HOW ABOUT A CAREER IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECTOR?
Computer industry
The computer industry is growing at a phenomenal rate. The first computer came to India in 1956 and it was installed at the ISI, Calcutta. However, it was only two decades later, things really began to change.
The growth of the computer industry has been possible largely due to the declining trend in the prices of computers and a steep increase in the performance and the introduction of the personal computer in India. Today computers have pervaded nearly every sphere of our lives- the newspaper which you read in the morning is formatted and edited through computers, the radio and TV news you hear is made possible by computers and communication networks through satellites, the bill which you get at some hotels and shops is due to computers, the trains that you travel by are scheduled by computers, the cloths that you wear are mostly designed or manufactured with the help of computers, the traffic signal lights you see at major road junctions are coordinated with the help of computers, computerization has been introduced in many state and central government offices, it is being introduced in several fields both by the private and public sectors.
Automation process has already been initiated in many fields and even small and medium scale set-ups are going in for computerisation in most of their areas of functioning. You will find computers being used virtually in all fields and in all types of industries by both the public and private sectors. Efforts are on the way to computerise the different village / panchayat / district / state level government offices in Kerala. Computers are widely used in hospitals, production, manufacturing, designing, testing, transportation, reservation systems, in the field of mass communication and many more. The implications in terms of job opportunities is very clear. As the computer industry is growing at a faster rate in India, it is not very difficult to find a decent job if you have the necessary qualification and experience. Even if you look at export potential, a software career is more promising and rewarding.
A career in computers is of course the ‘in’ thing in the life of today’s generation. This is one profession that you have a competitive edge. Today with the emphasis of globalisation, the Master in Computer Applications and the M. Tech. in Computer Science have replaced the IAS as the preferred choice for the academic topper.
Computers play a premium role in the everyday working lives of most people because of the efficiency with which a job can be accomplished. The power of the computer as well as the demand for professionals in this field continues to grow. Careers in this field require a variety of education levels, experience and skills.
The National Association of Software Companies (NASSCOMM) estimates that currently the industry employs around 2,00,000 professionals and has a demand of 55,000 additional professionals each year. Industry analysts say that even if the current man power pool is increased 10 times by the turn of the century, they can be absorbed, Basic salaries in this sector are increased at around 20 per cent each year. The IT Industry is one of the fastest growing sector in the country today. Infotech Industry in India is at present a 3,000 crore industry. According to the National IT Task Force, India will be a 2,25,000 crore (US $ 50 billion) infotech market by 2008.
The Department of Electronics (DoE), Govt. of India formulated a comprehensive policy on Computer Software Export. Embodied therein was software development and training to generate quality manpower. The scheme provides requisite flexibility, for individuals to qualify, in steps, to an equivalence of an M. Tech. degree without interfering with other studies or work. It is a joint scheme of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) Govt. of India. The scheme has four levels- O, A, B and C. The B and C level programs are equivalent to MCA and M.Tech. respectively. DOEACC qualifications are recognized for employment purposes.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH COMPUTERS:
Career opportunities in the computer industry fall into three categories- HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND SERVICES.
CARER IN HARDWARE
You have three major avenues in the Hardware industry:
AVENUES
QUALIFICATIONS
Research & development
Engineering / M.Sc.Electronics
Manufacturing
Engineering
Marketing / Sale
Preferably Engineering / MBA
CAREER IN SERVICES
The computer industry has bred its own ancillary industry, namely the service industry. Computer services range from data centres, computer maintenance and computer rentals to training. The availability of good training professionals is much less than the demand. As a consequence, this has become one of the most highly paid careers.
CAREERS IN SOFTWARE
Software is the programs or sets of instructions given to a computer in order to perform the desired function. Computers are used for solving business problems. A computer is used in jobs which are repetitive and which require speed and accuracy.
SYSTEMS ANALYST
Systems Analysts plan and develop new computer systems. To be effective, they should have a complete understanding of the capabilities and limitations of all the hardware and software that they are dealing with. They meet with the Managers of business to determine what they require the computer to accomplish and the problems the computer should handle. Each task is broken down into separate programmable procedures. They then design the system and determine the required hardware and software for the business.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMER
Computer Programmers write detailed instructions that a computer has to follow. These instructions when inputted in computer language, are computer programmes or software. Programmers develop software for everything from handling hotel reservations to playing computer games. Systems Programmers write software that control the entire computer system. Application Programmers write programmes that handle specific tasks. The most challenging and time consuming task for a programmer is the process of going over the programme to make sure it turns properly without any errors. This is called debugging the programme and the responsibility for doing this rests solely with the individual who has written the programme.
CAD SPECIALIST
CAD stands for Computer Aided Drafting. CAD Specialists are drafters who prepare technical illustrations using computers instead of the traditional paper , pencil and measuring instruments. CAD Software programmers have a variety of symbols, measuring tools and angles installed within the programme. In addition, individuals utilize hardware such as digitisers, graphic tablets, cursor pads, light pens, plotters and printers. Using this equipment, CAD Specialists can draft any type of drawing that can be done manually. These specialists often work with engineers to develop the specifications for various systems, machinery or structures. Drafting or design skills and adequate computer skills are essential to pursue this career.
DESK TOP PUBLISHING (DTP)
Desktop publishers put together designs for a variety of items such as brochures, flyers, posters and newsletters. To accomplish this, they use a computer page layout programme, computer graphics, and a word processing programme. They design the layout of a document using different sizes and varieties of type points. They may also add pictures or graphics that have been computer generated, scanned or are from a computer graphic or art software programme. Creativity, graphic sense, accurate typing, good grammar and an eye for style are important traits for desktop publishers.
INTERNET
The Internet has brought in many changes in our daily life. It has become a media for disseminating information, an arena to transact and extend business and utility for support services. Housewives boast of an on-line super market. Elsewhere goods are sold at reduced prices on the Net. There are establishments and individuals that rely solely on the bargains made available on the Net. Business on the Net is beginning to boggle the mind and there is nothing that has not been caught in the web. This has led to a booming ‘E-commerce,’ which has gained popularity not because of its technological strength but because of its lucrative business options.
Almost anything consumers want, they can shop for or buy on the web. It is not just manufactured products, the web has become an enormously popular international auction house for paintings, artefacts, costumes, books, antiques etc. Even services are now available on the internet. The Travel Industry Association of America reported recently that internet related bookings are expected to soar to $ 8.9 billion by 2002. The New York based research firm Jupiter Communications estimates that the value of on-line shipping will hit $ 6 billion in 1999 and $ 41 billion in 2002.
INTERNET AS A FUNDAMENTAL BUSINESS NEED:
That the web has become a very popular market place is due to many factors. The most obvious reason is the convenience it offers to the customers. Another advantage is the enormous information available on the web, which is just a click away. Because of the cross linkage on the web, it is now possible for a consumer to access competitive information and make an informed purchase. Due to the interactive nature of the Internet, the customer can even conveniently bargain with a host of sellers to get the best price. The web enables a customer to do single-stop shopping for a vast variety of services and products. Thus the Internet has become a fundamental business need.
E-commerce is estimated to touch US $ 1.3 TRILLION BY THE YEAR 2003. The Network economy is setting the pace for a new chain of change. More and more companies, all over the world, are putting up Networks.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Think of the various business possibilities the Internet offers and you have a huge potential waiting to be tapped. All this is translated into a demand for professionals such as web writers, visual designers, programmers, software engineers and systems administrators.
WANT TO BECOME A WEB WRITER?
You should have at least a Graduation with a good command over the language. Exposure in Advertising / Journalism provides the necessary base to kick off. You should have at least two years of work experience in ad agencies / newspapers.
As a Web writer, you have to put the necessary information on the web pages- their form and content. Since a surfer’s attention span is low, it calls for precise and catchy writing. You have to flow the information in a way that leads the surfer to the pages the organization wants him to go to. Writing on the web is thus not only a creative but also a strategic exercise.
WANT TO BE A VISUAL DESIGNER?
Your work as a Visual Designer is similar to that of designers in advertising agencies. It involves conceiving the lay out and knowing how to use the tools. A course in Digital Design ( a three-month course, the fees of which ranges from Rs.15,000) will help you do this. It includes other features that can be incorporated on a web page like multimedia, animation, virtual reality etc. As a visualiser, you have to study the following software:
1. Illustration Tools- Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw
2. Photo Editing- Adobe Photoshop, PhotoSoap
3. Sketching - Art Dabbler, Painter
4. Special Effects- Supergoo, KPT (Kal’s Power Tools)
5. Video Editing- Adobe Premier, After Effects
6. Authorising Tools- Authorware
7. Web Designing- Flash, Dreamware
8. Animation- Locomotion, InfinitiD
9. Morphing- Elastic Reality
10.Presentation- Director Show
WANT TO BECOME AN HTML PROGRAMMER?
You should have a Graduation with PGDCA to become an HTML Programmer. As HTML Programmer, you need to know the intricacies associated with the web. A good judgement of the parameters in different browsers is necessary.
WANT TO BE A SOFTWARE ENGINEER?
You should have an Engineering Graduation with two years experience in C++, DHTML / Java / Pearl programming.
Software Engineers are required to be knowledgeable in scripting languages (Java Script, VB Script, ASP etc.) and user interface. Engineers should be versatile in their knowledge of Networks, RDBMS, back-end databases and be able to string all the web pages to build the site.
WANT TO BECOME A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR?
You should be an Engineering Graduate with at least one year experience as a Data base administrator. Experience with Server-side programming tools like Interdev 6, CGI, Pearl and ADO programming is a pre-requisite.
As a System Administrator, you will be responsible for issues pertaining to the operating system, Security, networks, and web servers etc. You have to oversee the operational requirements of the organization. The web page development team also includes a project leader who coordinates different functional members.
WANT TO BE A ‘e-business’ PROFESSIONAL?
Right across the world, manufacturers, airlines, advertising agencies, publishers, travel & cargo agents, shipping companies etc. are beginning to use e-business. The concept of ‘e-business’ will soon be indispensable to the business community. Electronic commerce is changing the way business is transacted and is viewed as a large potential, which may turn the way in which business will be conducted in future. The biggest advantage that e-commerce provides is an opportunity for the producer of a service to reach the consumer directly without the need for a middleman or agents. Electronic commerce would help organisations to take advantage of the rapidly growing global electronic market. There is going to be an ever growing demand for ‘e-business’ professionals.
Computer education, which is nearly 17 years old in India, has made rapid strides in career building for the youth of the country and has outgrown even the most optimistic estimate. But there is confusion about which course to take up and which would guarantee a good job and a secure future? Apart from the courses in the IITs and the Regional Engineering Colleges, which offer comprehensive Degree courses, most of the privately run Institutions make similar claims and offer the same type of courses. As a result, there is a limitless supply of people getting trained in Computer Science. But only a handful of Computer Schools are producing software worthy professionals. Most of these schools do not comply with the DoE regulations. But the Computer world is getting really competitive and in future only those institutes would survive which ozffer modern infrastructure, better facilities and job placements.



























CAREERS IN PARA-MEDICAL SERVICES
Para-medical supports the medical team with closely related functions for complete treatment. The main areas are radiology, physiotherapy, laboratory services cardiology and neurology and job opportunities are plenty in each of these areas
RADIOLOGY
It is the application of radiation for diagnosis and treatment . A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in the use of radiology for diagnosis or treatment. A radiographer on the other hand, is the technician who specializes in the use of such equipment on the advice of the radiologist. In radiotherapy, he assists the Radiation Oncologist in the treatment process. Though radiographers are exposed to radioactive elements in the course of their work, government stipulation ensures they are protected. Radiology makes the difference in quality patient care and is a major investment area for hospitals
PHYSIOTHERAPY & REHABILITATION
Physiotherapy is an integral part of a patient’s recovery today; sometimes it is the treatment itself. Physiotherapists help patients mobilise, exercise and strengthen muscles, joints and bones, and maintain and rehabilitate various systems of the body.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Career as Physiotherapist exist in Govt. and Private hospitals. Some hospitals do not have physiotherapy departments and they direct their patients to private physiotherapy clinics. You have a chance there. One alternative would be as a sports therapist. There is an increasing demand for trained professionals in this field.
LABORATORY SERVICES
Laboratory experts carry out tests like determining blood groups and identifying foreign bodies in patient’s fluids, which a doctor would need for diagnosis. Degree or post-graduate degree in Microbiology or Biochemistry, or a Diploma or Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology will help you to find a job. Opportunities exist both in the govt and private hospitals You could work with a research organization, a blood bank, pharmaceutical company or in a private laboratory.
SUPPORT SERVICE
Though not regarded as important as the medical or para-medical services, the support system complements the two in sustained rehabilitation. Generally, the support systems in a hospital are nutrition and dietetics, pharmacy and counseling
NUTRITION & DIETETICS
Diet is very important for a patient’s treatment, especially recovery. Based on the doctor’s advice, Dietitians determine what and when the patient should eat. If you have a degree or post-graduate degree in nutrition or dietetics or a diploma in catering, you can find out a job. You could join food production or food consultant units as Quality control Managers, nutrition labs for research, or diet clinics as consultant.
PHARMACY
As a pharmacist, your job is to supply appropriate medicines. Pharmacists should understand medicines-their functions and contents, and should be able to recognize a doctor’s requirements and handwriting. They should ensure supply not just to out-patients, but also for regular hospital use like for operations and make sure that the hospital always has a stock of frequently used medicines.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
If you have the necessary qualification, to secure a job is no problem. You can find opportunities in the scores of hospitals and health care centres or in the Medical shops as Pharmacist or you can run your own medical store. For the running of a medical store, a Diploma in Pharmacy is a prerequisite.
COUNSELLING
Counselling plays an important role today. A counseller advises patients and support groups including family. For instance, patients with AIDS have to be gradually made aware of their condition and its implication so that all of them are able to effectively cope with the situation. While patients are counselled on how to lead satisfying lives in spite of their condition, the support group is counselled on how to help them do so and how to adjust their routines.
Counselling need not only be for critical or trauma patients. Even someone with a ligament tear might require counselling. In most hospitals, doctors and nurses do the counselling. Now, more social workers and Psychologists are stepping in to the field.
Though any one with training can counsel, a Master’s degree in Social Work with specialization in hospital care will be advantageous. As a psychologist, you can work with mental health institutes or private clinics.
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION
The basic segments of hospital administration, like in any other organization, are finance, personnel materials, daily administration and public relations. With the support service and the para-medical departments, the administrator plays a vital role in the smooth running of the hospital.















CAREERS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY & GENETICS
Biotechnology is the industrial base of living organisms to manufacture food, drugs or other products. Enzymes are central to most biotechnological applications. Biotechnology involves the use of plant and animal cells and microbes in the manufacture of goods useful to mankind. The boom in biotech is due to genetic engineering in which simple life forms are created to make entirely new products. Recent advances include genetic engineering in which single-celled organisms with modified DNA are used to produce insulin and other drugs. Some of its spectacular applications are in medicine, where antibodies can be made in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, human insulin made widely available and new vaccines found to ward off hitherto intractable infections, where it may soon be possible even to compensate for defective human genes.
Biotechnology has a wide range of applications in food industry from inducing cattle to grow faster, in the production of new enzymes for making cheese, in eradicating crop diseases, in the making of food stuffs that consist entirely of tiny organisms, provide abundant energy from renewable resources like alcohol for motor fuel, and making of plastic, paints and artificial fibres by using enzymes instead of chemical process.
Genetics is 20th century science, which has transformed the ancient craft of genetic engineering into a modern science based technology. It is the science of heredity that attempts to explain how characteristics are passed on from one generation to the next. It makes use of materials provided by nature, uses specialized knowledge and purpose-built tools to modify them in particular ways and then assembles the pieces to make the final structure. The genetics engineer hopes to provide society with a vast range of innovations such as more effective and cheaper pharmaceutical products, more abundant food products, new approaches to the generation of energy, the recovery of resources, pollution control and the diagnosis and correction of genetic disorders.
Biotechnology is leading us to the brink of a new industrial revolution- the bio-industrial revolution. Its benefits are better health, more food, renewable energy sources, cheaper and more efficient industrial processes and reduced pollution.

















CAREER IN MANAGEMENT
With the growing complexity of all commercial activity and the entry of multinational competitors, the need for systematic and efficient management practices has created a huge demand for competent personnel in all areas of business and commerce. Like the organised sector of commerce and industry, the traditionally non-organised sectors like agriculture and handicrafts are realising the necessity of professional management. This has opened up limitless opportunities in diverse spheres for students of commerce and allied subjects.
MBA has become a degree for the talented and professional Indian students. This change can be attributed to the Indian Government’s liberalisation of the economic policy and encouragement of the Multinational Companies to come forward for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). Another reason is the widening of the Corporate Sector.
There is a good scope for the MBA graduates to occupy positions of prestige and responsibility and to have handsome pay packets. Today, a majority of the vital positions are held by the MBAs in the corporate sector as well as in the MNCs.
Management as a technical subject gained ground in the mid sixties, when the first Indian Institute of Management was set up. Today, MBA is considered a higher qualification than even CA and Engineering in most of the corporate sectors. Even the pay packages and perquisites are better than that for other professionals. Engineer MBAs are the most sought after professionals.
The spectrum of Management Training is so large that you have necessarily to choose an area of specialization. The most common disciplines are Finance, Marketing, Personal, Operation (Production), Systems (Information Technology), and Material. Admission is usually given to graduates in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying examination. Selection is on the basis of Written Test, Group Discussion and personal Interview. Good proficiency in English and general knowledge along with good communication skill is very essential to get selected for admission.
CAREER IN EVENT MANAGEMENT
With the ushering in of television era, we have been witnessing a plethora of ceremonies or events being organized in every part of the world. Behind the success of Miss World Competition, or World Cup ’99, or a Michael Jackson or even a product launch show are a group of Event Managers.Event Management can be categorized into different forms such as organizing cricket matches, product launching rock shows, fashion shows and even training programs for corporate sectors. Before product launching, organizing road shows has become a regular feature. Different sorts of festivals can be organized. As you gain experience, you can start a PR cosultancy firm to develop press relations. You can arrange youth camps for children or a trekking tour for youth or executives. An interesting area in Event Management is organizing parties and disco nights.The concept is gaining momentum because of the present day demand for socialising. The necessary qualification required to become an event Manager is to have an MBA, as required by most of the firms. You can develop your skill right from the college days itself. Try to get hold of an opportunity to speak in front of public. By regularly speaking, you polish your public speaking skills. To sharpen your skill for an Event Manager, try to organize as many programs as you can
For a successful Event Manager, the sky is the limit. As it does not require much investment, this is a good career option available today. The prime requisite of being an Event Manager is networking skill. You should be simultaneously a good public relations as well as marketing person. You should develop your contacts in the field of corporate sector for getting sponsorship. You should have a good contact with the media. If you can give value for money to your sponsors, nothing can stop you from reaching the top. You can start an Event Management firm if you have a small office space, a telephone , a computer together with a printer equipped with the creativity on introducing new concepts every time and organizing skills.
WANT A JOB IN FASHION DESIGNING.
FASHION & APPAREL DESIGNING:
FASHION INDUSTRY IN INDIA
Fashion is what we wear, through a constant process of selection, adoption and change. It is triggered by people, events and social, economic and technological change. No wonder, fashion and apparel designing have become one of the fastest growing professions in India in recent years. The world of cloths and accessories has expanded into a giant industry, both for domestic requirements and for export. Today, the Fashion industry in India is a high growth sector with a multi-core turn over.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
There is an ever-growing demand for more designers who can come up with the innovative designs that are commercially viable in the export market. With fashion becoming a big business and India emerging as one of the major players in the global garment market, the need for qualified professionals in this field has increased tremendously.
Fashion designing offers unlimited opportunities for those who are good at it. The status and income of the person goes up as he establishes a reputation of his own. Exposure to the fashion industry abroad may help in widening horizons since Indians still tend to copy western styles. With beauty pageants, fashion shows, foreign labels and a public that is increasingly becoming fashion conscious, you as a fashion designer have enough chances to exhibit your talent. If you are enterprising, you can set up your own manufacturing or export units, which will bring big financial benefits or you can find a lucrative job in the textile industry. A fashion designer is no longer an anonymous entity- designer labels give him an identity. As long as people feel the urge to dress well, there will always be a need for more designers to provide a variety of clothing that is both appealing, fascinating and up-to-date.
Export houses, domestic markets and manufacturing units throw up ample opportunities for you to work as a fashion designer in textile designing. It involves working with different fabrics and material. Textiles account for a major chunk of exports. The textile industry calls for technically skilled executives who are specialists in designing interpretation, pattern creation, garment construction, grading, product development, marketing and computer aided design. So you could make a beginning with any of the export house or manufacturer.
More over, you can find a job in accessory designing- designing anything from hair clips and sunglasses to footwear and luggage. There are a lot of opportunities for you in designing leather accessories.
HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL IN FASHION DESIGNING?
The industry demands the vision to see beyond what is already there and the ability to see market trends. What you need is a flair for designing a willingness to learn, Imagination, manual dexterity, organizational skills, a sensibility for colours, textures and style and a business acumen.
Like any other creative field, Fashion design does not depend so much on qualifications as on talent and creativity. Styles and tastes keep changing all the time and a good designer needs to be on his toes to give the consumer the best and the latest. In the realm of designing, fashion is a business and it must not be misunderstood for an art form. Its dynamics are guided by commerce.
Unlike popular belief, fashion design does involve a certain amount of technical knowledge, of types of material, their adaptability to weather, wear and tear etc. Production facilities and costs also need to be taken into account. In the field of apparels, careers can be made in design, production, merchandising and marketing.
As a designer, your job is to forecast fashion and translate the requirements of the market into saleable designs. It calls for a rare combination of talent and business acumen. If you want to be successful in this field, you need to have confidence and optimism, keen powers of observation, an eye for detail and a high level of creativity. You should be able to withstand the stress of failure and long and irregular hours. There must be a flexibility to adapt a disorganised environment with day-today challenges and many ego problems. A flair for computers also helps since most design work in future will be done on computers.
Above all, you should have some training in the field. Some of the institutions offering courses in Fashion Technology are here for you:

CAREER IN TEACHING
Teaching is one of the most important careers a person can choose because of the immense responsibility that goes with teaching and moulding a child to become a worthwhile adult and citizen.
Teacher training colleges are a new development and over the past two decades there has been a boom in them. Faculty members in a college of education coordinate their efforts and function as a well-knit team and impart teaching skills with a good deal of creative flexibility. A firm foundation on content is the desideratum for becoming a good teacher. A good teacher has to be reasonably good in expression.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Different types of teaching jobs in different fields are available today. The methodology used in schools and colleges has undergone tremendous changes. While teachers follow a mandated curriculum, they have to develop their own methods of teaching for each class and they have to plan interesting and inspiring lessons to make learning a positive experience. Teachers have to handle paper work and record attendance, value answer scripts, to prepare progress reports and watch the progress of their students in their studies. marks, report cards, and student progress. They prepare and review homework, develop tests, attend workshops and parent-teacher meetings. Good communication skills, patience, creativity, strong moral sense etc. are absolutely essential for a good teacher.
Much of our individual success is based on education, training and continued learning experiences. Educators are required to assist people who want to learn new skills as well as upgrade their old ones. The demand for good teachers at the school and college levels as well as in the other interest areas is expected to grow significantly in the future.
CAREER IN ENGINEERING
INTRODUCTION
The national education policy lays great stress on science and technology and education, particularly technical and management education as the principal instruments of change for achieving socio-economic development for a decent standard of living. The challenges of globalisation of markets, competition from other developing countries, enhanced quality requirements by international markets etc. have necessitated a reconsideration of the traditional attitudes and strategies.
THE GOALS OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION
Engineering education is one of the principal instruments of change for achieving socio-economic development. The goals of engineering education derive its inspiration from the national goals. There has been a significant qualitative difference in the job requirements of engineers since independence. Quality, productivity, excellence and values are some of the concepts and indices for assessing the performances of the engineering education system. There is considerable scope for improvement in several spheres. Some of the critical issues requiring attention and review are the current trend toward the introduction of narrow specialisations in undergraduate degree programmes.
Since independence, there has been a qualitative difference in the job requirements and work ethos of graduate engineers with enhancement and upgrading of responsibilities from mere maintenance and operation of complex technological system to their planning, design and production. In 1974, a Joint Committee of the All India Council for Technical Education and the University Grants Commission was set up on the recommendation of the AICTE to review the entire system of engineering education. The major issues under study were long term goals, curriculum design and development, institutional administration, continuing education, the role of computers and laboratories in engineering education. Common sense approach to work, pride in manual labour and interdisciplinary work in engineering, along with skills and knowledge in advanced computing, data management, automation, materials technology, energy systems etc. have today become necessary. Effective team work is essential for undertaking major projects and goal-oriented ones.
The principal expectation of those who pursue engineering education is a decent job. There are several examples of sudden but temporary demands in some disciplines. Manpower development must be need based. The conditions of work, recruitment and promotion policy of the employment market greatly influence the type of qualifications that employees must possess. The output of the education system, in terms of the various skills and knowledge imparted, has to be known for the proper utilisation of the human resources it generates.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DISCIPLINE
There are several disciplines in Engineering Education like mechanical, marine, mining, electrical, electronics, aeronautical etc. and choosing the right course needs meticulous thought and care, It primarily depends on what career you would like to pursue in your life.


CAREERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH CARE
One of the fastest growing industries in the economy encompasses a variety of careers in which health services and technology are the primary concentrations. The growing size of the population and the tremendous expansion of new technology are the two main reasons. Consequently, this area offers extensive employment opportunities.
Medicine and Engineering
Science students are inevitably focused towards careers in engineering or medicine. Admission into science courses is most coveted and hence the most difficult to attain. Many students spend several years trying to get into a medical or engineering college. These years could be fruitfully spent developing alternative skills leading to careers equally lucrative. Alternative to engineering could be bio-technology which is one of the fastest growing fields with applications in every aspect of daily life. The medical field has expanded to cover numerous specializations from cosmetic and neuro-surgery to genetic engineering. It is also becoming more rewarding with the setting up of private hospitals, clinics and nursing homes.
DENTISTRY
The Dentist looks for cavities, broken or cracked teeth, gum diseases or oral cancer. Filling cavities, crowning and scaling plaque build up are some of the duties of a dentist. An established and flourishing Dentist may have assistants to perform some of these jobs. Some Dentists diversify into orthodontics, which is the treatment of irregular teeth. Some Dentists also perform oral surgery and extract teeth, if necessary. Good interpersonal skills and manual dexterity are necessary attributes for a good Dentist.
Dentistry is taught as a four-year course at several colleges all over India. Science students who have passed their plus two will have to take a written test for admission to this course. There is at least one Dental College in almost every state and most of these colleges have domicile requirements for admission.
MEDICAL EDUCATION
The functions in a hospital can be classified in to four basic segments- Medical, Para-medical, support service and administration. The Medical field is for doctors and nurses. It is purely medical and no trespassers are allowed
WANT TO BE A CAREER IN NURSING?
Want to be a Nurse?- A very good profession to choose from, if you have the traits of compassion for your fellow beings, a desire to help and serve others.
As a nurse, you have to work in a variety of settings such as private nursing homes, hospitals and clinics. The working hours differ depending on the setting you are working in. The main function of a nurse is to administer medical care to the ill or injured persons. Your duties include recording patients’ vital symptoms, taking blood samples for laboratory tests, changing dressings, starting intravenous fluids and administering medication.
Students who have completed their plus two with Physics, Chemistry and Biology can do a four year B. Sc. course in Nursing or a two to three year Certificate course in Nursing.