CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PHARMACY
October 29, 2008 on 8:36 am | In Uncategorized | No CommentsCAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PHARMACY
Pharmacy as a career choice is fast emerging among the youth of today due to the opening up of the Indian economy and growing buoyancy of the pharmaceutical sector in the country. The increasing impetus being given to research both by the government and the industry is opening new opportunities for professionals in the field. A lot of interest is there in the profession as drug and pharmaceutical companies and research centres alike are taking candidates with qualifications for their various projects and assignments.
Educational Qualifications
The easiest way to enter the profession is through pursuing a diploma course in pharmacy conducted by various state level government polytechnics institutions. Duration of the course is 2 years and the minimum admission qualifications are a Pass in 10+2 examination (Academic stream) in Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics) or any other examination approved by pharmacy council of India or equivalent to the above said examination.
Areas of Training
Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical jurisprudence, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy, Bio-Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, human Anatomy - and Physiology, Health Education and Community Pharmacy, Drug Store and Business Management are the fields of training generally imparted in the diploma course.
Continuing Education
Students can opt for higher education such as B Pharm, M Pharm and Ph D after pursuing a course of diploma in pharmacy. Alternatively these courses can be pursued after completing the graduation in the areas of physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Job Opportunities
One can join as a Hospital Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist, Community pharmacist, or Family pharmacist. Employment opportunities also exist in medical stores retail chemists, whole sale dealers & manufacturing chemists for cosmetics, One can begin as an enterprenurer for repacking of drugs & chemicals, as also as sales or medical representatives. Analysts in chemical / drug analysis laboratories are also in demand and pharmacy graduates get good offers in the field. Technicians in biochemistry & pathology lab, Pharmacist in banks & financial institutions, Railways, agencies & in defense forces etc are opportunities in the Government sector which offer stable career and life style.
Compensation
Now a days, the minimum starting pay for a fresh pharmacist is in the range of Rs. 6000/- to 8000/- The compensation package also depends upon the sector you join. A career in a large MNC would give you much better returns and conducive work culture. One can also join in various government laboratories or hospitals which offer decent pay packets and stable life style. Rise in emoluments depends upon qualification and experience. It is always advisable to start the career and then keep on adding additional qualifications to further enhance the job prospects and career growth. It is not uncommon to find people drawing excellent salaries and perks after obtaining the right qualifications and experience.
CAREER IN DEFENSE FORCES - INDIAN AIR FORCE
October 22, 2008 on 10:35 am | In Job Opportunities, Job industry | No CommentsCAREER IN DEFENSE FORCES - INDIAN AIR FORCE
One of the major tasks of the Indian Air Force is flying combat aircraft, transport and helicopters to protect the sovereignty and independence of the country. Other tasks include technical work such as Aeronautical Engineering, Electronics, Computers, and Administrative, Financial, and Planning duties. There are three main branches the Air Force:
The Flying Branch
It includes fighter pilots who fly combat aircraft, transport pilots who fly transport planes carrying men and materials; and pilots of helicopters who provide air support to a moving army. They are the fulcrum of the Indian defense forces and constitute the top echelons of the air force cadre. Their role and importance is realized at the time of war with enemies when they protect the borders taking all risks and making supreme sacrifices.
The Technical Branch
This branch handles the engineering and weapon systems of the Air Force. This branch ensures the proper maintenance of all aircraft and also handles the electronic and communication equipment in the aircraft.
The Ground Duties Branch
It includes officers from the logistics, accounts, administrative, education and meteorology branches. They ensure the smooth functioning of the entire force. The Administrative Officer is responsible for the personnel management and administration of the Air Force throughout the country. The Air Traffic Control Officer provides control and advisory services to enable the pilot to conduct flights in total safety.
The Fighter Controller monitors the skies for any potential air threats and selects the appropriate air defense system, using modern electronic equipment to intercept these threats. The Logistics Officer is responsible for provisioning of air craft and their spares, fuel armaments, explosives, apparel, rations and other things essential for the day-to-day running of an organisation. The Accounts Officer is required to monitor the expenditure, cost and fund requirement, and to plan and forecast the budgetary requirement of the air force. The Education Officer is responsible for the training imparted to the officers and airmen and for designing training programmes that enable the air force to meet the challenges of the future.
Entry to the Career
National Defense Academy (NDA) is the earliest route to enter the profession right after 10 plus 2. You have to be a science graduate (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) to appear in the written test. After that you are also required to clear various rounds of of interviews, group exercises and personality tests which to gain an entry in the profession. Another option to gain an entry after graduation is through Combined Defense Services (CDS) exam which one has to clear. Those wishing to join as fighter pilots are also required to clear a special aptitude test which tests your mental bend of mind and ability to take split second decisions.
Compensation
The starting salary is around 20000/- per month with other benefits to include. Fighter pilots are enjoy special flight allowance starting from 7000/- Rs. Per month depending upon rank.You can also enjoy an adventurous life while in the services. Options include para gliding, skiing, para sailing and so on. All this at a cost to be borne by the great institution called Indian Air Force.
Career Choices in Geology
October 21, 2008 on 8:13 am | In Job Opportunities, Job industry | No CommentsCareer Choices in Geology
The science that deals with the study of earth, its history, environment, minerals etc. is called Geology. Mineralogy, structural geology, geomorphology, paleontology, geological engineering etc. are all branches of Geology.
Geologists play an important role in exploring the mineral wealth and natural resources. As a Geologist, your main functions would be to assess natural disasters, its effects on environment, to explore the areas where mineral fields, oil and natural gas fields etc. are found, under-water resources etc. You have to assess whether the conditions in particular areas are suitable for laying railway lines, construction of roads, bridges, buildings etc. Geologists have to explore natural resources deep in the sea. Their services are also important for oil explorations. They have to assess the quality of soil by conducting geo-physical and geo-chemical tests. Construction of reservoirs, roads, bridges, underground tunnels etc. is based on the report of the geologist about the density of the earth.
Job Opportunities
Those who study Geology, can become Geologists/ Geographers/ Meteorologists/ Oceanographers. As Geologists play a vital role in the exploration of valuable mineral resources, there are numerous avenues for them both in the public and private sectors. The Union Public Service Commission conducts tests for placements in Central Government Agencies like the Geological Survey of India and the Central Ground water Board. Similarly, Coal India, Mineral Exploration Authority, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Hindustan Zinc and several other organisations engaged in mineral explorations utilize the services of Geologists. Geology is also a popular choice in Civil Services and Forest Service Examinations conducted by the UPSC. Private sector also offers tremendous opportunities for jobs in the field of oil exploration and other activities. One can also join academics by pursuing a PhD or M.Phil in Geology and passing the National Education Test Conducted by University Grants Commission.
Educational Qualifications
The minimum qualification to make a career in the field is an engineering degree in petroleum engineering or a post graduate degree in geology. IITs as well as various Universities offer these courses to students. Candidates can also pursue research in the field to make more choices in the career.
Compensation Packages
Salaries in Government sector for geologists offer a decent living style as well as prestige of job. Public sector organizations such as ONGC, HPCL, IOC etc. offer very good perks as well as working conditions to geologists. Salaries in private sectors are extremely high and commensurate with qualifications and experience. A fresh geologist can expect to start with anything between 15000/- to 25000/- per month which can shoot up with right experience and talent.
If you find the prospect of working on a wide range of earth-related issues, from resource management to environmental protection to the exciting field of mineral and oil exploration then Geology is the wise career choice for you. The career also allows to explore new and virgin places and offers outdoor and adventure options to those who are drawn to those aspects

















