Journalism---> Career-options

Looking for a Career Option in the Field of Journalism ?

This section features Journalism as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.

Journalism is concerned with collection and dissemination of news through the print media as well as the electronic media. This involves various areas of works like reporting, writing, editing, photographing, broadcasting or cable casting news items.

Journalism is classified into two on the basis of media-

1. Print Journalism
2. Electronic (Audio/Visual) Journalism

Print Journalism includes newspapers, magazines and journals. In print journalism one can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents etc. Electronic journalism includes working for Radio, Television and the Web. In the web, skilled people are required to maintain sites by web newspapers (which cater only to the web and do not have print editions) and popular newspapers and magazines who have their own web editions. In electronic journalism one can be a reporter, writer, editor, researcher, correspondent and anchor.

Career in journalism is a prestigious profession as well as a highly paid one. Journalist play a major role in the development of nation. It is through them that we get information about daily happenings in the society. The purpose of journalism itself is to inform and interpret, educate and enlighten the people.

The opportunities for journalists are endless and at the same time the job has become more challenging, as the new world is proving the adage that "the pen (and the camera) is mightier than the sword." Simple reporting of events is no more sufficient, more specialisation and professionalism in reporting is required. Journalists specialize in diverse areas, such as politics, finance and economics, investigation, culture and sports for newspapers and periodicals.

Personality Traits

To become a journalist one should have an inquisitive mind, will power, an aptitude for presenting information in an accurate, concise and effective manner, organize their thoughts and to express themselves clearly both orally and in writing. At the same time a journalist has to be tactful, confident and organised while interviewing people from all walks of life. They must have the ability to sift relevant facts from the irrelevant. The ability to accept criticism and willingness to do considerable rewriting are also necessary.

Courses/Training

Courses in Journalism are

Diploma Courses

• Diploma Course in Journalism & Mass Communication
• Diploma Course in Rural Journalism
• Diploma in Administrative Drafting & Reporting in Hindi
• Diploma in Communication & Media Development
• Diploma In Communication, Journalism and Public Relations
• Diploma in Folkloric & Journalism
• Diploma In Journalism
• Diploma In Mass Media
• Diploma in Mass Media In Urdu
• Diploma In Media Communication

Post Graduate Courses 

• Post Graduate Course in Communication
• Post Graduate Course in Hindi Journalism
• Post Graduate Course in Journalism
• Post Graduate Course in Mass Communication & Journalism
• Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism
• Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism & Communication
• Post Graduate Diploma In Journalism, Public Relations And Advertising
• Post Graduate Diploma In Mass Communication & Electronic Journalism
• Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Media
• Post Graduate Diploma in Rural & Tribal Communication
• Post Graduate Programme In Communication

Other Courses 

• B.A with Journalism
• B.A with Mass Communication
• B.A with Mass Communication & Journalism
• B.A with Mass Communication & Journalism in Hindi
• Bachelor Of Journalism
• Bachelor Of Mass Communication
• Bachelor Of Mass Communication & Journalism
• Certificate Course in Journalism
• Course in Mass Communication & Journalism
• Course In Photo Journalism
• Course in Sports Journalism
• Course In Television Journalism
• M.A in Journalism
• M.A in Journalism & Mass Communication
• Master Diploma In Journalism & Communication
• Master Of Journalism With Cinema Studies
• Master's Degree In Journalism And Public Relations
• Master's Degree in Mass Communication & Journalism

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree or post-graduate degree in journalism/mass communication is required to pursue a career in this field. Additional course work, specialized training or experience, fieldwork or intern-ship increases one's opportunities in the field. There are a number of universities and institutes offering training in journalism.

Minimum eligibility for Bachelor degree in journalism is 10+2 and for Post graduate degree courses a Bachelor degree in journalism. Some institutes also provide one year certificate courses in journalism for which eligibility is 10+2. There are also courses in specialized areas of journalism like sports, television, photo, press law etc.

No course or training can claim to make one, a journalist. The courses train persons in the technical aspects only, to ensure one's success in the field one must have an inborn ability to write and produce new stories in correct, concise and interesting style. Latest trend in this regard is that big groups of newspapers advertise the posts of trainees for which all graduates are eligible. After conducting the entrance examination, suitable graduate trainees, with flair for writing are selected and employed. In other words, now the formal academic qualification for being a reporter, copy writer or correspondent is not essential.

Placements And Prospects

They can find employment with newspapers, periodicals and magazines, central information service, press information bureau, websites, AIR and TV channels like Doordarshan, ZEE TV, Star TV etc. At the same time they can do freelancing. One can also take up this career as a part time employment along with any other field of work.

Journalists can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents, staff or freelance writer, photojournalists, proofreaders, news analysts etc. in print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic (Radio, Television and Web) media.

Remuneration

The minimum salary as per government directive has to be Rs. 5500 to Rs. 9000 for reporters and senior reporters, Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,500 for the chief reporters and sub-editors, and Rs. 7500 to 12000 for editors. Actual salaries offered depend on the company one is working with, and can be anything from very high to very low.

Travel and stay expenses as well as allowances are additional with all pay packets. Freelancers are paid for each piece of work they submit.

Law ---> Career-options

Looking for a Career Option in the Field of Law ?

 This section features Law as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.

Legal profession is one of the growing and lucrative professions all over the world. It is one of the most adventurous as well as exciting career. Lawyers are held in high esteem in our society, and there remains the faith that when all else fails, one can still take recourse to the legal system. In our daily life in one way or other we may come across situations where legal advice is required. In such situation we need the advice of a legal professionals who analyse and interpret law properly.

Lawyers counsel clients about their legal rights and suggest course of action in a particular matter. They also advise clients and draw up legal documents, such as wills and contracts and conduct negotiations on legal matters, and may represent clients in court and tribunal proceedings.

Academic excellence is not the main thing behind the success in this profession. Professional competence acquired through experience and practice with efficient lawyers is the main yardstick of success.

There are various areas of specialisation in this field which one can choose from like corporation law, civil law, criminal law, international law, labour law, patent law, tax law and so on.

There are number of institutions and universities conducting courses in law. The most premier among law universities in India is National Law School Of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore. Admission to NLSIU is through an All India Admission Test held usually on first Sunday in May. University College Bangalore, Government College Mumbai, ILS law college and Symbiosis college, Pune and Faculty of Law of Delhi University, Aligarh Muslim University etc are some of the other leading legal Institutions in India.

Personality Traits

Success in this profession is not based on marks one obtain in the exam, but it is very much related to personal attributes. One must have good oral and written communication skills, logical reasoning, power of concentration, patience, good memory to relate and quote past cases to prove your point, ability to argue and discuss matters with a variety of people, self confidence, courage to deal with threats especially in criminal cases etc. He should have up-to-date information on any changes in law. A good library and a fair amount of reading is also important.

Courses/Training

In addition to LL.B. degree, many universities and institutes also offer other diploma courses in several disciplines of law, including Administrative Law, International Law, Labour Laws, Tax Laws and Corporate Laws.

There are various branches of specialisation in law like civil law, criminal law, corporate law, property law, income tax law, marine law, public international law, family law, labour law, press law, excise law, constitutional law, administration law, sale of goods law, trade mark, copyright and patent law etc. one can choose from.

Eligibility

Minimum qualification to go for a course in law (LLB) is 10+2. Course duration is of 5 years and is sponsored by the Bar Council Of India.
P.G. Programmes in law (LLM) are of 2 years duration & eligibility is LLB degree

Placements And Prospects

They can find employment in various courts of law, in government service both Central and State government, as teachers, as legal advisors in various companies, business houses, organisations etc. They also do private practice as legal advisors, advocates, solicitors etc.

One who wishes to become an advocate and practice law as a profession in India, should enroll with the local State Central Bar council. An application for admission as an advocate shall be made in the prescribed form to the State Bar Council within whose jurisdiction the applicant proposes to practice. The Bar Council of India and the State Bar Councils forms a self contained code of law for legal professionals practicing in India. Lawyers can find employment in a variety of positions in the Government Service as well as other fields. Lawyer can also work as legal counsel and legal advisers for firms, organizations and families. They can work as trustees of various trusts, as teachers, law reporters, company secretary and so on. Opportunities exist in the defense services too. Additional qualification along with law degree offers scope for a wide range of employment opportunities.

1. Government ServicesLawyers are appointed in central services ( Indian legal service) through UPSC on grounds of their experience in the field. Post covered under Indian legal service are Law officers, Assistant Advisors, Dy. Legal Advisors and Legal Advisors.
   State legal service appoints lawyers through SPSC exams in senior position in State police/Revenue/Judicial Departments. The basic qualification is degree in law, besides a degree in Arts / Science / Commerce / Agriculture. Average age limit is between 21 to 30 years.
   In the judiciary, the posts are that of the magistrate, district and sessions judge, munsifs (sub-magistrate), public prosecutor, solicitors, attorney general, advocate general, notary and oath commissioner. There are also legal secretaries appointed in assemblies, law inspectors, legal officers in banks, judicial members of income tax, sales tax and excise departments, government advocates and staff in the registrar of companies' office. The examination for these posts take place periodically & is advertised as and when the vacancies occur.
2. Magistrate and Sub-MagistrateA candidate who qualifies in the Law Service Commission or State Public Service Commission is eligible for appointment as Magistrate and Sub-Magistrate ( munsif). While magistrate presides over criminal court, munsif delivers judgment on civil cases. Promotion may take a person higher up to sub-judge, District and Sessions Courts Judge and further (depending upon seniority and vacancy) to appointments in High Courts and the Supreme Court.
3. Public DefendersAt the state, federal and local level, public defenders serve as court-appointed attorneys for those who cannot afford an attorney.
4. Public Prosecutor
   Govt. Pleaders represent the State in sessions courts and lends advice to officers in districts in all legal matters when called for.
5. Solicitor
   Advices the government on legal matters and submit statement of important cases to Attorney General of India for his opinion or appearance in the Supreme court as necessary. A Solicitor General makes sure that the Attorney General performs his duties properly.
6. Attorney General
   Attorney general appointed by the president advices the government of India on such legal matters as may be assigned to him by the president. He has the right of audience in all courts of India and participate in the proceedings of Parliament without the right to vote.
7. Advocate General
   Similar to the post of Attorney General at centre, each state has an Advocate General appointed by State Governors. These offices generally prosecute cases that have statewide significance and work with local District Attorney's offices in the prosecution of cases. One of the best ways to gain trial experience quickly after graduation is to work at a state attorney's office.
8. District Attorney
   Assistant State Attorneys (also called district attorneys) are primarily responsible for criminal matters and prosecution. The District Attorney is usually an elected official. Depending upon the size of the District Attorney's office, they may have multiple units that focus upon different types of crime such as domestic violence, homicide, appellate work or sex crimes. If you work with a smaller District Attorney's office, you may have the option of handling diverse caseloads.
9. Notary, Oath Commissioner
   A notary is a legal practitioner of at least ten years experience in the profession. He is appointed on application to Central, State government to draw, verify, authenticate, certify and attest the execution of any deed. Oath commissioner is another established authority similar to the notary.
10. Legal Advisers
    Public sector undertakings and state and central government organisations also employ lawyers as advisers.
11. Other fields
    Lawyer can also work as legal counsel and legal advisers for firms, organizations and families. They can work as trustees of various trusts, as teachers, law reporters, company secretary and so on. Opportunities exist in the defense services too. Additional qualification along with law degree offers scope for a wide range of employment opportunities.
12. Defence Service
    They can work in the legal branches of defence departments such as the Indian army, Navy and Air force. They conduct courts of enquiry and court martials of offending service personnel governed by the particular legislation acts.
13. Legal Advisors
    They work in legal departments of firms or for private clients. Legal advisors counsel their clients as to their legal rights and obligations and suggest the appropriate course of action in business and personal matters. They also check deeds, issue writs, collect information for affidavits and draft legal documents.
14. Advocate
    An advocate practises in the court of law. He represents a party (individual, group of individuals or a company) in a court of law. They present the facts of the case to the judge, cross examine witnesses and finally sum up the reasons as to why the court should decide in their clients' favour.
15. Solicitor
    Solicitor is a kind of advisor to clients on a variety of matters that involves law. Solicitors explain the cases of his clients to the advocates. Solicitors need never appear in court directly. Solicitor's firms undertake cases related to their area of work.
16. Teacher
    Those with a good aptitude and taste for teaching, can go for LL.M and take up job in any University or Institute offering law courses to students.
17. Writer
    If he has a flair for writing may act as an author and produce journals and legal commentaries and bring out law reports. They can write articles for magazines, news papers etc.
18. Company Secretary 
    A law graduate and/or a member of the Institute of Company Secretaries can be employed as a company secretary in a firm.

Remuneration

Salaries of experienced attorneys vary widely according to the type, size, and location of their employer. Initially an articled clerk or apprentice earns a stipend of Rs 2,200/- This will increase substantially over years of experience. In the government judicial service salaries range from Rs 2,000-4,000. A sub judge earns Rs 5,500 along with the usual allowances and perquisites applicable to government employees. Most salaried lawyers are provided health and life insurance, and contributions are made on their behalf to retirement plans. The private legal practitioner earns comparatively handsome amounts

Information Technology ---> Career-options

Looking for Career Option as Information Technology ? 

This section features information technology as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.

This is Information Technology age. Now days, computers are used in not only corporate world but also in other fields from exploration of space to the food processing, in banking or in any communication field.

Two main sections are in Information Technology as given below:

Hardware:

The physical elements of the computer are included in this and deal with the manufacturing, designing, and the maintenance of computer system.

Functional areas in the Hardware are:

• Manufacturing
• Maintenance
• Research and Development
• Management

Software:

Set of instructions are included in this through which computer can perform the given task. This contains the work such as designing the programs.

Functional areas in Software:

• Manufacture
• Software development:
• Data entry:
• Programmers/Coders:
• Application programmers:
• Support services:

Personality Traits

The individual who wants to enter in this field must have the following personal traits:

• Willingness and flexibility for learning new things, new technologies and adopting methods of the work
• Ability to focus and concentrate
• Logical thinking
• Creativity
• Organizational and administrative abilities
• Accuracy
• Confidence
• Ready to work for long hours and ability to work hard
• High intellectual capacity
• Ability to take decisions
• Ability to gel well with people and good communicational skills

Courses/Training

Since this is a specialized field and therefore requires technical and academic skills. In different institutions different courses are available. Following are the courses are given for this field:

• Bachelor in Computer Applications (BCA)
• B.Tech and B.E
• Bachelor in Science with Computers (B.Sc)
• Masters in System Management
• Masters in Computer Applications (MCA)
• M.Sc in computers
• M.Tech
• Certification Courses
• Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications
• Diploma in Computer Applications
• DOEACC's O, A, B, C level courses.

Institutions

• Department of Computer Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi-630003.
• Department of Computer Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi-630003.
• Department of Computer Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi-630003.
• Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Annamalai University, Anna- malainagar - 608 002
• Department of Computer Science, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam - 530003.
• Department of Computer Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappali;
• Post-graduate Department of Computer Science, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal
• Department of Computer Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - 333 031;
• Department of Computer Science, University of Delhi, Delhi -110007.
• Of Computer Science, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar-125 001, Haryana.
• Institute of Computer Science, Guru Ghasidas University, Balaspur - 495 009.
• Department of Computer Science, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad-500 046.
• Institute of Computer Science and Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025.
• Department of Computer Science, University of Mysore, Mysore-570 006.
• Department of Computer Science, University of Jammu, Dr. B.R. Ambedker Marg, Jammu-180004.
• Department of Computer Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500 036.
• Centre for Computer Science and Engineering, Anna University, Chennai.
• Department of Computer Science, Madurai Kamaraj Univeristy, Palkalainagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu - 625021
• School of Computer Science, Kakatiya University, Warangal- 506 009.
• School of Computer Enginee-ring, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Mahaveer Marg, Hyderabad- 500 008.
• Department of Computer Science, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishakapathi, Thirunelveli
• Department of Computer Science, Kurukshetra Univer-sity, Kurukshetra - 136 119;
• Institute of Computer Science, University of Madras, Chepauk Chennai-600005.

Placements And Prospects

Numbers of activities are included in the Information Technology such as Office Automation, Computing, and Telecommunication, therefore it gives number of job opportunities in different fields and so they have right qualification.

Fashion---> Career-options

Looking for a Career Option in the Field of Fashion ? 

This section features Fashion as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.

India which has always been a centre for the textile and garment trade is also growing into a centre of innovation in garment and accessory design. Fashion technology has a wide scope for choosing a career. Now the fashion industry has become so specialized that it encompasses a vast field of studies in design, concept management, design production management, quality control, planning, fabric design, printing, fashion accessory design, fashion merchandising, textile science, colour mixing, marketing and so on. The primary areas of work in the fashion industry are market research, designing and manufacturing of garments and textiles. Fashion design is the most important area of work in fashion industry. Designing involves creating original designs after studying the changing trends of the market i.e market research. It has various fields of specialisation like garments, footwear, jewellery and even luggage. It is a challenging field as it requires the coordination of various jobs, in small concerns it is usually a one man show but in big organisations the jobs are specialised and allotted to different people. Manufacturing involves purchasing textiles and fabrics required for the design and making the garment according to the master pattern. Manufacturing process requires employment of a large number of trained personnel

Fashion technology education is designed to train students in the core garment manufacturing technology. The basic inputs are in areas of design and management with main emphasis on technology helping students become aware of Information Technology (IT) and its application in the fashion industry. Higher level programmers in fashion technology are designed to train students to excel in understanding and integrating the areas of technology and management for appral manufacturing.

Personality Traits

Fashion designer should have self-confidence, ambition, adaptability  an eye for detail, flair for anticipating new trends and exceptional business flair or unlimited capital. For the fashion designer certain other traits are-manual dexterity, visual imagination, sense of colour, a photographic memory for details, sufficient technical ability to grasp the intricacies of cutting, creative genius, ability for working in a group and willingness to do routine boring work during training period,ability to draw beautifully is not necessary, but basic aptitude for visual expression-drawing, painting, exploring colour and texture is important for fashion designing.

Courses/Training

The courses include Graduate, Post graduate, Certificate and Diploma in the following areas: 

• Accessory designing and fashion designing 
• Garment Manufacturing Technology 
• Apparel marketing and Merchandising 
• Leather and Garment Design and Technology 
• Knitwear Design and Technology 
• Textile Design and Development 
• Fashion Journalism and Presentation

Training

The training also includes intern-ship in an organization which gives the students industry functions. Training is usually imparted keeping in mind the demands of the international market. Most training institutes have the latest technologies including laboratories, workshops, design and research centres  libraries, computers and information about the latest development in the industry. Prominent institutes in Fashion Technology are National institute of Fashion technology (NIFT), National Institute of Design (NID), International Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi (IIFT); IEC School of Art and Fashion, New Delhi; Indian Institute of Art and Fashion Technology (IIAFT), Mumbai; Pearl Academy of fashion, New Delhi; J.D Institute of fashion Technology, New Delhi.

Eligibility

Minimum eligibility for the Undergraduate course in this field is 10+2 with 50% marks and for Post Graduate courses graduation. In the prominent institutes, admission is strictly on merit- through written test, situation test, group discussion and interview. These courses are aimed at understanding concepts related to costume, jewellery, leather goods and many other similar products where fashion matters.
While 10+2 is sufficient for Accessory designing and Fashion Designing, Graduates are preferred for other courses.

Placements And Prospects

The candidates after successful completion of the course can find excellent placements in garment, leather and jewellery industry as merchandising executives, fashion designers, illustrators, fashion co-coordinators, etc. Export houses, textile mills, garment store chains, boutiques, leather companies, jewellery houses, fashion show organisers also look for such candidates. Fashion professionals are working on their own or they attached to fashion houses or garment export units, to the film industry,to the theatre or to electronic media.

Flairs is an important quality for professionals in fashion industry , whether it is in discipline of design or in marketing  fashion forecasting, organising and staging of shows, fashion coordination, communication or management.

The fashion industry's full of glamour but there is a lot of hard work. it offers tremendous creative satisfaction, frame and money too. Many successful professionals in the industry have come up without formal training but training is important today as the business becomes competitive day by day. success in the world of fashion is linked to flair, initiative and enterprise.

Remuneration

The best bet for a beginner is to get associated with an established designer or design house, and begin with doing the menial work. Most trainee designers get a stipend of around Rs. 4000, but what you can learn in terms of working knowledge is immense. Working as a part of a design team fetches around Rs.12,000 a month.

CFA ---> Career-options

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Looking for a Career Option as a Chartered Financial Analyst ? This section features Chartered Financial Analyst as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.

Liberalization and globalization have brought about a sea change in the financial services sector. The scope of the financial services broadly covers money market operations, merchant banking services, international banking services, portfolio management, lease financing, mergers, acquisitions buy-outs mutual funds, factoring services, etc. Chartered financial analysts (CFA) utilize their managerial skills in the core areas of corporate finance, investment management, international finance and financial services. Their training and skills are useful for providing a host of financial services.
The constantly developing industrial scenario has created a demand for experts in the field of finance. This has created a niche that can be filled by a person specially trained to handle financial matters with all its ramifications. In order to fulfill this need, a training programme called the Chartered Financial Analyst programme has been brought into being by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts. The qualification of a CFA is not merely an additional qualification; it is a specialization that gives a person a distinct advantage over others in the field. The CFA course enjoys wide recognition all over the country. In fact, bank employees who have completed the CFA course are exempted from appearing for certain papers in the various examinations that they are required to appear for.

Personality Traits

Keen, analytical inquisitive mind, imagination, objectivity, flexibility and agility in thought processes, good judgment, tact, discretion, numerical ability, broad perspective, interest in current affairs, intellectual maturity, strength of purpose and capacity for long hours of complex mental work meet the demands of this professional course.

Courses/Training

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional programme in Financial Management and Analysis offered through distance learning as:

1. Regular CFA Programme (3 years)
2. Accelerated CFA Programme (2 years)

Eligibility criteria is that the candidate should be a Graduate, Management student or a working executive and professional.
The CFA programme is offered on a distance-learning basis and is open to all those applicants who satisfy the eligibility criteria. There is no Admission Test for enrolling. As the CFA Programme is offered on a distance learning basis, admission is open throughout the year. The propectus and appliaction materilas, which are issued from time to time, are monitored so that enrolments are synchronized with the examination schedule.
CFA Foundation Course (CFA-FC) is a 6 months course offered to Degree and Engineering College students to provide a strong base in Financial Accounting and Economics.
The ICFAI University provides comprehensive study package specially designed for independent study. The comprehensive courseware includes high quality textbooks, workbooks and the analyst magazine as a continuous learning input. Further, in order to supplement the candidates' efforts through self study, the ICFAI University provides an opportunity to the candidates to attend training classes at scheduled centers. Attending these training classes is optional.
The training classes are conducted at the following centers:
Agra, Allahabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jabalpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nasik, New Delhi, Noida, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Thane, Trivandrum, Vadodara, Vijayawada and Vishakapatnam. Candidates who plan to attand teh training classes are required to pay the specified fees.
Executive CFA Programme
The ICFAI university through its constituent, the ICFAI Business School (IBS) offers the CFA Programme on a campus format. This is a 2 year campus based programme offered both on a full time and part time basis.
This programme is open to :

• Graduates (any discipline)
• Final Level students of CA, CWA, CS and other PG and CAs, CWAs, Company Secretaries and other Postgraduates (any discipline).
• Working Executives, Entrepreneurs, Bankers, Civil Servants, Consultants, provided they are graduates.

The executive CFA programme is offered on a classroom instruction basis in the following two formats:

• Full Time Executive CFA Programme (2 years)
• Part Time Executive CFA Programme (2 years)

The ICFAI University will be awarding the Master Of Science (Finance) Degree to all the successful candidates. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) and Bhartidasan University have recognised CFA Programme as equivalent to a Master's Degree while considering application for admission to Ph.D Programmes in Management.
ICFAI has established close networking relationship with leading educational institutions and professional bodies across the world. ICFAI represents India in the Asian Securities Analysts Federation (ASAF) based in Sydney, Australia. ICFAI is a member of International Council for Open and Distance Education, Oslo, Norway. ASAF is a member of the International Council Of Investment Associations (ICIA), which is the international organization for securities analysts' societies.

Placements And Prospects

CFAs can seek exciting career opportunities in several fields. The economic liberalization and globalization have become twin engines of growth. In this new era, adequately trained and qualified finance professionals have promising prospects in the corporate sector and the financial services industry.
Following are the exciting fields, which the CFAs can choose:

1. Corporate Finance & Control Corporate Finance & Control is fast emerging as a specialized function in many companies and the routine accounting function is being delinked from the finance function. A career in corporate finance centers around mobilization and utilization of financial resources for short-term and long-term purposes from domestic and overseas markets through a proper mix of debt and equity, with the goal of optimizing returns. Treasury management has become an integral part of corporate finance.
   
2. International Finance & Risk Management With the introduction of convertibility of rupee on current account, the importance of international finance has considerably increased. Further, the prospect of introducing convertibility on the capital account appears bright. Growing exports and imports require a thorough understanding of international finance. Several companies are looking for professionals who understand the nuances of international finance, international capital markets and risk management.
   
3. Investment Management With the freeing of interest rates and free pricing of issues, the capital markets and the money markets have witnessed the introduction of new instruments and intense interplay of demand and supply forces which have increased the volume of activity in these markets. Investors entrust their funds to mutual funds with trained and experienced portfolio managers. A portfolio manager's job is very challenging since it involves the balancing of risks and rewards through skillful shuffling of the portfolio and maximizing the return on investment. With the significant growth of the mutual fund industry, there is a growing demand for portfolio managers.
   
4. Investment Banking and Financial Services Investment banking is a growing field, which offers advisory services to corporate clients on restructuring, capital structure decisions, IPOs and raising funds through Euro issues and private placements. Financial Services include financial consultancy services, advice and negotiation with regard to merges and acquisitions, formulation of nursing programmes and rehabilitation packages for revival of sick units. Additionally, several asset-based financing products like leasing and hire purchase also form part of Financial Services. Other allied services include stock brokering, National Stock Exchange (NSE) dealership, marketing of public issues, share registry, credit rating, providing venture capital assistance, loan syndication, etc.
   
5. Information Technology With the growing application of Information Technology in business organizations, the career opportunities for finance professionals with IT skills are increasing at a very rapid pace. To keep abreast with the impact of IT revolution, more and more CFAs and finance professionals are getting trained in high-end ERP packages like SAP, Oracle applications, Baan etc.
   
6. Placement Services The CFA Programme is a career-oriented professional certification programme. This career-orientation is built into the design and administration of the CFA Programme. The body of knowledge, curriculum design, education methodology, examination and grading process, all have a thrust on improving the skills for new career opportunities of the candidates. ICFAI provides advice and assistance to the CFAs in getting suitable placements. ICFAI constantly interacts with industry representatives at various for including Seminars, Conventions, Executive Education Programmes, Placement Conferences etc and the networks with them for placement of the CFAs.
   The potential employers are apprised of the relevance and utility of the CFAs in finance and allied areas. The profiles of the CFAs are made available to potential employers. The CCFA membership directory, which covers the profiles of the CFAs, is extensively circulated among employers and placement agencies. Placement meets will be organized at select cities. All candidates who enroll into the CFA Programme will be provided guidance in career planning. Through workshops and other career guidance support, the CFA candidates will be equipped to augment their placement potential. ICFAI believes that the entire placement exercise is a joint effort between ICFAI and the candidates. While ICFAI gives the guidance and support and networks with potential employers, the candidates have the responsibility to put in maximum possible efforts to get suitable placement.

Biotechnology ---> Career-options

Biotechnology

Looking for a Career Option as a Biotechnology ? This section features biotechnology as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.

Bio-Technology is a combination of Biology and Technology and related to research science. Numbers of subjects are covered under this technology such as Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Engineering and Chemistry. Many other subjects are also included such as Animal Husbandry and Agriculture, Medicine and Health, Crop Management and Cropping system, Ecology, Cell Biology, Bio-statistics, Soil science and Soil Conservation, Seed Technology , Plant Physiology, etc. Living things such as bacteria and cells in the industrial process are used in the biotechnology. The scope of this is growing in India and in abroad.

Biotechnologist does many applications such as developing medicine, diagnostics and a vaccine, increasing the productivity, improves conservation and production of energy.

Personality Traits

A biotechnologist has scientific aptitude and interest in the al the sciences related to this technology. Biologist should be patient and methodical by the nature, should work neatly and correctly and have a talent for the laboratory related work. They should have the ability to work separately and also have the ability to apply computers in the work is also so important. Solving problem, technical skill, interpreting and analyzing the skills are the extra skills of biotechnologist.

This is fast growing subject. This technology has the vast scope in the future. Bio-technologists can work with agriculture, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, and the related industries. They also employed in the areas of production, planning, and the management of the bio-processing industries. The students of biotechnology in the India may do the work in government entities such as universities, institutes or at the private centers as research scientists or the assistant companies like food manufacturing, pharmaceutical firms, agricultural or aquaculture companies.

Institutions

• Lovely Professional University, Punjab, (Punjab)
• Microtek College of Paramedical Science, Varanasi, (Uttar Pradesh)
• Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, (Andhra Pradesh)
• Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, (Punjab)
• Patna University, Patna, (Bihar)
• Sai College Of Medical Science & Technology, (Uttar Pradesh)
• Sindhu Mahvidyalaya, (Maharashtra)
• University of Madras, Chennai, (Tamil Nadu)
• Lovely Professional University, Punjab, (Punjab)
• Microtek College of Paramedical Science, Varanasi, (Uttar Pradesh)
• A.P.S. University, Rewa, (Madhya Pradesh)
• Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, (Uttar Pradesh)
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, (Delhi)
• Amravati University, Amravati, (Maharashtra)
• Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, (Andhra Pradesh)
• Aquinas- Avila-Siena (Cluster Colleges), Edacochin, (Kerala)
• Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, (Uttar Pradesh)
• Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, (Tamil Nadu)
• Cochin University Of Science & Technology, Kochi, (Kerala)
• College of Engineering, Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management, Visakhapatnam, (Andhra Pradesh)
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, (Madhya Pradesh)
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, (Maharashtra)
• Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, (Madhya Pradesh)
• Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, (Uttaranchal)
• Rai University, Raipur, (Chattisgarh)
• Sahrdaya College of engineering and Technology, Thrissur, (Kerala)

Placements And Prospects

As the popularity increases, the opportunity in this field also increases. You may be teacher, research scientist, marketing manager, quality control officer, science Writer, Bioinformists, or the production in-charge in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry.

Banking ---> Career-options

Banking

Looking for a Career Option in the Field of Banking ? This section features Banking as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.

Banking has emerged as one of the most challenging sectors in the country. Openings are available at various levels, from Bank Clerical to Probationary Officers (PO). There is great job security and the salary is very good, besides the perquisites of loans for employees. It is a lucrative career: till recently careers existed only in nationalised banks, but with liberalisation, a host of private banks have been set up. As a result, demand for trained professionals has increased substantially. The private banks offer better salaries but then the job security is also less.

Personality Traits

A clear logical mind, alertness, ability to take initiative, friendliness, assertiveness, diplomacy, capacity to motivate team members, efficiency, sincerity, drive, tact, sound knowledge of the banking system with up-to-date knowledge of recent developments, adaptability, dynamism and result-oriented outlook.

The person should have a mathematical aptitude. Employees joining as officers should be able to lead, motivate and manage the bank staff. Good verbal and written communication skills help in effective interaction with the clients as well as the staff. Integrity and honesty play a major role in all dealings related to money, staff and clients. A person responsible for foreign exchange transactions needs to have a sharp, quick and analytical mind.

Entry Process

Selection procedure for RBI

The Reserve Bank of India is the topmost financial institution in India which makes all the policies and regulations for the other banks. It conducts tests for three types of entry level positions:

1. Clerical grade
2. Grade A officers
3. Grade B officers

The entry point for clerical staff is in the cash department as examiners of coins and notes. They are promoted to the next grade when they successfully clear the relevant examinations after 5-10 years of service.

There is an All India Exam conducted for class I posts. Graduates, Post Graduates, CA's, MBA's in the 21-26 years of age group are eligible. The candidates are tested in logical reasoning, mental ability, numerical aptitude and general English.

The examination is in parts.

1. Paper I is a written test comprising of General Mental Ability (Objective type).
2. Paper II is a subjective one which has English Essays/Comprehension/Precise writing etc. Paper III is on Economics and Social problems.

Selected candidates are shortlisted for an interview which forms the basis for the final selection.

Selection procedure for other Nationalised Banks

Recruitment for the public sector banks is done through the Banking Service Recruitment Boards (BSRBs). The advertisements for recruitment appear in newspapers as well as the Employment News. Recruitment is done on the basis of a written test, which consists of:

1. Test of Reasoning
2. Quantitative Aptitude
3. General Awareness
4. English Language
5. Descriptive Test

The test is qualifying in nature and the marks obtained are not added in the final merit list. Except for the descriptive portion, all other sections contain objective-type questions. In Reasoning, there is verbal and non-verbal sections. In English, the test is aimed at judging the overall comprehension and understanding of the language. The descriptive paper can be answered in English or Hindi. It judges the written expression of the candidates. All sections must be qualified.

Foreign banks pick up their personnel management institutes, from interviews held in the premier management institutes, from among finance professionals such as Chartered Accountants, Cost and Works Accountants and Chartered Financials Analysts and also from the fold of experienced personnel of the apex financial institutions and public sector commercial banks. Private banks recruit Officer Trainees from amongst first class graduates, Management Trainees from amongst MBAs, and also recruit experienced personnel from the banking sector for middle and higher management positions.

One can do a specialised course in banking from a number of universities offering such courses. The eligibility criteria is different for different courses and candidates are advised to check these out directly from the universities concerned.

Placements And Prospects

As banking is a growing industry, the job prospects are good. In nationalised banks, one can expect regular promotions while in private banks it is performance that is rewarded. Promotions may be swift for deserving candidates. But it is not necessary to be a banking professional only to get into banks. As financial services are getting automated, the industry requires a large number of computer experts, both in computer maintenance and software. Private computer service contractors are also in great demand. It would be important to have a BE or MCA degree for such jobs.

Foreign banks and private banks mostly operate through branches in the metropolitan cities. Promotions are linked to a highly motivated, result-oriented and dynamic approach.

One reason to be excited about banking as a career is the rapid change taking place. Not only is there fresh competition, but technology promises to change the face of banking forever. The jobs are becoming comfortable, in the sense that the physical environment is pleasing and computerisation has taken the load off tedious jobs such as balancing accounts. As competition increases, a good banker will certainly be in great demand.

In the overall analysis, banking offers great scope for initiative and public service. Direct contact with people in the discharge of their duties helps bankers to keep their fingers on the pulse of the public. By their sincerity and efficiency they are able to win respect and standing in society.

Air Hostess ---> career-options

Air Hostess

Looking for a Career Option as a member of Cabin Crew (Air Hostess/Flight Steward)? This section features Air Hostess/Flight Steward as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.

The air hostess and/or flight steward (also referred to as cabin crew), are the first people to welcome passengers aboard an aircraft. They welcome and greet every passenger. They help them to supervise their seating arrangements and help them in arranging their hand baggage in the proper manner. Once all the passengers have come in they set about ensuring the safety-belt arrangements and demonstrate the use of emergency equipment. They make the necessary announcements over the public address system. Their duties and responsibilities start much before the arrival of the passengers by checking that blankets, pillows, magazines, newspapers, etc are in good order in their proper places.

Air hostesses and flight stewards have to be on duty throughout the duration of the flight looking after passengers in general and taking special care of air-sick travellers, sick children and babies; and also the elderly people or very young who are travelling alone. They provide first aid should the situation arise. They serve meals to passengers and crew and after the meal clear the dishes and check again that all passengers have been served all the items. They work continuously and efficiently during the flight in the confined space of the cabin with a good humour.

Depending on the routes they fly, cabin crew may get to do a lot of sightseeing; the longer the route the higher are the chances of sightseeing as crews often change planes at 'slip points' or step overs. At these times they stay at luxury hotels at the airlines' expense.

Personality Traits

Common sense a sense of responsibility, ability to handle crisis, initiative, helpful, friendly nature, physical stamina and the capacity to work with speed and efficiency, systematic approach, attractive appearance, a well modulated pleasant voice, and a proportionate figure with good posture and bearing are important traits for cabin crew.

Eligibility

Airlines recruit cabin crew (air hostess/ flight stewards) on the basis of certain eligibility criteria:

1. Age : Below 25 years
2. Height : Minimum height should be 154.5-157.5 cm (barefeet)for air hostess and 170-180 cms for flight steward
3. Weight : Proportionate to height as per the company's standards
4. Status(marital) : Unmarried
5. Vision : Preferably normal eyesight without glasses;or minimum uncorrected vision (distant) should be 6/24 in each eye.
6. Educational : Graduate degree from a recognised university, or Plus Two/Equivalent with 3 year diploma in Hotel Management and Catering from a recognised institute.
7. Knowledge of the national language and at least one international language(English) is essential.
8. The applicant should be physically fit with a pleasing personality and clear complexion.

Courses/Training

After completing the initial screening of applicants private airlines company may invite them for a written examination, usually of the objective type (multiple choice). Those who qualify in the written test have to appear for a group discussion followed by a personal interview of successful candidates.

Trainee cabin crew undergo training in catering, first aid, general airborne procedures, documentation (dealing with the flight documents they have to complete after each flight), use of the public address system and technical details of aircraft pressurization and ventilation. They are given lessons in the use of safety equipment and the emergency drill. At first the practical work is taught on firm ground ; later on they have to gain flight practice flying as an extra or supernumerary.

Placements And Prospects

With privatisation and many international airlines flying to Indian destinations, cabin crew are being recruited not just by the domestic airlines, but also by foreign airlines. The different airlines advertise their openings.

The different airlines include private owned domestic and international airlines namely Sahara, Singapore airlines, Jet Airways etc and government air services like Air India and Indian Airlines. Interested candidates must keep a lookout for the advertisements and apply as per the specifications. A resume accompanied by a photograph in a walk-in interview to the recruiting airline.

An Air Hostess has every chance to be promoted to the post of Senior Flight Attendant and then Head Attendant. Career as an Air Hostess would last for about eight to ten years, after that she could move on to the ground duties including the job of a Ground Hostess, Check Hostess, training of airhostess or work in the management level. One can also diversify into any one of the other departments in the airline industry.

The span of their flying career as symbols of hospitality may tend to be contractual, but experienced cabin crew are successfully absorbed in alternative careers in travel and tourism, hotels and in mass media, to name a few prominent options.