Dated 09th Apr. 2003

I am doing my final year B.Sc., physics. I wish to take up M.Sc in electronics. So please list colleges / universities which offer this course. Also mention organisations, which offer job opportunities related to this course.

THIRUMAL VALAVAN

Tamil Nadu

Bangalore University, Bangalore; Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi; University of Delhi, New Delhi; Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore; Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur; University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad; Jadavapur University, Kolkatta; Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi; Jiwaji University, Indore; Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra; Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam; Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri; University of Mysore, Mysore are some universities that offer an M.Sc in Electronics.

About the career prospects in the field, it's rather difficult to mention all organisations, as the list is exhaustive. You can find employment with companies involved in consumer electronics, electronic components, computer hardware, medical equipment, automation and control systems, private utility companies and companies manufacturing electrical appliances and instruments.

What are the career prospects in chemical engineering?

JAGADEESH

Chennai

Jobs in chemical engineering are available in various fields of chemical technology in mineral based industries, petrochemical plants, synthetic fibres, and even petroleum refining plants. You can find employment opportunities with chemical industries, refineries, manufacturers of acids, medicines, varnishes, paints, fertilisers etc., public sector organisations, private companies,research organisations and laboratories or as technical experts on engineering projects for companies.

I have recently got selected in TCS and am nervous about how I will handle my new environment and work life. Please advise.

RAVI KANTH

Vizag

It's natural to feel nervous when you land a new job or change jobs. Concentrate on positive thinking, think of positives like meeting new people, making new friends, facing exciting challenges and living and discovering a new place. Prepare for your new job by reading up all you can on the company and its HR and work policies. Change is a part of life and understand that it is inevitable at every step of it, so learn to take things in your stride.

What are the career prospects of energy engineering?

NIJU

Chennai

Energy engineers work in a multitude of areas within energy and power industry or within automotive industry, including research and development, design, sales and distribution, quality management and organisation. They deal with development, manufacturing, operation and authorisation and control of nuclear power stations producing electrical energy, nuclear plants in thermal economy, e.g. plants combining heat and power, design, optimisation and production of reactor components or entire power stations andon reactor physics, appliance and thermal engineering, material science and especially safety considerations.

I would like to know about opportunities available for graduating GIS professionals.

SUBASH

Bangalore

Opportunities exists in government departments, statutory authorities, Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department, civil engineering departments, planning department, private construction and consultancy companies as surveyors or geo- information managers in India and abroad. Many public and private companies employ GIS graduates at various levels. Public sector organisations and other governmental departments like urban developmental authorities and municipal bodies employ GIS trained personnel based on their requirements. You can make your career as a GIS digitiser, GIS operator, GIS technician, GIS engineer, and GIS analyst, and progress to become a project manager or consultant.

I am fresher and have no idea how to go about securing a job in the IT industry. Please tell me how to get into IT.

NISHANT SUDHAKARAN

Kerala

Freshers can apply for summer or part time jobs, which may be one of the best ways to gain entry and experience in any industry.

They sometimes maynot be lucrative, but if you can find your way into anysmall stable company,or a reputed firm on the basis of your academic qualification your chances could be good. You can also try for jobs in IT enabled services.

Given that no company pays big money for freshers this is where you have to be smart enough and gain some experience with these smaller firms.This could in turn help you secure the type of job you may be looking for.

There are few companies who recruit freshers with good academic backgrounds, where you can also apply. Few get recruited on a contract basis for a limited time span. Remember the first few yearsof your career are never easy and could be frustrating, but there is always a better tomorrow.

The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd, PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003, or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com

THIRUMAL VALAVAN

Tamil Nadu