Livestock production, which not so long ago depended primarily on the pitchfork and scoop shovel, now uses many complicated and highly sophisticated machines for handling water, feed, bedding, and manure, as well as for the many special operations involved in producing milk and eggs.

In the early 19th century, animals were the chief source of power in farming. Later in the century, steam power gained in importance. During World War gasoline- (petrol-) powered tractors became common, and diesel engines later became prevalent. In the developed countries, the number of farm workers has steadily declined in the 20th century, while farm production has increased because of the use of machinery.