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A Guide to
Alternative Careers
Most students while
selecting a career, opt for predictable choices like
management, computers, medicine, engineering and law,
However, there are many more alternative careers, which
although are not so common, are still rewarding for those who
choose the road less traveled. Here, we discuss some of
these careers.
Private Detectives
Private detectives, Investigators and private security
personnel assist legal personnel, businesses and the general
public in resolving various problems. They extend protective
services to residential/business premises, protecting their
clients from thefts, vandalism and disorder. Detective
agencies which may easily provide security services have to
be equipped to handle duties ranging from the location of
missing persons, to exposing financial frauds. Besides, the
job also involves Insurance investigations ascertaining the
bonafides or creditworthiness of an individual, adopting
inquiries, proofs of evidence and statements obtained,
executive, diplomatic and celebrity protection, accident, surveillance you
name it they do it.
This profession involves long hours to work, often irregular
too. Reliability combined with efficiency are the
mantras
which make or break the reputation of a security/detective
agency. Detective and security personnel are of various
categories and at various levels but they are more or less in
job without professional degrees. Of course, there are
specialised investigations in which special qualifications or
specialised knowledge works out to be useful.
During corporate investigations both internal and external
investigations are required. Sometimes corporate houses
employ their own in-house investigation staff who may, in
turn, employ outside agencies to do their undercover
operations. Financial investigations require specialised
knowledge of finance and investigating agencies may employ or
hire the services of finance specialists to complete the
assignment. Departmental/Retail stores require the services
of security agencies for loss control and asset protection.
Qualities required of security services are good physique,
integrity, strength of purpose, motivation and discipline
primarily. Most security agencies prefer to employ
ex-servicemen but they have to look elsewhere too.
Although professional qualifications are really not required,
yet literacy and commonsense, being observant, alertness,
manual dexterity, ability to work as a team, ability to
tackle regular public contact and hazards are qualities that
one would look for in an incumbent. On a very large scale,
security enterprises might maintain a laboratory for chemical
analyses, employ forensic scientists, chemists, etc. for
various investigative jobs.
In most investigation firms, the screening process for
potential employees includes a background check to confirm
education and work experience, to inquire about criminal
history, and to interview references and others who know the
applicant.
Training in subjects such as criminal justice is helpful to
the aspiring investigator or detective. Most corporate
investigators would find it helpful to have at least a bachelors
degree, preferably in a business-related field. An
MBA, law degree, degree in criminology, forensic science,
accountancy and insurance surveying training are helpful. A
number of private security agencies conduct workshops for
executives and short-term training programmes for inducting
new talent into their organisations. Among formal programmes
one can expect diploma programmes related to defence
management or may be a short-term course conducted by a
specific college or educational society.
Nutritionist and dietitian
A dietitian applies scientific principles of nutrition to the
preparation of different kind of food for people in good
health as also those suffering from disease/illness.
Nutritionists and dietitian plan nutrition programmes and
supervise the preparation and serving of meals.
Hospitals and nursing homes require full-time dietitians who
advise and plan special diets for patients as part of their
medical treatment. In community settings, dietitian may be
employed in old age homes, residential schools/institutions,
with catering services, hotels, local authorities, helping to
develop and implement food policies, and help promote
positive, enjoyable changes in food choice. Dietetics can
also work as educators in centres of higher learning, in
research, industry and as consultants or freelance for sports
nutrition, media and fashion and beauty industry.
Nutritionists also form part of staff for schemes such as
Integrated Child Development Scheme run by government or
non-government organizations
Food processing units, food manufacturers, food retailers,
catering organisations and other industrial units allied to
food and nutrition often engage the services of nutritionists
and dietitians in a consultancy role. Freelance dietitians or
consultant dietitians may perform nutrition screening for
their clients, and offer advice on diet-related concerns such
as weight loss, cholesterol reduction, sugar control, salt
restricted diet etc.
The first step is to take up a Home Science course right
after Plus Two or equivalent. In the case of the 3-year BHSC
(Bachelor of Home Science) course, Food Nutrition Science and
related aspects are taught as components of the course. There
may be provision for specialising (major/honours) in this
group of subjects. This course is designated in some
universities as BSc (home science) and in some as BA (home
science). The next step would be to take a Master's degree in
Home Sciences with specialisation in food science and
nutrition. Around 70 universities in the country conduct Home
Science/Domestic Science/Home Economics courses. Some
Agricultural Universities also offer BHSC/MHSC course.
Admission is on the basis of an admission test. Preference is
given to candidates with the science background at the Plus
Two level.
The other line of action for entry into this career would be
to take up a full- time catering diploma and add on
specialisation in nutrition as part of further education. A
bachelor's degree in Food Science/ Food Technology may also
lead you to this line of work.
Food Science & Technology/Nutrition can be taken up in a
B.Sc. course or as a Bachelor's degree in Applied Science, as
in Delhi University.
There are Postgraduate diplomas in Nutrition and Dietetics
that only Home Science/Microbiology/Biochemistry graduates
can take up. Some of these courses are also open to students
from other streams at some of the hotel management and
catering institutes.
In most institutes, for a post graduate Diploma in Dietetics
and Public Health Nutrition (DDPHN) the eligibility is B.Sc.
in home science (10+2+3 scheme) from a recognised university
with 50 per cent marks in the aggregate and 50 per cent or
above marks in food and nutrition, physiology and
biochemistry.
For M.Sc. in home science (food and nutrition): B.Sc. in home
science (10+2+3 scheme) from a recognised university with 55
per cent marks in aggregate and 55 per cent marks in food and
nutrition, food science, biochemistry and nutrition in the
honours course, and food science, biochemistry and nutrition
and dietetics in the pass course. The postgraduate diploma
course in dietetics and nutrition is spread over one academic
year, with a compulsory three-month internship in a hospital
under a qualified dietitian.
Besides the preventive and curative aspects of medicine it is
rehabilitation which helps in improving quality of life.
Alongside the doctors and nurses, other medical staff like
speech pathologists, audiologists, physiotherapists,
occupational therapists and mental rehabilitation specialists
help many individuals pick up the threads of their life.
Speech Pathology and Audiology
Speech pathologists, also known as speech-language
pathologists, work with people who cannot make speech sounds.
They also help people who have trouble making sounds clearly
or who stutter. In addition, they work with people who have
problems understanding and expressing language. Speech
pathologists diagnose and treat such disorders as stuttering,
delayed or impaired language, and voice and speaking
problems.
Audiologists evaluate hearing disorders in children and
adults. These evaluations are often used by physicians to
determine certain medical conditions and the need for
surgery. Audiologists examine them to determine the presence
and severity of hearing loss. When a physician determines
hearing loss is irreversible, audiologists may plan, direct,
and participate in rehabilitative programmes. They select
hearing aids, do auditory and lip-reading training, and
counsel the hearing impaired and their families.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists use exercises and movement, electrotherapy,
manipulation and massage to treat the injured, disabled, sick
and convalescent of all ages for a large variety of
conditions. In order to work as a physiotherapist one must
possess a BSc in physiotherapy or diploma in
physiotherapy.
Sports physiotherapy is an emerging specialisation that will
see further growth. Certificate courses in sports
physiotherapy are offered at:
The Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports
Sciences,
University of Delhi, New Delhi.
Master of Sports Physiotherapy after Degree in Medicine,
Physiotherapy, Physical Education at Algappa University,
Karaikudi-630003.
Guru Nanak Dev University. Amritsar-143005.
Air-hostess/Flight Attendant
Air-hostess has a responsible job in the aircraft. Besides
providing assistance to passengers, she provides information
regarding safety measures, emergency equipment etc. As cabin
crew/Flight Attendants or Flight Stewards Pursers/Air Hostess
one gets to travel a lot, stay in the best hotels and, hobnob
with the elite. Flight attendants are responsible for the
safety and comfort of airline passengers, from the initial
boarding to the final disembarkment.
Criteria for selection include :
Graduates, though some private/international airlines offer
jobs to those who have cleared Plus Two/equivalent.
Fluency in English and Hindi.
Gemmology and Jewellery Design
Gemmology is a science dealing with the study of gems. The
work done by gemmologists is essentially scientific and
technical, and requires highly skilled manpower in order to
identify the gems, sort and grade them. Gemmologists are
involved in the identification, testing casting, and moulding
gemstones. They also advise jewellers/jewellery designers on
the various properties regarding the suitability of
particular gemstones in different metals and types of
settings.
Jewellers design, make, repair, adjust rings, necklace,
bracelets, earrings and other jewellery. Using a variety of
common and specialized hand tools, and increasingly,
computers, they mould and shape metal and set gemstones.
Jewellers may specialize in one or more areas of the
jewellery field-design, gem cutting, repair, sales, or
appraisal. The manufacture of jewellery is the largest area
requiring trained personnel.
Jewellery design and manufacture skills may be learned in
technical schools, or informally on the job. Art colleges and
art schools also offer programmes that can lead to a
bachelor's or master's degree of fine arts in jewellery
design.
For those interested in working in a jewellery store or
repair shop, technical schools or courses offered by
polytechnics are the best sources of training. In these
short-term courses students learn the use and care of
jewellers' tools and machines and basic jewellery-making and
repairing skills, such as design, casting, stones setting and
polishing. Most of the institutes offer courses after
matriculation or 10+2 or equivalent at the diploma or
graduate-level. While most courses take students from any
discipline, those from sciences are better- equipped to
handle. While graduate and diploma courses are of 1-3 years
in duration, these institutes also offer short-term courses
ranging from a few weeks to few months. The Gemmological
Institute of India, 29 Gurukul Chambers, 187-189 Mumbadevi
Road, Mumbai offers programmes in: Gemmology, Diamond Grading
and Assorting, pearls-some of them as resident as well as by
correspondence.
Following institutes offer courses on Jewellery design and
related fields:
Jewellery Design and Manufacture Department, 3rd floor PV
Polytechnic, SNDT WomenÕs University, Juhu Campus, Santa Cruz
W, Mumbai-49.
Indian Diamond Institute, Katargam, GIDC, Sumul Dairy Road,
Surat-395008.
S.G. Jhaveri Centre for Diamond Technology, Shri Bhagubhai
Mafatlal Polytechnic, Vile Parle W, Mumbai - 400056.
Jewellery Product Development Centre, Commerce Centre, Tardeo,
Mumbai-400034.
Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Jaipur-302003.
Jewellery Design and Training Institute (JDTI), Noida offers
a whole range of courses dealing with all aspects of the Gem
and Jewellery Industry including, Jewellery Design; Jewellery
Design and Technology; Gemmology; Finishing; Polishing;
Repairing; Mould-making; Market Research and Presentation,
etc.
Department of Geology, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai-400001.
Gemstones Artisans Training School (sponsored by GOI),
Jaipur-302017 trains for diamond/coloured gem stones cutting
and polishing.
Small industries Services Institute, Guindy, Chennai-600032
trains for Gem Cutting and Polishing.
Indian Gemmological Institute, Barakhamba Road, New
Delhi-110001.
Moreover, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT),
New Delhi, conducts a three-year intensive diploma programme
in accessory design, which also includes jewellery designing
The JD Institute of Fashion Technology also offers a
specialised course in jewellery designing, where students get
an opportunity to work in the industry. It is a 15-week
programme for which admission is through a formal interview.
The South Delhi Women's Polytechnic, and the Apeejay School
of Design also offer courses in jewellery design.
Oceanography
Ocean scientists investigate how the oceans work. They
usually have a graduate education in oceanography, but have
studied one of the fundamental science fields at the
under-graduate level, such as physics, chemistry, biology or
geology. Ocean scientists take measurements and samples at
sea, obtain -remote sensing' data from artificial earth
satellites, perform laboratory measurements on samples and
conduct laboratory experiments, analyse data and perform
simulations of ocean phenomena with numerical models on
computers.
Recognising the influence that the ocean has on the land mass
and its potential for providing rich resources for the
benefit of mankind, the government of India established the
Department of Ocean Development in 1981. The role of this
department has been to pursue research and development
activities in all branches of ocean science, for use in
subsequent technology development.
There are several disciplines in which the Department of
Ocean Development is undertaking work. These areas include
the Antarctic programme, non-living resources, underwater
technology, acquisition of new research vessels and ship
management, marine pollution research, remote sensing, living
resources, manpower development, data collection and
dissemination, energy from the sea, desalination, legal
regime, use of the marine research and development fund.
Currently, however, the attention of oceanographers has been
drawn the use of the sea as a dumping ground for all waste
and the effects of these pollutants on sea water. Many people
associate careers in oceanography as consisting of swimming
with marine animals at a marine life park or snorkeling in
crystal-clear tropical waters studying coral reefs. In
reality, these kinds of jobs are extremely rare and there is
intense competition for the few jobs that do exist. An
oceanographer's duties are diverse, dictated by the nature of
the profession. Data are most often collected at sea or from
inland waters, but are usually processed and analysed in
laboratories and offices, often involving the use of highly-specialised
instruments and computers.
Oceanographers experience the exhilaration and rigours of new
discoveries made at sea, and return to home port for months
of data processing, computer programming, analysis, writing,
budgeting, planning, and conferring. Oceanographers study the
seas, coastlines, estuaries, coastal waters, shelves and the
ocean bed. Their work incorporates the scientific knowledge
of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geophysics and the
applications of mathematics and engineering science,
alongwith the use of computers.
Most opportunities are with the Geological Survey of India,
Department of Energy, meteorological departments and with
departments working in environmental protection.
The study of oceanography is conducted as part of
post-graduate studies in subject options related to the
various branches of its study. The subjects available are:
marine biology, marine zoology, marine sciences, marine
geology, marine geophysics, physical oceanography,
meteorology and oceanography, marine chemistry, etc.
Graduates from related subject backgrounds are enrolled in
the courses. Universities where these courses are conducted
are located in the coastal regions.
Ocean engineering can be pursued at:
The Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, and the National
Institute of Oceanography is located at Goa.
Post-graduate courses in oceanography, marine science and
geology are offered in the following institutions
(Eligibility for most courses is B.Sc. degree):
Berhampur University,
Bhanja, Bihar, Berhampur- 760 007.
Utkal University
P.O. Vanivihar, Bhubaneshwar- 751 004 Orissa.
Goa University
P.O. Santa Cruz, Taleigao Plateau Goa-403 002.
University of Chennai
Centenary Building, Chepauk, Chennai-600 005.
Mangalore University
University Campus, Mangalagangothri - 574 199 Karnataka.
Cochin University of Science and Technology
PO Cochin-682 022 Kerala.
Annamalai University
PO Annamalai-608 002.
Karnataka University
Pavate Nagar Dharwad-580 003.
Andhra Pradesh University
Vishkhapatnam-530 003.
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