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Careers in Travel and Tourism Industry

Introduction

The world tourism industry provides direct employment to 19 million persons and generates indirect employment for 38 million persons according to the estimates published by the World Tourism Organisation. The tourism industry is one of the world’s largest industries. In India Tourism has been declared as an industry and numerous incentives are being offered for promoting tourism. Indian tourism has shown a growth rate of 6% in the past decade. The overall value added employment in the tourism sector including hotels and restaurants is estimated at approximately 80,000 crores.The Tourism industry is comprised of :-

• Institutional sectors National/State levels - Directorates • Development Corporations Hotels
• Commercial Services - Transport • Air • Rail • Road • Travel Agencies
• Personalised services - Ticketing • Reservations • Documentation • Publicity • Tourist Guides

Nature of Work

Directorates and Development Corporations
The Department of Tourism at the Centre and states formulates policy, selects and develops centres which attract foreign tourists, sets about providing transport, publicises the range of unique sights and experiences that the areas present.

Entry: Officers in the Directorate and Departments of Tourism at the centre and states are recruited from civil servants. For operational jobs in government organisations a degree in travel and tourism is required. The Indian Institutes of Travel and Tourism Management provide educational options for all kinds of jobs in the industry. These institutes also conduct several executive development programmes providing opportunities for upgradation of skills.

Opportunities exist for becoming Information Assistants at tourist offices scattered throughout the country at the more popular tourist centres and overseas. The appointment of Information Officers is made through a written examination. Graduates with a background of History, Art , Geography and a good General Knowledge gan apply.

Hotels
Star hotels require trained people for its various departments:- food and beverage, house keeping, accounting, marketing, recreation and other services, computer application, financial management, engineering and maintenance, security, fire fighting and public relations.

Entry: Diploma holders from hotel management institutes can start at junior management levels.

In all 1,80,000 vacancies are expected to be filled in hotels in order to run the approved hotels in the next decade.

For details about work and training in the hotel industry - Refer to Chapter on Hotel Management.

Travel Agencies

Travel agency has four departments : Tours, Travel, Accounts and Cargo..

Travel agencies
Travel agents have the information and know-how so as to make the best possible travel arrangements, with their clients’ preferences, budgets and other requirements in mind. For international travel they provide information on customs regulations, required papers (passports, visas, and certificates of vaccination) and the most recent currency exchange rates.

Travel agents consult a variety of sources for information. They spend most of their time behind a desk conferring with clients, completing paperwork, contacting airlines and hotels for travel arrangements and promoting group tours.

Travel agencies also do promotional work.

Tour Operators
Packaged tours to destinations in India and abroad includes planning of accomodation, food, transport and entertainment. Tour managers make reservations, depute guides/representatives for accompanying the tour groups. Travel work involves provision of detailed information of routes, costs and other matters of interest.

Guides
Young graduates who have a flair for history and languages could work as licensed guides. The Indian Institutes of Travel and Tourism Management (IITM) offers a course after which the person can be empanelled as a guide. This is a short duration coure. Training in cultural tourism is most popular.

Cargo
Cargo handling covers booking and recovery of Cargo from destinations connected by Air, rail or roads.

Accounts
Accounts department in this profession handles the billing and recovery of money from clients.

Entry
The options for entry are

• Travel and tourism, Public Relations or Advertising degree/diploma
• Training with an agency
• Post graduate course for Travel
• Ticketing course
• Knowledge of one or more Indian language

Training for Guides
A three tier training for guides- Regional guides are trained by the Department of Tourism/IITTM, State level guides are trained by the state governments or with arrangement with the Department of Tourism Government of India, Local guides are trained by the local administration. A trained guide gets an identity card endorsed by the Archaeological Department.

Commercial Services - Government

Immigration
Immigration is the first counter where the visitor has to be serviced. Curriculum in some universities now provides for teaching of immigration procedures.

Customs
The services have been in existence for a long time as a separate cadre and as the volume of traffic increases, the number of counters will have to be considerably increased.

Transport Services
Popular transport services are provided by air, railways and road. Some coastal states also have waterways. Rural India and wildlife destinations are covered by indigenous modes of travel.

Air transport - Expansion of airline network results in more jobs both at the ground and crew level. Some recruitment for both categories is done locally. A degree or diploma in tourism is needed for a ground job.

Road transport - Road transport too provides employment. Facilities for bank loans for acquiring these vehicles are available.

Work Environment

• Very competitive
• Regular work
• Overtime during peak season
• Reservation work is on the computer
• Considerable talking over the phone
• Ticket agents work at airports,train and bus stations which can be very noisy
• Dealing with many clients
• Long hours
• Speedy work
• Tour and travel guides spend most of their time travelling with customers, staying in a range of accomodation, walking or travelling on long journeys, accomodating to diverse weather conditions and in varying degrees of comfort.

Personal Characteristics

• Genuine interest in travel
• Personal knowledge
• Quick access to travel and transportation data
• Business skills with diplomacy
• Computer proficient
• Good communication skills
• Acumen for solving problems
• Knowledge of foreign /regional languages
• Well groomed professional appeal
• Good clear voice
• Friendly disposition
• Enthusiasm for working with people
• Good memory
• Positive approach

Tour operators and guides

• Outgoing & confident
• Friendly
• Sensitive to the needs of the travellers
• Ability to relate to a tourists in large as well as small groups
• Good at planning , time management
• Resourceful and adaptable
• Pleasing disposition
• Must enjoy travelling
• Well read, particularly in relation to destinations they cover

Job Prospects

Though travel agents are working in all part of the country, they are concentrated in major population centres since the best business opportunities exist in these places. Generally, after gaining experience and recognition in an established travel agency, many travel agents go in for their own venture.

Courses/Institutions
Courses in tourism are offered at the graduate/postgraduate level by several universities. Short term diploma courses can be pursued for commercial services. Indian Institute of Travel and tourism is a premier institution for education and training in tourism.

Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management - A National Centre for education, training and research in the field of tourism and travel management in India .It aims is to provide academic opportunities to graduates, directly and in collaboration with Universities, for successful careers in tourism.
IITTM Delhi offers

• Basic courses in Air Travel, Fares & Ticketing, as well as basic course on Airlines, Travel Agency and Tour Operation Management for Graduates
• Courses for Trainers
• Two-year Master of Tourism Administration (MTA) Kurukshetra University/Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
• Post-graduate course for tourist guides
• Post-graduate Diploma in Destination Management (PGDDM)
• Post-graduate Diploma in Tourism Management (PGDTM) in the University of Bilaspur for students from tribal and backward areas.
• Ground level training programmes or Alternative Education Courses (AEC) for various categories of personnel: tourist guides, taxi drivers, tourist police, immigration officers, tourist health officials and souvenir shop staff.
• Language Training Programmes (LTP).
• Diploma course in Tourism management at its centre in Gwalior and regional Centre Bhubaneswar
• Admission is through entrance test held at Gwalior, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bhubaneswar and Calcutta, which will consist of objective questions for testing General knowledge of History, Culture, Geography, places of tourist interest and knowledge of English. Those qualifying are called for interview. Medium of instructions for course is English.

Diploma courses in travel and tourism

Course - Diploma in Tourism Management,

Duration - 1 year August to July.

Eligibility - Graduate with 60% marks

IITTM, New Delhi 110 021

Agra University, Agra 282004

Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608002

Berhamper University, Orissa 760007

Mumbai University

Delhi University, Delhi 11007

University of North Bengal, PO North Bengal University, 734430, Ditt. Darjeeling, West Bengal

HN Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar 246174 Garhwal distt. UP

Awadesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa 486003

Vikram University, Kothi Road, Ujjain 456010 (MP)

Masonmaniam Sundaram University, Tirunelvelli 627018 (TN)

Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupati 517502 Chitoor (AP), (Tourism and International Ticketing)

SNDT Women’s University, 1 Nathibai Thackersay Road, Mumbai 400020

University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007

University of Mumbai, MG Road, Fort, Mumbai 400032

Indore (Devi Ahilya) University, Indore 452001

Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar 470003

Goa University, Panjim 403002

Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur 495009

Garhwal University, Srinagar (UP)

Himachal University, Shimla 171005

Jiwaji University, Gwalior 474011

University of Kerala, Trivandrum 695034

Kota Open University, Kota 324002

Kumaon University, Nainital 263001

Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 132119

Madurai University, Madurai 625021

Chennai University, Chennai 600005

Manipur University, Imphal 795003

Marathwada University, Aurrangabad 431004

Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605104

Ravishankar University, Raipur 492010

Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar 751004

College of Vocational Studies, Delhi University 11007.

YWCA , Jai Singh Marg, New Delhi 110001.

Sophia Polytechnic, Bulabhai Des Road, Mumbai

H.R. College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai

Oyster Institute of Management, Bandra (E), Mumbai-400050

Indian Institute of Management, 140, Nagindas Master Road, Mumbai - 400023

Skyline Business School, Laxman Public School Campus, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016. Courses : PG Dip in Airlines Travel
Business Management.

Sita Academy M-135, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110 001. (Travel & Tourism Management 1 year course)

Degree courses in Travel and Tourism

Course - B.A. Tourism and Travel Management. Graduate Integrated Course

Duration - 3 years.

Eligibility - +2.

Eastern Region

Gauhati University ,Gauhati

Utkal University , Puri, Orissa

University of Calcutta

Northern Region

University of Delhi New Delhi

Kurukshetra University , Haryana.

Maharashi Dayanand University, Haryana.

Himachal Pradesh University

Agra University - Agra 282004

Awadh University ,Madhya Pradesh

Benaras Hindu University , Varanasi 221005

Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi 221002

IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi 110 068

Western Region

Goa University, Goa

University of Mumbai, Mumbai

University of Poona , Nasik

Southern Region

Bangalore University, Bangalore

Karnataka University

Bhartidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu

University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Andhra University

Kakatiya University

University of Calicut ,Calicut, Kerala.

Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal 624102 TN

Post graduate courses in travel and tourism

Masters in travel administration of 2 years duration is offered to graduates/postgraduates in the following universitites -

• Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 132119
• Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002
• Jiwaji University, Gwalior 474011
• Anantpur University, Anantpur 515314
• Marathwada University, Aurangabad 431004
• Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur 342001
• Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014
• Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla 171005
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore 452001
• Avdhesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa 486003
• Utkal University, PO Vani Vihar, Bhubaneshwar 751004 Orissa
• Lucknow University, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow 226007
• Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar 246174 Garhwal Distt. UP
• Dr. B. S. Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad 431004, Maharashtra
• Indira Gandhi National Open University, School of Social Sciences, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi 110 068 offers Masters in Tourism Management through correspondence (2-4 years). The course is open to graduate and Hotel Management diploma holders.
• Utkal University, PO Vani Vihar, Bhubaneshwar 751004 Orissa
• Lucknow University, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow 226007
• Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University
• Srinagar 246174 Garhwal Distt. UP
• Dr. B. S. Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad 431004, Maharashtra
  

Professional Certification

To cope with the growing demand for qualified people, International Air Transport Association(IATA) alongwith International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Association  (FIATA) has been conducting courses in aircargo for the past several years. The IATA- FIATA offers three types of courses-
Introductory course for beginners who learn basic cargo ratings and documentation procedures. International air cargo rating course is an advanced course for those already well versed in basic freight calculations. Then there is the prestigeous Dangerous Goods course covering responsibilities of shippers, agents and airlines involved in the transport of dangerous goods. Air Cargo agencies accredited by IATA are required to hire a minimum of two DGR diploma holders.

IATA FIATA based in Geneva has appointed authorised training centres to enable new entrants to register for the course .

For further details , refer to the book :
‘Career Options After 10+2 and Beyond’
Humanities and Commerce, 2000 Edition
Pub: Career Options
Distributors: UBSPD, 5 Ansari Road, New Delhi-110002

Career In Television Industry

To be part of the TV industry an intense interest in the visual medium, a creative outlook, talent, skill and determination are required. Everybody who enters this sector generally does it of his /her own choice and hence the motivation is high. Chances of success and failure are evenly balanced hence an ability to take risks , withstand stress , bear with critics will essentially be required.
People who opt for the medium seek self expression through these mediums hence success could be immensely satisfying.

Introduction
Television & Films are the most popular entertainment mediums. The entertainment industry is expected to cross the 100,000 crore mark by the next decade as this sector is growing at a steady pace with the music industry touching the 3.5 thousand crore mark. Film and television software exports have seen an upturn and infotainment programmes are gaining popular appeal. The charm of the glamour industry has been alive and shall continue to attract the creative performers within its fold.

Nature of Work

TV/Radio
Programming -Programming in the electronic media involves production and technical operations. While production encompasses technical work, technical operations relates more to the use of machines. At the production end is the Producer who is the overall incharge of a programme. He thinks of an idea, conceptualizes the programme, chooses the artists, decides the format and coordinates the translation of ideas and information into a programme suitable for the audio or audiovisual medium.

Production Assistant - He is responsible for contacting talents getting contracts cleared in official agencies, arranging for the unit, transportation, studio requirements etc.

Scriptwriters - Any programme on radio or television requires a script and screen play. Writing for the electronic media again calls for a special approach. Formal training helps in effective writing. Openings on casual basis exist in abundance.

Stages of Script : The following will give a fair idea about stages a script passes through:

* Conception - A seed is sown in the author’s mind either through an experience that has moved him / her personally or through a suggestion from some body else.

* Synopsis : An outline of the story - for a 13 episode TV serial. This is normally about 15 pages long.

* Showing it to a director : who gives his suggestions based on its commercial viability.

* Scene Division : Deciding on the sequence and location of scenes, which episodes the climaxes are in etc.

* Dialogues, development of relationships among the characters and finding a director - Ideally, a director and writer should together conceive the whole project, so that they are in complete agreement over interpretation. Some alterations in the script may be made, based on the director’s suggestions.

* Casting : The director usually chooses the cast, although ideally it should be a joint decision by the director and the writer.

* This is where the script writer’s role ends and the director takes over.

* There are several writer who work just for the money. The credit for the script goes to somebody else, while the ghost writer gets paid per story.

Researchers - The Electronic Media also calls for researchers. The content of programme is researched by a subject expert (a university lecturer, educationist, research assistant or scientist). The field researcher studies the impact of a programme in certain areas or in certain target viewers.

A media researcher advices the format in which an information should be presented it could be documentary / feature / play / folk form or a combination.

Beauticians :- Anyone appearing before the strong lights of TV needs his or her face touched up to suit the camera. A recognised beautician course may be required for employment with doordarshan or private production units.

Set Designer - If you have a Degree in Fine Applied Arts, you could design sets for studio recording. Experience in stage production is an asset. A degree in commercial art may help to branch out in computer graphics. Simple captions, line drawings, portraits, animated diagrams and illustrations enliven any program.

Sound Engineer and Camera Person - Production on radio involves mainly the Sound Engineer on the technical front. After recording the different ingredients - statements, interviews, sound effects, commentary and music - required for a programme on a multiple track tape recorder, the Sound Engineer puts them all together in the required sequence and proportion, in other words, edits the programme on the directions of the Producer. It is now ready for broadcast.

On television the technical operations are more elaborate. Havng a visual component, television production essentially calls for a cameraperson. Imagination, aptitude for photography and skill, besides a steady hand, go to make a good camera person.

The Vision Mixer - In studio recordings the vision mixer has an important role to play, he is also expected to be a graduate in Physics or Electronics. He must be alert to act upon commands and use his fingers dexterously to get the ‘effect’ right. A creative use of effects such as ‘wipes’, ‘dissolves’, ‘cuts’, superimpositions’ is required.

Announcers and newscasters -Announcers and newscasters are the most familiar of the many occupations in Radio and Television broadcasting. Announcers at television stations and large radio stations usually specialize in a particular kind of programming such as sports events, general news broadcasts or weather reports. They must be thoroughly familiar with these areas and, if a written script is required, may do the research and writing.

The news anchor or a pair of co-anchors present the day’s important news stories. Throughout the broadcast, the anchors, also called newscasters, introduce videotaped news or live transmissions from on the -scene reporters that provide indepth information on the event being covered.

A newsreader is expected to have qualifications similar to those of the announcer with added emphasis on general awareness and good pronounciation. Since news is always ‘live’ quick responses to unexpected situations is required.

Reporters and correspondents TV news

People with a good command over language and a feel for the medium are recruited for these positions to feed information from various places.

Correspondents are employed by PTI and by video magazines .A Degree or Diploma in Journalism or Mass Communication is necessary.

The electronic news gathering unit consists of the camera, a portable video tape recorder, lights and microphone. So, besides the cameraperson, the services of a sound recordist who operates the video tape recorder and a camera assistant who handles the lights are required. The sound recordist is designated as ‘engineering assistant’.

Editor

After the camera work has been completed, the statements and interview recorded, the musical scores chosen, in other words when you have all the raw stock ready, it is the editor’s job to prune, put in sequence, juxtapose and highlight the shots even while inserting the commentary, sound effects and music to correlate with the visuals. The sophisticated machines available for editing these days allow a variety of ‘post production’ effects which can meaningfully add to the impact of the programme. The editor’s creative inputs and skill can make or mar a programme.

Video Journalism

Video journalism is a very powerful medium. Understandably many from the varied fields of journalism are drawn to this medium. The content may be the same but often video magazine work is closer to film making than to the print medium. It needs most essentially the journalist to beat the right place at the right time with all his wits around him.

Work Conditions

Long working hours

Considerable waiting may be required because actors must wait for parts or filming schedules

Frequent travel.

Evening work is a regular part of a stage actor’s life

Flawless performances require tedious memorising of lines and repetitive rehearsals

On television, actors must deliver a good performance with very little preparation

An actor needs stamina to withstand the heat of stage or studio lights, the long, irregular hours, and the adverse weather conditions that may exist ‘on location.

When plays are ‘on the road’, travelling is necessary.

Actors often face the anxiety of intermittent employment and rejections when auditioning for work.

Directors and producers often work under stress as they try to meet schedules, stay within budgets, and resolve personnel problems.

Personal Qualities

A strong will, determination and love for what you are doing will be needed to continue after many rejections.

Working on a production, you have to function as a member of a team.

Work takes long hours, including evenings and weekends, sometimes in bad weather.

You need to stay calm under pressure, be creative and open to new ideas and suggestions.

Breaking into the film industry is not easy, no matter how much training you have.

There is a lot of competition for jobs. You need to be aggressive, adaptable and determined.

You have to keep trying - without that determination and perseverance chances of succeeding are low.

Entry routes

Programmers : For the Doordarshan, producers, may be recruited directly or appointed through promotions. Induction is through UPSC on the basis of subject specialisation and then a short training is given. Generally, skills can be mastered through training programme in select institutions.

Program assistants: The official media recruits them directly from Graduates / Post Graduates with knowledge of a regional language besides English / Hindi, cultural traditions of India and the region and production sense. There is plenty of scope for freelancing both in official as well as in private production. Selection is on the basis of an interview.

Sound Engineer and Camera Person - The Sound Engineer is required to be a Graduate in Physics or Electronics. An early interest in photography helps. Degree or Diploma Courses in Cinematography are available in three major institutions in Inida - indeed, these are considered among the best in world. A five-year Degree Course after 10+2 or pre-university or a three year Diploma course after graduation are offered by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune, the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Madras, the Bangalore Institute of Film and Television Technology, Bangalore. Besides, training in the field is also imparted by the Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Polytechnics offer courses in photography. Generaly, a science background at +2 level is preferred for admission to the Cinematography courses.

Qualified and highly skilled camera persons are not easily available; as such many productions fall below standard in visual impact. Hence, this is a potential field for growth and expertise.

The Vision Mixer

In studio recrodings the vision mixer has an important role to play, he is also expected to be a graduate in Physics or Electronics. He must be alert to act upon commands and use his fingers dexterously to get the ‘effect’ right.

Transmission Executives- A written examination is conducted by the Staff Selection Committee (SSC) organised by the UPSC. The selection of these officials is conducted zonally and postings are given within their zone of recruitment. Transmission Executives in Doordarshan undergo the same process of recruitment. The News Team

Announcers and newscasters- Selection is made on the basis of a written test in (AIR), voice test, screen test (on TV) and interview. The test may involve writing announcements, presentation of scripts for special programmes, audiences, etc.

A newsreader is expected to have qualifications similar to those of the announcer with added emphasis on general awareness and good pronounciation. Since news is always ‘live’ quick responses to unexpected situations is required.

Entry into private productions is possible as commentators, comperes, interviewers and script readers.

Engineering Assistant - B.Sc. in Physics Electronics or a Diploma Holder in Electronics. The camera assistant is required to have passed the 10+2. The camera assistant generally learns on the job and quite often graduates to the position of a cameraperson. A steady hand is a must for becoming a camera assistant as he may be required to hold up lights for a long time at a stretch.

Editor- Professional training can be attained after graduation, preferably in science subjects. The best places are Pune, Bangalore and Madras Institutes. Jamia Millia Islamia imparts adequate training in the field in its master of Mass Communication course.

Courses

Direction
Film and Television Institute of India, Law College Road, Pune 411004
Courses
Basic Course in Film & Television (1 year)

Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, CIT Campus, Chennai.
This institute conducts degree courses in Direction

Asian Academy of Film and Television, Marwah Studios Complex, FC 14/15, Film Centre, Sector 16A, Noida 201301 U.P.
Course - Duration 3 months and covers the following

Academy 18, Studio Kabuki, F-7, Sector 16A, NOIDA 201301
Courses - T.V. Journalism - duration 6 months
T.V. Production & Direction - duration 6 months

Course content includes learning programme formats, production methods with hands on training.

Satyajit Ray Film and T.V. Institute - E.M. Bypass Road, P.O. Garia Calcutta-94 an academic Institution of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Course in Direction duration 2 years

Cinematography

Film and Television Institute of India, Law College Road, Pune 411004

Selection - Candidates have to clear the written test, aptitude test and interview. Test is held at Allahabad, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Calcutta, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram.

Instruction medium - English

Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, CIT Campus, Chennai.
This institute conducts degree course in cinematography of 3 years duration. Those who wish to do cinematography should have studied Physics and chemistry at the +2 stage.

Asian Academy of Film and Television, Marwah Studios Complex, FC 14/15, Film Centre, Sector 16A, Noida 201301 U.P.
Course - Camera & Lighting Techniques Duration 3 months
Satyajit Ray Film and T.V. Institute - E.M. Bypass Road, P.O. Garia Calcutta-94
Course duration 2 years

Audiography

Film and Television Institute of India, Law College Road, Pune 411004

For specialising in Audiography students with 10+2 with Physics are eligible.

Selection - Candidates have to clear the written test, aptitude test and interview. Test is held at Allahabad, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Calcutta, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram.

Instruction medium - English

Film Processing & Film Editing
Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, CIT Campus, Chennai.
This institute conducts diploma courses in Film Processing and Film editing.
Satyajit Ray Film and T.V. Institute - E.M. Bypass Road, P.O. Garia Calcutta-94
Course duration 2 years

This is an academic Institution of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Sound Recording & Sound Engineering

Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, CIT Campus, Chennai.
This institute conducts diploma courses in Sound recording and engineering.
Asian Academy of Film and Television, Marwah Studios Complex, FC 14/15, Film Centre, Sector 16A, Noida 201301 U.P.
Course - Duration 3 months and covers the following
Video Editing and Sound Recording

Acting

Asian Academy of Film and Television, Marwah Studios Complex, FC 14/15, Film Centre, Sector 16A, Noida 201301 U.P.
Acting & Presentation 3 months

Imago Acting School, Brahma Studio, Film City, Noida, UP - Full time, Diploma course and part time certificate courses in Acting.

Bharatiya Natya Academy, Lucknow Diploma in Acting, 2 years for graduates

National School of Drama, Bhavalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi-110001 Diploma in Dramatic Arts after Graduation

Newsreading

News reading courses are conducted by the following institutes

Indian Institute of Mass Communication, JNU Campus, New Delhi
Course : Hindi Newsreading for TV
Refresher Course for personnel of All India Radio and Doordarshan
Diploma Course in News Agency Journalism for Non-aligned countries

Janaki Devi Mahavidyalaya, Delhi University, New Delhi
Course : Hindi newsreading

Film and Television Institute, CIT Campus, Chennai
Course : Newsreading

Film and Television Institute, Pune
Course : English newsreading.

TV Journalism

Academy 18, Studio Kabuki, F-7, Sector 16A, NOIDA 201301
Courses - T.V. Journalism - duration 6 months

Third Channel Institute of Television Training, Delhi
Courses - T V Journalism Duration 3 months

Asian Academy of Film and Television, Marwah Studios Complex, FC 14/15, Film Centre, Sector 16A, Noida 201301 U.P.
Course - TV Journalism Duration 3 months

Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi
M.A. course in Mass Communications which comprises Radio/Television, Film and Audio-visual production, is conducted by Mass Communication Research Centre of Jamia Millia Islamia.
Eligibility - The eligibility requirements are as follows :
Age should not be more than 30 years.
Evidence of involvement in journalism in print on broadcast media .

Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aruna Asif Ali Marg, JNU Campus, New Delhi-110067
Diploma in Electronic Journalism.
Radio & TV Journalism course of 9 months duration. Selection through written test.

Options for science students in the Armed Forces

Options for science students in the Armed Forces

Introduction

Armed Forces - the Army, Navy and the Airforce have lured the adventure loving, physically robust committed young people year after year. Recently though the lure of Information Technology and the high pay packets which multi nationals have to offer has influenced professional choice and detracted young people nevertheless it is the commitment to the defence of the mother land which has been enduring in attracting the seriously motivated.

Students from all subject streams can be inducted into the three services in its various branches. This article provides the necessary details for students of physical and mathematical sciences.

The Army

Army constitutes of the Infantry, Armoured Tanks, Artillery, Engineers, Communication troops and other support troops who look after clothing, food, transportation, repair of equipments and give medical help.

The Navy

Navy inducts cadets to train them for the executive and technical branches.

Executive branch

Executive branch has three arms of the branch:

• General Service
  General Service officers command and manage the ship.
• Technical branch
  The Engineering Branch is responsible for the serviceability of ships, submarines and aircrafts. They work in shore jobs in naval dockyards, laboratories and indigenous production units.

Engineers Navy trains and employs engineers of various disciplines. Naval architects - These officers specialise in warship construction.

Electrical branch- An Electrical Officer deals with computer based or computer-aided weapon systems, missile systems, underwater weapons, radars and raid communication equipment.

Education branch - Education Officers teach technical subjects as part of inservice upgrading of knowledge. They may be specialists in Oceanography and Meteorology and also in any of the specialisations of the General Service, Executive Branch. The AirForce

Pilot is the key person in the Airforce while the Ground Duty Branch has the Technical Branch,Air Traffic Control, Meteorology Branch, Fighter Controller and Medical Branch which inducts students with a science background Flying branch- Pilots specialise as Fighter pilots ,Transport or Helicopter pilots. The navigators fly in the transport and bomber aircrafts only. They assist the Pilots in navigation.

Technical branch- Aeronautical Engineers work in Mechanical Branch or the Electronic Branch. They install, maintain, operate defence radar systems ; electronic gadgets, sophisticated computers, ground defence electronics equipments.

Administrative branch- An Administrative branch officer is responsible for personnel management and administration of the Air Force bases . An admin branch officer is also required to function as an Air Traffic Control Officer to provide control and advisory services in order to enable the pilots of military and civil aircrafts to conduct their flights with total safety in all weather conditions. Adminstrative Branch Officer may be required to operate as a Fighter Controller to counter enemy threats from the air by using modern electronic counter-offensive equipment.

Education branch The Education Branch teach a variety of subjects like Science, Computer Technology, Military Science, etc. As an Education Officer at a station, he is responsible for guiding the personnel in furthering their academic qualifications.

Meteorology branch Meteorology Branch officers are involved in weather forecasting using the latest state-of-art technology.

Medical and Dental branch Officers from Army Medical Corps are seconded to Air Force. Air Force runs some hospitals and clinics where even Army and Navy personnel are entitled for treatment and vice versa. Entry in Army Navy and Air Force After 10+2 (PhysicsChemistryMaths)

There are several way of entering the 3 arms of defence services. In this section entry into defence services have been detailed.

Naval Engineering College
Navy directly selects candidates for their Engineering College at Lonawala. Male candidates between the age of 16 1/2 and 19 years who have passed XII with Maths, Physics and Chemistry and have secured more than 70% marks in PCM and minimum 50% marks in English are eligible to apply. The Naval Engineering College trains the cadets so selected in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering and Electrical Engineering. The course starts in December, advertisement and details about this selection are published in leading newspapers and Employment news in the month of May/June. Cadets go through an initial 6 months orientation at Naval Academy in Goa. B. Tech degree is awarded on completion of the course from Jawaharlal Nehru University of Delhi

Army Technical Branch Entry
Cadets are recruited for being trained with the Army after 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths (minimum 70%). There are two inductions annually of male candidates in the 16½ to 19½ age group. The courses begin in January and July each year. The training of cadets for a four year six months period entitles them for permanent commission in the Army in Technical Branches i.e. EME, Signals, Engineers.

National Defence Academy
Union Public Service Commission holds a competitive examination twice in a year, for a 3 year training course commencing in January and July. Candidate taking the examination has to give preference for service he desires to join, however, option also depends on the rank in merit list. Before indicating their preferences for different courses, the candidates should first decide their preference for the two Academies, viz., National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (Executive Branch). If a candidate opts for National Defence Academy as his first choice, he must first indicate his preference for different wings of National Defence Academy viz Army, Navy and Air Force followed by his preference for Naval Academy (Executive Branch). Alternatively if a candidate opts for Naval Academy (Executive Branch) as his first choice, he must first indicate his preference for Naval Academy (Executive Branch) as his first choice, followed by his preferences for different wings of National Defence Academy. Conditions of eligibility

Age limits, sex and marital status - Only unmarried male candidates age between 16 1/2 and 19 years are eligible.

Educational qualifications - These are as follows .

For Army Wing of National Defence Academy - 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 (Executive Branch) course at the Naval Academy - 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern or School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply. Scheme of the Examination - The subjects of the written examination, the time allowed and the maximum marks allotted to each subject are as follows:

Subject	Duration Marks	Max
Mathematics	2-2 1/2 hours	300
General Ability Test	2-2 1/2 hours	600
Total		900

The papers in all the subjects consist of objective type questions only. The question papers (test Booklets) are set in English only.

Graduates and Post Graduates Entry into Armed forces

Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
Union Public Service Commission through its notification in leading newspapers and Employment news, in the months of April and October, conducts an entrance examination for entry into the officer cader of Army, Navy and Air Force. Candidates qualifying in written examination have to appear before a service selection board (SSB) for interview. Those opting for Air Force have to undergo Pilot Aptitude test. Those who come in the merit list undergo medical examination and after selection are sent to following training establishments according to choice given by the candidates and their merit list ranking.

• Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (IMA)
• Naval Academy, Goa
• Air Force Academy, Begumpet, Hyderabad
• Officers Training Academy, Madra

Those joining in any of the first three establishments get permanent commission. Candidates selected for OTA Madras are given short service commission.

Incentives to NCC Cadets
The following are the incentive to the NCC cadets : Army - 50 vacancies in every regular course of IMA are reserved for National Cadet Corps B grade holders of ‘C’ certificate with a minimum of 2 academic years in the senior division of NCC who have passed UPSC Examination and have also been declared successful by the Service Selection Board.

Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) - OTS, Chennai Graduates with 50% marks, NCC ‘C’ Certificate with ‘B’ grade and serving for 2 years from the receipt of application can appear directly for SSB interview for SSC at OTS, Chennai. On selection cadets undergo 9 months training at OTS after which they are granted commission in the rank of Lt. Navy - 6 vacancies per course for grant of commission in the Navy are reserved for selection of National Cadet Corps cadets as Special Entry Cadets, provided they are in possession of ‘C’ certificate of Naval Wing and are declared fit by the Naval Selection Board. Such cadets are exempted from appearing in the UPSC examination.

Air Force - 10 vacancies per course are reserved for national Cadet Corps Air Wing cadets holding NCC ‘C’ certificate of Air wing. Two courses are held every year. The cadets for Pre-Flying Course do not have to undergo UPSC Examination.

Other Branches of Air Force - 10 vacancies per course are reserved for National Cadet Corps Air wing cadets holding NCC ‘C’ certificate of Air Wing for commission into various branches of the IAF (except Flying Branch Pilot). They have, however, to clear the UPSC examination and Service Selection Board as in the case of general candidates.

To be eligible to compete for reserved vacancies the candidates should have served for not less than 2 academic years in the Senior Division Army Wing and 3 academic years in the Senior Division Air wing/Naval Wing of National Cadet Corps and should not have been discharged from the NCC for more than 24 months for IMA/Naval Academy/Air Force Academy Courses on the last date of receipt of applications in the Commission’s Office.

Age limits, sex and marital status - These are listed below:

For IMA - Unmarried male candidates in between the age of 18 and 23 years

For Naval Academy - Unmarried male candidates in between the age of 18 and 22 years

For Air Force Academy - Unmarried male candidates in between the age of 18 and 21 years

For Officers’ Training - Academy male candidates (married or unmarried) in between the age of 18 and 24 years

Educational qualifications

For IMA and Officers’ Training Academy - Degree of a recognised university or equivalent.

For Naval Academy - B.Sc with Physics & Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering.

For Air Force Academy - Degree of a recognised university or equivalent with Physics and/or Mathematics as subjects. Candidates who have passed their degree examination with subjects other than Physics and/or Mathematics as subjects are also eligible provided they have passed the Higher Secondary Examination (old pattern) or the 11th/12th Standard Examination under the 10+2 pattern of school education or an equivalent examination with mathematics and Physics as subject of Examination.

Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are to submit proof of graduation provisional certificates within two weeks of completion of SSB interview to Army HQ (Rtg. CDSE Entry)/NHQ (R&R Section)/Air HQ-PO-3(A) respectively.

Candidates who are studying in the final year Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply but they will be required to submit proof of passing the degree examination.

Scheme of examination - The competitive examination comprises (a) written examination, (b) Interview, intelligence and personality test of such candidates as may be called for the interview at the services selection board centres.

The subjects of the written examination the time allowed and the maximum marks allotted to each subject are as follows:

For the admission to IMA, Naval and Air Force Academy

Subject	Duration	Marks
English	2 Hrs	100
General Knowledge	2 Hrs	100
Elementary Mathematics	2 Hrs	100

For admission to officers training academy

Subject	Duration	Marks
English	2 Hrs	100
General Knowledge	2 Hrs	100

The maximum marks allotted to the written examination and to the interviews are equal for each course, i.e., maximum marks allotted to the written examination and to the interviews are 300, 300, 300 and 200 each for admission to Military Academy, Air Force, Naval Academy and Officers Training Academy.

For candidates joining the Air Force Academy - There are three modes of entry into Flying (P) Course viz. CDSE/NCC/Airmen. Candidates who apply for Air Force through more than one source will be tested/interviewed at Air force as well as other arms of services. Common candidate who fail in INS-B/(Pilot Aptitude Battery) PAB test as an NCC or Airmen candidate be called again for (Officer Like Quality) OLQ testing for Army/Navy/OTA only, if it is found that he has applied through CDS Exam also.

Service Selection Board (SSB)

After the UPSC written examination for NDA and CDSE or after the scrutiny and short listing of applicants by the respective headquarters all candidates are put through relevant tests before being sent for medical examination. What are these tests? Students often ask. Here is a description of the selection procedure of the Service Selection Board (SSB).

Personality tests - These tests are as follows :

Situation Reaction Test (SRT) - Sixty situations (familiar/unfamiliar) are given and the candidate is required to give reactions on an answer book in 30 minutes.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) - A set of 12 pictures are shown (each for 30 secs) and the candidate is required to write a story in 3 minute for each picture.

Word Association Test (WAT) - Sixty words are projected and the candidate is required to make a sentence, in 15 seconds for each word.

Group test - Group Test is conducted on batches of 8-10 candidates. The test comprises of indoor and outdoor activities e.g. group planning, group discussion and lectures.

Interview - This is to test the personality of the candidate. This includes general awareness. Finally the selection board interviews the candidate.

Special tests of selection

Pilot aptitude test - Pilots have to undergo a pilot aptitude test which includes Instrument battery tests - This test requires annotation of the correct answers in an answer sheet for each problem which are given in a booklet. Those qualifying in this test have to take the machine test comprising of control velocity and SMA.

Intelligence test - Pilot, Engineers and other ground duty applicants also go through the officers intelligence rating test. This test is designed to find out the basic intelligence level of the candidates. Only those who achieve a minimum acceptable level and grade are required to undergo the Personality Test which is common to all candidates.

Engineering knowledge test - Engineers take the engineering knowledge Test which is a test of basic knowledge in various fields of Engineering. This test has to be cleared before taking the personality test.

Entry After 10+2 (PCB group) into Army Medical Services

Medical Corps after 10+2 (Biology Group)

Armed Forces Medical College is a prestigious medical college run by the Armed Forces for training medical graduates at Pune. 105 boys and 25 girls are selected to serve the armed forces as doctors after their training.

Eligibility - Candidates should be medically fit as per laid down standards. All selected candidates have to undergo medical examination before admission to the AFMC. Only unmarried candidates are eligible.

Educational qualifications - Candidate must have passed the XII (10+2) standard/pre-professional (medicine) examination or equivalent examination of any recognised Board/University as a regular student in the first attempt with the subject of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English securing not less than 60 per cent of aggregate marks in the three science subjects taken together. He should secure 50 per cent marks in each science subjects and not less than 45 per cent marks in English. The candidate, must have passed an examination in Mathematics at least of the matriculation standard. Candidates who are to appear for the test provisionally. Candidates who have passed in Domestic Science, Domestic Arithematics, Lower Maths separately or in combination with other subjects like General Science, social Science in High School, Higher Secondary (multi purpose) or equivalent examination are not eligible. Candidates who have passed only pre-university/pre-degree (one year course) or pre-professional in Agriculture/Veterinary/Dental examination are not eligible.

Method of selection - The selection test is held in two parts written test and an interview. General standard of the entrance examination is that of 10+2 standard.

Age - 17 years on 31 December of the year of appearing but must not be the age of 22 years on the date if the academic qualification of candidates is 10+2. A candidate who has passed the B.Sc. examination or will be appearing in final B.Sc. examination must not have attained the age of 24 years on December 31.

Reservation for SC/ST - 10 seats are reserved for SC/ST candidates but they must come within the first 500 in the final combined merit list of boys and girls. Based on the performance in the written test, selected candidates are called for interview in the month of June/July at one of the following Centres: Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, New Delhi and Pune.

Armed Forces Nursing Services

Entry after 10+2

Admission to B.Sc (Nursing) course of four years duration is conducted at College of Nursing, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune-30.

Minimum educational qualifications - The candidates must have passed XII class (10+2) or an equivalent examination of 12 years duration of a recognised Board/University with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Botany and Zoology) with not less than 40 per cent aggregate marks in all the subjects. Those who have passed the examination as private candidates without attending a College affiliated to any recognised university, are not eligible. The candidates appearing in the qualifying examination (10+2) during March/April of the year of applying may not apply.

Age requirements - Candidates should be between 17-25 years of age.

Candidates are selected (2 seats are reserved for scheduled caste/scheduled tribes and 1 seat for NCC trained girl candidate possessing G-2 certificate in order of merit). Selected candidates are required to execute an agreement/bond to serve in the Military bursing Service for a minimum period of 5 years as Permanent Commissioned Officer after successful completion of studies. In addition to free rations, furnished accomodation, uniform allowance, medical treatment and travel concessions, they are paid a stipend per month during the course. Only unmarried female candidates are eligible. Divorcees or widows or those legally seperated and without encumbrances are also considered. Applicants should be medically fit.

Selection - Written objective type examination are held at 17 centres. Required number of candidates from the merit list are called for interview at selected centres in the month of April/May. Candidates who qualify in the interview have to take the medical examination. A final merit list is drawn on the basis of marks obtained both in written examination and interview. Existing number of vacancies are filled strictly in accordance with the position secured by the candidates in the all India merit list.

Examination Centres are at : Bangalore, Mumbai, Calcutta, Cochin, Dehradun, Delhi, Danapore, Guwahati, Jabalpur, Jammu, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Lucknow, Chennai, Secundarabad, Trivandrum and Vishakapatnam.

Army Dental Corps

From time to time dental surgeons are inducted in the Army Dental Corps and are granted direct Permanent Commission/Short Service Commission.

Short service commission - Short Service commission is granted to Dental sugeons who fulfill the following conditions :-

Age limit - Less than 45 years (relaxable in case of specialists and post-graduates)

Qualification - Graduate in Dental Surgery.

Medically fit in all respects.

Direct permanent commission - Permanent Commission is also granted.

Age limit - Post graduate (MDA) 30 years/Graduate (BDS) 28 years.

Qualification - Postgraduate dental degree or BDS with 60% in final BDS examination.

Medically fit in all respects.

Selection procedure - There is a written (objective) and clinical test followed by an interview. Successful candidates at the written and clinical test are required to appear before the selection board for interview.

Lady candidates are also inducted in the Army Dental Corps.

Career In Rural Management

Rural Management requires intense interest in rural based sectors and rural development.
Adaptibility , problem solving skills and good academic and analytical talent are useful.
Should be able to work with a range of professionals and working groups involved in this sector.

Introduction

Rapid economic and technological developments, globalisation and the steep rise in the volume of business in every sphere has resulted in a shift in all sectors of work. Rural based sectors influenced by urban trends have generated consciousness and demand for qualified rural management professionals who could work towards efficient restructuring. The demand for trained rural managers is estimated to be almost ten thousand per annum.

The discipline of Rural Mangement was introduced at the Institute of Rural Management, established in 1979 at Anand with the active support of the Central and State Governments, the National Dairy Development board, and the Indian Dairy Corporation.

Rural development projects are being implemented all over the country. Constant thrust to rural development based projects has led to a steady growth in the number of rural enterprises in the cooperative and public sectors of the economy in the past decades. Professional management, firmly grounded in the realities and nuances of rural problems, is expected to extend the base of development activities in the rural segment.

Nature of Work

Rural managers work in all functional areas of management - general management, marketing, finance, systems, project implementation, purchase, human resource development, in all segments of rural based enterprises. They work as both analysts and consultants to study operational problems, inadequacies of existing structures, for organising information, and for making recommendations for implementing new systems or for bringing about changes in existing methods. Rural managers have to interact with corporate bodies. They visit rural areas, farmlands for advising and making assessments. The job may demand considerable inland and overseas travel.

Work Conditions

Planing is done in an office environment

Field trips require inland travel and time is spent in rural areas

Foreign travel for studying technologies and management features

Meeting corporate clients for enterprise

Personal Qualities

Interest in farming, trading, planning

Ability for working with clients with diverse interests

Good communication skills

Analytical reasoning

Deep interest in rural development and understanding farming

Job Prospects

Non Governmental Organisations

Government organisations

Private enterprises

Rural based industries

Cooperatives

Banks (NABARD)

Financial institutions

Multinationals in sectors such as power, production and industry, agriculture, rural housing, transportation, telecom, automobile, electric and electronics etc.

In rural enterprises as policy makers, managers, analysts and consultants advising on operational efficiency and improvements. The work these organisations are involved in include community development projects, management of natural resources in rural areas, institutional development, health and sanitation, development of appropriate low cost energy systems, income generation, marketing of products of rural based industries and in other areas related to rural development.

Study Options

Graduates in Agrigulture and other related fields are suited for rural mangement though graduates in economics, sociology, agricultural engineering, management also study rural management. Selection for admission is through competitive entrance test.

Courses

Institute of Rural Management, Anand -IRMA has been committed to the training of professional managers to assist in the vital task of establishing, developing, and operating cooperative producers organisations in the rural areas. The course offered at IRMA is a 2 year residential post graduate programme in rural mangement open to graduates from any discipline. Selection is through a written test and interview.

Indian Institute of Rural Management, Jaipur and Jodhpur- This institute has been conducting a 2 year full time post graduate programme in Rural Management including courses in Rural development, Rural Marketing and Rural Finance. Admission is made through the All India Management Aptitude Test conducted by All India Management Association, New Delhi. The Institute also conducts Diploma in Rural Management with specialisation in Rural Marketing and Rural Finance.

Indian Institute of Management, Ahemedabad runs a Centre for Mangement in Agriculture. The Institute offers long duration and short duration educational and training programmes in agriculture management. It offers specialisation in agricultural mangement in Post graduate and Fellow programmes.

The Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) Rajbhavan complex, Pune conducts several programmes on functional areas of rural management.

Other Institutions
Other institutions conducting courses in rural management and related areas of rural development are as follows :-

Gujarat Vidyapith, Centre for Rural Management, Ahmedabad (2 year Rural Management course and several rural based options).

Mahatma Gandhi Gramoday Vishwa Vidyalaya , Department of Rural Development Management, Chitrakoot, Distt Satna ( 2 year Masters in Rural Development Management).

Gandhigram Rural Institute , Gandhigram, Dindigul Distt( 2 year Master of Cooperative Management/ Rural Industries and Management/Development Administration).

Undergraduate degree courses in Rural Studies are offered at Universities in Gulbarga, Dharwad, Chennai, Mumbai, Patiala, Kolhapur, Agra, Aurangabad, Surat,Tirupati, Hyderabad, Kurukshetra, Mysore, Mangalore etc.

Students from diverse backgrounds such as Banking, economics and extension studies, rural development studies converge in this sector with their expertise and commitment to work in the rural segment.

Career In Public Relation

Excellent communication skills, language proficiency and precise social and business communication are required for success. Personal skills more than academic brilliance are at the core of success in Public Relations.

Introduction

Public Relations has been for long a simple operation of corporate publicity. It is today also a broad based management function known as Corporate Communication. The former role takes care of management of public affairs, media relation, research and analysis while the corporate communication function seeks to protect organisational interests and works towards maintaining a balanced public image of the corporate’s performance.

The success of an image and even continued existence of an organization depends on how successfully it presents its goals and policies to the public. Public relations (PR) personnel work with businesses, governments, universities, hospitals, schools and other institutions, to build and maintain positive relationships with the public. They present their organisation in the best possible light, so their objectives, policies or services have positive appeal. PR workers put together information that keeps the public aware of the organization’s accomplishments and keeps management aware of public attitudes.

Corporate communication departments are playing a vital role in policy planning as well as in maintaining mutual understanding within the organisation.

Nature of Work

The PR function has assumed two operational structures

In-house corporate communication division

Specialised PR agencies

In-house PR functions

PR department in a firm analyses problems with clients or management, outline objectives and plan activities to meet the aim within an agreed budget.

Writing and editing reports, press releases, articles, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, leaflets, speeches, film and video scripts are all  inhouse functions. PR departments co-ordinate the production of radio tapes, company newsletters, leaflets, brochures and films through ad agencies and are responsible for identifying and contacting the appropriate medium.

The responsibilites encompass organising and conducting interviews, meetings, presentations and conferences, events, Press launches, news conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs, etc.

Evaluation through market research surveys, interviews and opinion polls make the final appraisal for effectiveness of the function.

Consultancy

In PR consultancy work teams may specialise in different types of account, eg. corporate, financial, consumer, business to business, public affairs, etc. Shareholders, wholesalers/distributors and marketing agencies, workers, Government, legal bodies and the public who are intently aware of the company’s image and are keenly observant of its activities.

P R agencies

Agencies provide public relation counsel to organisations with diverse statures and dealings. A PR agency has Client servicing, Media,and Research departments. Account executives handle the PR work of different clients. Devising a PR strategy based on the complete understanding of the clients operations and goals, calling press conferences, issuing press briefs as well as organising press tours . The briefing for media coverage has also to be prepared by client servicing. This incorporates the complete media presentation, design and coordination with various channels of communication. Researching,conducting surveys is generally an ongoing activity in all agencies.Crisis management as a PR function is of great significance.

Work Conditions

Comfortable office environment with secretarial help

Considerable business liason and entertainment is required

Flexible work schedule

Lifestyle is influenced by the job

Competition is tough in consulting

Discreet interactions outside the office

Travel and work related stress

Challenge.

Personal Qualities

Social poise, precise conduct

Ability to get along with people from different professions

Sociability

Tact

Patience

Diplomacy

An analytical mind

Flair for crisis management

Vision

Ability for structuring and guarding the firms/persons or products image

Good expression, clear speech

Objectivity in writing

Good oral communication is required for press briefings, meetings, conferences and presentations

Good written language for preparing news releases, leaflets, reports, articles, etc.

Good organisational skills

Meticulous work habits

Ability to cope with several different activities

Accounts management needs numerical skill

Self-motivation and the ability to work under pressure

Job Prospects

Corporate organizations

Public sector enterprises

Government information departments

Hotels

Guest relations departments in the tourism industry

Private consultancies

Banks

Financial organisations

With political leaders and public figures.

Job hierarchies/Earnings

Trainee executives

Account executives

Senior account manager

Account director

Director and chief PR director

In the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting e.g Doordarshan, All India Radio, Publication Division, Film Division, National Film Development Corporation, Press Information Bureau, Field Publicity, Registrar of Newspapers in India, Research and Reference Division, Audio & Visual Publicity, Photo Division and Song and Drama Division.

They are recruited at three levels and placed at different positions and in different grades and designations.

Those who come through Allied Service of the UPSC exam, Group A, are directly placed in Group A junior grade, a post equivalent to an assistant editor. Others who make it at Group B junior level under the Central Information Service, enter as sub-editors. Those who qualify for the senior grade hold the post equivalent to an Assistant Information Officer in the Press Information Bureau (PIB) or Field Publicity Officer in the DFP.

These are language based examinations. Vacancies differ from language to language. As the number of applicants is found below the mark, UPSC Selection and recruitment to information services - The UPSC conducts two distinct selection tests for senior as well as junior grades. The selection is specialised as entry is restricted to diploma holder in journalism or public relations. In addition, a minimum of three years experience is required to make it to the senior grade exam.

UPSC has given up the practice of holding a written test. It is the interview which has to be cleared.

Study Options

Study of Public relations can be taken after graduation in any subject. The courses are of one year duration and selection is made after a written test which is a test of communication skills.

Placement with a PR firm for short duration often constitutes a part of the course.

Courses

Following courses can be pursued after graduation.

Degree courses

South Gujarat Univ., Post Box No. 49, Udhna Magdalla Road, Surat - 395007.

University of Mumbai, M G Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 032.

Makhanlal Chaturvedi University, Bhopal

University diploma courses

Gujarat University Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002 (UP) Professional postgraduate diploma courses

Indian Institute of Mass Communication,JNU campus, New Delhi.

Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan’s at Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Channai, Hyderabad and Bangalore .

St. Xavier’s College of Communications, Mumbai .

Sophia College, BKSomani Polytechnic,Mumbai.

Symbiosis Institute of Journalism and Communication,Pune.

YMCA Institute of Media Studies,New Delhi.

Somaiya College of Management, Mumbai.

New Dehi Polytechnic for Women, New Delhi

Narsee Monjee Institute,V L Mehta Road,Ville Parle, Mumbai.

B R Ambedkar University, Hyderabad (Distance education programme)

Career In Production Management

Introduction

Production management is the process by which the physical output of a business organization is planned. The operations employed to produce the output are directed, coordinated and controlled.
Production management includes the following functions - Product research/market research - Development and design - Design specification - Process development - Material procurement - Standardization - Inspection and testing - Quality control - Cost analysis.

Nature of work

Industrial Production Management

Large industrial houses have production departments with a number of lower, middle and higher level personnel. Generally they are addressed as Senior production manager, Deputy production manager and Assistant or Junior production manager. Movement to the position of General Manager or Factory manager is from the production department. Managers’ duties may vary from unit to unit. However, industrial production managers generally have the same major functions regardless of industry.
Production managers coordinate activities related to production of goods and direct the work of first-line supervisors. They are involved in

Production scheduling

Staffing

Equipment

Quality control

Inventory control

Coordinating activities of all departments

Reporting to the plant manager

Managing specific operation, such as machining, assembly, or finishing.

Personal qualities

Ability to coordinate activities, and excellent management skills are needed for this branch. Familiarity with customers needs, company affairs and its operations, marketing strategies and an inquisitive research oriented approach is an asset.

Entry routes

In consumer goods’ firm backgrounds of study which is related to the product and MBA degree are important e.g in food industry the production unit would have food technologists, nutrition experts with management backgrounds while in a toys factory it could be a plastic technologist or only an MBA. In engineering firms people enter with an engineering degree and may also have a Masters in Business Administration.

Courses

The IIT’s, NITIE offer management courses designed for Industrial and Technology Management. Entry is for engineering graduates and other professionals who intend to work in the Industrial Sector.

Institution

Cou