Q&A: A career studying wildlife

January 14, 2013 06:28 pm | Updated 06:28 pm IST

Wildlife experts tranquilizing the re-introduced male tiger in Sariska to fit it with a fresh radio collar

Wildlife experts tranquilizing the re-introduced male tiger in Sariska to fit it with a fresh radio collar

I am all set to pass out of PUC in the Science stream in 2013. I have good scores all through and I intend to pursue a course in Wildlife. I actually want to get into the aspect of research. How do I go about it?

via email, Bangalore

You are on track as far as the eligibility criteria is concerned. Following the completion of PUC in the Science stream, you should take up B.Sc in Zoology and ensure eligibility for the programmes related to wildlife. Considering the specialised nature of the programme that you would like to opt for, you should stay oriented for same, as these are long-term propositions that focus on the aspect of research. A mere graduation in the area that you would like to major will not suffice. One of the best institutions that you should consider for postgraduate studies would be the Master of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation which is conducted in collaboration between the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) (www.ncbs.res.in) and the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS). The degree in M.Sc is awarded by TIFR (TATA Institute of Fundamental Research).

The programme has been appreciated for the inputs and the benefits that it brings to the learner. You should not stop with the M.Sc, but pursue Ph.D., which will put you in connect with the realities of the world of wildlife. One aspect that one should bear in mind is the impact on one’s life, considering the fact that field work becomes the order of the day; and there are experts who have spent years on the field to ensure capture of the details that would impact one and all.

You can pursue B.Sc from any of the colleges offering the three-year science programme with a focus on Zoology. For M.Sc and further research programme with CWS, visit the website and you can also connect to the institute at NCBS, GKVK, Bellary Road, Bangalore-560065.

I have been working for the past seven years after completing graduation. Considering that I work about 10 hours daily, I was not able to think about further education. I have realised that on account of not having completed any further education, I am being overlooked for promotions etc. Is there a way I can study? I am presently working in a corporate which has a footprint across three continents.

via email, Bangalore

There are ample opportunities for individuals like you to pursue academic study, on a part-time basis or even through the distance mode. Since you have not specified the degree that you have attained and the area of function that you are currently in, we are not able to suggest in a specific fashion the future course of action.

A few suggestions that we can provide would be based on the work that you currently are performing; you can identify the programme that will help in your day-to-day operations.

Considering that you work for a global entity, speak with the human resources team, as it will have an academic tie-up with educational institutions and you should enrol for the programme of your choice. If there is no academic tie-up, there are universities and autonomous institutions offering programmes in the off-campus and distance learning mode that you can enrol in and get the benefits.

I took up the Civil Services preliminary examination in 2012, but did not qualify. I am a postgraduate in Economics, but took another subject at the examination. What do you think should be my strategy?

via email

The Civil Service Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive examinations in India. One finds that applicants like doctors and engineers taking papers in Public Administration, Psychology, History, and Geography at the Preliminary level and making it to the top.

It is all about learning from scratch and getting into the detail. You too should make efforts and understand the subject that you intend to take for the CSE. By understanding the core of the subject you will be able to provide a perspective to yourself.

You can even analyse Economics as a subject. The subjects mentioned above have been some of the popular electives, not in any particular order.

A strategy that every applicant for the Civil Service adopts is to ensure wide and intensive study, and look at the point of application of the same to real-time situations.

This apart, practice tests help one to understand the way a test will move and ensure speed and learning as well. Being part of a study circle and peer interaction also helps.

I am interested in pursuing MBA in Stock Markets. I am presently working in a consulting firm that focuses on markets. Please provide details of programmes that are available in India.

via email, Bangalore

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Training Institute Limited (BTI) (www.bti-ignou.com) has launched a two-year full-time programme in Mumbai along with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) (www.ignou.ac.in). The programme is taught at the BSE, and the degree of MBA nomenclatured as MBA in Financial Markets is awarded by INGOU.

The eligibility criteria is graduation (10 + 2 + 3 or 4) with a minimum of 50 per cent marks for prospective students in the general category. Valid CAT scores or scores obtained in the BTI – Entrance Test (BTI – ET) will be accepted. There will a group discussion and personal interview prior to the final selection.

The application forms can be downloaded from the website of BTI – IGNOU or one can collect them at the BSE or the regional offices located in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. A few HDFC branches across India have been designated to sell the application/brochure. In Bangalore the HDFC branch located at Sahakarnagar, Bangalore-560092, is the designated branch. Contact tol- free number: 1800-22-9030. Email: admissions@bseindia.com

The BSE also has short-term Certificate programmes in Derivatives Exchange, Securities Markets, Central Depository, and Corporate Governance. Log onto www.bseindia.com/training or contact the officer in charge, BSE Limited, Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers, Dalal Street, Mumbai-400001. Ph: 022-22721233. Fax: 022-22721919.

Email: shaheed_k@yahoo.com

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