Category Career Query

What is the career in the field of Intellectual Property Rights and Copyright law?

In today’s innovation-driven world, where corporate giants clash regularly over ideas and trademarks, copyright laws play and important role. They protect intellectual property (IP), which can be defined as any intangible property that is a product of creativity, and is covered by copyrights, patents and trademarks. With authors, musicians inventors and entrepreneurs lining up to protect their work, careers in intellectual property rights (IPR) are booming.

How it works

Intellectual property law enables individuals to claim exclusive rights and financial gain from what they invent or create, which is a benefit to both creators and the public. IP lawyers procure the right to new ideas and protect the existing creations. The job involves applying for patents, obtaining copyrights and defending it in case of infringement.

What are the job prospects?

There is a lot of patenting activity in countries across the world. And so, the field offers a plethora of jobs ranging from an IPR attorney, who has specialized in copyright infringement law, to patent specialists involved in preparing patents. Intellectual property lawyers also assist in licensing inventions, transferring proprietary technology, drafting licensing agreements, negotiating settlements, and conducting IP due diligence.

What is IP?

Intellectual property is any tangible commodity that is a product of creativity.

What are patents?

A patent is a right granted by the government to inventors in order to exclude others from copying or sharing their products without their permission.

What is a trademark?

A trademark is a word, name, symbol or device that is used in trade with goods to indicate the source of the goods and to distinguish them from the goods of others.

What is a GI tag?

A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin because of which they posses qualities or a reputation. GIs are part of the intellectual property rights that come under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. In India, GI registration is administrated by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999. GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuff, handicrafts, and industrial products.

What to study?

People from different academic backgrounds can study law. Most law schools offer copyright law as a specialization with the law degree. Some offer separate short-term postgraduate diplomas on the subject.

Where:

  • The Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur; and Amity Law School, New Delhi: Bachelor of Law (LLB) with specialization in Intellectual Property Rights.
  • N.C. Banerjee Centre for Intellectual Property Rights Studies, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad: IP specialization in LLM and PG Diploma in Patent Law.
  • Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Intellectual Property Studies, Mumbai: PG Diploma in Patent Law and Practice and PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights Management.

 

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Dietitian: A ‘healthy’ career choice

With the world dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, dietitians/nutritionists play a very important role in preventive healthcare. They evolve many diet regimes which help in improving immunity and controlling diseases. Today, people from all walks of life, including professionals, sportpersons, businessmen, housewives, and of course people suffering from chronic diseases visit dietitians.

The nutritionist/dietitian’s job is to research the nutritive value of food and understand all food advise people on eating habits and plan diets that will improve health.

With growing general awareness that preventive nutrition can prevent cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, etc. rather than treat a condition after it manifests itself clinically, the role of a dietitian/nutritionist has gained greater significance. Consequently, a career in this field has become attractive.

How to start

On complexion of class XII, science stream students have the option to enroll for the three-year B.Sc/BA course in nutrition but many students study dietetics only after a graduate degree in any one of the following disciplines: home science, medicine, science (with chemistry and/or microbiology), hotel management, and catering. Six-month/one-year certificate/diploma courses in nutrition are also offered by some institutes and universities. You can also sign up for correspondence courses in food and nutrition.

In B.Sc Home Science (Hons), a student can specialise in food & nutrition in the second and third year. The Honours programme admits only students from science backgrounds as its subjects include biochemistry, botany, physics, zoology and chemistry.

At the postgraduate level, you can either do a one-year post graduate diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition (DDPHN) or a two-year Master’s programme.

Skills and Aptitude

A person opting for a career as dietitian/nutritionist must have an interest in food/food preparation. He/she should also possess good communication skills to interact with people, individually and in groups. In addition he should have patience and a genuine concern for fellow beings.

Career options

  • In hospitals, dietitians work closely with doctors to prepare diet plans for patients as per their needs. They also check quality and hygiene levels in hospital kitchen.
  • In the processed food industry, a dietitian works on the development and improvement of food products and production methods.
  • In hotel industry, dietitians plan for different types of guests and also supervise food production process.
  • Spas and clinics hire dietitians to use them for designing healthy, low-calorie monthly food charts for their customers.
  • Nutritionists have a slightly different field. They work in the areas of food science, community development, research projects and FMCG companies. Their work relates to research aspect. They go beyond diets and move into the science of biochemistry and food science.

 

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What is the career in the field of naval architecture?

From Vasco da Gama’s Sao Gabriel and Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria to the Mayflower, ships have played an important part in history. These vessels have been part of epic voyages, great bottles and discovery of new homelands. Building these mammoth structures to survive fiercestorms and giant waves is the job of naval architects. They are responsible for the design, construction and the repair of the ships and other marine vessels, including offshore and floating structures. Militaries, commercial ships and maritime companies need ships that are sea-worthy and environment-friendly, and this has driven the demand for naval architects. So if you have a fascination for marine vessels and an eye for detail, the field of naval architecture could be the perfect choice.

How it works

Naval architecture is the science of designing and manufacturing of sea-going vessels. It is a branch of marine engineering. Naval architects can build a variety of marine vessels, including fishing boats, barges, submarines and ships. They take the ultimate responsibility of the safety of the vessel.

Building a ship is a team effort that requires inputs from different types of engineers and professionals. The naval architect ensures that all of them work together to build a strong and sturdy vessel.

Required skills

  • Knowledge of different branches of engineering
  • Mathematical ability
  • Creativity and eye for detail
  • Ability to co-ordinate with other professionals
  • Communication skills
  • Patience and time management
  • Sound judgment and leadership skills

Scope

Naval architects are involved in a variety of work that can be classified into design, construction and repair, consultancy, marketing and sales. Ships and yacht builders, offshore companies and engineering and design consultants need naval architects to design new vessels. Major equipment manufactures also employ naval architects to design products such as propulsion systems and auxiliary systems. A naval architect also oversees ship yards where marine vessels are built, repaired, inspected and tested.

What to study?

Several engineering institutes offer Bachelor and Master of technology (B. Tech and M. tech) in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. You need to clear the Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) for admissions, while some have their entrance examinations.

Where

  • Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam: B. Tech and M. Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering; B.Sc Ship Building and Repair
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Madras: B. Tech and M. Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering.
  •  Cochin University of Science and Technology: B. Tech in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding.

Abroad:

  • Newcastle University, the U.K.: M.Sc and PG Diploma in Naval Architecture.
  • University of Southampton, the U.K.: M.Sc in Marine Technology.
  • University of Strathclyde, Glasgow: M.Sc in Naval Architecture.
  • University of New Orleans, the U.S.: B.Sc and M.Sc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

 

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What is the career in the field of osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology?

When the mighty Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago, it devoured everything in its path. The Roman city of Pompeii thriving on the fertile lands around the volcano turned to dust within seconds. Years later, when the buried city was rediscovered, it was found that most of the remains of the city and its residents, were surprisingly well-preserved. By studying the skeletons and other remains, archaeologists were able to put together a detailed account of what the ancient Romans looked like, their lifestyle and even their last moments.

That marked the beginning of the field of osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology, an emerging field of archaeology.

Human osteoarchaeology is the scientific study of human skeletons excavated from archaeological sites. It can tell us about the health, lifestyle, diet, mortality and the physique of people in the past.

Many universities in India and in the U.K. offer postgraduation in Human Osteoarchaeology. So if you are interested in unlocking the rich stories of the past, this could be a promising field.

How it works

Osteoarchaeologists study human remains, while Palaeopathology seeks to understand the nature and scope of past diseases. From studying the mummified remains of ancient Egyptians to assessing the impact of major diseases in history, osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology are crucial to every major archaeological investigation.

Opportunities

  • Archaeological contractor
  • Independent archaeological consultant
  • Local government
  • National heritage agencies
  • Private museums and charities
  • University archaeology departments

Required skills

  • A passion for history
  • Scientific knowledge
  • Patience, analytical and observational skills
  • Willingness to carry out field work
  • Communication skills

What to study?

To get started in the niche field of osteoarchaeology, a background in history is a must. In India, the subject is taught as part of the postgraduate course in Archaeology. However, universities in the U.K. offer specialization in Human Osteoarchaeology.

Where:

  • Deccan College, Pune and Allahabad University: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology
  • Nagpur University: M.A. in Archaeology
  • University of Edinburgh and university of Sheffield, the U.K.: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Human Osteoarchaeology.
  • Reading University, the U.K.: M.Sc. Professional Human Osteoarchaeology
  • Durham University, the U.K.: M.Sc. Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology

 

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What is the career in the field of product design?

At its best, writing is a fine art. A tool for storytelling over the ages. It’s fitting, then, that the making of writing instruments too is an art in itself. And it’s the product designers who make it happen.

Right from a simple toothbrush to a complex spacecraft, all products that impact our everyday life are designed by product designers. This includes designing writing instruments too – fountain pens for school or work and exclusive stylograph for special occasions to luxury designer pens and collector’s items.

Despite the ubiquity of digital communication, a pen never goes out of fashion. Designer and luxury brands, continue to be in demand. Some of the major brands have also come out with digital pens that can write on augmented paper, which digitizes handwritten work.

With design being the focus of this industry, there is a lot of demand for designers who can come up with elegant designs. Designing luxury writing instruments and products can be a perfect choice for the creative minded.

Required skills

  • Understanding of aesthetics and functionality
  • Creativity and patience
  • Strong design abilities
  • Communication skills and ability to work in teams

How it works

Product designers work in a variety of fields, including furniture, architecture and technical design. Among these, designing writing instruments falls under technical design.

Manufacturers of writing instruments approach designers and design studios to come up with new designs for their products. The designers work closely with the manufacturer’s engineers and craftsmen to design a pen that matches the company’s vision and the client’s needs.

Many luxury brands such as William Penn, Mont Blanc and Lamy have offices in India.

What to study

Many institutes across the country and overseas offer a variety of courses that teach how to design writing instruments, as part of product design. Most of the Indian institutes offer a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) in Product Design. Some of them teach product design as part of Accessory Design and Industrial Arts. In universities abroad, product design is part of Bachelor (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programmes.

Where:

India

  • National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad: B.Des and M.Des in Product Design
  • Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune: B.Des in Product Design
  • Indian School of Design and Innovation, Parsons, Mumbai: B.Des in Product Design
  • National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi: B.Des in Accessory Design
  • Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bengaluru: B.Des in Industrial Arts and Design Practices
  • MIT Institute of Design, Pune: B.Des in Product Design Abroad
  • The New School, Parsons School of Design, New York: MF.A in Industrial Design
  • Rhode Island School of Design, the U.S.: BFA and MFA in Industrial Design and Furniture Design
  • University of Applied Arts, Vienna: Masters in Industrial Design
  • University of the West of England, the U.K.: Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Product Design

 

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Is baking a good career?

Imagine a workplace where the air is always fragrant with the delicious smell of baking bread. The day is divided between mixing flour and whisking batter. Dallops of cream are scooped on to delectable pastries of all sizes and colours. What a treat it will be, right?

Well, thanks to the increasing popularity of different types of desserts, there is a huge demand for skilled bakers and pastry chefs in the dynamic food and beverage industry.

The culinary art of baking has become serious business. Professional bakers work in five-star hotels, artisan bakeries, television shows and with dessert manufacturers to produce the delicate and delicious creations that glitter temptingly on our social media screens or shop windows.

If you are passionate about baking, working as a professional baker could be a sweet choice. So put on your baker’s apron, grab a bag of flour and start baking!

Scope

The role of a baker involves much more than just baking bread. People with formal training in baking and pastry arts have a plethora of options, including working as pastry chefs or bakers. You can specialise in a specific type of baked good such as wedding cakes or artisan breads. There is a huge demand for customised and creative cakes. This is known as edible art and is a lucrative field. You can also specialise as a chocolatier or a food stylist. Chocolatiers design chocolate bars, truffles and other confectioneries, while food stylists prepare and style food for photo and video shoots.

How it works

Baking is a skill that can be picked up through training and practice. It broadly involves making biscuits, breads, cakes, muffins and pies. Baking is no longer restricted only to conventional local bakeries. While many bake as a hobby, professional bakers are those that put their skills to commercial use. Plant bakers usually work in small-scale, independent bakeries, five-star hotels or a restaurant chain. The last few years also has seen the rise of gourmet bakeries that cater to different tastes and requirements such as gluten-free and vegan goodies.

Required skills

  • Passion for baking
  • Culinary skills
  • Creativity
  • Innovation
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Patience
  • Dedication

What to study?

Anyone can become a baker, but to work in restaurants and hotels, a degree or a certificate course in bakery and confectionery is a pre-requisite. Hotel management colleges offer short-term courses in baking. Recently, some institutes started to offer craftmanship courses in Bakery and Patisserie, accredited by City and Guides (C&G), London.

Where to study:

  • The Institute of Hotel Management Catering and Nutrition, Pusa, New delhi: Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery (C&G)
  • Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts, Bengaluru: Diploma in Patisserie (C&G)
  • Institute of Bakery and Pastery Arts, New Delhi: Diploma in Bakery and Patisserie Arts
  • Kohinoor College of Hotel and Tourism Management Studies, Mumbai: B.Sc in Hotel Management, along with a certificate course in Bakery
  • Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata: Craftsmanship course in Food Production and Patisserie – one-and-a-half years
  • Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Goa: Craftsmanship course in Food Production and Patisserie – 24 weeks

Abroad

  • Le Cordon Bleu, London and Paris: It offers a Grand Diploma with Professional Immersion programme (includes a course in French language at the Paris campus) and Diploma in Patisserie – Nine months
  • Edinburgh School of Food and Wine, the U.K.: Diploma in Professional Patisserie
  • Ashburton Chefs Academy, the U.K.: Diploma in Professional Patisserie

 

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