I’m a science (statistics) graduate interested in pursuing a career in the insurance industry. I am currently preparing for the licentiate examination of the Insurance Institute of India and wish to know about study programmes offered by the Chartered Insurance Institute of London. — Navin Bajaj, Mumbai
With your statistics background, you might consider training to become an actuary. Actuaries calculate probabilities of death, sickness, injury, disability, retirement, income levels, property loss and return on investment. These calculations form the basis of premium rates and determine the policy contract provisions for different kinds of insurance schemes offered. Actuaries work in life or general insurance companies, consultancies, accounting firms, government departments, merchant banks, stock exchanges or private industry. The licentiate examination is essentially an introductory course which is recognised by IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority), insurers, state governments, etc as a precursor to specialisation. Becoming an agent is also a possibility.
The Chartered Insurance Institute, 20 Aldermanbury, London offers Insurance Foundation Certificate and the Certificate of Insurance Practice courses. Visit http://www.cii.co.uk/ for more details.
I am an electronics engineer interested in signing up for a Ph D programme in astrophysics. What are the career prospects for astrophysicists? — Narendra Rao, Bangalore
Astrophysics is the study of the physical nature of stars, galaxies and the universe. Astronomers/astrophysicists find work in defence and space research organisations, with electrical, electronic and search and navigation equipment manufacturers etc. They also tend to be employed by universities and large research and development laboratories and observatories.
Admission into a Ph D programme in astrophysics requires a consistently good academic record. You also have to clear the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST). Doctorate programmes in astrophysics are offered by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore; Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune; National Centre for Radio Astrophysics; TIFR, Pune; Raman Research Institute, Bangalore and Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.
I am a third year B.Sc (botany) student. What job opportunities can I expect after graduation? — Subhash Rao, Bangalore
The most preferred career options of botany graduates are in medical or pharmaceutical research, agriculture, horticulture and to a lesser extent in marine sciences or ecology. However, these options are usually open to postgraduates. Hence, if research and teaching opportunities interest you, and you have a creditable academic record so far, sign up for a Masters degree in botany.
You also have the option to apply for admission into M.Sc (biotechnology) programmes. If you don’t want to pursue higher studies in the subject or related disciplines, you could consider taking the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam conducted by UPSC for entry into the IFS. You could also try for admission into a business management programme or into the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. This course of action will qualify you for excellent corporate sector jobs.
I will complete my B.Com degree next year and want to explore a career as an officer in the income tax department. Please advise. — Sudha More, Bombay
You need to be a graduate, between 21 and 30 years of age and to have cleared the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This examination is conducted every year in three stages — Prelims in June, Mains in October-November and personal interview in April-May. Your position in the merit list depends upon the sum total of marks secured in the Mains and interview. To get a choice of service in the IAS, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service or Indian Revenue Service (dealing with income tax collection and administration), you will need to be high up on the merit list.
I’m a class XII (science) student interested in a career in design. I want to apply for admission into the bachelor’s degree programme of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. What are the admission requirements? — Rina Das Gupta, Kolkata
The entrance examination for admission into the four-year bachelor’s degree programme offered by NID for the academic year 2018-19 is scheduled for January 7, 2018. The admission test (open to students who have completed Plus Two), devised and conducted by NID, assesses perception, attitudes, aptitudes and motivation regarded as essential for a fruitful and satisfying career in design-intensive professions. Based on the scores in this exam, candidates are shortlisted for a second round of studio tests, followed by interviews. Concentrate on refining artistic skills, aesthetics, sensitivity and ability to think in two and three-dimensional terms.
A pre-test discussion with an NID student would be helpful and/or you could enroll in coaching classes advertised locally. For more information, log onto www.admissions.nid.edu/HowToApply.aspx. The application fee is Rs.2,000 for general candidates and Rs.1,000 for SC/ST candidates and persons with disabilities.