Cheminformatics, an emerging trend

I am pursuing B.Sc Chemistry and would like to know various career options available for me to pursue after completing graduation? -Belinda, St Mary’s Road

Chemistry, known as the ‘science of matter’ has great importance in our day to day life. The chemical sector of India ranks twelveth globally and third in Asia and is one of the major industries in the Indian economy generating employment of about one million.

Chemical science has a bright future with the emergence of cheminformatics and nanotechnology. Organic chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Analytical chemistry and Biochemistry form the main branches of chemistry. The career options in this field are many; however the employment opportunities depend on the education, training and your level of experience. It is mandatory that one pursues higher studies in this field for a comprehensive career growth.

You can do masters in the above mentioned fields of chemistry and the other options are:

Industrial chemistry, physical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, forensic science, environmental science, drug industry, physical and materials chemistry.

If you can think strategically, possess good communication and leadership skills and are data driven then you also have an option of doing an MBA, such as an MBA-HR wherein you can seek a job in a pharmaceutical company in the HR department or in its technical department.

It is seen that variety of companies, patent firms, financial institutions, etc seek individuals with a degree that is a combination of a technical degree (like in chemistry) and non-technical masters such as MBA or LAW. An MBA-Biotechnology would also be a lucrative choice as it is a booming sector in today’s world.

The emerging trend today is a career in chemical informatics, which is the application of information technology to chemistry. You can pursue PG diploma in Cheminformatics from Institute for Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) Bangalore. Refer: http://ibab.drugdesign.biz or the IBAB website at http://www.ibab.ac.in ; also from IITKozikode. www.kozhikode.com

The various industries that offer career opportunities for students with a degree in chemistry are:

Textiles, Petroleum, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Fertilizers, Paints, Food, Agrochemical products, Metal, Cement, Pulp, Polymer, Ceramics, Aromatic products, etc…

The public work departments include:

Sanitary and sewage treatment plants, water treatments, in the military, food scientists, ordinance factory, etc…

Central and State government:

ISRO, DRD, BARC, ONGC, Public Services (UPSC and other State Public Civil services), Oceanography, Forensic science, Biotechnology, Geochemistry, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Government chemical, petroleum and pharmaceutical industries, etc…

The other options are in the consultancy firms, patent firms, IOCL, Industrial R&D and Production departments and teaching fields.

Job options comprise of: Anesthesiologist, Chemical specialist, Geneticist, Clinical research specialist, Plant biochemist, Environmental consultant, Chemical diagnostic, Radiologist, Scientists, Pharmacist, Toxicologist, Process engineer, Patent law officer, Lecturer/Professor, Quality controller, Chemical development engineer, Scientific journalist, Technician, Laboratory assistant, etc…All the best!

What is the scope for a career in Merchant Navy after Class XII? How is it different from Navy? What are the different courses and the eligibility? -Sai Ram, Kothaguda

If you are looking out for a life in the sea then Merchant Navy would be the perfect choice of career for you. It offers a unique and adventurous lifestyle which is fully packed with exciting career prospects. You will experience the pleasures of being a world traveller in the most advanced and sophisticated ships of the world and above all you will get a handsome salary.

Merchant Navy fleet consist of cargo ships, container ships, barge carrying ships including roll on/roll off ships, tankers, bulk carriers, refrigerated cargo ships, passenger ships as well as many others. Merchant Navy is different from Navy in the sense that it offers commercial services where as Navy is majorly involved in the defense of the nation.

There is an enormous demand for maritime professionals in the shipping industry. It demands strong inner self with a tough physical form, along with being sportive, adaptive and possessing an adjustable attitude. You should be ready to stay away from your family for long stretches, close to six months a year. India with its growing economy and fast development has large merchant navy shipping fleets and has a variety of jobs in Indian as well as foreign vessels.

Companies that run merchant ships require trained people to maintain and operate their ships. Some of these companies are:

• Chevron and Mobil of USA
• Denholm of UK
• K Line
• Bibby Ship Management
• D’Amico
• Wallem Ship Management of Hong Kong, etc
• Shipping Corporation of India
• Great Eastern Shipping
• Essar and Chowgule Shipping

Eligibility is age limit of 16-25 years

After completing class XII with combination of physics, chemistry and mathematics (PCM) you can pursue below courses to join Merchant Navy:

B.E. Marine Engineering, 4 years course

B.S. in Nautical Technology with 3 years training in the institute and one year at sea

B.Sc degree in Nautical Science, 3 years course

You can also pursue a Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science or Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering

MBA shipping and Logistics/M.B.A. in Port and Shipping Management/ M.B.A. in International Transportation and Logistics Management

STCW is a compulsory 15 days course for all sea men which comprises of elementary first aid, fire prevention and fire fighting, provisional survival techniques and personal safety and social responsibility.

The selection considers important physical and medical fitness standards, they are:

Medical fitness certified by a doctor approved by Director General Shipping

Eye sight is 6/6 without glasses

The average minimum weight of the person should be 50 kgs and not less than that

No color blindness

They have to write an entrance test which is followed by a screening test and a written examination

After clearing the above the candidate has to appear for an interview and the medical test. Besides a fat pay package the other benefits of joining the Merchant are:

Four months leave every year; canned foods, cosmetics, cigarettes and imported liquor available on-board duty free

No income tax return imposed on the earnings.

By: Shehre Banu Kagalwala