Dated 26th Dec. 2001

I am doing Bachelor's in Library Science (BLIS) from Alagappa University. What are my job prospects? Is it necessary to have an MLIS degree too?

Sumathi Chellappan

Trichy

Opportunities for candidates with a degree in library sciences are numerous. Apart from the different libraries that exist across the country, there are jobs with companies and organisations requiring facilities for storing information; cultural and educational Institutions; government departmental libraries; museums and galleries with research facilities; national archives; photo/film libraries. Besides this, librarians can diversify their careers and undertake research and or teach library science, information management, archival work, information brokerage, database operation and management, printing and publishing etc.

It is always better to have a post graduate degree, as it only adds to your market value.

I am presently doing my B.E (Electrical and Electronic Engineering). I want to know what are the options open for me after completing the degree?

Narayanan krishnamurthy

Coimbatore

Electrical and electronic engineering is field of immense opportunities that has recently seen much scientific and technological advances.

There are a number of jobs for candidates in this field. You can find employment with the government as well as companies involved in onsumer electronics, electronic components, computer hardware, radar, medical equipment, automation and control systems private utility companies and companies manufacturing electrical appliances and instruments.

I am in my final year BE. I would like to know more about the IRSE course. Kindly let me know the procedure and the eligibility.

Dev Ravindraw

Coimbatore

The officers of the Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) branch form the civil engineering team for the Indian Railways. Their job is: planning of the track routes, construction of railway stations, bridges, tunnels and constructing housing colonies. Officers of this branch also work on projects undertaken in India or abroad under the consultancy organisations of the Railways (Rail India Technical and Economic Services Ltd. - RITES and IRCON). On recruitment, the officers go through a 3- year of probation period. The training period is dividedinto eight weeks of foundation course and six weeks of induction at the Railway Staff College at Vadodara. The technical training is imparted at the Indian Railway Institute of Civil Engineering (IRICEN) in Pune. Thethird year of probation is a virtual posting for on-the-job training.

Through Indian Engineering Services Examination, engineers for various regions are selected. Eligibility for the examination is a degree in engineering or equivalent, M.Sc or its equivalent with wireless communication, electronics, radio physics or radio engineering, as aspecial subject is acceptable for certain posts. The age limit is 21-30 years as on 1.8.2001.

I am an arts graduate and have also completed my postgraduate diploma in computer application. I want to know something about technical writing. Please let me know if there are any universities offering such a course. As most software industries are seeking such professionals. Kindly let me know the job prospects in this field.

Devendra

Orissa

The work of a technical writer is primarily sourcing, reading, writing and compiling of technical information. While sifting through the information, a technical writer should be able to translate technical jargon into phrase, easily understood. Clear understanding of the subject and an excellent grasp of language can ensure that a technical writer can deliver as per the requirements of the target reader.

Technical writing can be a challenging alternative career option forscientists, engineers and technicians, since specialised knowledge, clarity and accuracy are the forte of these professionals. Research assistants/trainees in technical information departments may also opt for this career if they can develop communication skills and writing lucidly and informatively. Though various industries need technical writers, the most obvious is the IT industry. Every bit of software and hardware needs the support of technical writing in the form of help files and user manuals. The electronics industry requires the services of technical writers for manuals that accompany their products. Many other industries like health care, food, etc. also need technical writers.

In India, those who choose technical writing as a career option are generally students of English, journalism and mass communication, with a keen interest in science and technology. Students of science with a good grasp of English may also opt for technical writing. There are not technical writing courses as such offered by any universities but Indira Gandhi National Open University offers a course in creative writing. One can also visit the following sites for online study/certification options: www.writingschool.com and www.onlineworkshops.com

I am doing my engineering in electronics & instrumentation branch. I would like to know the job opportunities in this field after the completion of the course.

Gopinath

Tamilnadu

Job prospects in the field of electronics and instrumentation are quite bright. Electronics engineering entails design, manufacture, installation and operation of electrical equipment, systems and chinery, telecommunication systems, radio, television and computers.These students can find employment opportunities with government as well as private companies involved in consumer electronics, electronic components, computer hardware, radar, medical equipment, automation and control systems etc.

Instrumentation engineers find employment opportunities in companies manufacturing specialised instruments as well as in the user industries themselves, both in public as well as private sectors. Instrumentation engineers are needed by industries such as steel plants, thermal powerstations, cement and fertiliser plants.

I have done my postgraduate diploma in tourism and travel management. I would like to know about the career prospects of the subject.

Pari

Guwahati

The Travel and Tourism industry has had a slow start in India but where as people interested in the various fields are finding it to be one of the most successful careers today. There is a large variety of work as tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, restaurateurs, transport service providers, adventure and leisure tourism providers, manufacture and sale of handicraft items, marketing of souvenirs all of which require professionalism.

The government tourism department officers are drawn from thecivil/administrative services state and central governments. The nextlevels of staff are recruited from among those who are professionally qualified in travel and tourism administration.

Lange numbers of tourism and travel professionals are observed at travel agencies, airlines, shipping companies, the hotel industry, government department of tourism, tour-operating companies, resort services.

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