We have come a long way from the day we sent our first man-made satellite to Space. The satellite was named Sputnik. It was launched on October 4,1957.  Since then, we have never looked back at launching satellites. We sent Satellites and men to Space and Moon. We have sent satellites to Mars, to the Sun and outside our solar system to explore new horizons. Every success is a victory to human civilization irrespective of the country which sends the satellites. And all victories and failures are owed to the scientists that manufacture these satellites and the delivery systems to send them to outer space. These scientists or engineers are known as Astronautical Engineers or Rocket Engineers or Space Scientists.

Today we are going to discuss more about Astronautical Engineers and how to become one in this article.

What is Astronautical Engineering?

Astronautical Engineering or Rocket Science aerospace engineering is a subset of Aerospace engineering. It focuses on developing advanced technologies for aviation, space and airborne defense systems.

What is the Difference between Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineering

The two main branches of Aerospace engineering are Astronautical engineering and Aeronautical engineering. While Astronautical Engineering is the study of spacecraft and satellites, Aeronautical Engineering specializes in aircraft that operate within the Earth’s atmosphere.

What is an Astronautical Engineer?

Astronautical Engineers create and maintain systems and devices that help in broadcasting,communication,navigation and remote sensing.Astronautical Engineers design and develop rockets,satellites,missiles,planetary probes, space capsules and other machines designed to operate in space.They also analyze, and troubleshoot the designs of rockets and satellites to identify any problems with manufacturing processes, optimize the design process and create quality control standards while adhering to environmental regulations. Astronautical engineers innovate and create new ideas within the industry that affect the development of both space and Earth based travel. Astronautical Engineers are also called Rocket Scientists.

What do Astronautical Engineers do?

Most astronautical engineers work for Government organizations and companies contracted by the government, private contractors building spacecraft or spacecraft manufacturers. Many Astronauts have astronautical engineering backgrounds even though they are not technically astronautical engineers.

Here is the Astronautical engineers’ job description.

• They coordinate with engineering personnel who are involved in the development, testing, or modification of spacecraft and its relevant components.
• It is their duty to determine whether the proposed projects meet the defined goals.
• They set the criteria for quality control standards and design methods.

• They design and manufacture spacecraft products.
• It is their responsibility to ensure that projects meet quality standards.
• They must evaluate designs to ensure that the products meet the customers’ requirements.
• They identify and rectify the problems and solutions in the products.
• They maintain detailed documentation of equipment and performance.

How can you become an Astronautical Engineer?

 

You require certain skills to become an Astronautical Engineer which can be developed for career advancement and growth. Here are a few of the engineering skills that you must possess to succeed in the aeronautical engineering industry.

• Communication Skills

Since aeronautical engineers work in large teams, they require excellent communication skills for their work to stay consistent and synchronized. All the essential information must be relayed clearly and promptly to make it error free.

• Writing Skills

Aeronautical engineers must also possess excellent writing skills to be concise and must be able to document their document and process for further reference

• Analytical Skills

Strong Analytical skills help aeronautical engineers to evaluate designs and help them to identify and improve aspects that may not meet performance standards.

• Computer-aided design (CAD)

Aeronautical engineers must work on computers using CAD programs to develop and test designs. This skill is necessary for them.

• Mathematical Skills

Maths is an essential element of engineering as it allows them to create a design that functions. Astronautical engineers use calculus, trigonometry, and algebra during their work.

• Critical thinking

This skill is necessary for astronautical engineers to update their designs regularly to meet new demands and understand how to resolve issues under labor or time constraint.They must be able to find problems within design elements and plan strategies to improve those elements and reduce the risk of complication.

• Business Knowledge

Astronautical engineers must have working knowledge of commercial law and standard practices to adhere to regulations and policies laid down by the government or businesses.

• Stress Tolerance

Aeronautical engineers must practice and master stress management as they will have to work long hours daily and under constant pressure to meet their deadline.

Educational Requirements

You must start early after 10th  if  you want to pursue your career in space or Astronautical engineering. You must fulfil the following criteria to pursue your career as an astronautical engineer.

The subjects required for aerospace engineering are Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) in class 12th.

You must go for an astronautical engineering degree. For that you will have to search for colleges that offer astronautical engineering.

You must complete a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering. Some of the main subjects that you will learn in your bachelor’s degree are aerodynamics, space dynamics, dynamics of aerospace systems, space system designs etc. Here are some of the best colleges for astronautical engineering courses at the bachelor’s level.

• Kent State University, USA, BS Aerospace engineering
• Warsaw University of Technology, Poland, B.Sc Aerospace Engineering

• Carleton University, Canada, Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering
• Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, USA, BS in Aerospace Engineering
• University of Southampton
• Swansea University, UK, Bachelor of space engineering
• Lewis University, US, BS Aviation, and Aerospace Technology.

You can go for a master’s and PH.D. degree in fields like geophysics, geo-informatics, instrumentation, applied mathematics, etc. For an MSc in aerospace engineering, you must focus on a specialized degree. Many institutions offer five-year programs that offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Here are some of the top astronautical engineering colleges that offer master courses in astronautical engineering.

• Technical University of Berlin, Germany
• Wright State University, USA
• Technical University of Denmark, Denmark \
• IPSA, France

• The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden.
• University of Limerick, Ireland
• Beijing Institute of Technology, China
• University of New south Wales, Australia

After completing a master’s degree, you can either become an astronautical engineer by applying for positions with the organizations of your choice or you can pursue research in the field by joining a Doctorate program (PH. D,) in aerospace engineering and contribute to the field. Below are some of the best universities in astronautical engineering for PhD are given below.

• University of Manchester, U.K.
• Kyushu University, Japan

• Auburn University, USA
• University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
• Politecnico Di Milano, Italy

How can you become Astronautical Engineer in NASA

 

NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the US space agency that is responsible for civilian space programs, aeronautics, and space research. It is the premier space research organization in the world and is an inspiration to every space scientist or rocket engineer to be part of this organization. However, there are some eligibility requirements that must be fulfilled to become a NASA aerospace engineer.

Firstly, you must be a US citizen. Secondly, you must have a degree in STEM courses with two years of professional experience in related fields. Only your application is reviewed by NASA’s Astronaut Selection Board. If you are selected then you are called into small groups for interviews at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Based on the interviews, final applicants are selected.

In case you are a non-US citizen you can work in NASA’s International Space Partner.

• Agência Espacial Brasileira (AEB)
• Italian Space Agency
• Brazilian Space Agency
• Canadian Space Agency
• German Aerospace centre (DLR)

• European Space Agency
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
• Russian Federal Space Agency

Here are a few of the colleges where you can pursue your astronautical engineering degree to get into NASA.

• California Institute of Technology, US
• Stanford University, US
• University of Cambridge, UK
• Harvard University, US

• University of Oxford, UK
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US
• Princeton University, US
• ETH Zurich, Switzerland
• University of California, US

• Georgia Institute of Technology, US

 

How to become an Astronautical Engineer in ISRO

ISRO or Indian Space Research Organization is the Indian space agency and is one of the premier space research organizations in the world. ISRO is one of the top space agencies in the world that can deploy cryogenic engineers,launch extraterrestrial missions, and artificial satellites. Recently it successfully launched a land rover on the moon and has also sent its satellite to the Sun.

Educational Qualifications

To become an astronautical engineer in ISRO you must have the following educational qualifications.

• Individuals must pass BE/BTech or equivalent degree in first class from an astronautical school with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA of 6.84 out of 10.
• Individuals who are awaiting results of their seventh and eighth semesters can also apply given their aggregate marks in the remaining semesters is 65% and above or CGPA/CPI is 6.84 and above.
•  Individuals who have passed or a pursuing ME/MTech are eligible given that they have cleared their BE/BTech in first class with a minimum of 65% aggregate.
• Further education like a PhD or equivalent in Physics or Mathematics is beneficial for carrying independent research in the field of Rocket science.

To become a Rocket scientist in India you must complete your degree in Aerospace engineering or Astronautical engineering from one of these colleges given below.

• Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

• Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
• Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
• Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
• Manipal Institute of Technology

• Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Kerala
• Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital
• Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai
• International Institute for Aerospace Engineering and Management, Jain University Bengaluru

• Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune
• National Centre for Radio Astronomy, Pune
• Centre for Earth and Space Sciences, (University of Hyderabad)
• Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
• Radio Astronomy Center, Ooty

• Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru
• Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science

What is the Scope of an Astronautical Engineer?

In India there are many astronautical engineering companies where you can pursue your career. Here is the list of companies working in the sector of space technology, directly or indirectly. Directly means making rockets, spacecrafts, launchers, satellites etc. Whereas indirectly means developing supporting systems and tools for the above things. Here is the list of the companies that offer astronautical engineering jobs.

State Owned

• ISRO- Launch vehicles, Rocket engines

• Spacecraft Technology Rocket boosters
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) — Transport aircraft, Fighter aircraft, Helicopters, Crew capsule
• Antrix Corporation – Satellite systems, Launch vehicles, Technology, and consultancy
• New Space India Limited – Satellite systems, Launch vehicles, Technology, and consultancy.

Private Companies

• Godrej Aerospace—Rocket engines
• Spacecraft thrusters, Larsen & Toubro – Rocket booster
• Spacecraft, Space infrastructure

• Aginkul Cosmos – Launch vehicles
• Bellatrix vehicles, Dhruva Space- satellites.
• Pixxel- Earth imaging satellites
• Satellize—Satellites
• Skyroot Aerospace- Launch Vehicles

• Manastu Space- Satellites and spacecraft components

 

What is the Astronautical Engineering salary?

NASA aerospace engineer’s average salary is $122,270 per year as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. NASA is the major employer of Aerospace engineers in the world and employs engineers in 20 different categories.

In India, the salary of an Astronautical engineer varies for different grades. The aspirants who get the job in ISRO receive a monthly payment of at least INR 15,600 – 391,00 per month or Rs 800,000 per year for the posts of senior scientists and engineers.

The aerospace industry is growing at the rate of 3% per annum.

There are different fields of science in ISRO where the scientists and engineers work that handle research, development, application and execution of different projects and missions, such as launch of satellites or planet observation.

• Space and Technology
• Electronics
• Mechanical
• Computer science
• Civil
• Refrigeration and air conditioning
• Architecture

Job Profiles of Aerospace engineer

Graduates in aerospace engineering have many career options to choose from the list given below.

• Mechanical engineers

You can work as a mechanical engineer in the field of aviation and aircraft once you have completed your engineering in Aerospace. You can improve or make various components of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles to operate them more effectively.

• Aerospace Technician

Aerospace Technicians install, maintain, test and fix machinery that is in use or being developed.  and research teams Airlines, aerospace, and aviation industries and research these technicians.

• Aircraft/Spacecraft Designer

Aircraft and spacecraft designing that are safer and more effective is a coveted career choice among aerospace engineers. Their demand has increased due to a rise in commercial air travel and the advent of private space trips.

• Inspection Managers

Inspection managers help the finished product pass inspection by noting inconsistencies and advising motivations. They examine test findings, weigh goods, and keep track of information regarding production standards.Thus they ensure that all systems, equipment, and products adhere to national and international standards.

• Mission Specialist

Mission specialists assist with data collection, experimentation and other vital tasks during space missions.They are required to install or use a piece of equipment throughout the mission.

• Drafters

Before any spaceship, aeroplane or missile can be manufactured, drawings and specification documents must be created. These intricate and thorough texts depict the subject topics from all angles and are created by the Drafters.

• Aviation Manager

The operation of launch and control facilities for aircraft and spacecraft are handled by the aviation managers.They manage equipment maintenance, track incident reports, arrange inspections, hire team managers and contractors, establish policy plans, and prepare timetables.

Conclusion

Although astronautical space engineering in India is still in its infancy stage despite the success and achievements of I.S.R.O,. India is experiencing an accelerated expansion in the astronautical industry. Career opportunities for aerospace engineers are endless due to their demand in both domestic and overseas markets.

 

 

Water Treatment Plant operators have a critical role to play in our daily life as water is one of the most essential basic elements to life on earth. The other one is air. We drink water to survive. Almost 2/3rd of our planet is covered with water making it the only living planet in the entire universe till date. That is why it is called the blue planet. Explorations are being made to the Moon and Mars in search of water so one day we can colonize them.

Before the Industrial revolution in all the countries at different points of time, beginning with England, we used to have pure and clean water to drink from lakes and rivers. The rapid industrialization led to the growth of modern cities which are grossly overpopulated and dirty. The lack of sufficient clean water has led to the degradation of life in these cities. The industries have poured millions of tons of pollutants into the water resources like rivers and reservoirs which are lifeline to these cities, making it undrinkable.

The government along with the water treatment plant operators has taken various steps to ensure sufficient and clean water for people in these cities. The creation of water reservoirs and means to deliver drinkable water to the people in their homes is one of the most important tasks undertaken in cities.

This article will help us understand the whole process and the role of water treatment plant operators.

The Water Treatment Plant Process

The raw water from the water reservoir is delivered to the head works of the water treatment plants. The operation of the water treatment plant process in power plant consists of five major unit processes to make the water safe for drinking. These five major unit processes are given below.

1. Chemical Coagulation

1. Flocculation

1. Sedimentation

1. Filtration

1. Disinfection 
   

Step 1. Chemical Coagulation

An oxidant Chlorine dioxide that is used to break down organic matter such as decaying leaves and other plant material is added to the raw water. Then a chemical coagulant Aluminium Sulphate is used as a primary coagulant. A polymer is also added to the water as a coagulation aid. These coagulants are added at the rapid mix unit. The coagulants cause very fine particles to clump together into larger particles which can be removed later in the treatment process by settling,skimming,draining and filtering.

Step 2. Flocculation 

The coagulated water then flows to the next major unit process known as Flocculation. This process is a slow process that causes the small, coagulated particles to form floc. The floc formed creates a surface in which the particulates in the water adsorb to the surface of the floc thus forming larger settleable particle for ease off removal by sedimentation and filtration.

Step 3. Sedimentation 

The flocculated water then flows to the next major unit process, the Sedimentation process. This process removes suspended solids or particles that are heavier than water and reduces particulate load on the filters. This process removes ninety percent of the solids in the water. The clearer water on the surface is collected in the launder tubes that direct the water to the filter to remove the remaining ten percent of solids.

Step 4. Disinfection 

The settled water then flows from the Pre-Sedimentation building to the filtration facility after adding chlorine to the water to begin the disinfection process. This process is designed to kill or inactivate most microorganisms in water like bacteria, viruses or intestinal parasites that causes diseases like gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera etc.

Step 5. Filtration 

Now the water flows into the filtration facility and onto the last of the major unit processes used to treat drinking water.Filtration is the process of passing water through material such as bed of coal, sand or other granular substance to remove impurities that are not removed during sedimentation process.The water treatment plant uses rapid rate multi-media gravity filter beds.When the filters start to get full of particles, the water treatment plant operators clean them using a procedure called backwashing. The backwash water is sent to the backwash recovery pond, and after the settling process, the backwash water is returned to the raw water settling pond for re-use.

What is a Water Treatment Plant Operator?

A water treatment plant operator is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water that is supplied to homes and businesses. It is their responsibility to operate and maintain various equipment and processes in water treatment plants such as sedimentation,filtration and disinfection..Thus water treatment plant operators play a critical role in ensuring safety to public health by keeping drinking water safe for consumption.

Water Treatment Plant Operators are also known as:
Wastewater Operator Wastewater Operator Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Wastewater Treatment Operator.

Roles and Responsibilities of Water Treatment Plant Operator 

Water treatment plant operators have a range of duties and responsibilities in ensuring the safety and quality of water supply to the public.Here are some of the main duties and responsibilities off water treatment plant operators.

• Operating and maintaining water treatment equipment 

It is the duty of Water treatment plant operators to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of equipment such as pumps, filters and chemical treatment systems.They must be proficient in handling computerised control systems.

• Monitoring Water Quality 

Water treatment plant operators are responsible for monitoring the quality of the water being used, including parameters like pH,turbidity and chlorine levels.

• Conducting Laboratory tests 

The treatment operators conduct laboratory tests on water samples  like bacteriological, chemical and physical analysis, to monitor water quality and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Maintaining Records 

The operators maintain detailed records of water treatment activities, including water quality data, equipment maintenance logs, and regulatory compliance records.

• Responding to emergencies 

Water treatment plant operators must be able to make quick decisions and respond quickly and effectively in dealing with emergency situations such as equipment failures,power outages, and water quality issues.

• Ensuring Compliance with regulations 

It is the responsibility of the water treatment operators to ensure that their plant is in compliance with all applicable environmental and safety regulations, including those related to water quality,hazardous materials handling, and wastewater discharge.

What are types of Water Treatment Operators?

 

There are different types of water treatment plant operators having different levels of responsibility and expertise.The three main types of expertise are given below.

• Entry-level operators 

Basic tasks such as monitoring equipment,recording data, and conducting routine maintenance are done by the Water treatment plant operator trainee.They work under the supervision of more experienced operators.

• Intermediate level operators 

Operators with more experience and responsibility are called Intermediate operators.They are responsible for operating and maintaining a variety of equipment,conducting laboratory tests and responding to emergency situations.They also train and supervise entry level operators.

• Senior level operators 

Senior level operators has the most experience in the field.They are responsible for maintaining and operating the plant,ensuring regulatory compliance and managing compliance.They are responsible for developing and implementing new processes and procedures to improve efficiency and water quality.

How to become a Water Treatment Plant Operator? 

Like other occupations, water treatment plant operators also require some specific skills from you to succeed in your career.Here is a list of skills that you may require to learn and understand wastewater treatment process and operations.

• Mechanical Proficiency 

Water treatment plant operator must have the ability to fix mechanical issues regarding equipment,systems, and company transportation.

• Communication 

The water treatment operator must have verbal and written communication skills. These skills help them in drafting their reports,guiding their colleagues and explaining the water treatment systems to other professionals.

• Teamwork 

Since the water treatment operators have to. work as a team they must possess excellent teamwork skills

• Observation 

Water treatment operators require strong observation skills as this helps them to closely monitor water treatment systems and notice any changes.

• Knowledge of engineering 

Water treatment operators require engineering skills to create better treatment systems and improve on existing ones.

• Problem-Solving 

This skill helps water treatment operators to troubleshoot problems regarding equipment,systems,treatment formulas and create innovative and effective solutions.

• Reading comprehension 

Water Treatment operators require strong comprehension skills to analyse and record metre readings.

• Adaption 

Water treatment operators must be able to adjust their  practices with technology. They must be able to operate new equipment and incorporate new technology into their daily operations.

 

Educational Qualification of Water treatment Plant Operator

You need a combination of education,experience and  certification  to become a water treatment plant operator.You can follow these steps to meet the general qualifications of a water treatment operator.

Step 1: Complete your High school  

This is the minimum water treatment certification requirement for you in your journey to become a water treatment plant operator.

Step 2: Complete your Graduation 

Although this qualification is not compulsory yet in the present context a degree in graduation or equivalent can increase your chances in career growth and earn more.

Step 3: Earn a certification 

Most employers prefer professionals to earn a water treatment plant operator certification of the trade.Certification is necessary for the water treatment  operators in order to operate equipment and process. Certification also ensures that these professionals have necessary skills and manage to maintain safe and clean water for the public.

Step 4: Receive on-the-job training 

Water treatment plant operator training  is necessary to get practical experience of this job.

Step 5: Apply for jobs 

Once you have education, experience and certification you can have water treatment plant operators.

Here are few of the colleges that offer certificate course for the candidates

• IIT Roorkee, Roorkee
• Khatu Shyam Institute of Management & Technology, New Delhi

• Mahatma Jyotiba Phule University, Jaipur
• Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur
• Patna University, Patna
• Vardhman Mahaveer Open University,Kota
• Teri University, New Delhi

• Suvidha Institute of Technology, Mumbai
• Rashtriya Bahat University,Mohali
• Rashtriya Technical University

 

What is the Scope of a Water Treatment Plant Operator? 

 

Even today about 2 billion people in the world use untreated drinking water or get water from contaminated sources. This results in spread off widespread diseases as we have discussed above in the article.

Since the role of water treatment plant operator becomes very critical as they are following the principle of “Prevention is better than cure”, there is a huge demand of water treatment operators all over the world.The rapid urbanization has led to the growth and creation of more towns and cities leading to the increasing demand of clean and drinkable water.This has created a demand for more water treatment plants to supply clean water.This rise in demand has contributed to the rise in the demand of  water treatment plant operator jobs.

In India with a population of more than 1 billion and still growing there is an ever increasing demand for water treatment plant operators.

Water treatment plant operators job description 

Here is the description of the Job Profiles of the water treatment plant operators.

• Water Resource Specialist 

Water Resource Specialists design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply,quality, and regulatory compliance issues.They also conduct investigations on matters such as water storage,wastewater discharge,pollutants,permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues. Their average salary is about Rs 3,80,000 per annum.

• Water Efficiency Technicians 

Water treatment plant technicians are intermediate-level water treatment plant operators.They are responsible for water treatment and distribution systems. They also maintain water treatment equipment and water distribution systems.They have an average salary of Rs 5,20,000 per annum.

• Water Resource Manager 

Water resource managers plan for water use and treatment.They are employed by the government like the municipal corporation or can work independently.Their average salary is around Rs 8,86,000 per annum.

• Environment Manager 

Environment managers are responsible for supervising the performance of the private,public and voluntary sectors.Environmental managers earn about Rs 8,95,00 per annum.

The average salary of a water treatment plant operator in India is Rs 420,000 per annum.

Top Paying companies for water treatment plant operators in India 

• Thermax Limited Water Treatment Plant.
• Dr Reddy’s water treatment plant.
• SIMA Labs water treatment plant.

• R.G. Technosolutions water treatment plant.
• Ion Exchange water treatment plant.
• Tata Steel water treatment plant operator.
• Sodexo water treatment plant.
• Sun Pharmaceuticals Limited.

• Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals limited.

 

The industries that employ water treatment plant operators are given below.

• Engineering & Construction
• Industrial Machinery
• Pharma
• Waste Management
• Auto Components

Conclusion 

The career of a water treatment plant operator is not only rewarding but it assumes a responsibility towards our society. By providing clean and pure water to the people in society we are doing a great service to our nation as a whole. As far as career is concerned the scope of water treatment plant operators will keep on growing as more and more water treatment plants  are set up due to ever increasing demand of drinkable water as a result of increasing population and growth of modern cities and towns.

 

 

 

 

Today we are witnessing an economic turn that none of us has ever witnessed before. The Covid 19 has left its mark with enormous blackouts and shutdowns all over the globe that resembled a word war. Yet few of us saw a light at the end of the tunnel. That light was provided by Stockbrokers. The rallying off the share market to new heights in the stock market is the turning point of the Indian economy into a well-developed economy when every other economy, even those off west faltered in the face of the epidemic.

Stockbroking and Stockbrokers

Stockbroking is the process of buying and selling stocks or other securities. The people who do stockbroking are called Stockbrokers.

Stockbrokers are agents or traders who trade stocks on the behalf of their investors in return for the commission they get from their clients. They are also called securities sales agents and commodities sales agents.

The place where Stockbrokers do the trading is called the Stock Market. Some of the stock trading platforms are Sensex, National Stock Exchange in Mumbai, New York Stock Exchange, or NIKKIE in Tokyo. Nowadays they can trade on computers through online stock trading also.

Stockbrokers provide a variety of services to their individual clients, companies, or organizations. They give advice concerning current or prospective investments, as well as assistance in portfolio investments. As a stockbroker you must be familiar with the wide range of products available in the stock market. They must be able to analyze company finances and provide recommendations regarding public offerings, mergers, and acquisitions.

Types of Stockbrokers

1. Full-Service stockbroker

A Full-service stockbroker provides personal service to his or her clients like providing them with necessary information and recommendations for trading based on personalized research. They also provide information to their clients that is available to brokerage services.

Full- time broker work at a full-service firm such as Banks or financial companies like JP Morgan Stanley, Merril Lynch. The Brokers are provided with a comprehensive training package that includes sales & product training as well as education in administrative procedures and compliance regulations.

2. Discount Stockbroker

A Discount Stockbroker takes orders from the clients. He does not offer any advice, analysis or research services. Discount broker firms are geared to providing effective services for walk-in clients and usually pay their brokers a flat salary.

Discount stockbrokers have a much broader base of experience than many full-service brokers. They are expected to provide a broad array of research and services, including basic technical and fundamental analysis,rollovers,stock options, margin accounting,derivatives,bond-ladders,mutual funds, closed-ended funds, partnerships,charitable gifting, exchanges, and many other areas of investment, retirement, and charitable planning.

3. Bank Stockbrokers

Technically, bank stockbrokers who work at banks are full-service brokers. However, they are often given lower payouts on their commission in return for having access to the bank’s customer base.

At one time, Bank brokerage positions were viewed as dead-end jobs that were available to brokers who failed everywhere else. However, lately this perception has disappeared with the growth of this segment.

Most banks now employ in-house investment consultants who offer non-FDIC insured products and services. Many banks are now asking their brokers to cultivate clients from outside the bank. Brokers often must make an extra effort to get their clients to understand what they offer.

What is the Role of a Stockbroker?

 

Most of you who opt for a career as a stockbroker will be required to work in an office environment.  A stockbroker job description includes keeping an eye on the stock market daily and measuring the changes in stocks & shares. He is required to sell and buy stocks on behalf of his company and make profitable investments for his clients.He is responsible for managing stock portfolios. He must be able to analyze the stock market and make future predictions. Here are the roles and responsibilities of a stockbroker.

• Customer Service

The stockbroker’s job description includes creating his own client list irrespective of the size of the work where he works and must spend most of the time in customer recruitment and customer service. His work involves calling his clients and follow-up. He must be able to maintain a long and trustful relationship with his respective clients. He is required to update their portfolios and look for investment opportunities.

• Advisory

A stockbroker must disclose the correct information about investment recommendations and risks involved in it.

• Trading

Stockbrokers are responsible for trading stocks, buying, and selling them on behalf of their clients. Trading is done electronically or on the physical trading floor or by phone.

• Fiduciary Duty

Since a stockbroker’s earnings are mostly commission based, he is liable to follow the rules laid down by the regulatory authorities to avoid conflict with his clients.

How to become a Stockbroker?

In case you really want to become a stockbroker, you must possess or attain certain skills to become a stockbroker. Here are some of the essential stockbroker skills that are required for you to become a stockbroker.

• Research and Critical thinking skills

As a stockbroker must possess problem-solving skills and must have the ability to identify and mitigate risk factors to generate profits as a stockbroker. You must be able to analyze, research and find solutions to challenges that could pose problems for making returns. Similarly critical thinking skills are necessary for analyzing various trade factors and making decisions that can affect the outcome of investments.

• Communication skills

Stockbrokers must possess excellent written and verbal skills to work effectively. They must be able to convert mathematical and statistical data into understandable information which are essential for portfolio management and analyzing investment strategies.

• Strategic Planning

Traders must make strategic decisions regarding the securities they buy and sell.They must have the ability to analyze and plan for investment and trading strategies to be successful. You must be able to plan the best strategies for purchasing stocks, reduce risks, and generate profits while working in a Brokerage firm.

• Wealth Management

To be a successful broker you must be able to leverage industry knowledge to help your clients maintain and accumulate financial wealth. You must stay up to date on current investment opportunities to give them the best possible advice.

• Mathematical skills

You must possess excellent mathematical skills and must be able to calculate percentages, dividends, and profits quickly to be able to stay competitive in the stock market.

• Persuasion Skills

As a stockbroker you must be able to persuade your clients to listen to you and convince them with their recommendations.

• Technical Skills

Stockbrokers must possess technical skills like the ability to use computer software and digital trading applications regularly in their career. He must have thorough knowledge to compute statistics on company stocks and analyze options.

 

Educational Qualifications to become a Stockbroker

Like any other profession you require an appropriate level of education to fulfill stockbroker job requirements. For most of us this may mean an undergraduate degree. But we must complete a graduate program to improve our marketability and increase advancement opportunities. Stockbrokers and traders who have earned a master’s degree are coveted a lot in the industry and earn more money than those without one. You must also possess a license to work in this field.

Here are the steps for you to take to become to become a Stockbroker:

Step 1: You must enroll in a relevant undergraduate degree program

Step 2: You must complete an internship with a financial or brokerage firm.

Step 3: You must find a Professional Employment and Join a Professional Organization.

Step 4: You must Register as a representative of your firm with FINRA.

Step 5: You must complete an accredited Master’s of Business Administration Degree

 

Step 1: You must enroll in a relevant undergraduate degree program 

Most entry level stockbroker and trader positions only require an undergraduate degree. This field does not require a specific major, so you can choose a degree option that suits your specific interests. However, you must major in finance or a business-related subject like accounting,business,finance or economics. These courses are generally preferred by employers, especially large firms. Online programs are also available.

Step 2: Complete an Internship with a Financial Firm

You must apply for an internship as an undergraduate student to gain invaluable experience. Many large and small brokerage firms and investment banks frequently hire summer interns and later offer full time employment to the successful students.

These internships offer a variety of benefits to the students in their career path to become stockbroker and trader like Real world training and work experience, opportunities to apply academic theory and best practice, gaining experience in working with a financial team, Skills development, Networking, and gaining access to potential professional mentors.

Step 3: You must find a Professional Employment and Join a Professional Organization

Unlike other professions, stockbrokers and traders must first find employment before they can get their license. Therefore, you will have to search for jobs immediately after completing your graduation.

Students and new professionals must strongly consider joining a professional organization. These organizations are available at State, national and international level. The members get exclusive benefits like resources,discounts,training,certification programs and networking opportunities.

Here are some of the prominent professional associations and societies for stockbrokers and traders.

• Association of national exchange members of India (ANMI)
• National Association of Stockbrokers (NAS)
• National Stock Exchange (NSE)
• International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
• National Association of Investment Professionals (NOIP)

 Step 4: You must Register as a representative of your firm with SEBI.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the protective, regulatory and development authority of Stock and Derivatives market in India. Every brokerage and Investment firm must register itself with SEBI to start their business in Indian stock market.

Step 5: You must complete an accredited Master’s of Business Administration Degree

Most Stockbrokers’ careers can receive a tremendous boost if they choose to pursue a degree or diploma course in Master of Business Administration (MBA) or obtain a degree in Chartered accountant (CA) or Chartered of Financial Analyst (CFA). A MBA degree in finance is greatly preferred by employers and can help the candidates to reach a higher position in stockbrokers. It entitles them to more advancement opportunities, better compensation, and large signing bonuses when hired.

Here are the 7 Best degrees for Stockbrokers that can help them in their career growth.

1.Business Administration and Finance

Business administration with a specialization in finance is the first choice for entering the stock market as a stockbroker. The undergraduate degree programs in this filed focus on courses like finance, corporate finance income securities, derivatives and the translation of accounting statements.

2.Investment Management

Stockbrokers with a degree in Investment management can work with portfolio managers to buy and sell securities for their clients. The undergraduate program of Investment management covers topics like investment analysis, risk analysis, portfolio management, investment strategies, economics, business math, and accounting.

3. Economics

A degree in economics can help you as stockbroker understand the volatile nature of the stock market as it depends on the health of the economy. The subject also helps you understand how companies gain or lose leverage within economic development. The Bachelors’ degree programs in economics focuses on economic development, economic policies, and banking and finance. The master level in economics can prepare the stockbrokers to focus on fields like national and international trade market operations to help prepare them for potentially lucrative careers in brokerage firms, investment firms and other trading institutions.

4. Statistics

Statistics covers topics like data analysis, probability and statistical computing and can help you develop the skills and knowledge that stock trading requires. A degree in statistics helps stockbrokers who perform stock analysis to develop trading strategies and navigate the risk in the market from a degree in statistics to demonstrate their expertise.

5. Computer Science

Many brokerages’ firms and other financial institutions that employ stockbrokers often hire candidates with a degree in computer science as it helps the stockbroker to apply skills to many aspects of stock trading. A degree in computer science can help the stockbrokers in computer systems security, managing databases, creating software applications and applying innovative technology to your career in stock trading.

6. Data analytics

Data analytics is very useful for stockbrokers in their career as it helps to guide their clients to invest in securities that offer the best possible returns. A bachelor’s degree in data analytics can cover a range of topics like economics,statistics,computer science, information technology, and information management. Stockbrokers who pursue a master’s degree in data analytics develop skills in areas like data collection, automation systems, data visualization and analytics algorithms.

7. Applied Mathematics

The bachelor program for applied mathematics can help you develop skills and expertise in areas like differential calculus, programing,mathematical and statistical software applications and logical reasoning. Stockbrokers  can further advance their skill set with a master’s degree in applied maths and learn in depth concepts in mathematical and statistical computing, modelling mathematical data and performing processes using technical applications.

How to be a Stockbroker in a Nutshell?

• You must register yourself with the stock exchange depending upon your dealing in the securities listed at different stock exchanges.
• After that, you must pass a written test & then undergo training that includes subjects such as capital markets, accountancy, portfolio analysis, etc. to become a member.
• You must deposit a certain amount with the stock exchange as security for membership. Membership will be given after analysis that you are able to operate as a broker.

• You must take a BSE certification in derivatives exchange & NSE’s certification in Financial Markets.

 

To become a member of SEBI, you will have to pass the written entrance test and then undergo a training program that includes subjects like accountancy, capital markets, securities and portfolio management and so on. Membership is only given after ensuring that the person will be able to operate as a broker.

Some of the entrance exams that are available in this field is:

• BSE Certification on Central Depository
• BSE Certification on Derivatives Exchange
• BSE Certification on Currency Futures
• BSE Certification on Securities Markets

 

Top Colleges in India where you study stockbroking:

• Institute of Financial and Investment Planning, Mumbai
• All India Center for Capital Market Studies, Nasik
• Institute of Company Secretaries of India, New Delhi
• Institute of Capital Market Development, New Delhi
• Mumbai Stock Exchange Training Institute, Mumbai

• Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI), Hyderabad

Why should you become a stockbroker?

Current Job Outlook

Today a stockbroker can progress up to senior-level and get a good amount of compensation. He must learn and apply sales techniques to build a large client base with numerous portfolios. He must build a trustworthy relationship with clients to be successful. Few factors that affect the job growth of working experience in the stock market firm, education, and geographic location.

Stockbroker jobs and salaries

Junior Stockbroker

A junior stockbroker possesses an experience as 1 to 4 years. He manages the stock accounts of individuals and provides them with assistance in investing in the shares of companies that ensure more profitability. A junior stockbroker can easily earn up to Rs300,000 per annum.

Senior Stockbroker

A stockbroker has working experience of 10 tom 20 years. He has a vast knowledge of the stock market and knows how certain circumstances can affect the value of the shares of various companies or organizations. A senior stockbroker can easily earn more than Rs 500,000 per annum.

 

In abroad you can get a starting salary ranging from 24,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds a year.

Where do Stockbrokers work?

Stockbrokers manage individual investment accounts as well as work for large corporate entities. Since every company and organization today needs some level of financial investment advice, there are a lot of entry level stockbroker jobs available.

Given below are a few of the industries that do stockbroker hiring.

• Securities, commodity, contract, and financial Investments.
• Credit Intermediation

• Non-depository credit Intermediation
• Company and Enterprise Management
• Agencies and Brokerages
• Insurance and Employee Benefits
• Pipeline Transportation off crude oil

• Computer system Design
• Farm Product Raw material wholesalers
• Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers

 

Since most of the companies are in urban areas, stockbrokers mostly work in metropolitan areas.

Job Profile of the Stockbrokers

Here are some of the professions where stockbrokers can work.

• Investment Bankers
• Investment Banking sales agents and traders
• Floor Brokers

• Financial Service Sales Agents
• Accounts Managers
• Assistant Branch Manager

 

• Investment Bankers

Investment Bankers are responsible for underwriting, or connecting businesses that supply money to investors. Some of the services that these professionals provide are initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions. They are responsible for estimating the worth of a company and ensuring that the company meets all legal requirements to become publicly traded.

• Investment Banking Sales Agent and Traders

Investment banking sales agents are responsible for carrying out client’s buy and sell orders for stocks, bonds and commodities. They also trade on behalf of the company they work for.They work for commercial banks, hedge funds and private equity groups.

• Floor Brokers

The Floor Managers work on the floor of a security or commodity exchange. These professionals are responsible for price negotiation, making sales and forwarding the final price to the traders.

• Financial Services Sales Agents

Financial Services sales agents are consulted by both individuals and businesses on various banking,security,insurance and related services. They also inform the potential clients and explain the services offered, including managing loans, individual retirement accounts and credit cards.

• Accounts Manager

Account Managers maintain relationships with specific customers. They must have a clear understanding of the products and services offered and are able to make targeted pitches to new clients.

• Assistant Branch Manager

Assistant branch managers at banks hire, train, and supervise customer service representatives. Hey also monitors financial activities,performs audits, reviews reports and manages cash levels.

Here is the list of the top brokerage firms and online trading companies in India where you can work as a stockbroker.

• Angel Broking limited
• Reliance Capital Ltd
• HDFC
• JP Morgan
• ICICI Direct

• India Infoline
• Indiabulls
• Sharekhan Limited
• Kotak Securities Ltd.
• Karvy Consultancy

Conclusion

The current economic scenario where the stock market is bullish there is a tremendous scope for a stockbroker in India. With more and more financial companies entering the Indian market there are a lot of stockbroker jobs near you and you can progress up to senior level and earn attractive compensation. It is seen that the salary of an experienced stockbroker is double that of the entry level stockbroker.

 

If you love shopping and are good at negotiating & bargaining, you can make a career in Purchasing management as a Purchasing officer. You must be able to acquire or purchase all the goods and services that your company offers if you opt for a career as purchasing officer. This involves negotiating with sellers, checking quality standards, running tenders,maintaining files, and so on and so forth.

What is a Purchasing Officer?

A purchase officer is a person in the purchasing department who is responsible for sourcing and buying goods or materials that are later resold or used in daily operations. In retail business, the procurement officers source products for the business and then sell them to make profit. However, if they work for businesses who make their own products, the procurement officers source materials for the businesses and use them in the manufacturing process.

Purchase Officer Duties and Responsibilities? 

If you opt for a career as purchase officer, then you will be responsible for several tasks like evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, reviewing product quality, and checking if they match the company’s standards. It depends on the size of organisation; procurement officers may specialize in a particular type of product or a certain aspect of the buying process.

Here are some of the works that fit the Job description of the Purchase Officer.

• Sourcing Products 

The first aspect of purchasing involves sourcing products. It is the duty of the purchasing officer to liaise with sales,marketing,product development, manufacturing and warehouse departments to establish their purchasing needs.They also research and evaluate vendors to find the most suitable products and prices.

• Negotiating purchasing terms 

After sourcing suitable inventory, the purchase officers must negotiate with the buyers for the best possible prices and terms.They must make it possible to negotiate for bulk discounts and price breaks. Factors like dispatch times and return policies also play a key role in these negotiations. The officers can then prepare a contract and formally make purchases after they have reached an agreement.

• Receiving Products 

It is the responsibility of the purchase officers to track orders and monitor deliveries to ensure that their employer receives products correctly.They also must check the quality off the materials or goods and communicate with the vendors if a problem occurs. Also, they must update the stock database after receiving the goods and coordinate with warehouse staff to ensure that these goods are stored correctly.

• Monitoring stock and costs 

Purchase officers must monitor stock levels so they can easily and quickly make future orders.They even must prepare reports to help understand the stock’s movement in and out of the business to optimize order size and frequency. Additionally, they are required to perform routine cost analysis to help the business calculate profit margins and make improvements.

Types of Purchase Officer 

• Purchasing Assistant 

The purchasing agent’s job is to assist senior buyers or purchase managers in carrying out their day-to-day activities. He assists them in filling contracts, evaluating the supplier’s track record and several other tasks that are involved in the entire purchase process.

• Senior Buyer 

Senior buyers have an experience of 3-5 years’ experience in the field of the company’s purchasing department. He is responsible for managing his team under him. He assigns several jobs and responsibilities to the juniors.

• Purchase Manager 

The purchase manager forecasts the level of demand and supply for a product or service in the market. He also conducts research to find the best suppliers in terms of quality, price and delivery of the product.

• Logistician 

Every company or business requires a Logistician. It is up to the organization if it wants to outsource the logistics work, which is to hire a company which has expertise in the field of logistics, or the organization could have a logistics department of its own.

 

How can you become a Purchasing officer?

 

A Purchasing Officer is a great career in business. As a purchasing officer you will be responsible for buying the products and services that your company needs to operate. The first thing that you should know to become a purchase officer are the skills. Here are some of the purchase officer skills that you need to possess or learn.

• Communication Skills 

Purchasing Officers must have good command of their language.They must possess excellent written and verbal skills to liaise with various interpersonal departments and vendors. He must be able to communicate comfortably and effectively whether on phone,E- Mail/Post or Face to Face. Effective communication diminishes the probability of errors which can prove costly while making purchase orders.

• Negotiation Skills

As a strong negotiator, a purchasing manager must be typically strategic, persuasive, and highly skilled in building rapport with others. He must be able to negotiate well with the suppliers to provide his company with supplies it requires in its daily operations. He should be able to convince and persuade his suppliers to his terms and get the best possible deal for his company.

• Decision Making Skills 

A purchase manager must be decisive. He must take effective decisions that require strong decision-making skills. He must be able to calculate the risks and must be able to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of different options when making decisions.

• Analytical Skills 

The ability to interpret data and make decisions based on the information you have is called Analytical Skills, purchasing officers must have strong analytical skills to review data about a company’s budget, analyse the cost of materials and make purchasing decisions. These skills are also utilised to evaluate the quality of the products or services a company provides.

• Attention to Detail 

A purchasing officer must pay extreme attention to detail. He should not miss out on anything while doing their research and while evaluating for the right kind of supplier. He must take every step carefully and with every detail noted to avoid any kind of errors in the future.

• Computer Literacy 

Purchasing officers must be computer literate as they have to use computers in all their work like inventory management,communications,purchasing order and reporting. He must be able to work on complex software packages.

 

Formal Training to become a Purchase officer 

Apart from the above skills you must complete your formal education and a purchase officer certification to qualify for the post of purchase officer.

Get a degree as undergraduate 

After passing their 12th in any of the subjects like science,arts,commerce,humanities and social science from a recognized board, you are also required to complete your graduation.

Here are the education qualifications as an undergraduate that is best suited for the career as purchase manager.

• Diploma in Supply Chains management
• Bachelors in business administration (BBA)
• BBA in supply chain management and logistics.
• BA economics
• Purchasing and supply

Post graduate courses for purchase manager

• MBA in Logistics and Supply chain management
• PGD in supply chain management etc.

Here is the list of the top colleges where you can pursue your studies in purchase management. Many of these institutes have their own entrance examinations which you must qualify.

• Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
• Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode
• Faculty of Management studies, New Delhi
• Indian Institute of Management, Indore
• National Institute of Securities market, Indore
• MICA Ahmedabad
• Indian School of Business, Hyderabad
• Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
• Vidyasagar University, Midnapore

It is necessary for the Purchasing officer to have Certified Public Professional Buyer (CPPB) and Central Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) certification. Both these certifications are issued by The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).

Purchasing officer Job Scope

At present the purchasing officer career is very promising for the aspirants. There are many job openings in various fields. Here we are not only talking about big multinational companies who need purchasing officers to find the right product and services for the company but also for smaller companies who have begun to hire purchase managers.

Rapid Industrialization is also increasing the demand for purchase manager jobs. The wave of start-up companies and venture capitalism has led to the formation of new companies which in turn is leading to the rise in demand for purchase managers.

The job openings growth rate is about 6.4% for purchase managers which is higher than the average of various other fields.

Here are some of the top recruiting industrial sectors where you can start your career as purchase manager.

• Manufacturing Companies
• Departmental/convenience store
• Export Houses
• Production Houses
• Fashion Retail
• Healthcare products and service delivery companies
• Educational Institutes

Top Recruiting companies for Purchase officer jobs 

Here are some of the major companies in India that recruit purchase managers.

• Tata
• Mahindra & Mahindra
• Reliance Group
• Pantaloons
• Spencer group 
  

PayScale/Salary of Purchase Manager 

The purchase officers get a good salary package, and they have plenty of scope at the later stage. At the entry level the purchasing officer get a salary in India is Rs 2 to 3 lacs per annum. However, the salary grows with experience and training. The average salary earned by a purchase officer/manager is about 8 lacs per annum. Purchase officer holding positions at senior level is about 10-12 lacs.

Conclusion

The Purchase management career is filled with excitement and responsibilities. You cannot afford to miss out on details as it affects the overall functioning of the organization. The job is very stressful as it involves managing multiple things in the purchase sector.

Those of you who wish to become a purchase officer will experience a significant growth in your career path. Purchase officer career is vast and there are plenty of job growth opportunities in the career path as you gain experience and knowledge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Oceanographer is a scientist who studies the ocean. The subject that an oceanographer primarily focuses on in his research is called Oceanography. Oceanography science is the research of different aspects of ocean to better understand how it works and how it affects other parts of life, such as the weather or erosion along the shoreline.

Since oceans cover almost two thirds of our planet, the study of oceanography assumes importance. Healthy oceans are of ultimate importance to life in this planet as a whole so the work of oceanographers impacts all of us.Also oceans are the source of food,natural resources and other elements that people use everyday.Most of the research in oceanography focuses on human impact on oceans and how to minimize the impact to keep the ocean system healthy.

An Introduction to Oceanography?

Oceanography is the branch of earth science that studies the physical and biological properties of the ocean and discovers the various phenomenon of seawater.It deals with the study of oceans and seas with specific importance to coastline,estuaries,coastal waters,shelves and the ocean bed.Oceanography covers wide range of topics that includes marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics, ocean current , waves, and geophysical fluid dynamics. It includes plate tectonics and geology of the sea floor and fluxes of various chemical substances and physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries.

Four Types of  Oceanography

Traditionally oceanography is divided into four disciplines that are related to each other.These are

• Physical Oceanography
• Chemical Oceanography

• Biological Oceanography
• Geological Oceanography

• Physical Oceanography

Physical Oceanography is the  study of the physical processes and conditions within the ocean such as waves,currents, eddies, gyres, and tides.It  studies the interaction of atmosphere with the ocean, the transmission of light and sound through ocean, coastal erosion and the ocean’s interaction with its boundaries at the sea floor and the coast.

• Biological Oceanography

Biological oceanography is the study of plants and animals in the marine environment.It deals with the study of numbers of marine organisms and how these organisms develop,relate to one another, adapt to their environment and interact with it.

• Chemical Oceanography

Chemical oceanography is the study of the composition of seawater, its biochemical cycles and processes, and the chemical interaction of seawater with seafloor and atmosphere.The study includes analysis of seawater components,the effect of pollutants and the impact of chemical processes on marine organisms.

• Geological Oceanography

Geological oceanography is the study of the structure, feature and evolution of seafloor. It is the study of the changes in the physical structure resulted in canyons, mountains and valleys.The subject also examines the volcanic processes,mantle circulation,hydrothermal circulation,magma genes and crustal formation

All oceanographers must have a deep understanding of biology,chemistry,geology, and physics to unravel the mysteries of the world and to understand the processes within it.

 

What is an Oceanographer?

An oceanographer studies the ocean. He is a type of Geo-scientist who studies the physical and chemical properties and movement patterns of the oceans. He uses mathematics and science to explain the interaction between atmosphere,seawater,freshwater and biosphere.

Oceanographers come from different academic backgrounds including disciplines as diverse as zoology, physics and meteorology.

 

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of an Oceanographer?

Here are some of the duties of an oceanographer.

•  An oceanographer studies the marine ecosystem and their inhabitants.
• He researches marine animals and conducts experiments in the ocean to make discoveries.
• He collects sample data from the ocean using specialized techniques and equipment.
• He studies the movement of oceans and understands the nature of waves, currents, and tides.
• An oceanographer predicts changes in weather and climate to improve the forecast of both natural and human-made hazards.

• Assess the impact of pollutants on water quality in the ocean.
• He monitors the effect of chemicals on marine food chain.
• He builds hypothesis and makes accurate predictions using statistical methods and field data.
• He submits relevant proposals to get research funding.
• He submits reports on the research findings and activities.

 

How can you become an Oceanographer?

Oceanographers are of many types and they work in different environments on a variety of ocean-related subjects. Most of them are inspired by the works off famous oceanographers. Some teach or write oceanography books. But all of them have an intense desire to uncover the mysteries of the oceans.

An oceanographer requires various skills to excel in their workforce. Some off these are:

• Communication skills

Oceanographers require excellent communication skills to create research papers and document their reports, and this requires excellent written communication skills.They must have excellent presentation skills.

• Critical thinking

Oceanographers require excellent critical thinking skills.They require it analyze their research data to develop findings that can make crucial decisions.

• Physical Stamina

As oceanographers have to work underwater in remote locations to collect samples for research and conduct tests, they require a great of physical stamina and conduct tests.

• Outdoor Skills

Oceanographers must work a great deal outdoors to conduct research and study the ocean.They are required to camp at remote locations and stay outdoors that require excellent outdoor skills.

• Problem-solving skills

Oceanographers must work on complex projects and analyze statistical data to make informed judgements on issues related to oceans. They require excellent problem-solving skills to perceive and address a problem.

• Technical Knowledge

Oceanographers with good technical knowledge in marine and ocean environments are usually preferred by employers.

• Research and Lab skills

Since oceanographers conduct their analyses in laboratory settings to develop hypothesis, conducting experiments and drawing meaningful conclusions require excellent research and lab skills.

• Computer Skills

Oceanographers require strong computer skills to create digital maps and run statistical models.

 

Formal Education for Oceanographer

If you have an interest in exploring oceans and marine life, then oceanographer is a perfect career choice for you. Here is a step by step guide for you to become an oceanographer.

Step 1

To pursue a career in oceanography you must be good in your studies, especially in high school where maths and science will provide you adequate preparation after graduation.

Step 2

You must have a bachelor’s degree to get an entry level position within oceanography. To become an oceanographer, you must pursue a B.Sc. degree in botany,zoology,chemistry,fishery,earth science, agriculture, microbiology, applied sciences and related areas. Most bachelor’s degrees require you to attend practical laboratory classes.

Step 3

You must complete a two year’s master’s degree program in oceanography. You must enrol in a Master of Science (M.Sc.) oceanography or marine biology from a reputed institution to rise in your career as oceanographer. You can even attain a degree in Master of Technology (M.Tech) in ocean engineering and ocean technology to get hired by the employers.

Master Courses

• Master of Science (M.Sc) in oceanography
• Master of Science in Marine Biology
• M.Tech in Ocean Engineering
• M.Sc in Marine Biology
• M.Tech in Ocean Technology

Step 4

Candidates can pursue a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in marine biology and chemical oceanography or complete their PhD in oceanography in case they want to conduct research and teach at various universities.

Doctoral Courses

• M.Phil. in Marine Biology
• M.Phil. in Chemical Oceanography
• PhD in Oceanography

 

Oceanography Syllabus

The Oceanography courses are structured in four semesters. Here is the list of the subjects covered in master’s courses in Oceanography.

Semester 1

• Physical Meteorology
• Dynamical Meteorology
• Physical Oceanography

• Physical and Dynamical Meteorology
• Practical
• Computer Programming & Data Processing
• Meteorology & Oceanography Computations
• Viva Voice

Semester 2

• Dynamical Oceanography
• Synoptic Meteorology
• Advanced Dynamical Meteorology
• Electronics

• Practical
• Synoptic Analysis
• Electronics

Semester 3

• Cloud Physics
• Air-Sea Interaction

• Observational Techniques
• Numerical Weather Prediction
• Practical
• Numerical Weather Protection
• Instruments

Semester 4

• Tropical Meteorology
• Climate Modelling
• Satellite Meteorology
• Agricultural & Hydro-meteorology
• Practical
• Applied Meteorology
• Dissertation

 

Top oceanography colleges in India

Most of the institutes/universities in India offer postgraduate courses in oceanography and Marine biology.  Here are a few of the universities in India that offer courses in Oceanography.

• Alagappa University

Course: M.Sc. Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies
Eligibility: B.Sc. in Zoology/Botany/Chemistry/ Fishery Science / Earth Science/Physics/Agriculture/Microbiology/Applied Sciences or equivalent thereof in the related disciplines

• Andhra University

Course: M.Sc. (Oceanography – Physical and Chemical)
Eligibility: B.Sc. in Zoology/Botany/Chemistry/ Fishery Science / Earth Science/Physics/Agriculture/Microbiology/Applied Sciences or any other equivalent programs

• Annamalai University

Course: M.Sc. (Marine Biology and Oceanography)
Eligibility: A pass in the B.Sc. Degree examination with Zoology as the main subject with not less than 55% of marks in Part-III.

• Cochin University of Science and Technology

Courses Offered:
M.Sc. Oceanography
M.Phil. Chemical Oceanography
M.Tech. Ocean Technology
M.Sc. Marine Biology

• India Institute of Technology

 

• Berhampur University

Course: M.Sc. in Marine Biology/Oceanography
Eligibility: B.Sc. in Zoology/Botany/Chemistry/ Fishery Science / Earth Science/Physics/Agriculture/Microbiology/Applied Sciences or any other equivalent programs.

• Goa University

Course Offered: M.Sc. Marine Science, Ph.D

• Mangalore University

Course: M. Sc. in Marine Geology
Eligibility: BSc

• Amity University,Jaipur
• Institute of Technology & Marine Engineering
• Indian Maritime University

 

Top 10 Universities for Oceanographers

There are a wide range of universities/colleges offering degrees in oceanography courses around the globe. Here are a few of the universities that offer oceanography courses to the candidates.

University	Total Fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	57 lacs
The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	51.2 lakhs
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	13.2 lacs
University of Miami	55.6lacs
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	59.1lacs
University of Wisconsin-Madison	41.3 lacs
University of California-Santa Cruz	43.6lacs

 

University of California, San Diego

26.6 lacs

 

 

Why study Oceanography?

The job market of Geo-scientists, including that of an oceanographer, is expected to grow by 7% between 2020 and 2030. Natural resources companies in the petroleum and gas industry can be a reliable source of employment for oceanographers. Institutes conducting research as well as government institutes who work to provide environment protection and water management also will contribute to the rise in demand for oceanographers. You can also take the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam to join services in the public sector.

 

Here is a list of sectors where Oceanographers can find employment opportunities:

• Environmental Protection Agencies
• Indian Navy
• Merchant Navy
• National Institute of Oceanography
• Weather Forecast Department
• Manufacturers of Marine Equipment
• Energy Supply Organizations
• Oil, Gas, and Water Industry
• Industrial Research Laboratories
• Geological survey of India
• Meteorological survey of India

 

Job Profiles and Salary

Here is the list of some of the popular job profiles along with basic salary structure.

• Ocean Imports Manager
• Wellness Ocean Resource Person
• Marine Biologist
• Physical, Biologist, Chemical and Geological Oceanographers
• Marine Environmentalists
• Marine and Ocean Engineers
• Marine policy experts
• Hydro-grapher
• Marine Archaeologists
• Ocean Freight Manager
• Maintenance Assistant

 

Oceanographer Salary

Making a career in Oceanography is not only challenging but equally rewarding. The average salary of an oceanographer in India is approximately Rs 2 to 9 lacs per annum.

In the US, the average salary after pursuing oceanography is given below.

Job Profile	Annual salary per annum
Conservation Scientists	Rs 45 lacs
Biological Technicians	Rs36 lacs
Biochemist and Biophysicists	Rs 70 lacs
Geo-scientists	Rs 68 lacs
Atmospheric Scientists	Rs 70 lacs
Hydrologists	Rs 59 lacs
Zoologists	Rs 47 lacs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We live in a world which is living and thriving with all kinds of flora and fauna. As the leader of the living being and regarded as the most intelligent being it becomes our duty to preserve life on the planet. Today almost 31% of the world’s land surface is covered with Forests. That is about 4.6 billion hectares. In India the percentage is 21.71% I.e., 7,13,789 square kilometres. It is the job of the Forestry professionals to preserve and maintain these forests.

What is Forestry?

Forestry is the science or practice of planting,managing,conserving, and maintaining forests and its associated resources with the aim of meeting the goal of human benefit.

Forestry is the art and science of land and forest management. Its goal is to optimize the use of the areas covered under forests for commercial, industrial and recreational purposes while conserving the natural resources and protecting the environment for the future.

Professional forestry consists of a range of diverse jobs that can occur in the forest or in an office where plans and policies are decided. They include planning,advising,directing,approving,supervising,engaging in, and reporting services.

Professional forestry includes services related to inventory, classification,valuation,appraisal, conservation,protection,management,enhancement,harvesting, silviculture, and rehabilitation of trees, forest resources, forest transportation systems and forest.

 

What is a Forestry Professional?

A practitioner of Forestry is known as Forester or Forestry Professional.

A Forestry Professional is an expert in land and forest management who must keep a balance between planning the usage of forest lands and protecting them. In other words, “Sustainability” is the primary goal of the forestry professional.

Forestry Professionals do research, develop plans and administer programs related to the management and harvesting of natural resources in the forest.

Forestry Professionals work in the forest industry, provincial and federal governments, consulting companies, educational institutions or other industries. Some of them are also self-employed.

 

There are two main types of Forest Professionals.

• Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) 

Registered Forest Technologist holds a two-year post-secondary diploma. He is mainly involved in technical forest management activities such as forest measurements,silviculture, and forest operations. and forest protection.

• Registered Professional Forester (RPF) 

Registered Professional Forester (RPF) holds a four-year post-secondary degree. He is involved in all aspects of managing the forest and how it will be used and cared for.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Forestry Professionals 

Although the specific tasks of the forest professional vary from region to region, we still bring out the general tasks of them.

• The forest professionals plan and direct forest surveys and related studies. They have to prepare reports on findings, conclusions and recommendations.

• They create short-term and long-term plans for the management of forest lands and resources. This is done by compiling and evaluating Geographical Information System (GIS) data and aerial photographs to identify trends in forest and land usage.
• They plan and direct woodland harvesting, road building, and reforestation programs. They also plan silviculture, prevention and suppression of fire, wildlife management, environmental protection, and insect and vegetable control.
• They must ensure adherence to government regulations and forest company goals.
• They must evaluate the health and growth of the trees using tools like clinometers and bark gauges to estimate timber volumes.
• They oversee contract compliance and results of forest activities.

• Their job is to advise, recommend and provide other consultative services about forestry matters to private woodlot owners, municipal, provisional or federal government or forest companies.

 

How can you become a Forest Professional?

There are many skills that are vital for professional foresters. Here are a few of them.

• Physical Stamina
• Management and supervisory skills
• Communication Skills
• Analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills
• Informed decision-making skills

Since forestry is more of a science you must take courses in STEM. This is because it will help you to build a solid foundation that will serve you well in your future career in forestry.

Indian Forest Services Pathway 

You can do a bachelor’s degree in any of the following subjects:

• Agriculture

• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Forestry
• Geology

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics
• Zoology
• Silviculture

• Forest Products
• Commercial Forestry
• Agroforestry
• Forest Economics
• Wood Science & Tech.

• Tree Genetics & Breeding

 

You can take a master’s degree in the following subjects.

• M.Sc. in Forestry

• M.Sc. in wildlife
• M.Sc. in Wood Science & Tech.
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Agroforestry
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Forest Products
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Tree Improvements

• Masters in wildlife sciences.

 

In case you want to go for an M.Phil./PhD degree in forestry there are more career opportunities as well as a hike in salary.

Candidates can take certificate & Diploma courses in Forestry. Here are a few of them.

• Diploma in Zoo and Wild Animal Health Care and Management

• Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Management (PGDFM)
• Post master’s Diploma Non-Wood Forest Products.

 

Eligibility to get admission in Forestry Courses 

After clearing their 10+2 examination with science, the candidates must pass All India Entrance Exam of ICAR (ICAR AIEEA 2023) for admission to agriculture universities that offer Forestry courses. Various Universities/Institutions have their own entrance examination for providing admission.

Here are few of the Universities/Colleges that offer forestry courses in India.

• Dr BR Ambedkar University, Uttar Pradesh
• GB. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar
• Arid Forest Research institute, Jodhpur
• Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal

• Forest Research Institute University, DehraDun
• Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh
• Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
• Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur
• Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore

Educational Fees 

The educational fees to become a forestry professional in India varies depending on the level of education and the institution. Here is the approximate costs for you to complete the degree in forestry.

• For a bachelor’s degree in forestry the average tuition fees in India is between Rs 50,000 to Rs 150,000 per year.
• For a master’s degree in forestry the cost ranges from Rs 70,000 to Rs 2.50,000 per annum.

• For the Ph.D. in forestry the average tuition fees is Rs 50,000 to Rs 150,000 per year.

Students also have to bear the cost of accommodation,food,books,and other expenses. However, Scholarships and financial aid programs are also available to eligible students.

 

Why should you become a Forestry Professional?

Today modern forestry management has become very complicated and diverse. The need to understand the subject of forestry has become essential. The forestry professionals who are thoroughly equipped with the relevant skills, education and experience of forestry are now employed by the forestry management.

These professionals can easily guide the decision-making and policy making of forest land management. The forestry professional specializes in problem solving, technical science, prescription,interpretation.assessment, judgement,computation,monitoring,optimization,negotiation, management, supervision, and written verbal communication.

 

The forest professional must coordinate with many people from different profiles like landowners,purchasers,managers,technicians,contractors,and other professionals to implement projects important to manage the forest for renewable commodities and natural resource values.

These forestry professionals are now employed to advise and inform the management of the valued forestland assets. These professionals are now the decision-maker or the managers who direct operations and programs. Forestry jobs require a unique combination of intellectually demanding work that is often located outdoors in the forest.

Here are a few of the Forester Job profiles who are employed in the decision-making process by the forestry management.

• Archaeologist 

The Forest archeologist is a forestry professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the management of cultural, historic and prehistoric, and historic preservation on forestland properties.

He is an expert in anthropology and cultural science with a bachelor’s degree in archaeology,anthropology or cultural resources, and related experience.

• Biologist – Wildlife/Fisheries 

The forest biologist is a forestry professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the management of plants, animals, birds, fish, other biota, and their terrestrial & aquatic habitats on forestland properties. Duties may include ecological resources.

Forest biologist is dedicated to sound biologic science and species management and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in biology or forest ecology, and related experience.

• Ecologist 

The forest ecologist is a forestry professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the management of abiotic and biotic ecosystems, invasive species, and species terrestrial & aquatic habitats on forestland properties.

Forest ecologist is dedicated to sound ecologic science and ecosystems management and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in ecology or biology, and related experience.

• Economist/Accountant 

The forest economist is a forestry professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the micro- and macro-economic implications of forest management activities conducted on forestland properties.

Forest economist is dedicated to sound economic principles, financial & cost accounting, generally accepted accounting principles, and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in economics, accounting, or forest management, and related experience.

• Engineer 

The forest engineer is a professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the design, construction, operation and maintenance concerning forest infrastructure such as roads, logging-transportation systems, bridges, structures, drainage, facilities and trails located on forestland properties.

Forest engineers are dedicated to sound engineering principles and infrastructure effectiveness and are credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in forest engineering and related experience.

• Entomologist/Pathologist 

Entomology is the study of forest insect pests while pathology is the study and prevention of forest diseases. The forest entomologist/pathologist is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to healthy forestland property management of one or both specialized fields.

Forest entomologist, or pathologist, is dedicated to forest health, sound science, and ecosystems management, and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in forest entomology, forest pathology, or forest health, and related experience.

• Environmental/Legal Coordinator

The forest environmental coordinator is a land managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to regulatory compliance with environmental laws during forest management operations. Coordinator assures legal requirements are accomplished for environmental protection, contracting, project design, liability, insurance, litigation, legal defence, environmental documentation & records, forest planning, and land use law.

Environmental coordinator is dedicated to sound legal and business practices, and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in business, environmental science, or forestry and related experience.

• Extension/Forest Interpretation/Educator

The forest educator is a forestry professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the education of people about forest science, management, public uses, and benefits of forests and forestland properties.

Forest educator is dedicated to sound educational principles, extension of knowledge about forests, interpretation and visitor administration, natural resource management, and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in education, interpretation, outdoor recreation or natural resources, and related experience.

• Fire Management Officer 

The forest fire management officer is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the managed use of prescribed fire, the prevention of unwanted fires, as well as firefighting wildfires on forestland properties.

Forest fire management officer is dedicated to sound fire science, climatology, air quality and fire management, and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in forest fire science, forestry, or forest health, and related experience.

• Forest Operations Business Manager  

The forest operations manager is a land managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the business functions of a private forest management firm, such as accounting, personnel, asset management, financial & budgeting, forestry operations, harvest planning, stand management, contracting, logistics, legal matters, and so forth.

Forest business manager is dedicated to sound business practices and applicable laws and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in forest operations, business or management, and related experience.

•  Forester 

The forester is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the forest growing, harvesting, protection, accessibility, productivity, and sustainability on forestland properties.

Foresters are dedicated to sound forest science, management and conservation, and are credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in forestry and related experience.

• Geographic Information Systems Specialist – Cartographer  

The forest cartographer is a land managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the electronic mapping, spatial data computing, remote sensing, and imagery interpretation applicable to the management of forestland properties.

Forest cartographer is dedicated to sound geographic information management and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in GIS systems or cartography, and related experience.

• Geologist/Geo technical Engineer  

A forest geologist is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the management of forest Geo technical engineering, geology resources, land movement, quarry and excavation on forestland properties.

Forest geologists are dedicated to sound geologic science and are credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in geology or soil science, and related experience.

• Lobbyist – Government Affairs/Policy 

The forest policy lobbyist is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the policy making, lawmaking, forest planning and communication, surrounding government policies that govern forestland property management.

Forest policy lobbyists are dedicated to sound representation of effective forest management policies and practices, ethical lobbying, accurate communication, business principles and balanced public policy, and are credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in political science, forest management or public policy, and related experience.

• Hydrologist 

The forest hydrologist is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the operations management of forest water resources—such as streams, wetlands, lakes, bogs, springs or watersheds—and aquatic habitat on forestland properties.

Forest hydrologist is dedicated to sound hydrologic science and water quality management and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in hydrology or forest watersheds, and related experience.

• Information Technology (IT) Specialist 

The forest information technology (IT) specialist is a land managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the electronic information storage, computing, database management, field data recording, software applications, internet services, optimization programs, mapping, and spatial data applicable to the management of forestland properties.

Forest IT specialist is dedicated to sound electronic information management and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer systems, or other related curriculum, and related experience.

•  Land Surveyor 

The forest land surveyor is a land managing professional who provides sound knowledge and techniques of surveying measurement, relevant law, adequate evidence, which are requisite to surveying of real property.

Land surveyors are dedicated to sound surveying practices and are credentialed by a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor.

• Landscape Architect 

The landscape architect is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the management of aesthetic and visual resources on forestland properties.

Forest landscape architect is dedicated to sound visual management science and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or natural resources, and related experience.

• Logistics/Transportation/Forest Planner 

The forest logistics planner is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the allocation, scheduling, transportation and movement of forest products, workers, equipment, resources or materials—surrounding the management of forest projects and forestlands.

Forest logistics planners are dedicated to sound transportation, logistics principles and planning effectiveness, and are credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in operations management, logistics, transportation or engineering, and related experience.

• Outdoor Recreation Director 

The forest recreation director is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the public uses of forests for enjoyment, lifestyle, aesthetics, cultural values, user access, or recreational opportunities on forestland properties.

Forest recreation director is dedicated to sound outdoor recreational science, natural resource management, interpretation and visitor administration, and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation or natural resources, and related experience.

• Public Forest Administrator 

The forest public administrator is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the management of a government agency engaged in forestlands.

Public administrator is dedicated to sound forest science, management, conservation and public policy, and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in public administration, planning or forestry, and related experience.

•  Public Relations/Communication Manager 

The forest public relations manager is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the external and internal communications of a forest organization.

Public relations manager is dedicated to sound journalism principles, technical writing, environmental documentation, presentations, information technology, and communication about forest management, and are credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, political science or forest management, and related experience.

•  Range Conservationist 

The forest range conservationist is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the grazing management of forage resources located on forestland properties. Conservationist responsible for natural resource protection, forage utilization, grazing allotment planning, wildlife habitat, and wise use of forage for livestock and other ungulates.

Range conservationist is dedicated to sound range science and is credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in range conservationist or forest range resources or range ecology, and related experience.

• Silviculturist 

The silviculturist is a forestland managing professional who provides sound knowledge and administration skills to the forest growing, harvesting, protection, accessibility, productivity, and sustainability on forestland properties. Silviculturist is a specialised type of ‘forester’, who is focused on diagnosis, prescription, forest health, and reforestation. Silviculturists control establishment, growth, health and harvest of forests to meet the needs and values of forest landowners on a sustainable basis.

Silviculturists are dedicated to sound forest science, engineering, management and conservation, and are credentialed by a bachelor’s degree in forestry, extensive related forest management experience.

The Future Scenario 

The prospects of the forestry profession in India are very encouraging due to the increasing awareness and concern for environment conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

As per the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the forestry and wildlife sector in India is projected to grow at a rate of 2.2% per year until 2025, creating job opportunities for around 2 million people.

The forestry sector in India is also expected to benefit from the growing demand for wood-based products, especially in the construction and furniture industries. According to the report by Research and Market, the India wood-based panel market is expected to grow at a rate of 6.8% per year until 2026 driven by the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

Conclusion 

We as humans, the most intelligent being on the planet, have the responsibility of being the part of it as well as being the caretaker of it.We are destined to live here and use its resources in a responsible manner that ensures the vitality of the global environment for generations to come.

If you think you can be one of those people who want to protect the natural environment there are several conservation careers that you might like to pursue. One such role is the Forestry Professional.

 

 

 

 

Let us look at today’s scenario in the corporate ladder. The first step for us as a candidate is to get a place in the company of our choice and then a suitable job relevant to our skills and ambition. We go to a nearby job consultancy office to know the entry process in a company of our choice.

There we meet and shake hands with a person sitting behind the desk, probably with a computer. The officer makes us fill in a form asking for information about us, our skills, our educational qualifications, our career goals etc. Then he will give a short interview with us after seeing the form. The person whom we are talking to is the Placement Officer. 

 Now let us look in the mirror and view from the other side. We are in the Human Resources & Development (HR&D) department of a company. As a HRD manager there we are looking for suitable candidates for the company for various jobs in sales & marketing, personal,finance, accounts, administration, information technology etc. As a company’s employee we have responsibility towards our company to get candidates with relevant skills for the various jobs at different positions in the company. 

The whole game starts here.Both the candidate applying for the job and the HRD officer of the company are looking for their best interests. Then we have a third person who tries to negotiate between the two to get a WIN-WIN situation for both. The person we are referring to is a placement officer. 

Now let us look at the whole process of recruitment of candidates in a company in both the government and private sector. 

What is Staffing?

 

Staffing includes the whole process of identifying.assessing, placing, evaluating, and developing individuals at work. It involves the matching of jobs and individuals. 

What are the steps involved in the staffing process? 

Staffing involves numbers of functions like planning,selection,training and appraisal of the individuals. There are the 7 Steps involved in the process of staffing. 

1. Manpower Planning  

Manpower planning is defined as the process by which the management ensures the right number of people and the right kinds of people at the right place at the right time doing the right things for which they are best suited. 

2. Job analysis 

Job analysis is the process of systematic collection of data in the organization to redesign each job in such a way to distinguish it from other jobs.  

3. Selection 

Selection is the process of choosing the most suitable person among the candidates both from within the organization or from outside for the current position or for the future position. 

4. Tests and Interview 

All of us have different physical characteristics, capacity, level of mental ability, likes and dislikes and with respect to personality traits. Tests and Interview measure these differences among the individual candidates. These tests provide us with the candidate’s intelligence,aptitude,interest,personality,etc. 

5. Placement 

Placement is the appointment of the candidates after selection to the specific jobs after matching the requirements of the jobs and the skills of the candidate concerned. 

6. Induction and Orientation 

Induction and orientation are the process of introducing a new employee to the organization, its culture, procedures, rules and regulations and its people with whom he will interact in his day to day working. 

7. Performance Appraisal 

Performance appraisal measures and evaluates employees with respect to their performance on the jobs and their potential for development.  

Here we will be discussing STEP 5 of the staffing process I.e., the Placement, The Placement officer who does it and the career path of the placement officer.  

 

Placement and Placement officers 

Placement- Definition 

 

“Placement is the determination of the job to which an accepted candidate is to be assigned and his assignment and to that job.” 

                                                                   Pigors and Myers 

To put it in simple words, placement is the process of sending newly selected personnel to some department for work. It is also concerned with the assignment of authority and responsibility to the newly assigned candidates in the company.Effective placement is putting the right man in the right job. 

Placement is an important HR function and new recruits must be inducted properly so that they become good performers. 

Placement helps the employers in achieving the following objectives:  

1. It improves the morale of the employees  
2. It reduces employee turnover  
3. Placement decreases accident rates  
4. Enhances labour productivity  
5. Clarifies expectations.

What is a Placement officer? 

Placement officers are the human resources experts.They are responsible for placing university and college students in the suitable work environments by sending them to relevant employers.They do this by sending candidates to those jobs that require matching skills.  

Placement officers mostly work for tertiary education providers such as universities,TAFEs,RTOs, and specialized training organizations. 

 Placement Officers Job Description 

Here are the Placement officer’s roles & responsibilities 

• Finding effective placement opportunities for students. 
• To conduct proper training of students. 
• Liaison with students and employers during placement. 
• Foster relationships with employment providers. 
• To work in close coordination with coordinator industry and institute for organizing lectures and seminars from the professionals from various educational institutes and industry. 

• To collect feedback from the companies for placement. 
• Conduct pre-placement background checks 
• Organize entrepreneurship workshop.

How can you become a Placement Officer? 

Skill set for placement officers 

Here are the key skills that an employer looks for in a placement officer. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•  Must be proficient in management & economics. 
• He must be aware of industrial clusters in terms of sectors and locations. 
• He must have excellent networking skills and able to build contacts & credible reciprocal relationships with top brass in the industry. 
• A placement officer must be able to facilitate industry-institute relationship. 
• He must be good in public relations and liaisoning. 
• He must be well aware of the changing needs of industry.government policies and national economy. 
• He must be proactive,always have a positive attitude, and be an optimist. 
• He must be able to work under strict targets and stressful conditions. 

Educational Qualifications for Placement officers. 

You must have at least a degree in graduation in any subject to start your career as Placement officer.It is desirable that the placement officers must have same degree that is being offered.However you must have significant experience in the industry with good network and contacts with the top brass in the big business houses. 

A MBA or PGDBM in Human Resources & Development has become also necessary in the present context. 

Here are the list of top business schools in India offering  MBAs offering HR. 

 

Institute	Locations	Course	Eligibility	Website/Information
Indian Institute of Management	Ahmedabad	PGDBM	At least 10+2+3 in any discipline	www.iimahd.ernet.in/
Management Development Institute	Gurgaon	PGDBM	At least 10+2+3 in any discipline	http://www.mdi.ac.in/
Xavier Labour Research Institute (XLRI) – Xavier School of Management	Jamshedpur	PGDBM	At least 10+2+3 in any discipline	www.xlri.ac.in
Tata Institute of Social Science	Mumbai	PGDBM	Own entrance	www.tiss.edu

 

  

Here are few of the top business schools of the world offering MBAs in HR. 

Institute	Courses	Average Score in GMAT	Country	Website
University of Chicago – Booth School of Business	MBA	720	USA	https://www.chicagobooth.edu/
Stanford Graduate School of Business	MBA	720	USA	https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/
Harvard Business School	MBA	730	USA	http://www.hbs.edu/Pages/default.aspx
University of Pennsylvania-Wharton	MBA	728	USA	https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/
London business school	MBA	700	UK	https://www.london.edu/
INSEAD	MBA	703	France	http://www.insead.edu/home/
University of Oxford- Saïd Business School	MBA	690	UK	http://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk
HEC Paris MBA	MBA	690	France	http://www.mba.hec.edu/
NUS Business School	MBA	672	Singapore	http://bschool.nus.edu
HKUST Business School	MBA	600	Hong Kong	http://www.bm.ust.hk/

 

 Cost of fees 

The cost of an MBA from a top business school in India would range between INR 8 lakhs to INR 25 lacs comprehensively. A MBA degree from abroad will cost you between INR 35 lacs to INR 90 lacs comprehensively.If you go for an Executive MBAs which are of shorter duration the total costs rises much higher. 

 

The Scope of Placement Officer as Career 

Let us look at the current statistics. 

The percentage of the working population in India is 59.5 percent of the total population. 

India has the largest universities in the world.Today India has around 1000 + universities and 42000 + colleges imparting higher education. 

There are a total of 3500 engineering colleges,1260 medical colleges,3400 polytechnics, and 200 design and architecture schools in india. 

Today about 8.15% of Indians are graduates. 

The unemployment rate in India in 2021 was 5.98%. The number of Job seekers in India in 2016 as per CEIC data was 43.5 million. 

This leads us to the fact that there is a tremendous scope of education in India and lots of opportunities for placement officers. 

The placement officers are much in demand in these colleges and universities as college and university placement officers especially those offering professional degrees like engineering colleges,Business Schools,CA Institutes, Vocational training institutes, and training institutes like NIIT which have their own placement cell and needs student placement officers to liaison with the industry for placement in various companies. 

Also a Placement officer with experience and Network & Contact in the industry can start his own career placement office.  

Placement Agencies 

 

Today the Indian staffing market is $10 billion.It is growing at the rate of 28% per annum and is poised to become one of the largest by the year 2030.Today recruitment industry in India is a huge industry and cover areas like talent acquisition,employee responsibilities,reskilling employees and providing them with good compensation. 

The placement agencies take care of recruiting the job seekers to the employers.A placement agency is a private firm placing people in jobs in various companies.The placement agency provide nation-wide service by matching the demand and supply of work-force  and invite the bio-data and record from various job-seekers and send them to suitable clients.They charge fees for providing such service from both the job-seeker and commission(about 2% –2.5% of the salary) from the company where the job seeker is successfully placed. 

There are about 23,000 recruitment companies in India where we find work placement officers waiting to recruit the job seekers to approach them.Also the companies hire these placement agencies to recruit the candidates in different departments like strategy and management, operations, human resources, finances, funding opportunities, IT, and sales and marketing. 

 

Top 10 Placement agencies in India 

Here are the top ten placement agencies in India where you can work as a placement officer. 

1. Teamplus staffing solution(IT staffing company in India) 

• Industry:Recruitment & Staffing consultant 
• Location:Pune,Maharashtra 

Teamplus staffing solution is a renowned placement agency. The agency provides expertise in a wide range of staffing assistance like Contract Staffing Services, Permanent Staffing Services,  RPO Services, Offshore Staffing Services, Remote/ Virtual IT Staffing Services, and Onsite Recruitment Services in India and other nations 

 

2. ABC Job placement 

• Industry: Recruitment Consultants 
• Location: New Delhi 

“Building Careers” is the Motto of ABC job placement and is one of the top placement agencies. It has over 500 job consultants and it is one of the best talent acquisition companies for offering the best and most personalised recruitment solutions. 

 

3. Zigsaw consultancy 

• Industry: HR Consultants 
• Location:Udaipur,Rajasthan 

With a stronghold in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Zigsaw consultancy is currently operating in all of India’s major cities.This company is totally focussed on human resources and works closely with its alliance partners to find the best personnel. The consultancy has various customizable hiring plans which companies can choose.Additionally they have Free Hiring Model which works well with small and medium sized businesses for the recruiting companies. 

 

4. M.M. Enterprises 

• Industry:Human Resources Consultants 
• Location:Delhi 

M.M. Enterprises offers comprehensive HR solutions to the esteemed businesses.The consultancy offers workforce outsourcing with distinct client –specific needs and tailored solutions.It mainly focuses on employee leasing,staffing and placement services.It has the best HR professionals in the industry with comprehensive payroll services and resume writing services to kickstart the career of job seekers. 

6. Randstad 

•  Industry:IT Staffing & Recruitment Consultants 
•  Location: Chennai 

Established in 1992 Randstad was previously called “Ma Foi”. The agency has built a solid reputation in the placement industry by offering its clients high quality recruitment services.It has now regarded as one of the top recruitment agencies in India for HR services . With presence in over 20 cities Randstad is the second largest recruiting- firm in the world.The company provides various HR services including hiring people on temporary and permanent contracts, offering HR-based solutions, and providing in-house services. 

7. Kelly Services 

• Industry:HR Consultants 
• Location:Pune 

Kelly is an American Multinational recruiting firm established in America in 1946.It quickly  expanded overseas and started its operation in India in 2001.Kelly support has become a market leader in providing workforce solutions, including candidate’s recruiting client service, and staffing solution across industries.The HR division of Kelly services has won many awards for its policies,quality procedures,involvement in the community in the community, and supplier diversity.Kelly services specializes in hiring scientific positions for scientific positions,mid-senior level positions, engineering recruitments, IT recruitments,financial services, and functional recruitment. 

8. Teamlease Services 

• Industry:Recruitment Consultants 

• Location: India 

Founded in 2002 Teamlease services is one of the top recruitment consultants in India having more than 1700 workers and 2500 clients nationwide.Its mission is “Putting India to work”. It is ranked eighth in the Fortune India magazine.Today Teamlease services employs more than 1.7 million people and have about 2 lac associates dispersed across dispersed across the country’s 6600+ locations.The company offers wide range of services like evaluations,corporate training programs in payroll outsourcing, temporary and permanent staffing, regulatory compliances, and more. 

9. Adecco India 

• Industry:Staffing&Recruitment 
• Location:Bangalore 

Adecco is a bangalore-based recruitment firm that has expanded its offerings and has produced amazing results by offering top-notch services to its customers. 

10. Sutra HR 

• Industry:HR Consultants 
• Location:Mumbai 

Sutra HR was founded in 2008 and now has more than 500 clients connected to various industries.The company has major clients in various countries in Malaysia,Singapore,the Middle East,Indonesia, and the UK. 

11. CareerNet 

• Industry:Recruitment consultants 
• Bangalore 

  CareerNet was started in 1999 and now one of the top ten recruitment firms in India.The company offers workforce solution to ite customers all over the world.CareerNet offers its clients excellent and affordable recruitment solutions.The IT, FMC,banking,knowledge services, and insurance industries are the major CareerNet’s clients. 

Potential Earnings 

The Placement officer remunerations depends on his experience and the type of institution where he works.Generally the starting  salary ranges from INR 3.5lacs to INR 6 lacs per annum when one joins as assistant placement officer.As the experience grows the salary can reach INR 20 lacs per annum or even higher. 

 

Conclusion 

In today’s high profile and fast paced life when you do not have time to even wink, placement officers play a very important role in your career process. They have become indispensable by helping you with proper career guidance as you advance in your career path.Their knowledge and experience in dealing with the right people in the industry along with back- up of professional recruiting firms have helped millions of job-seekers to get proper jobs matching their qualifications and experience in the industry.

Further they are also given career guidance at the time of Job-switching where the post  placement support officer provides them with information of new companies and other facilities like salary,location of work etc. beforehand to make their placement easier and comfortable to the new company.He also give them impartial feedback from the employers from time to time so he can improve his performance in the company. 

No doubt Placement officers have become synonymous with the industry. No body wants to be recruited directly now but through recruiting agents. The scope of placement officer has increased tremendously as a career and more people want become one to help others like them to seek jobs.

With the rapid growth in the industry and the complication arising in getting jobs especially for job seekers coming  from small towns to big cities the role of placement officers has become even more important and respectable with better remuneration.

 

In today’s world, where the manufacturing industry is the backbone to our economy, maintaining inventory has become a must for all industries. It will take us an immense awareness of certain expectations to keep guard of things with us and realise which and where things belong. That is what a Storekeeper does in their everyday work life. To be successful in the Career as Storekeeper we must perform multiple tasks and work under pressure while staying proficient with clients.

What is a Storekeeper?

A storekeeper is a person who is responsible for maintaining goods in the warehouse at all stages. The stages include the time of moving goods into the warehouse, preserving and storing them to the stage of moving goods out of the warehouse, and ensuring requirements of quality and quantity of goods well. He also checks the inventory and maintains inventory records.

Storekeeper Definition 

Storekeepers are highly skilled professionals who manage, supervise, or perform a variety of tasks like ordering, receiving, storing, accounting, distributing, shipping, and issuing equipment, apparatus, materials, and supplies. They also perform other related duties as required.

Storekeeper Job Description 

 

Storekeepers are highly skilled professionals responsible for managing all operations of the storeroom of an organisation. Their job responsibilities require them to ensure that all store personnel working under them in a storeroom are following the general rules and regulations of the organization while maintaining an orderly and safe working environment.They must maintain and revamp inventory management system while preparing reports for their superiors. It is the storekeeper’s duty to respond to customer requests and provide them with a service with other divisions of the materials management department.

A storekeeper must undertake the following tasks:

1. Implementing goods receipt/issue procedures 

• The storekeeper must receive detailed and accurate information about the goods arriving at the warehouse. He must carefully check and record the quantity and condition of goods while moving out of the warehouse.
• He must take care to check goods receipt or issue requisition documents under regulations to ensure that quality goods are delivered to the right object to avoid confusion.
• He must be able to receive delivery documents, make goods issue requests, information on the goods management system and transfer it to the purchasing or accounting department under regulations to serve the next stage.
• He is responsible for arranging neat and clean locations and premises to receive goods in a convenient, fast, and timesaving way when there is information on goods receipt.
• He must ensure that the goods receipt and issue process does not damage the goods.
• He must record specifically the goods received note and goods delivery note to list the quantity of the goods.
• He must track the number of goods receipt/issues each day and compare with the minimum norm to maintain warehouse efficiency.

2. Tracking inventory 

• He must be able to keep track of minimum inventory and stock counts for the day.
• It is the his to ensure that the goods always have a reasonable minimum inventory level in case the partner unexpectedly requests a large quantity of goods or there is damaged goods during transportation.
• He must advice the director to change the minimum norm of the warehouse to provide a timely solution when there is a sudden change in the quantity or quality of goods .

3. Putting goods in the warehouse 

• He must be able to make a purchase requisition form according to plan.
• Make goods purchasing and issue procedures.
• He must follow up the goods receipt process, speed up purchasing, buy raw materials to ensure warehouse performance, and provide essential materials for the production process.

4. Arranging goods in the warehouse 

• A storekeeper must make records of warehouse changes. He must update the warehouse plan when there is a change.
• All goods must be arranged neatly, scientifically, clearly, and cleanly as required.
  He must make warehouse records and take stock of goods.
• It is the duty of the storekeeper to ensure warehouse records. This helps in making warehouse management easy. The warehouse record must be classified according to each type of goods, including item code, expiry date, size, and required object.
• He  must take stock of goods. It helps control the amount of goods circulation and inventory. Therefore, he detects defective goods by making a list to send to the functional department for handling.

5.  Complying with regulations on fire prevention 

• A storekeeper must be capable of ensuring the warehouse’s safety because the warehouse is a place where goods are arranged, in a dry environment with many flammable materials. Therefore, it is always a potential fire hazard. Therefore, he must have fire prevention measures in the goods arrangement and have firefighting solutions in the worst situation.

How to become a Storekeeper?

Like every job that requires you to complete certain steps, a storekeeper career is no exception. You must follow these steps to become a storekeeper.

Step 1: Complete you 10+2  

You must complete your 12th or higher secondary examination as a minimum qualification in your career path to become a storekeeper.  

Step2: Earn a bachelor’s degree 

While most of the employers hire candidates for storekeepers with 10+2 qualifications, many prefer candidates with bachelor’s degree.

Step 3: Gain work experience 

Most employers prefer candidates with one or more years of work experience.

Step 4: Math and accounting skills 

Math is a very important skill for a storekeeper in his daily operations. Similarly, knowledge of basic accounting is found suitable for any storekeeper’s job.

Step 4: Focus on job shadowing

Job shadowing has become an important role-playing step in a similar position to learn more about any job. So, if you want to learn more about this job you can request your mentor or friend in a similar position to allow job-shadowing. It also helps you to determine whether it is a good career choice for you.

Skills of a storekeeper 

Here are some skills that you require for a successful career as a storekeeper.

• Good communication and Interpersonal skills 

A storekeeper job involves interacting with colleagues, clients, employers and even third-party vendors. Therefore, it is important for him to have excellent communication skills. Good Interpersonal skills help you to interact with others in a courteous and friendly manner resulting in creating an amiable work environment. Also, you can work efficiently and effectively in a team if you have good interpersonal skills.

• Excellent Computer skills 

All storekeepers are expected to have a working knowledge of computers. They must be able to work on applications like spreadsheets and word processors. You must be proficient in using barcode scanners, directed picking systems and automated equipment.

• Good Organizational Skills 

Having good organizational skills is necessary for storekeepers to work more efficiently and avoid unnecessary accidents. Employers prefer candidates who are well-organized and detail oriented.

• Proficiency in Inventory Management 

As a storekeeper you must have a good and thorough working knowledge of different inventory systems, store keeping methods and procedures. Most companies prefer storekeepers using inventory management software.

• Data Entry skills 

Data entry skill is yet another skill for the storekeepers that is required by the employers. They are required to maintain perpetual tracking spreadsheets and maintain perpetual inventory records of material received and issued.

• Dexterity 

Candidates who can perform physical tasks such as lifting inventories and heavy objects are always preferred by the employers. Thus, a candidate must have strong physical stamina. Therefore, dexterity is an essential skill in a storekeeper’s job.

Educational Qualification of a Storekeeper 

A storekeeper must have completed at least his high school examination. Previous experience in a management position is desirable for his career growth. He must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and must be proficient with computers.

The Diploma in Storekeeper course is a certificate course and is designed as a stepping stone for students who want to pursue their career in supply chain management and be in a management team.

The diploma course offers you a basic understanding of various operations carried out by storekeepers and how they impact the overall supply chain process. The course also provides examples of how storekeepers can improve productivity, reduce wastage and enhance customer satisfaction.

The curriculum of Diploma in storekeeper course in given below:

• Introduction to store management and inventory control
• Principles of retailing Sales techniques

• Sales techniques Marketing principles and practices.
• Principles of costing and pricing
• Store auditing and controls
• Retail accounting systems

Here are the top diplomas in storekeeper in India

• NIMS Training Academy
• Kudumbashree Diploma centre
• Global Education & Management Academy (GEMA), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Sivananda institute of Higher education and research, Coimbatore
• Vibgyor International School of Business and Humanities (VIBGYOR), Bangalore.

The fee structure for Diploma in Storekeeper is Rs.14000 only.

Scope of Store Keeping Career

Storekeeper jobs are mainly found in a central receiving, or departmental stores facility. He involved in the complete range of stores or receiving functions. The storekeeper has six levels in management.

Level 1: Assistant Storekeeper 

Assistant storekeeper is the entry level. Here one must perform manual duties like receiving, storing, issuing, distributing, shipping. They also must maintain inventory of supplies, materials, equipment and apparatus. Their job is to assist in receipt of goods by unloading, moving and counting packages, drums, crates, or other containers or items. They also check for obvious damage and log in goods received under close supervision.

Level 2: Storekeeper 

Storekeeper is at the operational level. In this level the storekeeper operates a departmental stores facility or works in a large stores operation providing service to grants, contracts and projects. They must perform operational duties like ordering, receiving, storing, inventory, issuing, distributing, shipping and record keeping. They must determine stock items and stock levels. They locate and order non-stock items and equipment parts. Prepare and expedite orders. They inspect items received, handle freight claims, quantity shortages, breakage, duplicate shipments, and back orders.

It is the storekeeper’s responsibility to help their coworkers with procedures or methods of handling claims for damage, quantity shortages, duplicate shipments, back orders, returned goods, inventory shortages, and other stores procedures. They must specialise in one or more stores’ activities or have responsibility for a complete stores facility handling a limited variety of materials.

Level 3: Store Worker 

Store workers require the operation of powered materials handling equipment.  In this level a store worker performs operational duties in the receipt, storage, and issue of material and use powered or unpowered materials handling equipment as required.

Store workers also load and unload trucks or other common carriers and transport material to specified areas either by hand or by use of powered or unpowered materials-handling equipment. They assist in the unpacking of the goods and in the inspection of incoming material against invoices or bills of lading to verify items and quantities received. They palletize and move material to designated locations and select specific items and assemble material in shipping bays. The Stores Worker class is different from the Storekeeper class in that here they are required to operate forklift trucks and/or other powered materials-handling equipment which require special skills in the palletizing or handling of materials and/or supplies.

Level 4: Senior Storekeeper 

Senior storekeeper is the advanced operational supervisory level. The senior storekeepers are responsible for the operation of a store’s facility or division having an annual cost of goods of less than $250,000 and an inventory exceeding $50,000. Senior Store Keeper also must supervise other Storekeepers They are responsible for work of greater complexity and responsibility like stock selection, space planning, etc. than that found at the operational level as evidenced by need for technical experience and/or training.

Level 5: Store Stores Supervisor 

The Stores Supervisor level is the full supervisory level. Under direction, incumbents have responsibility for the operation and supervision of a store’s facility or a major section in a facility having annual cost of goods ranging from $250,000 to $600,000.

Stores Supervisors plan budgetary needs, and  determine appropriate stock control methods and operating policies and  procedures. They also plan, organize, and direct the following functions like space and staffing requirements, stock selection and procurement, customer service, customer and vendor relations, planned purchasing coordination, and inventory management.

Level 6: Senior Stores Supervisor 

Senior Stores Supervisor is at the first managerial level. Under general direction, incumbents have responsibility for management of a store’s facility or a major division in a large store’s facility having an annual cost of goods ranging from $600,000 to $1,000,000. Senior Stores Supervisors plan the budgetary needs and determine appropriate stock control methods and operating policies and procedures. He also plans, organizes and directs the following functions: space and staffing requirements, stock selection and procurement, customer service, customer and vendor relations, planned purchasing coordination, and inventory management.

What is the salary of a storekeeper  in India?

The salary of the storekeeper in India ranges between 0.2 lakhs to Rs 5.5 lacs per annum with an average annual salary of Rs 2.2 lakhs per annum. The salary varies depending on different parameters like experience, qualification and job location. Some cities pay a higher salary than others. This number can also vary depending on the type of products and services provided by the store.

Here are a few of the companies employing storekeepers along with their salaries.

• Army Ordnance corps – Rs 6.7 lacs per annum
• Consolidated Contractor — Rs 6.1 lacs per annum
• Saudi Binladin Group — Rs5.3 lacs per annum.

• Indian Army — Rs 5.2 lakhs per annum.
• Dodsal Engineering & Construction — Rs 5.2 lacs per annum.

Here is the list of top paying industries for storekeeper in India

• Engineering & Construction – Rs 3.2 lacs per annum
• Real Estate – Rs 2.9 lakhs per annum
• Industrial Machinery – Rs 2.6 lakhs per annum
• Automobile – Rs 2.3 lakhs per annum

• Auto Components – Rs 2 lacs per annum.

Conclusion 

Most employers and companies look for a full-time storekeeper who is well organized with experience of a few years. He must be able to handle all stocks and inventory and must be able to ensure store maintenance. The ideal candidate for a Storekeeper job is the one who can multitask and possesses a learning aptitude. He must have robust organizational skills and strong attention to detail while remaining professional.

Storekeeping is a kind of a job where you remain behind the scenes. Yet it has its own merits. If you have got the above skills to become a storekeeper and the relevant education qualifications and experience, you deserve to become a storekeeper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let us try to know more about ourselves to understand if we are fit for the career as Sheet Metal Worker.

Do we like to work with our hands and machines? Are we physically fit? Like to work alone. Enjoy using precision tools. Able to create three-dimensional drawings. Is self-motivated and creative.

If you possess the above skills and qualities, then you are the right person for the career of Sheet Metal Worker.

What is Sheet Metal?

Sheet Metal is a thin steel, aluminium,  or other alloyed metal sheet with thickness of less than 6mm (about 0.24 in). Sheet metals are used for manufacturing and construction. Although sheet metal is commonly used for heating and conditioning systems, they are also used to make products such as rain gutters, outdoor signs, and siding.

Sheet metal plays an important role in the household, semi-commercial, commercial and industrial sectors.

What is a Sheet Metal Worker?

A sheet metal worker is a skilled worker who fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. This includes everything from furnaces and ventilation systems to all sheet metal products like drainage and roofing applications used in the construction industry.

What does a Sheet Metal Worker do?

Sheet Metal workers are mostly employed at various construction sites, in metal shops, or at manufacturing plants. They are employed by sheet metal, air-conditioning, heating and roofing contractors. They can also be self-employed.

The sheet metal technician specializes in any aspect of sheet metal fabrication, installation, or maintenance but must possess knowledge and experience of all three areas.

Depending on their specialization, sheet metal worker job description includes the following.

• Manufacturing and installation of various metal products such as air and heat, sheet metal buildings and roofs.
• They must measure, mark and lay out metal sheets for specific jobs.
• They must be able to operate various computerized tools that precisely cut, bend or straighten the metal sheets.
• Polishing metal areas like rough surfaces or the seams and joints between two metal sheets.

• They must be able to weld different metal sheets together.
• They must be able to read and apply work specifications.

What are the types of Sheet Metal Workers? 

Here are a few examples of sheet metal workers near you.

• Fabrication sheet metal workers 

Fabrication or precision sheet metal workers make precision metal parts for various industries ranging from power generation to medical device manufacturing. They work in shops and factories, operating tools and equipment. They also work in large scale manufacturing where their work may be highly automated and repetitive. They are required to work with automotive machinery such as computer-controlled saws, lasers, shears, and presses, which measure, cut, bend, and fasten pieces of sheet metal. Workers also use computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) and building information modelling (BIM) systems to make products. Workers who primarily program computerized equipment are called metal and plastic workers.

• Installation sheet metal workers 

Sheet metal mechanics install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts. They also install other sheet metal products like metal roofs, siding and gutters. They mostly work on new construction and renovation projects.

• Maintenance sheet metal workers 

These types of sheet metal workers repair and clean ventilation systems to make them more energy efficient. They remove dust and moisture and fix leaks or breaks in the sheet metal that makes up the ductwork.

• Testing and balancing sheet metal specialists 

These metal specialists make sure that HVAC systems heat and cool rooms properly by adjusting sheet metal ducts to achieve proper airflow.

Workplace of sheet metal workers 

 

Normally, the work duration of a sheet metal worker or sheet metalist  is about 40 hours (about 1 and a half days) per week. However, a small percentage of workers who are self-employed may work nights or weekends to complete time-sensitive projects on a construction site or inside a sheet metal shop.

Sheet metal working is labor-intensive. It means that workers are required to lift heavy materials and equipment. They have to keep standing for a long period of time, bend over, and sometimes crawl into small spaces to install products.

How can you become a Sheet metal worker? 

Sheet metal workers must have an interest in the building interest area. The building interest area focuses on working with tools and machines and making or fixing practical things. You can take a career test to decide whether you have building interest to fit you with a career as a sheet metal worker.

Skills Required for Metal Sheet Metals 

Here are the most important skills for a successful career as a metal sheet worker.

• Mechanical skills 

As a sheet metalist you will have to work with various tools such as saws, shears, pressers and lasers, which requires strong mechanical skills.

• Dexterity 

Good hand-eye coordination and motor skills are required for precise and safely cutting metal pieces by metal sheet welders.

• Computer skills 

Today most sheet metal technicians use computer aided draft and design (CADD) programs and building information manual (BIM) systems to design products and cut sheet metals.

• Mathematical skills 

Sheet metal fitters must be able to calculate exact sizes and angles for the sheets of different sizes and shapes to fit during installation.

• Physical strength and stamina 

Since most metal sheet workers are required to work in factories where they have to spend many hours standing up and lifting pieces of metal and equipment, they require strong physical strength and stamina.

 

Training and Certifications for Sheet metal workers 

Here are the steps for you to become a sheet metal worker.

Step 1: Graduate from a high school 

Although in India least education qualification for sheet metal workers is a high school degree. They must be proficient in subjects like algebra and geometry as well they should take vocational educational courses like mechanical drawing, welding and blueprint reading from some technical schools.  

Step 2: Join a sheet metal apprentice program 

After graduating high school, a sheet metal worker must take an apprentice program. Such programs include both classroom participation and practical on the job training, under the supervision of a senior sheet metal worker. The apprentices normally receive a stipend during the program. A typical apprentice program includes about 1700 to 2200 hours (about 3 months) of practical training and between 144 to 320 hours (about 2 weeks) of theoretical training. The students gain crucial sheet metal working skills, such as knowledge to read blueprints, building code requirements as well as first aid safety practices.  

Step 3: Get your licence and certifications 

In India you can get your training as well as your certification from vocational college like I.T.I. (Industrial Training Institute). The duration of the program in ITI is one year with two semesters of six months. The I.T.I .Program covers areas like fabrication, assembling, installing and repairing metal sheet products and equipment like ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnishing castings. The students also learn to set up and operate fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal. They also learn to inspect, assemble, and smoothen seams and joints of burred surfaces. The program is career oriented and opens many jobs for ITI Sheet Metal apprentices in the sheet metal industry once they get their certification from ITI.

Step 4: Look for jobs as sheet metal worker 

The candidates can now look for a job after completing their training and getting their certifications. Job boards and networking with people in the heating, cooling and air-conditioning industry are usually the most effective ways to find jobs in the field.

Sheet Metal apprentice syllabus in ITI 

Here is the syllabus of sheet metal workers in various ITI training centers in India is given below.

 

Sem. I
Sr. No.	Subjects of Study
	Trade Practical	Trade Theory
1	– Induction of training – Familiarization with the Institute, – Importance of trade in Training – Machines used in the trade. – Induction to safety devices used on the shop floor.	– General discipline in the institute – Elementary of First aid – Importance of sheet metal work in the industry. – General safety precautions – Safety precaution in sheet metal work
2	– Identification of Tools and equipment – Induction and use of marking tools. – Practice in Reading, Steel Rule, scribing of straight lines, bisecting straight lines (on the sheet metal) using marking tools.	– Metals and Non-Metals and their Characteristics, – Types, Sizes and uses of Sheet Metals as per BIS – use of reference table. – Raw material information: CRCA, HRCA & MS Material – Terms & definitions in sheet metal work
3	– Mark and cut through the straight lines – Planishing of Sheet Metal and Practice in drawing simple Geometrical shapes. – Practice in marking and cutting sheets to various angles.	– Marking and laying out tools and accessories – Measuring Tools: steel Rule, callipers, try square, L square, Micrometer, Vernier calliper, Vernier height gauge, Combination set, screw pitch gauge, radius gauge, SWG, Bevel Protractor etc. – Marking Tools: Scratch AWL, divider, Trammel point, punches etc – Cutting tools: Snips, shears, hacksaw, chisel, cutting plier, files, drills, tap & die sets etc.
4	– Practice cutting with different types of snips. – Tin snips (Straight cut, Right cut and Left cut) cutting off inside and outside curve, cutting off notches and cutting off profiles.	– Hand tools: mallets, hammer, sheet metal hammers, groovers, riveting tools, screw drivers, wrench and spanners etc. – Holding tools & accessories: vices, – C clamps, stakes, stakes holder, hollow mandrel, wooden former, Jigs & fixtures, soldering bits etc
5	Practice on Sheet Metal seams. “Grooved seam, Locked Grooved seam, Pane down seam, Bottom lock seam or Corner Fold (Knocked-up seam), Corner Clip Lock, Double Bottom Lock, Clip Lock (Cap Lock), snap Joint etc. (Folded Joints) and hemming practice	– Sheet Metal Folded Joints: Description of Sheet Metal Seam, Grooved seam, Locked Grooved seam, Paned down seam, knocked up seam inside and outside, cap strip seam, pits burg seam etc.
6	– Forming rectangular shapes using stakes. – Forming Cylindrical job using various stakes such as Hollow Mandrel, Hatchet Stake; Tin Man’s’ Anvil stake etc.	Folding and joining allowances, edge stiffing, wiring allowances and false wiring, types of notches in sheet metal.
7	Folding, Bending Sheet Metal to 90 degree using wooden mallet, ‘C’ clamps etc.	Definitions of pattern, Development, stretched out pattern, Master pattern (gross pattern) and templates
8	– Make a taper chute square to rectangle transition. – Make a taper chute square to round.	Development of surfaces: Triangulation method and geometrical construction methods
9	Making holes with solid punches, round punches as per BIS and use of hollow punches – Making a hole in sheet metal with the help of a wood block.	Solid and Hollow Punches. Description of hand punches as per BIS. Sizes of solid and hollow Punches and their uses.
10	– Riveting practice using various types of rivet heads. – Single chain riveted joint. Double chain and Zig- zag, Lap & butt riveted joints – Making a dustpan (Corner and handle riveted)	Rivets and its parts, Selection of Rivet heads. Types of Rivets and their uses. – Standard sizes of Rivets and Riveting Tools. – Calculation for Riveting allowances (pitch and Lap)
11	– Solder Lap joint – Single plated solder butt joint	– Fastening of Sheet Metal – Self taping screws, Clips and Connectors; Their uses, Types and Allowance of ‘S’ Clips, Government Clips, Drive Clips, Mailing Clips etc.
12	– Making an oil Can by hand process by soldering – Making funnel by soldering process	Solder, Different types of solder and their composition. Types and uses of fluxes, their effect on different metals.
13	Make by soldering: – Elbow 90° equal dia pipe T joint 90° equal dia pipe T joint 90° unequal dia pipe by soldering	Process of soft soldering, hard soldering (brazing). – Heating appliances (Hand Forge, Blow Lamp, L.P.G.)
14	Make by soldering T Pipe 60°branch joint unequal dia pipe Offset T joint equal dia	Development & layout pattern of elbow pipe, T pipe and offset pipe in equal diameter.
15	Make a taper lobster back bend 90 degree from oblique cone by soldering	– Development of T pipe, round equal and unequal. – Introduction to tubes and pipes.
16	Forming square section segmental quarter bend pipe with suitable lock and forming round section segmental quarter bend pipe	Laying out pattern of 600 off-set ‘T’ pipe. Pattern Development of ‘Y’ pipe.
17	Making a square duct elbow with snap block	Method of galvanising, tinning, anodizing, sherardizing and Electroplating.
18	Make a conical hopper by soldering	Development and laying out of pattern of segmental quarter bend pipe
19	Setting up of oxy-acetylene plant and types of flames	Need for ducting. Places where ducting is employed and the working principle of a dust cyclone, Gutter and its use. False ceiling
20	Setting up of Arc welding plant and striking & maintaining the arc & laying short beads	– Safety precaution in gas & arc welding – Description of Oxyacetylene plant and the equipment, accessories & tools
21	– Fusion run with/without filler rod in flat position. – Square butt joint in flat position by gas.	– Types of oxy-acetylene flames & its uses – Types and description of flux – Types of welding blow pipes.& its functions
22	Brazing copper sheet in lap joint in flat position	Various types of pipe joints. – Method of metal preparation & cleaning the base metal before welding. – Gas welding defects causes & remedies. – Arc welding defects causes & remedies.
	Project Work
Sem. II
	Trade Practical	Trade Theory
1	– Importance of machinery used in the trade. – Types of job done by the trainees in trade – Introduction to machinery safety including fire fighting equipment and their uses etc.	– Importance of trade in the development of the Industrial Economy of the Country. – review of Types of sheet metal Fabrication. – Methods of development.
2	– Locked groove joint by aluminium sheet – Single riveted lap joint by aluminium sheet. – Double strap single row riveted butt joint by aluminium sheet	– Introduction to aluminium fabrication, and its applications. – Ferrous and Non-Ferrous metals. use of Copper and Alloys. – Laying out the pattern of conical elbows. Pattern development of lobster back bend
3	– Exercise involving practical work on aluminium Sheet and using Pop Rivet. – aluminium Windows with. Different extruded sections, aluminium Soldering.	– Brief Description of hand punch machine. Hand and Power operated drilling Machines. Drill Bits, parts and effects of cutting angles.
4	– Making holes in sheet metal using a Punching Machine. – Making holes in sheets with a twist drill.	– Description of the swaging and beading machine, its parts, operating principles etc. – Description of Fly Ball press. Operating Principles of Power Press and press brakes.
5	– Practice on hollowing and rising on nonferrous sheets as well as ferrous sheet. – Practice removing dents of spherical or hemi-spherical articles using a wheeling and raising machine. (Repairing mud guards etc.)	– Properties of stainless steel and its uses. – Properties and uses of tin, lead, zinc and silver. – Description and Physical properties of Muntz Metal, Gun Metal, White Metal etc.
6	– Practice pipe bending by hand. Pipe bending using Hydraulic Pipe bending’ machine – Development of a cone: Cylinder fitted to a cone. Equal dia pipe joint with crimping and Ogee beading.	– Introduction to pipe/tube bending. – Brief description of Hydraulic pipe bending machine. Operating Principles etc. – Description of roll forming machine types and operating principles, description of slip roll forming machine and its function
7	– Practice external threading using “Die stock”. – Practice on internal threading using taps	– use of Die and Die Holder, Description of taps and tap wrench.
8	– Project work such as Steel Stool, aluminium Ladder etc. – Metal Spinning: Making a cylindrical medicine container of aluminium Sheet	– Method to operate the folding/brake folder for typical folding. – Description and use of jigs and fixtures
9	– Making a Copper article by using a power press and also making brass and stainless-steel articles. – Practice of Buffing and polishing	– Definition of Planishing and its application. Brief description of the polishing machine. Various types of bobs and polishing compounds
10	– Angle iron bending in different angles and different radii. Twisting the M.S. square rod and flats.	Operating principles of spinning lathe. Description of spinning
11	Gas welding square butt joint on M.S. sheet in down hand position. Fillet Tee & Lap joint on M.S sheet in down hand position.	Different processes of metal joining types of weld joint & weld positions. oxy-acetylene welding equipment & application, Types of flame & their uses
12	– Pipe butt joint in down hand position – Butt joint on MS flat in down hand position by arc	– Principle of arc welding. Types of welding machines and their uses. Advantages a
13	– Resistance welding. Spot welding, seam welding.	Principle of resistance welding. Types and applications. Welding symbols
14	CO2 welding. Deposit bead on MS sheet in flat position. Lap joint T joint and butt joint in down hand position.	– Introduction to the CO2 welding process. Welding equipment and accessories. Advantages and application of CO2 process.
15	TIG welding. Deposit bead on SS sheet in flat position. Making butt, Tee and corner joints.	TIG welding process. Advantages. Description of equipment. Types of polarity and application
16	– TIG welding. Deposit bead on Aluminium sheet in flat position. Making butt, Tee and corner joints.	– Types of Tungsten Electrodes, Filler rods, Shielding Gases. – Defects, causes and remedy in TIG welding process
17	MS/SS pipe butt and Y joint by TIG welding process.	– Latest sheet metal cutting techniques: Plasma cutting, Laser cutting, water jet cutting and punching etc.
18	Make models of aluminium sliding windows and doors.	Specification of aluminium channels angles, strips, tubes beading, packing rubber, cardboard, glasses etc.
19	Partitions of mini model rooms by using aluminium channels beading etc.	– Tools and equipment used in aluminium fabrication. – Assembly & Sub assembly: Guarding assembly, Door assembly, Chassis assembly, Cabinet assembly, Power pack assembly etc.
20	Electrical Panel, trunk boxes & ducts fabrication and Painting	– Process of painting. Spray painting. Etch primer painting, Powder coating, buffing, grinding, and sanding. – Selection of different grit sizes
21	Any Special Exercises: Repairing Mudguard and Radiators and testing of Sheet metal containers	Types of Radiators and construction of Radiators, Mufflers, Estimation of work
22	Any Special Exercises: Repairing Blocked Silencer and fuel tank	– Material handling: handling of light, medium and heavy materials. – use of cranes and types. – Estimation and costing
	Project Wok

 

 ITI colleges offering sheet metal programs  

• Boys Town Industrial Training center, Hyderabad

• Shree Vinayaka Industrial Training Institute, Kolar
• Gyan Jyoti Shikshan Sansthan,, Alwar
• All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society’s Industrial Training Institute (AISSMS), Pune

 

Why should you become a Sheet Metal worker?

The employment of sheet metal workers like any other construction workers, is sensitive to fluctuation in the economy. Sometimes they may face unemployment due to the fall in construction. And other times there may be a shortage of sheet metal workers due to the increased demand for them.

 Indian sheet metal fabrication Industry trends 

The Indian sheet metal fabrication market is fragmented in nature, with the presence of many small and medium sized companies and EPC companies. The rise in demand of goods and services across various sectors in India coupled with the entry of global manufacturing companies to India due to low cost in setting up plants in India and China has led to the sharp growth in the Indian manufacturing sector.

The Indian manufacturing sector is expected to register a growth of more than six times the current value, by 2025, to USD 1 trillion. The growth in the manufacturing sector, in turn, is likely to increase the number of manufacturing facilities in India which has resulted in the increase of growth rate of the Indian Fabrication industry leading to greater employment.

Despite the pandemic which has led to the dent in the growth of Indian fabrication industry, the industry is anticipated to register a CAGR of greater than 5% during the forecast period.

The top players in Indian fabrication industry are

• Salasar Techno Engineering Ltd.
• Kirby Building Systems

• Zamil Industrial Investment Co.
• Karamtara Engineering Pvt Ltd.
• ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd.

 

Job Outlook 

The employment of sheet metal workers is projected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028 in India which is faster than the growth rate of other occupations.

The employment growth in this occupation reflects the expected number of industrial, commercial, and residential structures that will be built over the projection decade. It also reflects the continuing need to install and maintain energy-efficient air-conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems in the existing buildings.

Here is the Employment projections data for Sheet Metal Workers in the United States, 2021-31

Occupational Title	Employment, 2021	Projected Employment, 2031	Change, 2021-31
			Percent	Numeric
Sheet metal workers	129,100	128,100	-1	-1,000

 

How much does a sheet metal worker make? 

The average salary of a sheet metal worker in India is Rs 200,000 per year. In the United States a sheet metal worker earns $64,027 per year. The sheet metal apprentice salary is usually less than the full-time sheet metal worker.

Here is the list of top paying companies for sheet metal workers in India.

• Tata Motors – Rs 1,80,000 per year.

• Godrej& Boyce – Rs 60,000 per year.

The top paying industry for sheet metal workers in India is given below.

• Defense & Aerospace – Rs 310,000 per year
• Industrial Machinery – Rs2,00,000 per year

• Auto Components — Rs1,80,000 per year
• Automobile —   Rs 160,000 per year
• FMCG — Rs 60,000 per year

Conclusion

The life of a metal sheet worker is very rough and tough. So, you must be mentally and physically prepared to work like that in case you want to start your career as a metal sheet worker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The history of all nations, great or small, has grown from ancient civilization ranging from a few hundreds to thousands of years. The information is stored in the form of ancient manuscripts, records, inscriptions, documents and more recently in computer data chips. These unique records are preserved and restored. They help us to understand the history, culture or evidence of a particular region or society. The person who keeps and maintains these records is called an Archivist. 

The archivist handles these records in a proper manner and procures them from the vast collection required in the future. This profession has gained ground in the recent past as things are changing very fast. This has become a rewarding and promising career for those of us who have a flair and desire to know and preserve our history. As the work of an Archivist can affect the present and future of generations to come, thus a great importance is attached to the job. 

What are Archival records or Archives? 

 

Every place and person has a history which is embedded in thousands of manuscripts, records, inscriptions, documents, etc. These records are unique and are scientifically preserved and restored. They help us to understand the history of a particular region, society or person. They provide evidence for legal purposes, ownership rights, demonstrate how organizations operate and lifestyles of people etc. These records are called Archival Records or Archives. 

In short Archives or the Archival Record is the storehouse of historical records/documents and the physical places where they are located. They consist of records that have been selected for permanent or long-term preservation on the ground of their enduring cultural, historical or evidentiary value. 

Archives consist of three elements namely: 

• Historical Record Collections 

These include a group of records like papers, documents, files, photographs, books, papers, letters, maps, video recordings, plans, sound recordings etc.  

• Repositories (Physical facilities) 

 Here archives refer to a physical location or a facility like building where archives are located.   

• Organizations 

Archives may also mean an organization, program or an agency that is responsible for managing and preserving historical records. 

People from different professions like lawyers, scholars, genealogists, historians, biographers, independent writers, students, filmmakers, and many others refer to these archives in their work. 

What is Archival Science? 

Archival Science is the study and practice of organizing, preserving, and providing access to information and access to information and materials in archives.  

Who is an Archivist? 

An Archivist is a professional who assesses, collects, organizes, preserves, maintains, and provides access to these records and archives that have long term value. His job is to see that these records that consist of a variety of forms that includes letters, dairies, logs, personal documents, government documents, sound and/or picture recordings, digital files or other physical objects are well maintained. 

Thus, an archivist keeps records that have enduring value as reliable memories of the past, and they help people find and understand the information they need in these records. 

The theory and scholarly works underpinning archives practices is called archival science. Archival science teaches archivists to determine what records have enduring value. The records are to be selected to justify the costs of storage and preservation plus the labor-intensive expenses of arrangement, description and reference service.  

Duties and Responsibilities of an Archivist

The duty of an Archivist includes acquiring and appraising new collections, arranging and describing records, providing reference service, and providing reference service, and preserving materials. 

He must apply two important principles while arranging records. These are 

• Provenance 
• Original Order 

Provenance refers to the creation of records, Here the different records are kept separately to maintain context. Many entities create records, including governments, businesses, universities, and Individuals.  

Original order is applied by keeping records in their order as established and maintained by the creators. 

Both are closely related to the concept of respect des fonds, which states that records from one corporate body should not be mixed with records from another. 

Also, there are two aspects to arrangement: 

• Intellectual 
• Physical 

He process the records physically by placing them in acid-free folders and boxes to ensure their long-term survival. They also process the records intellectually, by determining the content of the records, how they are organized, and what if any finding aids need to be created. 

Both these aspects follow the principle of original order. 

An Archivists’ work encompasses a range of ethical decisions that may be thought of as falling into three broad and intertwined areas. 

• Professional 
• Legal requirement 
• Accountability to society 

He is guided by the code of ethics while negotiating the ethical conflicts in their work. The International Council of Archives adopted the code of ethics in 1996.  

A brief history 

The word ‘archive’ is derived from a Greek word “Arkheia” meaning public office or town hall meaning public office or town hall in which important documents or files are kept under the authority of “Archon”, a title referred to a specific public office. 

Jacob von Rammingen manuals of year 1571 and Baldassarre Bonifacio’s De Archives libris singularis of 1632 were the first predecessors of archival science. 

The French archivist Gabriel Richou published the first western text on archival theory, named “Traite’ theorique et pratique des archives publiques “(Treaty of Theory and Practice of the Public Archives) in which he systemized the archival theory of the respect des fonds. 

In 1898, three Dutch archivists, Samuel Muller, Johan Feith, and Robert Fruin, published the Handleiding Manual voor het ordenen en beschrijven van archieven(Manual of the Arrangement and Description of Archives). 

In 1956, T.R. Schellenberg, also known as the “Father of American Archival Appraisal”, published Modern Archives.  

In 1972, Ernst Posner published Archives in the Western World. He was referred to as the Dean of American Archivists due to his contribution to the developments of American Archival theory and practice. 

Today archivists are taking advantage of Web 2 technologies on the Internet such as blogs,wikis as well as open access and open-source philosophies. Some of them operate public libraries that are accessible on the internet.  

The most comprehensive public archive on the internet is Internet Archive which provides free public access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, software applications, games, images and games. As of April 2021, the Internet archive holds over 30 million books and texts, 8.9 million movies and TV shows, 646,000 software programs,13,224,000 audio files,3.8 million images, and 580 billion web pages.   

What are the Archivist Job Requirements? 

 

As with any other profession one should have to fulfil minimum eligibility conditions to enter an archivist career path. Also, you must have some basic skills in case you want to become one. 

Skills required to become an Archivist 

Here are few of the basic skills that are required by you as an Archivist 

• Good Communication skills 
• Analytical and research skills 
• An eye on detail 
• Problem solving skills 
• Organizational ability 
• Time management 
• Complex problem solving 
• Ability to Multitask 

Besides the above skills you must also have minimum archivist qualifications.  

You must have cleared your high school I.e.; 12th class with a minimum mark of 45% to 50%. 

After your high school you must have a graduation or an archivist master’s degree in one or more of the subjects like history, art history, anthropology, archeology, Latin, English literature, public administration, politics, law or economics. 

A post-graduation degree in library and information studies, museum, gallery and archives management and information management are essential to get into this field. 

You can even go for higher studies (PhD) after undergoing any one of the above-mentioned courses. Or you can opt for a job in various private and public sectors involved in this field. 

Some institutes or colleges in India offer a certificate or diploma courses in Archival science. A few of these courses are given below which you can click on to take you to the relevant websites.  

Entrance exams  

Some universities and colleges require entrance scores which the candidates are expected to qualify for the respective entrance exams like DUET, JNUEE, IPU CET etc. 

How to apply for the Exam? 

First you must visit the official college website and understand the admission procedure of the respective institute or college. 

Apply for the exam by filling in the registration form, attaching the necessary documents and paying the entrance exam fees. 

Some institutes in India offer certificate and diploma courses in Archival science. These courses help students gain knowledge of basic archival theory, method or practice of appraisal that includes record management, aspects of library and information science management, and historical and research methods.  

The School of Archival Studies set up in 1976 is one of the most prestigious archival institutes in India. The institute was established to meet the demand for trained custodians of archival and library wealth. 

 A few of these courses along with the colleges given below are listed below. 

• B.A. Archival Science  
• Certificate Course in Archives Management 
• Certificate Course in Care and Conservation of Books, Manuscripts and Archives 
• Diploma in Archives and Documentation 
• Diploma in Archives and Records Management  
• M.Phil Archival Science 
• P.G. Diploma in Archival Studies and Museology  
• Post Graduate Certificate Course in Archives 
• Post Graduate Diploma in Archival Science and Manuscriptology  
• Post Graduate Diploma in Archival Studies 
• Post Graduate Diploma in Archives, Documentation and Management  

How can you become an Archivist Abroad? 

Many of us in India can pursue courses in Archival science abroad. The top destinations to pursue Archivist courses abroad are the USA, UK and Canada. However, there are other countries also where one can pursue one’s education also.

Australia 

The Australian Society of Archivists is the professional body for Archivists. It is responsible for the accreditation of various university courses. Archival courses are offered by following universities in Australia. 

• Curtin University 
• Charles Sturt University 
• Monash University 
• University of South Australia

Brazil 

A few of the colleges that offer courses in archival science are given below. 

• Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) 
• The Federal university of Espírito Santo (UFES) 
• Federal Universities of Amazonas (UFAM) 

Canada 

Here is a list of few of the best colleges to pursue archival courses in Canada. 

• University of British Columbia 
• University of Alberta 
• Western University 
• University of Manitoba 
• McGill University 
• Dalhousie University 

France 

The oldest Archivist school in France is the ECOL des Chartes, founded in 1821.It offered a diploma in “Archivist-Paleography”. Other universities that offer archival courses are given below. 

• University of Angers 
• Jean Moulin University, Lyon 
• Versailles Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines University  

New Zealand 

The university offering Archival courses in New Zealand is Victoria University of Wellington. The open polytechnic of New Zealand has undergraduate courses in archives management. 

United Kingdom 

The universities offering courses in Archival science are given below. 

• University college, London 
• Aberystwyth University 
• Manchester Metropolitan University 
• University of Glasgow 
• University of Liverpool 
• Manchester Metropolitan University 
• University of Strathclyde  

United States 

Here are a few of the top colleges in the USA where you can pursue archival courses. 

• University of Arizona 
• University of North Texas 
• Clarion University of Pennsylvania  
• Emporia State University 

• University of Wisconsin 
• The city university of New York 
• Indiana University, Bloomington

The Scope of Archivist Career

 

After completing your graduation in archival studies, you can work as an archivist in the corporate sector handling any kind of data. Today there is great demand for trained and qualified archivists with proficiency in handling and maintaining records and manuscripts of national and historical importance. 

You can find many archivist job openings in archival units of many organizations like museums, government agencies, colleges, and universities, industrial and commercial firms, hospitals, historical societies, charities, corporations and various other institutions whose records are valuable to researchers, exhibitors, genealogist, or others who can benefit from these materials. 

Those who want to apply in government sectors may be required to pass examinations conducted by the Union Public Service commission or Staff selection commission. National Archives of India which manages all the important documents and archives of the nation offer various job opportunities to deserving candidates. Indian Council for Historical Research also appoints candidates to various posts like Archivists, Assistant Archivists, Director of Archives, Assistant Director of Archives for Records and Publication and Keeper of Records. 

Those with  PhD degree are offered positions in educational institutes with faculty status. 

Even though there are only limited opportunities in the field of archives one can get jobs in other fields like libraries, manuscript repositories, special collections, records management agencies etc. 

Job Profile of an Archivist  

 

An Archivist can specialize in their work and be a Film Archivist, Reference Archivist, Photographic Archivist, Appraisal Archivist, Digital Archivist, Manuscript Archivist, Museum Archivist, etc. 

Here are a few of the archivist job profiles of an archivist. 

• Film Archivist 

Film  or motion picture archivist work for large film studios, universities or private individuals and foundations. They are responsible for organizing, preserving and maintaining film collections for a particular group or agency. The archive collection may include a collection of film reels, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, various forms of digitally transferred films, scripts, production schedules, still pictures and any other movie- related media. 

• Reference Archivist 

Reference archivists are responsible for documentation, recording information in written or electronic/magnetic form and for obtaining information from all relevant sources. They help archive patrons navigate information retrieval systems and provide necessary tools, like finding guides or online searching. The duty of reference archivist is to organize, prepare and preserve archival records, documents and objects, copying records to film, video tape, audiotape, disk or computer formats. 

• Photographic Archivist 

Photographic archivists preserve, organize and archive photographs. Their task is to prepare and arrange their collections for exhibition, communicate with potential donors regarding acquisitions and sometimes publish research findings. Photographic Archivists are employed in museums, libraries, history centres, research institutions, universities, public and private collections and auction houses.  

• Appraisal Archivist 

The appraisal archivist is responsible for examining and determining the value of records and other documents. The appraisal decisions are dependent on several factors like records provenance and content, their authenticity and reliability, their order and completeness, their condition and cost to preserve them and their intrinsic value.  

How much do an Archivist earn? 

The salary packages offered to archivists are largely based on the nature of the employers. As a fresher you can earn a starting salary ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per month. He can earn up to Rs 20,000 per month after gaining experience and qualifications. 

You can work as assistant archivist at the entry level of archive jobs in the universities and institutes range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month.  

The pay scale of an Assistant Archivist(general), for the office of Director General. Archeological Survey of India from Rs 30,000 to Rs35,000. A chief archivist in the Reserve Bank of India earns a starting basic salary of Rs35,000 per month. They are also eligible for dearness allowance, local allowance, house allowance, family allowance, grade allowance as per rules in force from time to time. 

Conclusion 

Being an Archivist is now considered a rewarding and challenging career for those of you who have flair and desire to understand and preserve our past treasures. Great importance is attached to this as his work can affect the present and the future generation. 

In case you have made up a choice to pursue a career as an archivist, you will have to take a lot of hard work and persistence to get the position you desire. You must be eager and have relevant abilities and attitude to be well organized before enrolling in the archivist course. Making right decision and selecting topic and degrees will help you achieve your objective,