Career in Photography

Photography is an extremely interesting and fascinating field. If you are really fond of taking pictures at every possible opportunity why don’t you think of making photography as a career? There are several options in this wonderful arena for photography enthusiast. One of the first one and a popular choice is Photojournalism. As the name suggests, it is a part of broad field of journalism in which news stories are told by using images. Now, this thing also requires creativity because you have to create stories by generating new ideas. For example, imagine you being in a war zone or disaster zone and you have taken some pictures. Now using these pictures, photojournalists are expected to create interesting stories. This field also covers feature photography.

Event photography is another option where one can cover events like weddings, family functions; sports meet etc. film photography has always been in demand. Fashion and advertising photography is another wonderful option. If you are a game for glamour and models then opt for this mesmerizing field where you will be working with models and covering fashion events. Quite a lucrative field, fashion photography is creative also. One can work for fashion houses, advertising agencies and fashion magazines.

Nature and wildlife photography is for those who love to explore nature and opportunities are provided by travel and geographic magazines. When you capture images of man- made objects or inanimate objects, it is known as Still photography. Lastly, Travel photography can be chosen by ones who love adventure and travelling. If you’ve a passion for photography, then definitely there are plenty of options.

Tips for Freelance Linguist

Linguists are in great demand. With the emergence of multinational in India, the demand for linguist has increased tremendously. How should one move towards acquiring skills in order to become a proficient linguist? Well, one can go for a full time language course or simply focus on skills acquisition by taking a diploma course in translation. The choice is entirely yours. If you have already got a certificate in translation then start looking for a translation agency in your city.

Do some research on them and then customize your resume in accordance with the requirements of the agency. Feel free to state your beginner status and also specify what areas you would like to work upon. One would also need to show his interests and demonstrate his efforts that have been taken to build his skills.

There could be several specializations to choose from in translation. One could prefer venturing into specialist financial translator and for that he would require to read and gather enough knowledge on bonds, derivatives and other such things. One must be prepared well enough if he wishes to get business from the client. It also makes sense to learn how to pitch for the linguistic business. Apart from that, it is advisable to list yourself in online forums so that you could be easily noticed. Make yourself unique so that people are willing to take your service. It could be done by lowering your price or getting expertise in a rare subject or offer extended payment terms and being easily accessible etc

Careers in Spa Centres

Indian hospitality industry is extremely huge and a highly potential one. It is expected to be one of the biggest employers in coming years. This article will cover some interesting aspects of hospitality industry and the job opportunities it offers. The Indian hospitality industry is unique mixture of top end five-star hotels that offer luxury at steep prices and low-end hostels/hotels offering just the basic necessity like a bed and shower. India’s economic condition has improved drastically in last two decades and people have increased purchasing power which they use to splurge on luxurious items and services. In this context, some new but unusual options that were earlier unheard of have also emerged. These options are great opportunities for skilled workers.

 One option is Spas that are mushrooming in various parts of the country. The culture of spa has rapidly spread in last few years and future of this industry looks extremely bright. This industry faces lack of skilled manpower and that offers a great opportunity for skilled workers. The awareness level is still low and that deters people from going to spa courses. Indian spas offer a combination of services like yoga, Ayurveda and massage therapy. South Indian state of Kerala is famous for major spa centres. Because of emphasis on health tourism, spas are going to be next big thing.

 A spa therapist’s job profile is very interesting. He/she has to be adept at providing massages like Thai, Balinese, Swedish, Oriental and Indonesian. The other parts of the job include scrubs, facials, aromatherapy and wraps. Knowledge of manicures and pedicures is always going to be an advantage. One can expect to get Rs 5,000-6000 per month during initial period and depending upon their skills and experience they can get Rs 12,000-15,000 and even Rs 60,000-80,000 at higher level. Sky is the limit in Spa industry.

Indian IT Industry

 Indian Information Technology (IT) industry is a sunshine sector. One of the fastest growing industries in India, it has build a huge reputation in world market. The brand equity of Indian It industry is unmatched by any other emerging country. The term IT industry contains several other sectors within itself. The likes of software industry and information technology enabled services (ITES) and business process outsourcing (BPO) industry come under the umbrella brand of IT industry. Since the advent of new millennia, Indian IT industry has kept on touching new heights and has also become one of the hottest destinations for IT-enabled services.

It all started in 1974 when currently India’s number one IT Company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) shook hands with mainframe manufacturer, Burroughs to export programmers for installing system software for a U.S. client. It was a nascent stage for IT industry. But that one big step proved to be a beginning for glorious Indian IT industry. Today Indian companies like TCS, Wipro, Infosys, HCL, Tech Mahindra etc have carved a niche for themselves. They are a force to reckon with on global IT stage. Many factors contributed in growth and development of IT industry. One of them is Indian education system that places special emphasis on science, mathematics and English. These elements play a major role in IT industry. Apart from that skilled human resources have provided India with one of the largest of English-speaking professionals. The infrastructure has improved by leaps and bounds and cost is quite low compared to other countries.

Choosing the Right College

Picking the right college is very important in any student’s life. This decision is a life changing one in many aspects. One fact is quite obvious. College will be the place where you will be spending 3-6 years of life. The learning, education, brand name and experience you will get there will remain with you for the rest of your life. This particular decision about college plays a major part in deciding the fate of your career. There are few factors one needs to consider while deciding about the college.

 Choosing right college should start with location. If one is choosing college in the same city where he is residing them commuting time and proximity are the things one should take care of. If you are going outside the city to pursue your studies then you can always look for residence near your college. Getting admission into a good college with strong brand name plays a vital role in you getting a good job. Reputation of the college often saves you from years of hard work. At least, one gets the first mover advantage.

 One should also consider the fact that whether the college is offering them the desired subjects. This is quite tricky if college of your choice is not offering the wanted subjects. But if you are pretty sure of career you want then choose the reputed college that offers you the subjects. Other important aspects include faculty, fees and extra-curricular activities. We will take a look at these aspects in next post.

CLAT 2009

CLAT refers to The Common Law Admission Test. One of the most sought after course in law arena, it presents a wonderful opportunity to lakhs of students all across India. It is a course of five years and surely it is going to change lives of millions of students. This article aims to present few suggestions regarding the prestigious exam. The main segments in the paper are Mathematics, logic, English and GK. The first segment of mathematics can either be a delight or nightmare for the examinees. As far as tips are concerned, no certain pattern can be predicted or suggested. Because the level of questions asked in the section are quite elementary in nature, one need to have a firm grasp over the basic. One is advised to use the options given in the paper.

Students with intense preparation should find it easier to crack logical puzzles. One must have good reasoning ability that comes after lot of practice. Certain types of questions are a common affair in logic section of CLAT so students must prepare for them accordingly.

Talking about English, vocabulary section is going to test you in good measure. Suggestion for candidates here would be to apply logic while handling vocab section because of usage based pattern found recently. Grammar based questions should be a cake walk for those with good preparation and sound fundamentals. GK part is quite tricky because of unpredictability of the questions. Make sure to get well acquainted with current affairs apart from history lessons. Finally, give your best shot. All the best!

Industries to target

Our previous article talked about few industries that are still looking to hire. Not mentioning other industries does not mean things are entirely bleak for industries like FMCG, Power Equipment, Financial Services and Telecom. If one applies his foresight and is planning for future then one can aim at these industries. No doubt, these industries are affected but like everything recession is not here to stay for eternity. Sooner or later it will go away and another prospering economic cycle will begin.

 

For example, FMCG sector has always been known as a defensive sector. The demand for consumer goods and daily consumption goods will never face any sort of slow down. Just one look at the stock prices of FMCG companies and you will find the fall has been much lesser than overall index stocks. Taking about Telecom, Indiais the fastest growing market in world. We are adding millions of new connections every month and yet we are just half way down. This growth rate is there to stay for at least next one decade. It would be a prudent idea to join the telecom bandwagon.

 

Financial services are equally important. They have suffered a lot in the current meltdown but finding the growth rate of Indian economy and rising wealth of country as a whole will definitely give rise to more and more financial institutions. Indian people are heavily into financial investment like stocks, mutual fund, FD, insurance and other such things so this sector is bound to register phenomenal growth in future. It would be a smart idea to prepare oneself for the future and enhance the skill sets so that once the economic cycle is reversed; you are all ready to conquer all the challenges.

Job Opportunities in manufacturing Sector

Till last year, the sunshine sectors were Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector. They provided the maximum employment opportunities to the seekers. These 3 sectors combined contributed almost 55 percent to the GDP in FY’08. The growth rate was equally impressive at 10 percent per annum. However, economic recession has taken a heavy toll on these sectors. That has also impacted the contribution of service sector and now the manufacturing sector is hogging the limelight. Few industries still looking to hire in this segment are; Automotive, Pharmaceuticals and Power.

 

Indian automation industry managed to register a relatively healthy growth rate in last financial year. Like other segments, it was affected by recession as well but the announcement by auto companies of keeping the production plans intact managed to provide it sheen. Candidates with degrees in instrumentation, production, mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering are more likely to get good opportunities in this sector. Stocks of Pharmaceutical sector have outperformed the index in last 12 months. That shows the strength of this sector. Considered as a defensive sector, the sector is expected to grow at a rate of over 19 percent in next financial year. Industry is also into consolidation mode and that augurs well for Indian economy and job seekers.

 

Power sector is another sunshine sector in manufacturing segment. The power sector is expected to grow rapidly despite the onslaught of economic recession. There are many requirements in this sector for graduates with a degree/diploma in electrical, mechanical or civil engineering. Apart from the above mentioned three segments, Retail and IT sector are also expected to hire more.

Course on commodity markets

Indian commodity market has witnessed tremendous growth in last 4-5 years. Since the launch of three National Commodity Exchanges in 2003, the exponential growth witnessed by the commodity futures market has truly been extraordinary. Commodity exchange has resulted in emergence and development of several new industries like brokerage houses, clearing houses, exchanges, warehouses etc. according to one estimate total traded volume was worth Rs. 40,000 billion in 2007-08. Imagine the kind of growth seen by the industry. Also the fact that recession has affected movements in stock market; people are diversifying their portfolios in commodity futures market.

                                  

This has always been suggested that one should diversify his portfolio. This suggestion holds importance in view of risk diversion. It’s almost like never to put all your eggs in one basket. But before venturing into world of commodity market, investors must aim of acquiring a sound knowledge of commodity futures markets. That way, investors will be able to reap the rewards I the long run. Understanding the nuances of commodity market will also result in favorable risk reward ratio.

 

 Those looking for a course in commodity market can opt for NCDEX Commodity Certification Course offered by the NCDEX Institute of Commodity Markets & Research (NICR). One could not have asked for a better program to understand the nuances of commodity futures market. It’s an e-learning programme that is also the India’s first and only e-learning program on commodity market. The course material is divided into two segments of introductory segment and applied segment apart from having an e-learning module. For further information one can check into NICR’s site.

 

Career Dilemma

Job scenario is not inspiring too much of confidence. They say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. No doubt, placement scene at IITs and IIMs are always going to be good. Though slightly muted yet the students over there will manage to get the placements. But what about state level colleges? Most of the companies are postponing their recruitments and few others are taking back their offer letters. Few companies are remodeling the offer letters. Most of the fancied companies that used to offer unheard of sums can no longer be seen in sight. It also says that, what was in demand yesterday may not be so today.

 

Many students are always in dilemma about the right career choice. Most of them don’t think of the career that suits their interest, rather they focus upon which one will pay more. That’s definitely a wrong way to look at one’s career. According to one survey, a large majority of the students have already planned of a different career despite being in a diverse career currently. The thinking behind such moves is of timing one’s job prospects as per the market and economic condition. It’s almost like one is playing up with lucrative salary offer of a particular job five years down the line. That’s an ideal thinking but way beyond than realm of practicality. Our coming article will talk about few of the hot careers and viable industries even during the time of recession.