Subject wise - careers that connect

History A historian's job is to write about or unrav el the past and make discoveries by delving through various sources related to a topic. These a topic. These sources may be written, oral or archaeological. Since available data about the past often is not exhaustive, the historian also has to interpret the past to make it easy to understand. Finally, she is required to write about hisher findings in the form of an article, a book or paper.What it takes?
Analytical skills, patience, a keen interest in history, language skills and a passion to dig deeper into the past and understand it better Job profiles: Historians can work as academics, who teach history at a university or college or are attached to a research institution.Besides this, they can pursue research individually or work as freelancers, writ ing books that are a compilation of their research. Scope: Most historians are also academics who teach since it is difficult to earn a living if one works solely as a historian, unless they are successful writers of historical fiction. No historian can write every thing about the past of even a single country.Historians generally specialise in one period of history and one or more aspect of the past (eg: political, social, economic, cultural, etc).
Media
The primary function of the media is to communicate a message -whether through a written document, a movie or a pictorial representation. With the synergy of the print and digital platforms and the expansion of social media, many students pursue a career in this industry. What it takes? Communication skills, a keen inter est in cur rent affairs, out-of-thebox thinking, language skills, time management, creative writing, innovation, an eye for novation, an eye fo detail, networking ability and soft skills are important. Job profiles: There are various jobs in journalism, advertising, animation, public relations, event management, TV production direction, broadcast journalism, etc. broadcast journalism, etc.
Scope: The rise and prominence of regional languages has increased the demand for media professionals across the country and internationally as well. internationally as well.
Apart from this, a number of students are specialising in digital media -design, social media integration and digital brand building, increasing the job opportunities of media professionals in India and overseas.
Students
who wish to make a career in this field are required to complete their Bachelor's and Master's degrees (BA MA MPhil) in history and then pursue a PhD (research) in the field. The doctorate equips students with the tools of historical research and acts as a beginning to the various discoveries they may make in the future.
Anila Verghese Historian and former principal, Sophia College, Mumbai
Students
who wish to make a career in this field must complete an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in mass media and communication or advertising and journalism. Among the many courses that students can consider are the Bachelor of Mass Media, BA (journalism mass communication and journalism), Bachelor of Media Studies, MA (communication and journalism), etc. A number of private institutes, too, offer courses in TV and film studies. Other institutes offer certificate courses in digital media management.
Swati Salunkhe Career counsellor
East Asian Studies
East Asian studies focus on the study of countries such as China, Japan and Korea along with learning the languages of these countries.
What it takes? Advanced knowledge of the language of the country one specialises in (including writing skills), a keen interest in international culture and basic knowledge of history are a must Job profiles: Students who make a career in this field can join think-tanks, research institutes and univer sities as research professionals and professors. Also, they can work as advisors to multinational companies, banks and embassies.
Scope: The scope for a career in East Asian studies is gradually growing in India. Students who make a career in this field can pursue research in India and overseas.
There are a number of postgraduate diploma and advanced diploma courses in Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages that students can pursue. An MA in Japanese and East Asian Studies followed by an MPhil or a PhD equips professionals to conduct research in the field. With India's `Look East' policy, the importance of the study of east Asian countries is gaining importance, improving the job and research prospects in the field.
Anita Sharma Professor, department of East Asian studies, University of Delhi