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Education Plus
Q & A
Turn a new leaf with History
— Photo: AFP
Sacred past: A woman looks at Neb Ankh’s sarcophagus of the Egyptian dynasty.
I have graduated in Information Technology from an institute of repute. Now I want to make a career in History/Archaeology/Architecture/Culture/Heritage. Are there any options for me in these fields?
Ramnath
via Email Bangalore
It is not surprising to have a change of interest as we move on in life. In fact, it has been established that many of us do well in a field that is not related to our field of study. History has interested many a people because of the uniqueness and the romance involved in it. Many of our inspirations have come from Hollywood characters such as Indiana Jones and others who have helped in revitalising the interest in History.
You could enrol for the post-graduation programme in History in the distance mode with any University. M.A. History is offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) ( www.ignou.ac.in). Kuvempu University and Mysore University ( www.uni-mysore.ac.in) offer Archaeology as one of the subjects.
If you are in Bangalore you can pursue the one-year part-time Diploma in Indology from the Mythic Society, which offers this programme in tandem with Bangalore University.
Information Technology, Civil Engineering and Remote Sensing are widely used in Archaeology, Art and Architecture. History is taught using the simulation technique rather than the mundane classroom method. History has been brought out of the classroom and has been placed where it has to be located — the field.
Robert Ballard, oceanographer, marine biologist and historian with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, located the RMS Titanic using modern equipment and technology. He was able to put a million puzzles together and show the world the sunken treasure. You too could make similar contributions. Discovery and National Geographic television channels have flourished because they are able to articulate the thought of a bygone era.
The lure of HR
I am in the second semester of MBA and am confused about the specialisations that I want to take for the third and fourth semesters. I want to focus on Human Resources but am not in a position to justify the choice of
this optional as I have an Engineering background. My peers have been advising me against taking to Human Resources for various reasons. What should I do?
Hemalatha N. Rangacharulu
via Email Mysore
The field of Human Resources plays a key role in helping companies deal with the fast-changing competitive environment and the demand for quality employees. It adds value to a company by:
Effectively managing and utilising people.
Trying performance appraisal and compensation to competencies.
Developing competencies that enhance individual and organisational performance.
Increasing the innovation, creativity and flexibility necessary to enhance competitiveness.
Applying new approaches to work process design, succession planning, career development and inter-organisational mobility.
Managing the implementation and integration of technology through improved staffing, training and communication with employees.
Your Engineering background will hold you in good stead for the HR processes of Talent Acquisition (Recruitment), Talent Engagement and Talent Management. These will help you to usher in the much needed change and contribute to growth in the corporate world of today.
Environmental studies
I want information on the Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, New Delhi. I have not been able to get the address.
Ranjan Tiwari
via Email Hyderabad
Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment (IIEE) ( www.ecology.edu), New Delhi, is an autonomous, non-profit making institution constituted as a public charitable trust for teaching, research and consultancy in the areas of ecology and environment. It offers the Post-Graduate Diploma in Ecology and Environment and the Master of Science in Ecology and Environment, Disaster Mitigation and Sustainable Development as a two-year Distance Education programme with examination centres all over the country.
On enrolment the Institute provides self-instructional material (SIM) which will help you to integrate theory and practice. You can contact IIEE, A-15, Paryavaran Complex, Saket-IGNOU Road, New Delhi-110030. Ph: 011-29535081, 29535079. Email: info@ecology.edu
Public Relations
I have worked as a customer executive with an airlines in Bangalore and Mumbai for over six years. Now I want to take to public relations. What would the job profile be?
Candy Xavier
via Email Mangalore
Public Relations (PR) specialists handle functions such as media, community, consumer, industry, and governmental relations; political campaigns; interest-group representation; conflict mediation; and employee and investor relations.
They help an organisation and its people adapt to each other. However, public relations is not only about “telling the organisation’s story.” Understanding the attitudes and concerns of consumers, employees and other groups is a vital part of the job.
To improve communication, public relations specialists establish and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, and public interest groups, and with representatives from print and broadcast journalism.
Media specialists draft press releases and contact people who might print or broadcast their material. Many radio or television special reports, newspaper stories and magazine articles start at the desks of public relations specialists. PR specialists help the organisation to benefit and create an impact on the masses.
One has to realise that the PR experts are the eyes and ears of any company, as they will help the company to reach out to the various stakeholders. Being a student of Mass Communication you should not hesitate to venture into the field of PR as the specialists will be focusing on crisis communication, special events and sponsorships, and other activities designed to mould opinion.
You should approach a manpower consultant who will help you to change your career and reach the higher echelons of the PR field.
Degree certificate
I graduated in 1975, but never applied for the convocation degree certificate. Can I get one after almost 33 years?
Rehman Dawoodi
via Email Dharwad
You will have to approach the University where you completed the graduation and put forward your plaint with the requisite documentation viz., marks sheet.
The University will be in a position to confirm the clearance of the subjects for award of degree.
You should approach the Controller of Examinations and prove your credentials, which will ensure an early retrieval of all the papers.
Alternatively, you can meet the administrative authorities of the college where you studied, who will have the details of the students and relevant memos and transactions with the University which will help you to make a case for your certificate.
You can even apply for the provisional degree certificate with the college where you have studied, which itself will prove your candidature.
SHAHEED KHAN
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