Dated October 26, 2005
(Questions answered on career concerns)
What are the career prospects for archaeologists?
Rakesh
Visakhapatnam
Employment prospects for archaeologists are limited and they are usually with the government. Most Archaeologists work at major universities teaching History, Anthropology or Archaeology, as this is one of the best ways to earn a living between research grants and excavations. When they are not teaching, many archaeologists would be working on sites.
You can also find work with museums, art restoration and fine arts agencies. Further, the Archaeological Survey of India also hires people. The ASI, a probable employer, is involved in the maintenance, conservation and preservation of protected monuments/sites in the country; conducting archaeological exploration and evacuations, chemical treatment of monuments and antiquarian remains; development of research in epigraphy; setting up and reorganisation of site museums and training in archaeology. You can also find opportunities in educational/research institutions.
What are the career opportunities available for students with a forestry and wildlife degree background?
MK Gupta
Mumbai
There are various kinds of people who work in forest and wildlife conservation. These include foresters, dendrologists, ethologists, entomologists, silviculturists (forest propagation and culture), forest range officers, zoo curators, etc.
Forester: Responsible for protecting and regenerating forests, protecting wildlife habitats, checking for and fighting wildfires, landscape management and so on.
Dendrologists: Dendrologists specialise in the scientific study of trees and woody plants. Their work involves research on the history, life span, measuring, grading, classifying the varieties of trees, and studying ways and means of tree improvement through afforestation ,etc.
Ethologists: An ethologist studies and analyses the evolution, behaviour, biological functions ,etc. of an organism in its natural environment. Ethologists design healthy habitats for animals in zoos, aquariums, and laboratories. They also study animal behaviour to enhance our knowledge of human physiology and psychology.
Entomologists: Entomologists specialise in the study and control of diseases caused by insects and pests.
Silviculturist: Silviculture is an aspect of forestry that refers to the growth of plantations that yield periodic harvests.
Forest Range Officers: Forest range officers take care of public forests, sanctuaries, botanical gardens etc. They have conservators, loggers and other junior personnel working with them. Entry for this post is through the Indian Forest Service (IFS) examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
Zoo curators: They are responsible for animal welfare in the zoos and also undertake conservation programmes. A zoo curator is responsible for the administration of zoo functions and captive breeding programmes. They review reports made by zookeepers, calculate the budgetary requirements for the zoo and encourage research activity.
What are the job opportunities for a physiotherapist and who do they work with?
Siddharth Chari
Chennai
Physiotherapists work in a wide variety of areas ranging from hospitals (including outpatient departments, intensive care units, medical, surgical and orthopaedic wards) to sports clubs, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, etc.
Chartered physiotherapists have good career prospects. They can go on to become:
clinical specialists, researchers, teachers or private practitioners After graduation the physiotherapist can work in several settings such as, private practices, hospitals and work related health care institutes.
Physiotherapists work with people of all ages with a wide range of problems, e.g. children with cerebral palsy, elderly patients with poor mobility, employees in large companies with repetitive strees injuries, patients of all ages in their own homes - giving treatment and advice and so on.
What are the key qualities that employers desire in a candidate?
Ajay Bhaskaran
Kochi
Most of the recruiters do seek certain important traits in a candidate, which will go a long way in setting him or her apart from the average candidate.
Ability to Communicate: Do you have the ability to organise your thoughts and ideas effectively?
Can you express them clearly when speaking or writing? Can you present your ideas in a persuasive way?
Intelligence: Do you have the ability to understand work assignments?
Contribute original ideas?
Self-Confidence: Do you demonstrate a sense of maturity that enables you to deal positively and effectively with situations and people?
Willingness to accept responsibility: Are you someone who recognises what needs to be done and is willing to do it?
Initiative: Do you have the ability to identify the purpose for work and to take action?
Leadership Can you guide and direct others to obtain established objectives?
Meenakshi Iyer
Tanjore
An interview isn't just about responding to a prospective employer's questions; it is an opportunity for you to impress the panel with examples of your foresight regarding the position they are offering. By asking questions, you can also determine if the job is right for you. It shows your interest in the position and also helps to establish rapport.
If you feel comfortable, and the interviewer seems willing, you may ask questions at appropriate times throughout the interview. If you don't ask questions during the interview, you will most likely be given the chance to do so towards the end of it.
This is when you can breathe a sigh of relief! It usually signals that the interview is coming to an end.
Sometimes an employer asks this question as a common courtesy. Only ask for information that will be useful to you. If you have done your homework, it should be easy to come up with questions. Ask about promotions, responsibilities, what they are looking for in an employee, or any disability- related questions.
Do not ask about salary, vacation, or other off- time. You don't want the employer to think that you are only interested in money and time off, do you?
You could ask questions that show your interest, something like this,
"When will the decision be made?"
"May I see the area where I would be working?"
If you do not have any questions, respond to the question thus: "No, I have no questions. You've done a complete job describing the company and the job requirements," or say, "I have no questions except for one, when do I start working?"
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd. P.O. Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
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