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— Deepali Shekha A A web content developer/creator prepares information, articles and features that go onto a website as per the client’s requirement. Close on the heels of the BPO industry, outsourced web content development is emerging as one of the biggest employers in the field of off-shored work. Depending on the nature of the website or portal, specialist knowledge of a field/subject may be required but the key skills needed are: An ability to write as well as edit, re-write or polish contributions from other writers, and an ability to think of new and innovative features and “columns” for the website. A few general guidelines for all budding web writers like you: Remember, writing on the web is somewhat different from writing for print. It’s best to present the information in easy-to-digest chunks that allow browsers to dive straight in and locate what they require. A content developer co-ordinates with the web designer and other members of the editorial team, meets people and keeps up-to-date with relevant news and developments. Plenty of such opportunities exist in the media, web development and online publishing firms. Check out some of the leading jobsites. Some big companies you could possibly approach are NIIT, Genpact, Lionbridge, TIS and TCS. There is no tested specialist course for becoming a content developer. A college degree with fluency in writing, and preferably some experience at the copydesk or reporting in any media would suffice. Thus, a course in linguistics, journalism, mass communication, English etc is a good bet. Specialist knowledge as of law or technology would be an asset if you are creating content for a legal or technical website. Familiarity with computer basics is mandatory. This field is booming and job opportunities abound. You can start out as a content writer or ID to a Senior ID, analyst and finally specialist.
Future in the past
Q I am fascinated with history. Can you tell me something about archaeology and anthropology. Please tell me honestly, are these dead subjects? — Harit Chaurasia A
Archaeology and anthropology together encompass the study of humankind from the distant origins of the human species to the present day. Both disciplines have a long history. Today, both subjects involve a range of sophisticated approaches shared with the arts, social sciences and physical sciences. There is also lively interaction. Thus, for example, the anthropological study of primates and early humans helps archaeologists studying the excavated physical remains, to reconstruct the ways in which our earliest ancestors lived, while scientific dating techniques produce the timeframe and the latest genetic analysis defines their relationships to modern human populations. Together, they offer an unusually broad perspective on human societies from earliest prehistory to the present. Only by digging deep into the roots of our understanding of the past can we know the present with compassion and justice. And don’t worry these are certainly not ‘dead’ subjects. Your interests in archaeology, social and cultural anthropology and biological anthropology can open a wide range of careers. You can go on to do further study and research in one or other of the disciplines, to become a professional anthropologist or archaeologist. There are increasing opportunities both in the public and private sectors in heritage management, museum curating and education, regional archaeological services, development work both in India and overseas.
Some chemistry!
Q What are the job prospects for someone who wants to do graduation or postgraduation in chemistry? — Kaushik Bharti A
Chemistry is a wide-ranging science concerned with the properties, both macroscopic and microscopic, of materials of all types, inorganic, organic and biological, and also with all aspects of change. It involves, for example, the investigation of structures and of the mechanisms of chemical transformations, also naturally, the synthesis of new compounds (often with a technological purpose). Chemistry underpins the conceptual framework and methodology of biochemistry and molecular medicine, and is at the heart of a variety of major industrial activities. If you have a scientific bent and chemistry is your favourite subject, that’s enough reason in itself to study chemistry at university. You’ll find it challenging and rewarding in many different ways, and there are exciting, wide-ranging employment prospects afterwards. As the central scientific subject, chemistry provides an excellent medium for developing your critical faculties and intellect. It also develops a variety of important transferable skills that will serve you well whatever your subsequent choice of career. Should you aspire to be a research chemist, the opportunities after graduation are almost limitless. Jungle approach
Q I am very passionate about nature and wildlife. However as science is not one of my favourite subjects, can I still opt for a career in environment? — Bhairav Sahni A
Why not? However, to work in this field, you not only need a passionate concern for the environment, but also a clear idea about what needs to be done for conserving and improving it. If you have a logical mind, and a working knowledge of subjects like geography, geology, botany, chemistry and zoology, along with good communication skills, there are quite a few routes to working as an environmentalist without studying environmental sciences per se. Here are some you could consider: Environmental Education & Communication: This typically involves conducting awareness programmes in colleges/schools, coordinating community awareness programmes — on rural and specific urban issues etc., communicating through the media — television, radio, internet, press etc. Environmental Journalism: Growing public awareness has generated enthusiasm and concern for environmental protection. People’s voices are now beginning to be heard and reported in the media. Reporting environmental issues such as nuclear tests, construction of dams etc., making documentaries on various aspects of the environment, and producing films on various issues concerning the environment are areas that environmental journalists/photojournalists can actively pursue. Environmental Law: This would involve working as a lawyer for an environmental consulting firm, environmental organization, conservation group, or the government. Environmental Activism & Social Work: This would involve working with an NGO, fundraising/lobbying for an environmental organization, conservation group or actively espousing environmental concerns. Don’t expect a fancy salary, but the work can be very satisfying and purposeful. Just jockeying
— Neeraj Jamwal A
Media barons big and small are set to shake up India’s radio scene. While companies like Entertainment Network (Radio Mirchi), Music Broadcast (Radio City), and Mid-Day Multimedia (Radio One) have made further inroads in this space, newer entities like the Anil Ambani-backed Adlabs and HT Music & Entertainment have climbed on to the radio bandwagon too. They, along with Zee TV, India Today and NDTV, Bhaskar Group, Sun TV, Anand Bazar Group, Malayala Manorama and Reliance, are vying for the FM space. Moreover, with FDI being allowed, global media biggies like BBC, Measat are looking at strengthening their footprint. With 280-odd frequencies to tune into, it’s going to be a win-win deal for everyone — the broadcasters, the government, the advertisers and the public, not to mention aspiring RJs (the modern version of yesteryears’ radio presenters) like you. So what does it take? Well, the starting point is fluency in language — a way with words, good voice and clear diction. Writing for a radio broadcasts is very different from writing for print or television. Since radio is a `blind medium’ you need to conjure images through a powerfully written script and sound effects. The trick lies in engaging or “connecting” with your audience with a clever mix of content, style and humour. Above all, develop your own distinctive style. Don’t ape or “clone” anyone. Maintain an easy informality without being too smart-alecky and avoid using big or difficult words. Make sure you keep up with what’s happening around you so that you can converse easily and knowledgeably on any topic and with all kinds of people. Versatility is the name of the game! For entertainment-based programmes be lively, spontaneous and bubbly. But whatever you do, avoid putting on an accent. Practice speaking aloud pacing and modulating your delivery into a tape recorder (remember to get your pronunciation right). Ask friends to critique your delivery. In the modern radio industry, being bi/ tri-lingual is the flavour of the day. Once you are live on air — you must be alert and have presence-of-mind to cover such technical problems or goof-ups and ad-lib when necessary. Presently, radio programming is a mixed bag of music, news, infotainment, current affairs and interactive dial-ins, so you can try your hand at a variety of programmes. Do also make it a point to participate in as many “RJ/VJ hunts” as you can. Related options that will open up are hosting live shows and quiz contests, news reading, TV anchoring, voice-overs, jingles and ad promos — all of which can add up to a pretty packet on the side. Counting the options
Q I would like to do my master’s in mathematics. I completed a two-year B. Sc pass course in pure science with distinction in maths and an aggregate of 52 per cent in 1984. I have also qualified ICWA Inter. Please let me know which university offers such courses. I have no time to attend college classes to do a bridge course. — M. Hasnain A
Whereas over 30 universities offer MA/MSc (Math) via distance learning, you could check with Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (www.annamalaiuniversity.ac.in) or some of the Open Universities like MP Bhoj Open University, Bhopal (www.bhojvirtualuniversity.com) or Tamil Nadu Open University, Guindy, Chennai (www.tnou.ac.in) which may be somewhat more liberal. The writer is a noted career consultant Please send in your query, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com
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Q I want to work as a web content developer. What are the skills required for this?
Q I am very keen to become an RJ. What are the qualities that radio stations look for in radio jockeys? How should I train myself?
