CAREER IN SOCIAL WORK IN INDIA - A CAREER LINK FOR YOU

CURRENT PROSPECTS OF SOCIAL WORK IN INDIA By

Anupam Hazra Social work grew out of humanitarian and democratic ideals, and its values are based on respect for the equality, worth, and dignity of all people. Since its beginnings over a century ago, social work practice has focused on meeting human needs and developing human potential. Human rights and social justice serve as the motivation and justification for social work action. In solidarity with those who are disadvantaged, the profession strives to alleviate poverty and to liberate vulnerable and oppressed people in order to promote social inclusion. Social work profession addresses the barriers, inequities and injustices that exist in society. Its mission is to help people to develop their full potential, enrich their lives, and prevent dysfunction. Professional social work is focused on problem solving and change. As such, social workers are change agents in society and in the lives of the individuals, families and communities they serve. It responds to crises and emergencies as well as to everyday personal and social problems. Social work utilizes a variety of skills, techniques, and activities consistent with its holistic focus on persons and their environments. Social work interventions range from primarily person-focused psychosocial processes to involvement in social policy, planning and development. These include counseling, clinical social, social work, group work, social pedagogical work, and family treatment and therapy as well as efforts to help people obtain services and resources in the community. Interventions also include agency administration, community organization and engaging in social and political action to impact social policy and economic development. The holistic focus of social work is universal, but the priorities of social work practice will vary from country to country and from time to time depending on cultural, historical, and socio-economic conditions.     Social workers attempt to relieve and prevent hardship and suffering. They have a responsibility to help individuals, families, groups and communities through the provision and operation of appropriate services and by contributing to social planning. They work with, on behalf of, or in the interests of people to enable them to deal with personal and social difficulties and obtain essential resources and services. Their work may include, but is not limited to, interpersonal practice, group work, community work, social development, social action, policy development, research, social work education and supervisory and managerial functions in these fields. The field of practice for professional Social Worker is expanding day by day. Field of Practice for Professional Social Workers ·  Addiction / Substance Abuse ·  Child Welfare ·  Clinical / Mental Health ·  Correctional Institutions/ Prisons ·  Child Protection Services ·  Counseling & Therapy ·  Consultancy Services ·  Community Development ·  Elderly Care ·  Environment ·  Family Welfare and Planning ·  Human Resource Management ·  Industrial Development ·  Medical Social Work ·  Mental Health ·  Mental Retardation ·  Management of Social Services ·  Mother & Child Health ·  Policy & Planning Services ·  Poverty eradication ·  People with Special Needs ·  Rehabilitation of Offenders ·  Rural & Urban Development ·  Relationship Problems ·  School Social Work ·  Social Research & Program Evaluation Service ·  Social Work Administration & Policy ·  Social Work Education & Research ·  Social development ·  Working with People with Disabilities ·  Youth Work etc.     Social Work as profession in India has already passed its infancy long back and in the last few decades it has emerged as one of the most demanding profession in India. In India a person – holding a Bachelor (BSW) or Master (M.A in Social Work/MSW) degree in Social Work – is generally considered a professional social worker. As far as Indian scenario is concerned professional social workers can be found in direct practice in administrative, management and policy planning positions in various Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as well as in government ministries. Both Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have a lot to offer, if you are willing to work hard and in any given conditions. International organizations too are socially aware and hence a number of opportunities are available in international social work. Industrial and commercial units too are looking to hire social workers. A degree or diploma in Social Work is creating a large number opportunities for the millions of Indian youth in various sectors. Designations enjoyed by Social Work Professionals in different employment sectors Governmental Sector ·  Lecturer/Professor ·  Director ·  Research Officer/Researcher ·  Welfare/Development Officer (like Child/Youth/Women/Labour etc.) ·  Community Development Officer ·  Jail Probationary/Welfare Officer ·  Urban Planners etc. Non-Governmental Sector ·  Project Director ·  Program Director ·  Program Officer ·  Program Coordinator ·  Assistant Coordinator ·  Program Assistant ·  Project Officer ·  Community Mobilizer  ·  Program Manager ·  Block/District/State/Zonal/Regional Coordinator ·  Counselor ·  Social Scientist ·  Monitoring and Evaluation Officer ·  Research Officer/Researcher ·  MIS Coordinator ·  Area Manager ·  Fund Raiser ·  Social Worker ·  Supervisor ·  Resource Mobiliser ·  Training Coordinator ·  Development Professional ·  Consultant ·  Probation Officer ·  Psychiatric Social Worker ·  School Social Worker ·  Sociologist ·  Vocational Rehabilitation ·  Counselor etc. Industry ·  Manager    (HR/Personnel/Welfare etc.) ·  Executive Trainee ·  Labor Welfare Officer ·  Personnel Officer etc. Corporate Sector ·  Manager ·  Executive Trainee ·  Community Development Officer ·  Social Development Officer ·  Rural Development Officer ·  Social Welfare Officer etc.     There are three general categories or levels of intervention for Social Work professionals. The first is “Macro” social work which involves society or communities as a whole. This type of social work practice would include policy forming and advocacy on a national or international scale. The second level of intervention is described as “Mezzo” social work practice. This level would involve work with agencies, small organizations, and other small groups. This practice would include policy making within a social work agency or developing programs for a particular neighbourhood. The final level is the “Micro” level that involves service to individuals and families.     Social workers help people to overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges: poverty, discrimination, abuse, addiction, physical illness, divorce, loss, unemployment, educational problems, disability, and mental illness. They help prevent crises and counsel individuals, families, and communities to cope more effectively with the stresses of everyday life. Social Work is a profession that serves individuals, families, and communities who seek preventative and rehabilitative interventions for an improved quality of life. Focused on social and emotional development within the social environment, the scope of social work is national and international. The profession is social justice and action oriented.     Adopting a holistic approach and forging therapeutic relationships are not unique to social work. What makes the role of the social worker distinct is that it combines both. The social worker seeks to understand the person’s entire situation (the holistic approach) and to work with this. Developing an effective helping relationship with people who use services is central to the role of the social worker in order to ensure better outcomes. Social workers need sufficient time to combine knowledge of skills and values and demonstrate the effective listening, respect and sensitive engagement which this involves. The ability to form and maintain such relationships can be eroded by a workload which exceeds resources, by over management of risks and by increasing expectations from people who use services of the social worker’s capacity to meet their needs. Prospect for professional social workers in development sectors:     At present the development sector is largely controlled and managed by the welfare or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)–who are doing the pioneer work towards the overall development of the society. A person with a degree (preferably a Master degree) in Social Work is highly preferred in developmental agencies and NGOs. In other words, it can be said that NGO sectors as well as the development sectors are being dominated by the professional social workers. As far as the salary of a professional social worker in development sector (in India) is concerned – it varies from organization to organization. Generally it is negotiated at the time of interview. As salary is negotiable in development sector, likewise flexibility also exists in the recruitment process. Sometimes it is also observed that a person gets recruitment in a particular position – though he/she has not fulfilled the minimum requirements. Percentage of marks in M.S.W hardly matters in recruitment-process of development sector; 50% to 55% marks in M.S.W is enough to get a good job in a reputed organization. What does matter – is relevant working experiences, possession of suitable technical skills of project management, sound knowledge managing NGO administration (see table 3) etc; sometimes the reputation of the academic institution – from where the applicant obtained the degree in Social Work – is taken into consideration by the recruiting organizations. Students completing M.S.W from institutes like TISS, XISS, Delhi University – are generally preferred and get higher salary at the beginning. Skills Required for a Professional Social Worker ·  Preparing Project Proposal ·  Preparing Management Information System (MIS) ·  Preparing Project Implementa-tion Plan (PIP) ·  Managing and coordinating project at district/state/national level ·  Program monitoring & evaluation ·  Report writing and presentation ·  Preparation of monthly plan and budget ·  Coordinating and liasioning with district and state administration, other stake holder and partner organizations ·  Organizing training, workshops, seminars etc. ·  Developing Information Education Communication (I.E.C) materials ·  Documentation and case studies ·  Team management ·  Facilitation and people mobilization ·  Doing long-hour field work and extensive travelling ·  Managing and coordinating projects at state and district level ·  Positive work attitude ·  Integrity and honesty ·  Doing long-hour field work in adverse situation ·  Have interpersonal communication skills ·  Have proficiency on the computer ·  Knowledge of community resources etc.     Most of International NGOs have a specified pay structure for different positions – For entering into these organizations – at least three to five years’ prior working experiences in a reputed developmental organiza-tion is necessary. Some of the Premier Universities/Institutes - Conducting Social Work Courses ·  Assam University, Silchar (Assam) ·  Agra University (U.P) ·  Amravati University (Amravati) ·  Andhra University, Waltair (AP) ·  Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (UP) ·  Bharathiar University (Coimbatore) ·  Banaras Hindu University, Banaras (UP) ·  Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (UP) ·  Christ University (Bangalore) ·  Chaudhry Charan Singh University, Meerut (UP) ·  College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan (Mumbai) ·  Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (Indore) ·  Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi (Delhi) ·  Dr. R.M.L Avadh University, Faizabad (UP) ·  Guru Ghasidas University (Chhattisgarh) ·  Gujarat Vidyapeth, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) ·  Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta University (W.B) ·  Institute of Social Sciences, Dr B. R Ambedkar University, Agra (UP) ·  Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) ·  Jamia Millia Islamia University, Jamia Nagar (New Delhi) ·  Jain Vishva Bharti Institute, Ladnoon (Rajasthan) ·  Kashi Vidyapith,Varanasi (U.P) ·  Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (Haryana) ·  Kanpur University, Kanpur (UP) ·  Madurai Kamaraj University ·  M S University, Baroda ·  Madras School of Social Work, University of Madras (Chennai) ·  M.S.S College, Nagpur (Maharashtra) ·  Mangalore University (Mangalore) ·  Marathwada University, Aurangabad ·  Nagpur University (Nagpur) ·  Punjab University, Patiala (Punjab) ·  Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Kerala) ·  Rajasthan Vidyapeth, Udaipur (Rajasthan) ·  Sri Venkateshwara University (Tirupati) ·  Sri Padmavati Mahila Visva Vidhyalay (Tirupati) ·  Sri Hari Singh Gaur University (MP) ·  Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur  ·  Sri Padmavathi Mahila, Vishavidyalayam, Tirupathi ·  Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai (Maharashtra) ·  University of Lucknow, Lucknow (U.P) ·  University of Bombay (Maharastra) ·  University of Puna (Maharastra) ·  Utkal University (Orissa) ·  Vikram University,Ujjain (MP) ·  Vidya Sagar University (W.B) ·  Visva Bharati Unversity (W.B) etc. (The list is indicative only) Conclusion                                                                                                                                                  Professional social workers are found in every facet of community life—in old age homes, orphanages, schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, prisons, corporations and in numerous public and private agencies that serve individuals and families in need. Social work is not just about doing good deeds and helping the under-privileged. Over a period of time, it has evolved into a profession. Correctly it is not a ‘conventional’ career. But with issues of disability, drug misuse, poverty, mental ill health, problems associated with aging etc. rising constantly, social work has become a vital need of our society today. If you are willing to take up a profession for emotional fulfillment and if your purpose of working is not just financial, this would be the ideal career for you. The Author is Assistant Professor in Department of Social Work at Assam (Central) University, Silchar-788011, Assam.  email: anupam688@yahoo.co.in Posted By : LAKHAN KUMAR PATNAIK - SARKARI NAUKRI IN INDIA

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CAREER IN RETAIL MANAGEMENT - A CAREER LINK FOR YOU

RETAIL MANAGEMENT AS A CAREER By

Dr. Satya Prakash Pandey In the Information, Communication & Entertainment (ICE) age shopping has become a hobby for the new generation. The whole concept of shopping has altered with time, in terms of format and consumer buying behaviour. Thanks to rapid urbanization and sprawling shopping malls, Multi formats of retail stores and huge complexes that have emerged at an ever increasing speed in every upcoming city, retailing has grown into one of the largest sectors in the global economy.     Retail Industry, one of the fastest changing and vibrant industries in the world, has contributed to the economic growth of many countries. The term ‘retail’ is derived from the French word retailer which means ‘to cut a piece off’ or ‘to break bulk’. Retailing is a vital part of the business industry that involves selling products and services to consumers for their individual or family use. Retailing can also be defined as the timely delivery of goods demanded by consumers at an affordable and competitive price. It is a vertical and people-oriented business industry. Retail business in India boomed in the 80’s and within a short span of time, Indian retail sector has been rated as the fifth most attractive, emerging retail market in the world. Indian retail sector which account for over 10 percent of the country’s GDP (gross domestic product) and around eight percent of employment, is expected to grow at a compound rate of 30 per cent over the next five years.      Retailing process involves a direct interface with the customer and the coordination of business activities from the design stage of a product to its delivery and post-delivery service. Generally, retail business can be classified into several types depending on their size, shape, product lines, amount of service they offer and prices they charge etc. Some among them are specialty stores, supermarket/ malls, factory outlets, franchises, chain stores, discount stores, lifestyle & personal products, furnishing household appliances & groceries stores etc.     With the tremendous growth of economy, retail management has emerged as one of the fastest growing careers in India. The enormous expansion in the retail sector during the past few years has thrown up a big demand for skilled professionals in the field. It is an industry looking for people at all levels, from the school pass out with basic skills, to the well qualified supply chain and retail management professionals. One can take up a job depending on one’s interest and aptitude, since retail industry is an array of activities starting from marketing to branding. This makes retail profession one of the most demanding careers of the era.     The working time and atmosphere all depends upon the company one works for. One could start his career as a management trainee, and with hard work and right attitude, could reach the manager posts of different departments. Advertising agencies, Airlines, insurance companies, banks etc are some other areas where one can find jobs, apart from retail shops. One can even start one’s own business and be an entrepreneur. Job prospects in Retail Sector are:  Customer Sales Associate: It is the entry-level post of retail business. But as every retail shop is completely dependent upon the sales they get, this is one of the important posts in this profession. To be a good sales person, one should have good knowledge about the products, the shop, the customers etc.  Department Manager / Floor Manager/ Category Manager - These are some of the posts one could handle in the store. Store Manager: Store managers sometimes called General Manager or Store Director, are responsible for managing an individual store and its day-to-day functioning. The store manager is in charge of the employees of the store and he himself may report to a District or Area manager or the store’s owner.  Retail Operation Manager: It is the duty of a retail manager to plan and coordinate the operations of the outlet. This involves the layout of merchandise, monitoring the retail orders and stock, analysing the supply etc. Candidates with Master Degree can start off as retail managers.  Retail Buyers and Merchandisers: They are the persons who select and buy the goods for the retail shop. They should understand the needs of the customer, should be aware of the trends in the market, and should possess great enthusiasm and energy. Visual Merchandisers: These people give the brand a face, so they hold one of the very important positions in the industry. Being a part of concept and design one could also be a technical designer, product developer and store planner. Manager Back-end Operations Logistics and Warehouse Managers Retail Communication Manager Manager Private label Brands Retail Marketing Executives:     Trained and talented retail management professionals are always in great demand not only in India but abroad also. Big brands have opened retail chains throughout the cities & rural areas that offers huge job openings. A professional with excellent communication skills and a flair for convincing people can be recruited as store managers, customer care executives, merchandise officers, public relations executive and so on, in a multinational company. Retail Management: Eligibility & Course Areas:     There are options for taking up a degree or diploma in retail management, for those who choose the career. Various institutes offer courses in retail management such as MBA in retail management, Post Graduate Diploma in Retail Management and so on. Candidates having a high school, graduation or its equivalent, plus two or degree can apply for certificate, diploma or bachelors courses in Retail Management respectively. Retailers Association of India (RAI), is the first independent body of retailers in India.     A course in retail management helps one to learn the concepts of retailing, which would be helpful for future undertakings as well as practical experiences. Marketing strategies, Accounting, Business mathematics, ethics and law, Customer relation, visual Merchandising, Merchandising, Retail communication, Mall Management and Retail buying and operations are some of the topics related to Retail management courses. The courses will also provide information on merchandising, finance management, electronic retail, supply chain management etc.     Indian Institutes offering Programmes/courses in Retail Management: B.Sc. in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management (B.Sc.-FMRM) M.Sc. in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management (M.Sc.-FMRM) M.B.A. -Retail Management Bachelor of Fashion Retail Management Post Graduate Certificate in Retail Management (P.G.C.R.M) Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing and Retail Management (P.G.D.M.R.M) Post Graduate Diploma in Retail Management (P.G.D.R.M) Post Graduate Programme in Fashion Retail Management Personal skills     Talented, dedicated people, who possess a wide variety of skills, are needed to effectively run a large retail business. In order to excel in the retail profession, it is more important to have personal skills than having professional certificates. The most essential ability needed is an analytical mind along with good leadership qualities and positive attitude. They must possess good communication and problem-solving skills, knack for convincing people and the ability to mingle with people at varied levels. They must be self-confident and always be updated with the changes in the retail market and be familiar with advertising and merchandising techniques. Enthusiasm and creativity will always count able in this career. Apart from these, one should have tact, patience, and an interest in sales work, a neat appearance and the ability to communicate clearly. Retail Management Institutes     Many institutes in India and abroad offer several online courses which are exclusively meant for retail Management. Now a days most of the Business schools and Government Institutes offer Retail management as a subject of specialization. IGNOU offers certificate/diploma programme in Retailing with the collaboration of Retail’s Association of India (RAI). A number of institutes conduct industrial training during the time of the course itself, with stipends. These include Centre for Retail, Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) Govt. of India. Remuneration     The remuneration in the retail industry depends upon the company, nature of work and the area where you work. The average starting salary of a sales person in the retail industry is Rs 5,500 per month. Depending on various post, the salary range varies Rs.6000 to Rs.22000 per month. The special packages, bonus, incentives offered are part of this career. The remuneration outside India also varies depending upon many factors such as shops, products and places. About the Author     The author is Head, Centre for Retail, Footwear Design & Development Institute, Ministry of Commerce & Industry Govt. of India, Fursatganj, CSM Nagar (Formerly Raibareli) email - satya@fddiindia.com Posted By : LAKHAN KUMAR PATNAIK - SARKARI NAUKRI IN INDIA

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY

CAREER IN ADVERTISING & PUBLICITY By Dr. Pradeep Nair Advertising and publicity are the means of informing as well as influencing the general public to buy products or services through visual or oral messages. A product or service is advertised to create awareness in the minds of potential buyers. Some of the commonly used media for advertising and publicity are T.V., radio, websites, newspapers, magazines, bill-boards, hoardings etc. As a result of economic liberalization and the changing social trends advertising and publicity industry has shown rapid growth in the last decade.      Advertising and publicity is one of the aspects of mass communication. Advertising and publicity is actually brand-building exercises through effective communication and is essentially a service industry. It helps to create demand, promote marketing system and boost economic growth. Thus advertising and publicity forms the basis of marketing.       Advertising and publicity plays a significant role in today’s highly competitive world. A career in dvertisement/publicity is quite glamorous and at the same time challenging with more and more agencies opening up every day. Whether its brands, companies, personalities or even voluntary or religious organizations, all of them use some form of advertising or publicity in order to be able to communicate with the target audience. The salary structure in advertising and publicity sector is quite high and if you have the knack for it one can reach the top. It is an ideal profession for a creative individual who can handle work-pressure. The Scope According to the Job Statistics, over 2,50,000 people are presently working in the advertising and publicity industry. This number is expected to grow due to two important trends. First is the mega merger among advertising/publicity agencies. This trend has been fueled by agencies’ desire to increase market share by offering more services such as sophisticated market research, media buying, and in-house production facilities to the clients. The second trend has been spurred by an increase in international businesses and global marketing. Advertising and publicity agencies are moving quickly to set-up international subsidiaries to assist clients who have gone global.      So, today, the advertising and publicity industry has a more stable environment but a highly competitive market. The job projections for the year 2011-2012 suggest a growth of over 30% for marketing research analysts, advertising managers, and visual artists. Nevertheless, employers will continue to be highly selective. The most motivated, energetic, well-organized candidates with top-notch analytic and communication skills will land the best jobs. Where to Study and the Eligibility      Most advertising and publicity agencies recruit candidates with a formal management or advertising/mass communication qualification. Preference is given for MBA’s for posts in the market research, client servicing and media planning departments. In the creative department, on the other hand, a graduate with a command of the language of communication plus knowledge of designing packages like Photoshop, coral draw or fine arts is the requirement.      There are also specialized courses in advertising/mass communication at diploma and post-graduation level for which the basic qualification is graduation. However, advertising is also offered as a subject for the graduate degree course in mass communication studies at certain institutions for which minimum qualification is 10+2. In addition there are also certificate courses for which 10+2 is enough.      Basic qualities like creativity and flair for writing or ability to translate ideas into a visual format are required for making a successful career in this field. The aspirant should have an insight into the interests of people from all walks of life, ability to work as part of team, mental and physical toughness to be able to withstand high pressure and criticism, must be sociable and have calm temperament. Market and media researchers should have an analytical and logical brain. Those in creative field should possess artistic abilities to make the advertisements appealing to the masses.      The list* of Indian Universities/Media institutes offering a Post-Graduate degree/diploma course in Advertising are as follows: S. No. Name of the University/Institute Course Offered 1 Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. P.G. Diploma in Advertising & PR 2 Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism, Bhopal. M.A. in Advertising and Marketing Management 3 Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu P.G. Diploma in Advertising & PR 4 Madurai Kamraj University, Tamil Nadu Master of Advertising & PR 5 Punjabi University, Patiala P.G. Diploma in Advertising & PR 6 Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad P.G. Diploma in Advertising and Certificate courses in Advertising 7 Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati Master of Science in Advertising 8 Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar M.A. in Advertising 9 Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, New Delhi P.G. Diploma in Advertising 10 Lucknow University, Lucknow P.G. Diploma in Advertising & PR       * The above list is indicative only. Job Prospects & Career Options      Career opportunities in advertising include openings in advertising and publicity agencies; advertising department in private or public sector companies; in advertising sections of newspapers, journals, magazines; commercial section of radio and television; market research organizations etc. One can also do freelancing.      Advertising field offers a range of lucrative, interesting careers. The job in this field is categorized into two broad areas, Executive and Creative. Executive side includes Client Servicing, Market Research and Media Research. Creative side consists of copywriters, scriptwriters, visualizers, photographers and typographers. Executive Department      The Executive Department understands client needs, finds new business and retains existing business, selects the appropriate media, analyses timing and placement of advertisements and negotiate the financial aspects of the deal. Creative department creates the advertisement copy. They verbalize and visualize the specific need of the client. A.  Client Servicing      The Client Servicing department is the link between the client and the agency. It is an important part of any advertising firm like what the heart is to the body. This department is responsible for meeting prospective clients and getting business for the company. It involves a study of the client, the product and the market; an analysis of consumer behaviour and marketing; knowledge of all available media and their cost effectiveness, and a strategic plan to be presented to the client. Those in client servicing must therefore interact with clients, gather information, oversee research where necessary, gauge consumer attitudes and on the basis of all these informations work with the various departments of the advertising agency to formulate the most appropriate and effective advertising strategy within the specified budget.      To be an effective client-servicing person, the candidate has to have a thorough knowledge of the client’s business and also know his weak points so that, through advertising and communications, the gaps could be minimized.      An Accounts Executive who works in the client servicing department takes care of all the monitory dealings. He/she should know the most effective way to advertise client’s product or service i.e. the media and their cost effectiveness. Account executives should also have an idea about market research and target audiences. B.  Market Research      Every good advertising plan, start with research. This is the department which surveys the market, analyses consumer behaviour about a product or service. The research people in an advertising agency are involved with collection of data- information about the consumer, the market, and existing competition and so on. The research studies provide basic information to the manufacturer, for planning a new product.      If you are a graduate in Business Management or hold a degree in Statistics/Operations Research, you can go for market researching jobs in advertising and publicity industry. C. Media Planning & Buying      Responsibility of media planning department in an advertising and publicity agency starts at the point when the advertisement is complete. Media Department is responsible for the planning, scheduling, booking and purchase of space and time (in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV, and outdoor hoardings). The media department must therefore devise the most effective use for an advertising budget to effectively and economically transmit a campaign message to the target audience. This department consists of the following:      i.   Media Planners: The people who decide the different media where the advertisements would be featured in order to get maximum viewership.      ii. Media Buyer: The people who have to negotiate to buy space in the Press, or time on electronic media at the best rates for which he/she has to understand the buying as well as the latest selling trends. 2. Creative Department      The Creative Department designs and conceptualizes the advertisement. This consists of copywriting department and art department. Copywriting department works on text for the ad and themes for campaign. Art department visualizes the campaign. A.      Copywriters      The Copywriter evolves a theme for the campaign and provides the text for the advertisements. He/she is responsible for making the advertisements look attractive and delivering the message to the point. Copywriters work out the campaign slogan, jingles, scripts and promotional literature of the product or service as well as proposals, concept notes and film treatments. They are also expected to edit all textual matter for factual, syntax and typesetting discrepancies before it goes into the production. In some agencies, specialists called Typographers are appointed for making the format of textual matter, the fonts, lettering etc.      Copywriters need to have a flair for writing backed up by the knowledge of advertising and oral communication skills, to become successful. They also need to have skill in analyzing clients’ needs, and research skills for finding out about the products and services they are helping to sell. Problem-solving and time-management skills are important. B.  Visualizers      The Visualizers work on the visual concepts and decides how the advertisement shall eventually look. They do the overall layout of message including graphics, sketching etc. To be a visualizer, one must be artistic. A degree or diploma in Applied Arts or Fine Arts as well as the knowledge of designing software like Photoshop, Illustrator, Free Hand and Corel Draw etc. are often the required qualifications. C.  Photographers      To work in an advertising/publicity agency, the Photographers should have an idea about different shot angles, composition and lighting effects. Good technical ability and knowledge of advance camera techniques and lenses are essential. Remuneration      Job positions and earnings in an advertising and publicity agency vary with its size and turnover. Accredited agencies have a large set up while small agencies may have just a handful of employees looking after all the various jobs. The earnings range from Rs. 10,000 to 25,000 at initial level. Advertising people having a good deal of experience and creativity could earn more than any other profession. The author is Research Scientist in Anwar Jamal Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, e-mail: nairdevcom@yahoo.co.in;, pradeep.mcrc@jmi.ac.in  Posted By :- LAKHAN KUMAR PATNAIK - SARKARI NAUKRI IN INDIAN   view all career articles of this issue | view all archive career articles

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH By Dr. A. S. Ninawe Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and techniques to the medical field. It combines the design and problem-solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to improve healthcare diagnosis, monitoring and therapy. It brings together the most talented biologists in an intimate and highly collaborative environment, empowering them to step out into bold new areas of Biomedical Research. Similar to this is pharmaceutical engineering, a branch of science that uses the concepts of Chemical Engineering deals with the development of the components needed by the pharmaceutical industries. Prominent applications include the development of biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants, common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs, biotechnologies such as regenerative tissue growth, and pharmaceutical drugs and biopharmaceuticals. Discoveries in genetics, genomics, stem cells, cancer and developmental biology, and for building powerful tools used by the scientific community worldwide being pursued through Biomedical Research. It is a highly interdisciplinary field, viz. Bio-mechatronics, Bioinstrumentation, Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Bionics, Cellular, Tissue, and Genetic Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Medical Imaging, Orthopaedic Bioengineering, Rehabilitation engineering, Systems Physiology, Bio-nanotechnology, Neural Engineering.       Biomedical engineers takes care of the commercialization of its items and their placements in pharmaceutical companies useful as medical devices essentially covering all healthcare products that do not achieve their intended results through predominantly chemical (e.g., pharmaceuticals) or biological (e.g., vaccines) means, and do not involve metabolism. It is intended for use in diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. Some examples include pacemakers, infusion pumps, the heart-lung machine, dialysis machines, artificial organs, implants, artificial limbs, corrective lenses, cochlearimplants, ocular prosthetics, facial prosthetics, somato prosthetics, and dental implants. Biomedical used in monitoring low voltage biological signals, an example of a Biomedical engineering application of electronic engineering to electrophysiology.       Biomedical scientists can focus on pure research, pre-clinical, or translational research, they exercise a greater knowledge and depth of biological and clinical science than their more patient orientated counterparts. Scientists educated in fields other than biology also contribute to overall medical knowledge, including organic chemists, biochemists, and in some cases physicists. In academic medicine medicos pursue research as a career or combine clinical practice with research, to gain both the necessary clinical and academic qualifications in the course of their training. It involves patients, to elucidate the symptoms or course of a particular disease or to provide an evidence base for a new drug or therapy in a clinical trial, it also involves Laboratory-based research which increases knowledge about disease processes and providing leads to new ways of treating them and study Epidemiology to understand public health issues and the status and causes of diseases in populations and Health Services Research to benefit patients. Career opportunities:       According to the Indian Bureau of Labour Statistics, Biomedical Engineers have excellent job prospects and earning potential as there has been an increasing demand for sophisticated medical devices. Most of the biomedical engineers are employed in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing. Large employing groups include pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing, scientific and research development services and general medical and surgical hospitals are behind the predicted employment increase. The kind of institutions that employ biomedical engineers include medical research institutions, hospitals, industrial firms and teaching institutions. Biomedical engineers often use their background in engineering and medicine to perform a coordinating role. They find employment in companies that manufacture equipments used, in hospitals and diagnostic centres or centres for research and development, manufacturing, quality control and testing and also installation, maintenance or sales and marketing departments.       In corporate hospitals they can be employed for selecting, handling, maintaining sophisticated equipment in addition to building customized devices for special needs or work in institutions involved in research. Government agencies can recruit biomedical engineers for product testing, safety and establishing safety standards for devices. In universities, colleges they become faculty members, and are involved in teaching after earning doctorate education. In teaching and research at the university level good promotion prospects exists. Even in non-academic research institutes, private industry and government agencies find good avenues.       There is a huge demand for biomedical engineers worldwide. Clinical engineers engaged in monitoring and maintaining the data bases of instrumentation and work with physicians to adapt instrumentation for the specific needs of the physicians and hospitals. Rehabilitation engineers who develop hardware and software computer adaptations provide cognitive aids to assist patients with memory impairment. Opportunities also awaits for orthopaedic engineers who improve the quality of life of patients by developing prosthetics, artificial limbs, hips and other organs. Post Graduate and Ph.D candidates can work abroad to pursue Ph.D and Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) in foreign universities and R&D institutes which are highly paid and respected profession in western countries. Other positions include Senior Research Fellow (SRF), Research Associate (RA) and Research Assistant (RA), in various government and private research institutions after completion of B. Tech / B.E / M.Tech / M.E / Ph.D., involved in the field of biomedical engineering has to focus on unmet clinical needs which are the need of the hour to combat various chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or asthma. Now the engineers are equal partners sitting with medicos benefiting medical imaging or equipments invented by physicists and engineers who have contributed to medical treatment and diagnosis.       Biomedical scientist who could be MD/ Ph.D can conduct research in a clinical setting, identifying diseases and problems that can be studied in the laboratory and bring discoveries in the lab back to the bedside. As a scientist he can work in a university or a college, academic health centre, government laboratory, pharmaceutical company, biotechnology company. Career in Non-academic Sector:       Animal Behaviourists study animals to collect data on their behaviour and activity. Animal Care/Laboratory Animal Technicians provide food and water, clean housing, and enrichment for laboratory animals and monitor animal health on a daily basis. Animal Facility Supervisors and health technicians oversee the animal facility setting, ensuring that all laws and regulations are followed, and monitors animal health and provide medical care as prescribed by a veterinarian. Cagewashers and Facility Maintenance personnel keep research facilities and equipment clean, dependable, and safe. Clinical Trials Associates organize the testing of new drugs and technical procedures on humans. Computer Scientists and Programmers create and design programms for use in research. Biomedical engineers work in the practical application of engineering as it relates to health and medicine and design & create equipment, facilities, devices, and materials used in a research environment. Researchers/Scientists study medical conditions and conduct experiments in all fields of biomedical research to develop new medical techniques, devices, treatments, and medicines. Technical Writers record and publish the results of research, the protocols for research, and the specifications and procedures for using new medicines and surgical advances. Veterinary Technicians assist veterinarians with veterinary care. They can work in private animal clinics, animal hospitals, zoos, or research facilities. Laboratory Veterinarians provide medical care to animals, perform independent research, and serve as consultants and collaborators to research investigators. Laboratory Assistants help technicians, veterinarians, and researchers in the laboratory setting.       Biomedical researchers have the potential to improve the lives of countless people and animals all over the world and work from engineers to scientists, from nutritionists to computer scientists, and from technical writers to laboratory animal technicians, these people have chosen to accept the challenge to care.       Thus biomedical research offers a wide range of positions and fields, jobs can be found around the world and in a variety of work environments as positions in: Research corporations, Biotech firms, colleges/universities, Pharmaceutical companies, Hospitals/Medical schools, Veterinary schools, Military/Government agencies, Non-profit associations, Voluntary health organization.       For any career in biomedical research, a strong foundation in the life and physical sciences and maths in high school is important. While some jobs in research require only a high school diploma, others need specific training, certification, or a college degree, and still others require education beyond the four-year college degree. Institutions Offering Courses in Biomedical Engineering: 1.   Centre for Biomedical Engineering       Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi 2.   All India Institute of Medical Sciences,  New Delhi. 3.   Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai. 4.   Manipal Institute of Technology,  Manipal. 5.   Vellore Institute of Technology,  Vellore, Tamil Nadu. 6.   Watumull Institute of Electrical Engineering, Worli, Mumbai. 7.   Banaras Hindu University Institute of Technology, Varanasi. 8.   Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. 9.   M.S. Ramaiah College of Engineering, Bangalore. 10. NetajiSubhash Engineering College, Kolkata. 11. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Centre of Biomedical Research,New Delhi. 12. SRM University, Chennai. 13. Rajiv Gandhi College of Engineering Technology, Pondicherry. 14. Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 15. Gujarat University, Gujarat. 16. Amrita VishwaVidyapeetham,  Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. 17. Mahathma Gandhi Mission’s College of Engineering & Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra. (The list is indicative only) For more details : Website : www.biomedicalengineerjobs.org The author is Advisor, Department of Biotechnology, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 email : ninawe@gmail.com view all career articles of this issue | view all archive career articles  Posted By :- LAKHAN KUMAR PATNAIK - SARKARI NAUKRI IN INDIAN

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CAREER LINKS - by INDIAN - GET A JOB

	Academics
	• University Grants Commission - www.ugc.ac.in • Central Board Of Secondary Education - www.cbse.nic.in • Delhi University - www.du.ac.in • Jawaharlal Nehru University - www.jnu.ac.in • National Council for Teacher Education - www.ncte-in.org • National Council for Educational Research & Training - www.ncert.nic.in • Ministry of HRD (Education) - www.education.nic.in
	Aviation
	• Directorate General of Civil Aviation - www.dgca.nic.in • IATA training - www.iata.org • Ministry of Civil Aviation - www.civilaviation.nic.in • Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi - www.igrua.gov.in
	Banking
	• Reserve Bank of India - www.rbi.org.in • State Bank of India - www.statebankofindia.com • Panjab National Bank - www.pnbindia.com • Corporation Bank - www.corpbank.com
	Civil - Services
	• Union Public Service Commission - www.upsc.gov.in/ • Staff Selection Commission - ssc.nic.in • Department of Personal & Training - www.dopt.nic.in
	Defence
	• National Defence Academy - www.nda.nic.in • Indian Army - www.indianarmy.nic.in • Join Indian Army - www.joinindianarmy.nic.in • Indian Air Force - www.indianairforce.nic.in • Indian Navy - www.indiannavy.nic.in
	Engineering
	• All India Council of Technical Education - www.aicte.ernet.in • The Institutions of Engineers (India) - http://www.ieindia.org • IIT-Kharagpur - www.iitkgp.ac.in • Bureau of Energy Efficiency - www.bee.gov.in • Distance Education Council for distance education in Engineering - www.dec.ac.in • Joint Entrance Examination (Orissa) - www.jeeorissa.com
	Finance
	• The Institute Of Chartered Accountant – www.icai.org • The Institute Of Company Secretaries of India – www.icsi.edu • National Stock exchange of India - www.nseindia.com • Bombay Stock exchange - www.bseindia.com • Indian Institute of Banking & Finance – www.iibf.org.in • Indian Institute of Statistical Institute - www.isical.ac.in
	Hospitality
	• Incredible India - www.incredibleindia.org • Ministry of Tourism - www.tourisminindia.com
	IT
	• NASSCOM - www.nasscom.in • Ministry of IT - www.mit.gov.in • DOECC - www.doeacc.edu.in • Centre For Development of Advance Computing - www.cdac.in • Indian Institute of Technology Madras - www.iitm.ac.in
	Law
	• Supreme Court of India - www.supremecourtofindia.nic.in • Ministry of Law & Justice - www.lawmin.nic.in • National Commission for Women - www.ncw.nic.in • Central Administrative Tribunal - www.cgat.gov.in
	Library Science
	• Raja Rammohun Roy Library foundation - www.rrrlf.nic.in • National Archives Of India - www.nationalarchives.gov.in
	Management
	• Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta - www.iimcal.ac.in • Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad - www.iimahd.ernet.in
	Media
	• Indian Institute of Mass Commission - www.iimc.nic.in • Publications Division - www.publicationsdivision.nic.in • DoorDarshan - www.ddindia.com • Directorate Of Advertising and Visual Publicity - www.davp.nic.in • Press Information Bureau - www.pib.nic.in
	Medicine
	• Ministry of Health & Welfare - www.mohwf.nic.in • Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) -    www.indianmedicine.nic.in • National Aids Control Organisation - www.nacoonline.org • Armed Forces Medical College - www.armedforces.nic.in
	Railways
	• Indian Railways - www.indianrail.gov.in • Indian Railways - www.indianrailways.gov.in • Ministry of Railways - www.railnet.gov.in • IRCON - www.ircon.org • Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. - www.irctc.co.in
	Retail
	• Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata - www.iiswbm.edu • CII Institute of Logistics, Chennai - www.ciilogistics.com • Gobind Ballabh Pant University - www.gbpuat.ac.in • Annamalai University - www.annauniv.edu • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, - www.iift.edu
	Science
	• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University - www.jntu.ac.in • IIT Bombay - www.iitb.ac.in • Mumbai University - www.mu.ac.in • Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad - www.ismdhanbad.ac.in • CSIR-UGC (NET) - www.csirhrdg.res.in • Indian Council of Medical Research, - www.icmr.nic.in • Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi - www.bitmesra.ac.in • Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai - www.mkudde.org • Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur - www.iitkgp.ernet.in • Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training - www.cifnet.nic.in • Bioinformatics Institute of India - www.bioinformaticscentre.org
	Science-IPR/PATENTS
	• Patent Office, Govt of India - www.ipindia.nic.in • Institute of Intellectual Property Studies, Mumbai - www.iips.ac.in • National Law School of India University, Nagarbhavi - www.nls.ac.in • Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (Deemed University) - www.iiita.ac.in
	Self Entrepreneurship
	• Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi - www.cmfri.com • Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai - www.tiss.edu • Ministry of Labour & Employment (Directorate General of Employment & Training) ADVANCED TRAINING INSTITUTE - http://dget.nic.in/atikanpur
	Pharmacy
	• Academy for Clinical Excellence (ACE) - www.aceindia.org • Institute of Clinical Research (ICRI) - www.icriindia.com • Bombay College of Pharmacy - www.bcpindia.org • Jamia Hamdarad Islamia - www.jmi.ac.in • National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER). S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab - www.niper.nic.in • Guru Jambeshwar University, Hisar - www.gju.ernet.in

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