Q.
I am a BSc (non-medical) and MSc in maths. I have cleared the University Grants Commission’s National Eligibility Test (NET) with junior research fellowship, or JRF. I have good drawing skills. I want to do a professional course so I can utilise these skills. What options do I have? Should I go for a PhD? If yes, which universities offer a PhD through correspondence? — Richa
A.
As you have cleared the NET with JRF, you can proceed towards a PhD if you wish to take up research. However, it appears that you are in a dilemma as to whether to do research or a professional course. It is difficult for me to help you make this decision through this channel, as I do not know about your abilities, interests or aspirations. However, if you are looking for a professional course, you can explore a number of fields related to finance, banking, and insurance. There are specific courses in cost accountancy, chartered financial analysis, stocks and securities and other related areas. You can get into an actuarial job in the insurance industry where mathematical skills are very important after completing either a course in actuarial science or clearing the Actuarial Society of India exam. The information technology (IT) industry, too, can offer you plenty of opportunities if you are interested in and have good computing skills. After a degree in maths, you can go for market research, operations research, or even an MBA. With good drawing skills, you could take up a course in web design, interior design, or graphic design as well. Regarding the PhD, you need to decide on the subject of study for your thesis before looking at a university where you can do this. The Distance Education Council (DEC) provides accreditation for distance education courses offered by universities in India. Once you have decided on the PhD programme, check it on www.dec.ac.in. =========================================================
Q.
I am a Class 12 student (science). Please give me the details of interior design and sound engineering. — Sugandhi
A.
Sound engineering is a fascinating career for someone with experience and training in the production and manipulation of sound through mechanical or digital means. In a recording studio, the sound engineer records, edits, manipulates and mixes a variety of sounds operating mixing consoles, microphones, signal processors, tape machines, digital audio workstations, sequencing a range of software so as to produce the kind of sounds required. Be it a movie soundtrack, a music record or live concert, sound engineers can record, mix and arrange it as required. A science background with physics and maths is advisable, as you will deal with sound which is physical energy and work on a range of calculations, converting sound waves into electric energy, calculating a delay time or reverberation of the room and so on. You have an added advantage if you possess a good ear for sound and music, as well as good knowledge and interest in music. In a flourishing music and film industry, there is increasing demand for sound engineers. The entertainment business with stage shows and umpteen other events has expanded the scope. There are specific training institutes for sound engineering. The Film & Television Institute of India, in Pune and Chennai, offers highly sought-after sound engineering programmes. Other institutes include: n Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata, (www.srfti.gov.in) n Whistling Woods Digital Academy, Mumbai, www.whistlingwoods.net n SAE Institute, Chennai, www.saeindia.org n Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida, www.aaft.com n Mumbai University, www.mu.ac.in n IIT Kharagpur, www.iitkgp.ernet.in Now let’s look at interior design. This area is about planning space and furnishing the interiors, whether of private homes, public buildings, or commercial establishments. It involves the use of creative and technical solutions to a structure to achieve a built interior environment that solves the customer’s problems and links space to business strategies and goals, or personal needs. The recent real estate boom has brought into focus the need not only for attractive and exotic structures, buildings, and innovative urban complexes but also for professionally-designed interior spaces Basic aesthetic sense, creative sensibility and imagination coupled with a logical and analytical mind are the major pre-requisites. While you can get into this field without any formal training, a working knowledge of computers and design specific applications is important today. There are a lot of institutes that offer diplomas as well as courses that can be a year and or longer in duration. These courses are open to aspirants who have passed Class 12 in any stream. The Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad (www.cept.ac.in), offers a five-year programme in interior design to students who have completed senior school with science. Apeejay Institute of Design (www.apeejay.edu), DIA Academy, and Raffles Millennium Institute (www.raffles-design-institute.com) in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore and Exterior-Interiors, New Delhi (www.exterior-interiors.com), too, offer bachelor’s and diploma programmes in interior design to students from any discipline. Selection is on the basis of an entrance test. =========================================================
Q.
I am a second-year BCom student from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth. I scored 42% in my first year. However, I am determined to make my career in the film industry as a director or screenplay writer. I know it’s not easy but I want to become a star. Please guide me, especially about Film and Television Institute of India’s (FTII’s) entrance test? — Siddharth Sahay
A.
A number of good institutions in the country impart training in various aspects of filmmaking. FTII (www.ftiiindia.org), Pune, and the Mass Communications Research Centre (MCRC), Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, are premier institutes for film production and direction. FTII provides technical training in the production of films, both theoretical and practical. These include three-year postgraduate diplomas in cinematography, direction and editing, for graduates. FTII also offers a two-year PG diploma course in acting, as well as certificate courses in feature film screenplay writing, film direction, video editing and audio and television engineering. Selection is through a written test of general knowledge and cinema-related information as well as a mental ability test. This is followed by an interview to gauge your general aptitude for a career in films. This is a highly competitive entrance test, so it is advisable to also apply to some other institutes, too. MCRC offers a two-year MA programme in mass communication with different tracks such as 16mm film and radio production, video/television production and photography. Other institutes include: . Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute, Kolkata, which provides training in direction, cinematography, editing and sound recording . Film and Television Institute, Chennai . St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, . Asian Film Academy, Noida and others which offer courses in film direction and screenplay writing. . Whistling Woods International at Film City, Mumbai, offers diploma courses in production, direction and acting designed to prepare students for film, television, or theatre work However, before you jump into moviedom, it is important to know that intrinsic talent and hard work are essential in this field. You may have to struggle for quite some time and prove your worth before getting a good break. Only the very talented ones prosper and earn money and fame. So, assess your chances for success. If direction or cinematography is your choice, you should have a passion for photography, an aesthetic sense, visualising abilities along with good communication skills. If you are also considering screenplay writing, you should be able to handle and understand people. Be prepared to toil, often shooting outdoors and travelling to various locations. If you are talented, assertive and willing to work very hard, you can be assured of success in the profession and great financial rewards. =========================================================
I am a BSc (non-medical) and MSc in maths. I have cleared the University Grants Commission’s National Eligibility Test (NET) with junior research fellowship, or JRF. I have good drawing skills. I want to do a professional course so I can utilise these skills. What options do I have? Should I go for a PhD? If yes, which universities offer a PhD through correspondence? — Richa
A.
As you have cleared the NET with JRF, you can proceed towards a PhD if you wish to take up research. However, it appears that you are in a dilemma as to whether to do research or a professional course. It is difficult for me to help you make this decision through this channel, as I do not know about your abilities, interests or aspirations. However, if you are looking for a professional course, you can explore a number of fields related to finance, banking, and insurance. There are specific courses in cost accountancy, chartered financial analysis, stocks and securities and other related areas. You can get into an actuarial job in the insurance industry where mathematical skills are very important after completing either a course in actuarial science or clearing the Actuarial Society of India exam. The information technology (IT) industry, too, can offer you plenty of opportunities if you are interested in and have good computing skills. After a degree in maths, you can go for market research, operations research, or even an MBA. With good drawing skills, you could take up a course in web design, interior design, or graphic design as well. Regarding the PhD, you need to decide on the subject of study for your thesis before looking at a university where you can do this. The Distance Education Council (DEC) provides accreditation for distance education courses offered by universities in India. Once you have decided on the PhD programme, check it on www.dec.ac.in. =========================================================
Q.
I am a Class 12 student (science). Please give me the details of interior design and sound engineering. — Sugandhi
A.
Sound engineering is a fascinating career for someone with experience and training in the production and manipulation of sound through mechanical or digital means. In a recording studio, the sound engineer records, edits, manipulates and mixes a variety of sounds operating mixing consoles, microphones, signal processors, tape machines, digital audio workstations, sequencing a range of software so as to produce the kind of sounds required. Be it a movie soundtrack, a music record or live concert, sound engineers can record, mix and arrange it as required. A science background with physics and maths is advisable, as you will deal with sound which is physical energy and work on a range of calculations, converting sound waves into electric energy, calculating a delay time or reverberation of the room and so on. You have an added advantage if you possess a good ear for sound and music, as well as good knowledge and interest in music. In a flourishing music and film industry, there is increasing demand for sound engineers. The entertainment business with stage shows and umpteen other events has expanded the scope. There are specific training institutes for sound engineering. The Film & Television Institute of India, in Pune and Chennai, offers highly sought-after sound engineering programmes. Other institutes include: n Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata, (www.srfti.gov.in) n Whistling Woods Digital Academy, Mumbai, www.whistlingwoods.net n SAE Institute, Chennai, www.saeindia.org n Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida, www.aaft.com n Mumbai University, www.mu.ac.in n IIT Kharagpur, www.iitkgp.ernet.in Now let’s look at interior design. This area is about planning space and furnishing the interiors, whether of private homes, public buildings, or commercial establishments. It involves the use of creative and technical solutions to a structure to achieve a built interior environment that solves the customer’s problems and links space to business strategies and goals, or personal needs. The recent real estate boom has brought into focus the need not only for attractive and exotic structures, buildings, and innovative urban complexes but also for professionally-designed interior spaces Basic aesthetic sense, creative sensibility and imagination coupled with a logical and analytical mind are the major pre-requisites. While you can get into this field without any formal training, a working knowledge of computers and design specific applications is important today. There are a lot of institutes that offer diplomas as well as courses that can be a year and or longer in duration. These courses are open to aspirants who have passed Class 12 in any stream. The Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad (www.cept.ac.in), offers a five-year programme in interior design to students who have completed senior school with science. Apeejay Institute of Design (www.apeejay.edu), DIA Academy, and Raffles Millennium Institute (www.raffles-design-institute.com) in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore and Exterior-Interiors, New Delhi (www.exterior-interiors.com), too, offer bachelor’s and diploma programmes in interior design to students from any discipline. Selection is on the basis of an entrance test. =========================================================
Q.
I am a second-year BCom student from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth. I scored 42% in my first year. However, I am determined to make my career in the film industry as a director or screenplay writer. I know it’s not easy but I want to become a star. Please guide me, especially about Film and Television Institute of India’s (FTII’s) entrance test? — Siddharth Sahay
A.
A number of good institutions in the country impart training in various aspects of filmmaking. FTII (www.ftiiindia.org), Pune, and the Mass Communications Research Centre (MCRC), Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, are premier institutes for film production and direction. FTII provides technical training in the production of films, both theoretical and practical. These include three-year postgraduate diplomas in cinematography, direction and editing, for graduates. FTII also offers a two-year PG diploma course in acting, as well as certificate courses in feature film screenplay writing, film direction, video editing and audio and television engineering. Selection is through a written test of general knowledge and cinema-related information as well as a mental ability test. This is followed by an interview to gauge your general aptitude for a career in films. This is a highly competitive entrance test, so it is advisable to also apply to some other institutes, too. MCRC offers a two-year MA programme in mass communication with different tracks such as 16mm film and radio production, video/television production and photography. Other institutes include: . Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute, Kolkata, which provides training in direction, cinematography, editing and sound recording . Film and Television Institute, Chennai . St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, . Asian Film Academy, Noida and others which offer courses in film direction and screenplay writing. . Whistling Woods International at Film City, Mumbai, offers diploma courses in production, direction and acting designed to prepare students for film, television, or theatre work However, before you jump into moviedom, it is important to know that intrinsic talent and hard work are essential in this field. You may have to struggle for quite some time and prove your worth before getting a good break. Only the very talented ones prosper and earn money and fame. So, assess your chances for success. If direction or cinematography is your choice, you should have a passion for photography, an aesthetic sense, visualising abilities along with good communication skills. If you are also considering screenplay writing, you should be able to handle and understand people. Be prepared to toil, often shooting outdoors and travelling to various locations. If you are talented, assertive and willing to work very hard, you can be assured of success in the profession and great financial rewards. =========================================================
I would recommend going to one of the top fashion designing school. Although many colleges and community colleges are now offering fashion design, the skills and exposure to the industry and real designers which comes with being at one of the top fashion schools is priceless.
ReplyDeleteAs for actual courses, these schools would have a set curriculum. That said, drawing is very very important, since that is how you will ultimately express your ideas, and create an impressive portfolio to get a job. A strong base in sewing, draping and pattern making is good, but a sense of the manufacturing process is critical as well. Learning about textiles, as well as trend is all important. Your ideas are only as good as the execution of them, so a background in how to make things well, and make things FIT will make you a good designer.