After geography, what?

Q: I got 48 per cent in my geography (hons) exam last year and also failed to clear one subject. I am appearing for the same this year. I have also done a postgraduate diploma in computer applications and a course in TALLY. I am confused about what career to opt for. Please advise.

Manna Dutta

A: I take it that you aren’t terribly keen to pursue geography? Nonetheless, with your PGDCA in hand, you can consider going into software programming, provided you have acquired good software skills.

If you wish to strengthen your background in geography with IT, then GIS can be an interesting area to consider. Although an under-penetrated niche segment, application of GIS in India, has matured with GIS being used extensively. Calcutta University offers a postgraduate diploma in GIS. You could opt for that.

You can also look at marketing and sale of IT products.

Choosing a career involves more than just finding out what is open to you. Knowing yourself is also important. Start off by looking at your values, interests and skills.

If you are still confused, or if you are not quite sure of the range of study and career options that are compatible with your interests, then take an aptitude test to help identify your strengths.

Aptitude tests are no longer a fad but a reality. Try the test, I-Opener on www.careerguidanceindia.com. This might give you some answers.

In today’s competitive scenario, nine-to- five jobs are a thing of the past. Today, right from a top honcho in a multinational company to a junior software programmer, everyone has to work for 12-15 hours.

Therefore, it’s important that you enjoy the work you do, so that you can continue doing it well ? day after day.

As far as skills are concerned, those can be picked up, if necessary.

Doing maths by correspondence

Q: I have just completed my Plus Two with commerce. I am interested in pursuing maths honours by correspondence. Could you please tell me if that’s possible and the institutes and their websites?

Name withheld

A: Fortunately, you can do it even though you had a commerce background. BSc (maths) is offered at a number of universities through the distance learning mode, including Netaji Subhas Open University, Woodburn Park, Calcutta, which offers a BSc (hons) in maths. Others like the Annamalai University, Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalainagar, University of Chennai, Institute of Correspondence Education, Centenary Buildings, Chepauk, Chennai, also offer a BSc in maths.

And barring a couple, none of the universities ask for any formal qualifications as long as you have completed your Plus Two successfully.

Clicking your way to a lucrative career

Q: I have done my Plus Two and am interested in a career in photography. What are the prospects and how do I go about it?

Dhananjay Gupta

A: With the spurt in industrialisation and commercial activity, awareness of photography and the demand for technically perfect images has grown tremendously.

As a result, photography has become quite a respected and rewarding profession. Talented and successful photographers are much sought after in social circles ? often as much as their subjects ? the glamorous models.

However, establishing yourself as a professional photographer is not a cakewalk, which is why, many talented photographers never attain the success that they deserve.

The journey can be long and arduous, and the financial returns, not very satisfactory in the beginning. Only those with tenacity and a never-say-die attitude coupled with a passion for pictures can stick it out and become successful eventually.

Since, very few full-fledged courses are available in this field, it is a good idea to work with an established photographer as an apprentice before striking out on your own.

Be prepared to lug heavy equipment and setting up lighting and props. In return though, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and master useful “insider” tips and tricks of the trade.

If you have a sharp eye for detail, composition and colour coupled with a vivid imagination and a refined sense of aesthetics, you can make a go for it. Try to develop your distinctive style which like other art forms, must come from “within’ and not from imitating others.

There are lucrative job opportunities depending on the choice of specialisation. There are as many as 20-25 specialities catering to the requirements of the industry. A talented photographer never has to sit idle.

You can choose to be either associated with a studio or be a freelancer. One can even set up one’s own studio with experience and over time. Although most of the known names in photography are self-taught, change is in the air. Sensing this, a number of photography schools have mushroomed to cater to this increased interest in photography.

While there are many things a course won’t teach you, you’ll definitely learn how to hold and use a camera, gain knowledge of the necessary angles, along with other basics of the trade.