Career Guide

CHEMICAL AVENUES
I am interested in a career as a scientist in chemistry. How should I go about it?
Umang Rohilla Chemistry is a wide-ranging science concerned with the properties, both macroscopic and microscopic, of materials of all type -inorganic, organic and biological, as well as with all aspects of change, transformation and reactions.
So, if you have a scientific bent and chemistry happens to be your favourite subject, those are good reasons to study chemistry.
You will find it challenging and rewarding in many ways. There are various exciting employment prospects afterwards.
Chemistry is an excellent medium for developing your critical faculties and intellect. It will equip you with a variety of important transferable skills that will serve you well regardless of your subsequent choice of career.
Typically, people specialising in chemistry work in R&D, management, marketing and production in a large number of industries, ranging from pharmaceuticals, plastics, polymers, petrochemical and cement to food processing and forestry, among others.
After a BSc (chemistry), you can take an MSc in analytical, applied, organic, inorganic, industrial, environmental, medicinal, pesticide and agrochemical, pharmacological, physical, polymer, sugar, electro, dairy or textile chemistry, followed by an MPhil and a PhD in pure (fundamental) or applied chemistry and biotechnology.
Clearing the National Eligibility Test paves the way for teaching and research positions. As a research chemist, you can explore any area of interest -pure or applied.
Pursuing a BTech or BSc (Tech) in a specialised field such as food technology, biochemical engineering, oil technology, plastic and polymer technology and pharmaceuticals, can equip you for jobs in production and quality control.
In addition, you may pursue a postgraduate course in forest management at the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.
After completing your BSc, you could specialise in medical lab technology or take the Combined Defence Services Exam to join the armed forces.
REGULAR VS DISTANCE MODE
What is the difference between a regular MCA and a distance-mode MCA as far as job options are concerned?
As far as the course content is concerned, there is no difference between the two.However, a full-time course would definitely give you far more practical experience.Hence, given a choice, employers, too, tend to prefer those who have completed a fulltime course from a good university.
A distance MCA works well for working people who wish to enhance their qualifications without quitting their job or for those who are already pursuing a regular course of study.
Also, some of the better, full-time MCA departments offer campus placement opportunities on completion of the course -a facility that is not available to those studying through the distance mode. So, in the latter case, you may have to scout for your first job on your own.
At the end of the day, what matters in software jobs is your live hands-on project experience over and above your formal qualifications. If your fundamentals are strong and your communication skills good, jobs should not be too difficult to come by.
Even if you can intern at a low or no salary, just grab the opportunity. For starters, perhaps even a technical support position will do. Even entry-level recruits are paid well.
While there are hundreds of institutions and university departments offering regular MCA courses, there is stiff competition for good options because the number of seats is limited.
Given a choice, it is always best to pursue a full-time course to ensure better career prospects.
JOB CHANGE
I am a mid-level accountant in a hotel. I am bored of my back-office job. I am an extrovert with good communication skills. I feel I will do well in a front-office role but don't have any experience in this function. Is there any opportunity for me?
Just because front office work is different from what you are doing at present does not mean you are not -or could not soon be -qualified to handle the job. You will be surprised how easily you can build on the core functional skills you already possess.
Talk to at least three people doing the job you wish to move into. Find out what skills, training and experience are needed. Assess your career and life experience to see where you match these requirements and identify the gaps. Then, put together a plan to bridge the gaps. The plan may involve a brief internship, taking a course, or volunteering to do related tasks at the hotel. Remember, it is not uncommon for high-level executives to have rotated through a variety of disciplines in an organisation. The key is to show how your assets and transferable skills will make you successful in the new post. Talk to the HR department. Organisations are now increasingly open to lateral moves, particularly if you are well-acquainted with its culture and functioning. Moreover, the hospitality sector is facing a recruitment crunch. So, make a move.