Dear readers, Many times you may have questions related to career guidance that you are not certain whom to ask. We now have a space here for your benefit. If you have a question relating to a course, an entrance exam or the prospects and requirements of any field, do write in to our counsellor at fpjcounsellor@gmail.com
I am a graduate in journalism, pursuing my masters in Political Science from Mumbai University. I have been offered a job as a content writer at an e-learning firm but they have a bond of three years. I am also offered a job as an editor at a company which was launched a year back with operations across five countries. Are there serious consequences if I violate the bond if I select the latter?
— Tavisha Tandon
Dear Tavisha,
If the e-learning firm offer is a good one and suits your aspirations in terms of the quality / type of work, the bond should not be such a stumbling block. It will only add to a particular type of work experience which is an important emerging opportunity. However, the kind of penalty imposed by the bond in case you break it depends upon the conditions stipulated. Normally, there would be a financial penalty, which can be imposed if you do not fulfil the terms of the bond, but in return, the bond could imply job security for the duration. However, if the terms and conditions of the bond discourage you, then you could consider the other opportunity. You are in an ideal situation with two very interesting and challenging job offers. Weigh the pros and cons with respect to your career goals and pick out the one which makes you feel more secure.
Film direction
I am doing SYBA via distance education. I wish to make my career in television and film direction. I want to pursue a PG course after BA. How do I secure admission and the procedure in institutes like FTII, Satyajit Ray Institute etc.
— Arjun Dhingreja
Dear Arjun,
In the normal course, there is a written entrance test that would cover General Awareness including knowledge of Indian society, culture and the arts, General Mental Ability [including logical, verbal, pictorial and abstract reasoning], interest in arts in general and particularly aptitude for films and television. Each institution may have its own focus of testing based on the demands of its training pattern but the underlying theme remains that of assessing individual thinking, perception and awareness and its expression. You could also consider applying for MA in Mass Communication at A J K Mass Communication Research Institute, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (www.jmi.nic.in) for a career in the electronic media.
The Masters in Communication Studies at University of Pune offers specialisation in Video Production and Media Research, in case that interests you. Listing is indicative. Keep various alternatives of training in mind. Talent and training are important for a career in films and television, but a good network of contacts, a finger on the pulse of the industry ,the right practical exposure , visibility and networking are often more crucial. As you are pursuing a correspondence course, aim for some film or television related work experience to understand the avenues of work and to assess the line of work that would suit you the most.
Literature love
I am doing my graduation in English Literature. Which career options are open for me? And also I would like to know the best institutions in Mumbai for MBA and advertising.
— Sapana Parekh
Dear Sapana,
If you wish to go for a career in teaching or research, then pursuing MA in English Literature would be useful. Also examine the choices for higher studies offered by the Centre for English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL) Hyderabad (www.ciefl.ac.in). A postgraduate degree in English language/ literature would also be useful for openings in journalism, publishing or broadcasting.
Alternatively, after graduating you could apply for postgraduate professional courses like
MBA, Social Work, Travel and Tourism, Journalism and Mass Communication, Advertising, Public Relations, Library and Information Science, Bachelor of Education (leading to careers in secondary school teaching),Film Studies, and so on. JBIMS, NMIMS, SPJIMR, Sydenham Institute of Management Studies & Research and Entrepreneurship Education, K J Somaiya
Institute of Management Studies & Research, Welingkars, MET, SIES and ITM are among the prominent business schools in Mumbai. MBAs may join the advertising industry.
Postgraduate courses in advertising are offered by Sophia’s, XIC, Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, School of Broadcasting & Communication, etc. Indicative listing only, and not in order of any importance.
