With the projected growth of the information revolution and efforts towards universal education, there will be an increasing demand for qualified librarians.
A Library is the most important storehouse of knowledge and provides a vital link in imparting knowledge. There are various kinds of libraries.-public, reference, children’s libraries and those attached to offices and institutions of both private and public.
The duties of a Librarian are varied in nature. He has to catalogue books, magazines, periodicals and journals. He has to be aware of new publications and order what ever is appropriate for that particular library. Interesting displays especially of new books is very essential in a library to keep the readers well informed. A keen interest in books, a good knowledge of the various authors and a methodical approach to getting information to help the readers are essential attributes of a good librarian.
Teaching is one of the most important careers a person can choose because of the immense responsibility that goes with teaching and moulding a child to become a worthwhile adult and citizen.
Teacher training colleges are a new development and over the past two decades there has been a boom in them. Faculty members in a college of education coordinate their efforts and function as a well-knit team and impart teaching skills with a good deal of creative flexibility. A firm foundation on content is the desideratum for becoming a good teacher. A good teacher has to be reasonably good in expression.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Different types of teaching jobs in different fields are available today. The methodology used in schools and colleges has undergone tremendous changes. While teachers follow a mandated curriculum, they have to develop their own methods of teaching for each class and they have to plan interesting and inspiring lessons to make learning a positive experience. Teachers have to handle paper work and record attendance, value answer scripts, to prepare progress reports and watch the progress of their students in their studies. marks, report cards, and student progress. They prepare and review homework, develop tests, attend workshops and parent-teacher meetings. Good communication skills, patience, creativity, strong moral sense etc. are absolutely essential for a good teacher.
Much of our individual success is based on education, training and continued learning experiences. Educators are required to assist people who want to learn new skills as well as upgrade their old ones. The demand for good teachers at the school and college levels as well as in the other interest areas is expected to grow significantly in the future.
CAREER IN PRINTING TECHNOLOGYWith the advent of science and technology, computers, lasers and microprocessor, Printing has become no longer a craft. It is a multi-disciplinary profession, dealing with integration of text and graphic to make a final print by transferring ink on paper or board or other materials.
PRINTING TECHNOLOGY- A REWARDING CAREER FOR YOU!
As a Printing Technologist, you can find jobs in newspapers and magazines, railway presses, advertising agencies, machine manufacturers, and in packaging industries. You can also start your own printing press.
HOW TO BECOME A PRINTING TECHNOLOGIST?
To be a Printing Technologist, you should know the Pre-press techniques like the preparation of image carrier, the actual printing procedures like letter press, lithography, gravure, flexography, screen, laser and inkjet and Post press techniques- finishing operations like cutting, folding, binding, laminating, and embossing, Packaging Technology- techniques of printing on packaged products, Materials Technology-knowledge of materials used like paper, ink, plates and chemicals.
A number of institutions offer courses in printing technology and you can join one of these institutions and can become a professionally qualified Printing Technologist.
HOW ABOUT A CAREER IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECTOR?Computer industryThe computer industry is growing at a phenomenal rate. The first computer came to India in 1956 and it was installed at the ISI, Calcutta. However, it was only two decades later, things really began to change.
The growth of the computer industry has been possible largely due to the declining trend in the prices of computers and a steep increase in the performance and the introduction of the personal computer in India. Today computers have pervaded nearly every sphere of our lives- the newspaper which you read in the morning is formatted and edited through computers, the radio and TV news you hear is made possible by computers and communication networks through satellites, the bill which you get at some hotels and shops is due to computers, the trains that you travel by are scheduled by computers, the cloths that you wear are mostly designed or manufactured with the help of computers, the traffic signal lights you see at major road junctions are coordinated with the help of computers, computerization has been introduced in many state and central government offices, it is being introduced in several fields both by the private and public sectors.
Automation process has already been initiated in many fields and even small and medium scale set-ups are going in for computerisation in most of their areas of functioning. You will find computers being used virtually in all fields and in all types of industries by both the public and private sectors. Efforts are on the way to computerise the different village / panchayat / district / state level government offices in Kerala. Computers are widely used in hospitals, production, manufacturing, designing, testing, transportation, reservation systems, in the field of mass communication and many more. The implications in terms of job opportunities is very clear. As the computer industry is growing at a faster rate in India, it is not very difficult to find a decent job if you have the necessary qualification and experience. Even if you look at export potential, a software career is more promising and rewarding.
A career in computers is of course the ‘in’ thing in the life of today’s generation. This is one profession that you have a competitive edge. Today with the emphasis of globalisation, the Master in Computer Applications and the M. Tech. in Computer Science have replaced the IAS as the preferred choice for the academic topper.
Computers play a premium role in the everyday working lives of most people because of the efficiency with which a job can be accomplished. The power of the computer as well as the demand for professionals in this field continues to grow. Careers in this field require a variety of education levels, experience and skills.
The National Association of Software Companies (NASSCOMM) estimates that currently the industry employs around 2,00,000 professionals and has a demand of 55,000 additional professionals each year. Industry analysts say that even if the current man power pool is increased 10 times by the turn of the century, they can be absorbed, Basic salaries in this sector are increased at around 20 per cent each year. The IT Industry is one of the fastest growing sector in the country today. Infotech Industry in India is at present a 3,000 crore industry. According to the National IT Task Force, India will be a 2,25,000 crore (US $ 50 billion) infotech market by 2008.
The Department of Electronics (DoE), Govt. of India formulated a comprehensive policy on Computer Software Export. Embodied therein was software development and training to generate quality manpower. The scheme provides requisite flexibility, for individuals to qualify, in steps, to an equivalence of an M. Tech. degree without interfering with other studies or work. It is a joint scheme of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) Govt. of India. The scheme has four levels- O, A, B and C. The B and C level programs are equivalent to MCA and M.Tech. respectively. DOEACC qualifications are recognized for employment purposes.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH COMPUTERS:
Career opportunities in the computer industry fall into three categories- HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND SERVICES.
CARER IN HARDWARE
You have three major avenues in the Hardware industry:
AVENUES
QUALIFICATIONS
Research & development
Engineering / M.Sc.Electronics
Manufacturing
Engineering
Marketing / Sale
Preferably Engineering / MBA
CAREER IN SERVICES
The computer industry has bred its own ancillary industry, namely the service industry. Computer services range from data centres, computer maintenance and computer rentals to training. The availability of good training professionals is much less than the demand. As a consequence, this has become one of the most highly paid careers.
CAREERS IN SOFTWARE
Software is the programs or sets of instructions given to a computer in order to perform the desired function. Computers are used for solving business problems. A computer is used in jobs which are repetitive and which require speed and accuracy.
SYSTEMS ANALYST
Systems Analysts plan and develop new computer systems. To be effective, they should have a complete understanding of the capabilities and limitations of all the hardware and software that they are dealing with. They meet with the Managers of business to determine what they require the computer to accomplish and the problems the computer should handle. Each task is broken down into separate programmable procedures. They then design the system and determine the required hardware and software for the business.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMER
Computer Programmers write detailed instructions that a computer has to follow. These instructions when inputted in computer language, are computer programmes or software. Programmers develop software for everything from handling hotel reservations to playing computer games. Systems Programmers write software that control the entire computer system. Application Programmers write programmes that handle specific tasks. The most challenging and time consuming task for a programmer is the process of going over the programme to make sure it turns properly without any errors. This is called debugging the programme and the responsibility for doing this rests solely with the individual who has written the programme.
CAD SPECIALISTCAD stands for Computer Aided Drafting. CAD Specialists are drafters who prepare technical illustrations using computers instead of the traditional paper , pencil and measuring instruments. CAD Software programmers have a variety of symbols, measuring tools and angles installed within the programme. In addition, individuals utilize hardware such as digitisers, graphic tablets, cursor pads, light pens, plotters and printers. Using this equipment, CAD Specialists can draft any type of drawing that can be done manually. These specialists often work with engineers to develop the specifications for various systems, machinery or structures. Drafting or design skills and adequate computer skills are essential to pursue this career.
DESK TOP PUBLISHING (DTP)
Desktop publishers put together designs for a variety of items such as brochures, flyers, posters and newsletters. To accomplish this, they use a computer page layout programme, computer graphics, and a word processing programme. They design the layout of a document using different sizes and varieties of type points. They may also add pictures or graphics that have been computer generated, scanned or are from a computer graphic or art software programme. Creativity, graphic sense, accurate typing, good grammar and an eye for style are important traits for desktop publishers.
INTERNET
The Internet has brought in many changes in our daily life. It has become a media for disseminating information, an arena to transact and extend business and utility for support services. Housewives boast of an on-line super market. Elsewhere goods are sold at reduced prices on the Net. There are establishments and individuals that rely solely on the bargains made available on the Net. Business on the Net is beginning to boggle the mind and there is nothing that has not been caught in the web. This has led to a booming ‘E-commerce,’ which has gained popularity not because of its technological strength but because of its lucrative business options.
Almost anything consumers want, they can shop for or buy on the web. It is not just manufactured products, the web has become an enormously popular international auction house for paintings, artefacts, costumes, books, antiques etc. Even services are now available on the internet. The Travel Industry Association of America reported recently that internet related bookings are expected to soar to $ 8.9 billion by 2002. The New York based research firm Jupiter Communications estimates that the value of on-line shipping will hit $ 6 billion in 1999 and $ 41 billion in 2002.INTERNET AS A FUNDAMENTAL BUSINESS NEED:
That the web has become a very popular market place is due to many factors. The most obvious reason is the convenience it offers to the customers. Another advantage is the enormous information available on the web, which is just a click away. Because of the cross linkage on the web, it is now possible for a consumer to access competitive information and make an informed purchase. Due to the interactive nature of the Internet, the customer can even conveniently bargain with a host of sellers to get the best price. The web enables a customer to do single-stop shopping for a vast variety of services and products. Thus the Internet has become a fundamental business need.
E-commerce is estimated to touch US $ 1.3 TRILLION BY THE YEAR 2003. The Network economy is setting the pace for a new chain of change. More and more companies, all over the world, are putting up Networks.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Think of the various business possibilities the Internet offers and you have a huge potential waiting to be tapped. All this is translated into a demand for professionals such as web writers, visual designers, programmers, software engineers and systems administrators.
WANT TO BECOME A WEB WRITER?
You should have at least a Graduation with a good command over the language. Exposure in Advertising / Journalism provides the necessary base to kick off. You should have at least two years of work experience in ad agencies / newspapers.
As a Web writer, you have to put the necessary information on the web pages- their form and content. Since a surfer’s attention span is low, it calls for precise and catchy writing. You have to flow the information in a way that leads the surfer to the pages the organization wants him to go to. Writing on the web is thus not only a creative but also a strategic exercise.
WANT TO BE A VISUAL DESIGNER?Your work as a Visual Designer is similar to that of designers in advertising agencies. It involves conceiving the lay out and knowing how to use the tools. A course in Digital Design ( a three-month course, the fees of which ranges from Rs.15,000) will help you do this. It includes other features that can be incorporated on a web page like multimedia, animation, virtual reality etc. As a visualiser, you have to study the following software:
4. Special Effects- Supergoo, KPT (Kal’s Power Tools)
5. Video Editing- Adobe Premier, After Effects
6. Authorising Tools- Authorware
7. Web Designing- Flash, Dreamware
8. Animation- Locomotion, InfinitiD
9. Morphing- Elastic Reality
10.Presentation- Director Show
WANT TO BECOME AN HTML PROGRAMMER?
You should have a Graduation with PGDCA to become an HTML Programmer. As HTML Programmer, you need to know the intricacies associated with the web. A good judgement of the parameters in different browsers is necessary.
WANT TO BE A SOFTWARE ENGINEER?
You should have an Engineering Graduation with two years experience in C++, DHTML / Java / Pearl programming.Software Engineers are required to be knowledgeable in scripting languages (Java Script, VB Script, ASP etc.) and user interface. Engineers should be versatile in their knowledge of Networks, RDBMS, back-end databases and be able to string all the web pages to build the site.
WANT TO BECOME A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR?
You should be an Engineering Graduate with at least one year experience as a Data base administrator. Experience with Server-side programming tools like Interdev 6, CGI, Pearl and ADO programming is a pre-requisite.
As a System Administrator, you will be responsible for issues pertaining to the operating system, Security, networks, and web servers etc. You have to oversee the operational requirements of the organization. The web page development team also includes a project leader who coordinates different functional members.
WANT TO BE A ‘e-business’ PROFESSIONAL?
Right across the world, manufacturers, airlines, advertising agencies, publishers, travel & cargo agents, shipping companies etc. are beginning to use e-business. The concept of ‘e-business’ will soon be indispensable to the business community. Electronic commerce is changing the way business is transacted and is viewed as a large potential, which may turn the way in which business will be conducted in future. The biggest advantage that e-commerce provides is an opportunity for the producer of a service to reach the consumer directly without the need for a middleman or agents. Electronic commerce would help organisations to take advantage of the rapidly growing global electronic market. There is going to be an ever growing demand for ‘e-business’ professionals.
Computer education, which is nearly 17 years old in India, has made rapid strides in career building for the youth of the country and has outgrown even the most optimistic estimate. But there is confusion about which course to take up and which would guarantee a good job and a secure future? Apart from the courses in the IITs and the Regional Engineering Colleges, which offer comprehensive Degree courses, most of the privately run Institutions make similar claims and offer the same type of courses. As a result, there is a limitless supply of people getting trained in Computer Science. But only a handful of Computer Schools are producing software worthy professionals. Most of these schools do not comply with the DoE regulations. But the Computer world is getting really competitive and in future only those institutes would survive which ozffer modern infrastructure, better facilities and job placements.
A CAREER IN GEOLOGYWHAT IS GEOLOGY?The science that deals with the study of earth, its history, environment, minerals etc. is called Geology. Mineralogy, structural geology, geomorphology, planetology, geological engineering etc. are all branches of Geology.
Geologists play an important role in exploring the mineral wealth and natural resources. As a Geologist, your main functions would be to assess natural disasters, its effects on environment, to explore the areas where mineral fields, oil and natural gas fields etc. are found, under-water resources etc. You have to assess whether the conditions in particular areas are suitable for laying railway lines, construction of roads, bridges, buildings etc.
Geologists have to explore natural resources deep in the sea. Their services are also important for oil explorations. They have to assess the quality of soil by conducting geo-physical and geo-chemical tests. Construction of reservoirs, roads, bridges, underground tunnels etc. is based on the report of the geologist about the density of the earth.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Those who study Geology, can become Geologists/ Geographers/ Meteorologists/ Oceanographers. As Geologists play a vital role in the exploration of valuable mineral resources, there are numerous avenues for them both in the public and private sectors. The Union Public Service Commission conducts tests for placements in Central Government Agencies like the Geological Survey of India and the Central Ground water Board. Similarly, Coal India, Mineral Exploration Authority, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Hindustan Zinc and several other organisations engaged in mineral explorations utilize the services of Geologists. The Defence and Para-military forces utilize the services of Geologists.
CAREERS IN LIBRARY SCIENCE 
