Dated January 04, 2006
(Questions answered on career concerns)
Two years after completing my Master's, I still have not managed to land a meaningful job. Should I opt for whatever option comes my way or should I continue my search?
Shalu Mathur
Mumbai
Looking for the right job is a tough process. In fact, it is a full-time job in itself.
The process can be tiring, frustrating and often demoralising. As a result, we often settle for the first thing that comes our way, even if it falls short of the ideal. The fact is we hate rejection. But it is an inevitable part of the process. Remember: nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Also, do not get stuck on the notion that there's only one job in the world that's right for you. Be clear about your skills and interests. At the same time, be flexible about how and where you will apply them.
Networking may be great for extroverts, but not everyone is up to it. Also, there is less tolerance for networking because employers are tired of answering phones and talking to people who just want their help in finding jobs.
Use the Internet for doing background research on potential companies. And there's nothing complex about it.
I am working as a social worker in a small school for hearing impaired. Could you suggest where I can formally learn how to interpret sign language?
Sucharita
Via email
The Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (www.ayjnihh.org) , Mumbai, and Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore offer courses for sign language interpreters at three levels (of 3-months each). On completion of each level, you will be given a certificate. Completing all three levels will make you eligible for a diploma in the subject that is recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (a statutory body under the ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment). To enrol for the courses, contact the institutions directly.
The RCI also offers a 2-week orientation course for existing users/interpreters of sign language after which they can take the relevant A/BC-level exams to pursue higher-level courses.
For details, contact the RCI, 23-A Shivaji Marg, New Delhi-110015, or log on to the RCI website: www.rehabcouncil.org.
I am doing my Bachelors degree in English (H). What are the future prospects in the area after graduation and post graduation?
Asmita Ghosh
Hyderabad
After your Bachelors or Masters in English, you could either take up teaching in schools (after doing BEd) or join the print or electronic media as a journalist, editor in a publishing house, web content creator, announcer, newsreader, anchorperson, scriptwriter, copywriter in an advertising agency, technical writer, public relations executive, etc. Creative writing is yet another option.
With the proliferation of the media, there is a growing demand for those who can communicate with style, ease and competence.
An additional course in public relations, journalism, advertising or mass communication would give you the necessary professional edge. Those with a good command of the language, particularly spoken English and basic computer skills, can also look at openings in leading call centres.
Starting out as a customer care associate, you can move up the ladder to the position of team leader and business development manager if you have what it takes.
Other than these, you could opt for just about any other professional course - in law, travel and tourism, etc that requires a bachelor's degree
I am a student of Class XII (Arts) with fine arts as one of my subjects. I am keen to pursue a career in the fine arts, does it have any scope?
Sameerraj
Nagpur
Many talented and artistically inclined young people are making a great career in this field. The commercial success of the new generation of talented artists is also a factor contributing to the popularity of this field.
You could even look at openings in commercial establishments; for example, as a student of painting, you can take up a job in an advertising agency, as a photojournalist or as a professional cameraman, once you have developed an eye for detail. Some knowledge of multimedia will also hold you in good stead.
Most fine arts colleges offer four areas of specialisation in their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programme - Painting, Applied Arts, Sculpture and Graphics.
Art students have a large spectrum of options in front of them, ranging from working in art studios, advertising companies, publishing houses, fashion houses etc. Other related careers are teaching, direction, photography, television, clothing and fashion, as art directors for magazines, on-line services, publishing houses, manufacturers, advertising, promotion and product design.
I am very short-tempered and the slightest discomfort makes me lose my cool. How can I overcome my anger and deal with it?
Prateek Sagar
Mysore
Anger is a natural reaction that often needs to be expressed. However, the best way to control your temper is to practise restraint. Force yourself to think positively every time you feel your hackles rise, adopt a few relaxation and breathing techniques to keep your temper under check.
Try and re-channel your energies whenever you feel you are about to give in to your anger. Rather than reacting blindly to situations, listen calmly to what the other person is saying and state your opinion in a cool and respectful manner.
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
Shalu Mathur
Mumbai
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