I’m a class XII student and would like to pursue photography (which has hitherto been a hobby) as a career. Please advise about prospects. — Ashish Rane, Pune
If you are talented, innovative, imaginative and original, career prospects in professional photography are excellent. You should have the inclination and ability to work solo and possess good networking skills.
Photographers need to specialise as in wildlife, nature, portraiture, scientific/medical/technical/industrial photography, commercial photography (including advertising, fashion, working for studios etc), and press photography. Full-time, formal jobs for photographers are scarce. Therefore, you should be ready to freelance.
It would be advisable to sign up for formal training in a specialised bachelor of fine arts programme or for a diploma programme of a technical school/polytechnic. Training is important for freelancers as well though many well-known photographers have learned on the job. But in the final analysis bagging freelance assignments depends on the quality of a photographer’s portfolio rather than a formal degree/diploma. A press photographer enjoys a variety of assignments as well as a full-time job.
Can you please provide information about occupational therapy study programmes? I’m writing my Plus Two exam this year. — Neena Chavan, Delhi
Occupational therapy is offered in B.Sc programmes for school-leavers with physics, chemistry and biology. It’s a four-and-a-half year course including six months of internship. Occupational therapists assess and treat people with a wide range of physical and psychological problems. Their focus is on helping patients lead independent, productive and satisfying lives despite illness, disability or old age.
The course content may vary between universities but they are all expected to include principles of occupational therapy, behavioural, biological and medical sciences and clinical practice internships in a variety of hospital and community settings.
I’m reading for a Master’s in political science with specialisation in international politics. What are the career opportunities and further education programmes available in India and abroad? — Seema Patil, Nagpur
Given your specialisation in international politics, your career choice is likely to be in academia and/or research. With adequate experience, you could also seek advisory positions in government. However, entry is fiercely competitive and the number of positions limited. After completing your Master’s you could explore the possibility of MA/ M.Phil/Ph D at JNU (Delhi) or pursue Ph D programmes abroad in international politics at Harvard, Stanford, or California universities. These programmes could lead to productive internships and lucrative employment opportunities abroad.
I’m interested in a career as a radio jockey after my graduation. Please advise. — Nilesh Rane, Pune
To succeed as a radio jockey you need to have the gift of the gab, possess a well-modulated voice, clear diction and keen interest in the youth and music worlds, rather than mere formal qualifications. The main qualification you need is capability to communicate with your target audience, retain their interest and strike the right balance between chatting and music. Interest in music and a wide knowledge of music bands or groups is also an important qualification. The demand for radio jockeys has improved dramatically over the previous decade with several private FM radio stations licensed to broadcast in metro cities. Some institutions offering courses in radio production, voice over and dubbing in India are Career Fames, Kolkata; Academy of Radio Management, New Delhi; and Amadeus Media Pvt. Ltd, Chennai.
I’m a B.Com student and after graduation I would like to read for a Master’s degree in social work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Please give me details of this programme. — Neelam Mehra, Bangalore
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) with campuses in Mumbai, Tuljapur, Hyderabad and Guwahati, is a highly reputed institute for postgraduate study in social work. It offers postgrad social work qualifications in several specialisations — criminology & justice, children & family, medical and psychiatric social work and urban and rural community development.
Admission is through a written test, followed by a pre-interview test or group discussion and personal interview. Field work is an important part of the programme.
I am a B.Sc student and would like to study for a Master’s in statistics after graduation. Please provide me details of institutions offering this programme and their admission requirements. — Neela Mazumdar, Mumbai
Among the top-ranked education institutions/universities offering Masters of statistics programmes are: Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata; MS University of Baroda, Vadodara; Marathwada University, Aurangabad; Shivaji University, Kolhapur; Osmania University, Hyderabad; Allahabad University; Amity University, Gwalior; Banaras Hindu University and Christ College, Thrissur. BA/B.Sc graduates in maths and statistics are eligible to apply.