Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Libarary & Information Scienc
Fast Fact
Programme: Bachelor of Libarary & Information Science (BLISc)
Job profile: Librarian, Knowledge Manager, Information Expert
Best colleges: NISCAIR, New Delhi, Jamia, New Delhi, ISI Bangalore, MK Univeristy, Madurai, Annamalai University, Chidambaram
Recruiters: Govt. Libraries, Universities, Colleges, Coroporate Training Centres, Research Institutions, Media Organisations, Consulting Firms
Starting salary: Rs. 12,000- 20,000 depending on your skills
Job profile: Librarian, Knowledge Manager, Information Expert
Best colleges: NISCAIR, New Delhi, Jamia, New Delhi, ISI Bangalore, MK Univeristy, Madurai, Annamalai University, Chidambaram
Recruiters: Govt. Libraries, Universities, Colleges, Coroporate Training Centres, Research Institutions, Media Organisations, Consulting Firms
Starting salary: Rs. 12,000- 20,000 depending on your skills
IN a recent conference, a team of professionals were seen mulling over how to use a tool like Twitter, with its 140 character limit, to save their jobs. These library and information science specialists have for ages been entrusted with the upkeep and movement of bulky tomes of knowledge – books. Why are librarians, as a community feeling shaken by these new-age technologies? It’s not the worry that people are reading less.
Librarians are worried that with newer ways of access to knowledge, they will have to catch up with technology to keep the users hooked to the library. The consensus on the future of the library was that it will have to be web-enabled, participatory and interactive. So it’s no more about ideal upkeep of books. It’s about making the same book, journal or paper available online, and also making the user aware about its availability – through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to be more precise. Welcome to the world of new-age librarians.
Librarians are worried that with newer ways of access to knowledge, they will have to catch up with technology to keep the users hooked to the library. The consensus on the future of the library was that it will have to be web-enabled, participatory and interactive. So it’s no more about ideal upkeep of books. It’s about making the same book, journal or paper available online, and also making the user aware about its availability – through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to be more precise. Welcome to the world of new-age librarians.
Role of the librarian“The concept of library as a building with stacks of books and journals has changed. The need of the hour is to provide “anytime anywhere” access to knowledge resources,” says Dr. Antony Jose, chief librarian, MDI Gurgaon. According to Dr. Jose, who has trained in advanced web technologies, a contemporary librarian is one who works in a hybrid environment dealing with a variety of information sources ranging from print to online resources. For instance, the mountains of newspaper and magazine clippings from diverse sources at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) library, popularly known as Sapru House are all digitised, now. So if you want access to yesteryear magazines like The Illustrated Weekly, this is a good destination. However, innovation also extends to using physical space more effectively. And managing both requires skills, and knowledge which is where specialised courses in the domain come into play.
|
About the course
Library and Information Science is a degree course, offered at Bachelor’s and Master’s level by universities across the country. The Bachelor’s is a one-year programme, which requires a bachelor’s degree in any stream. Dr Jose has a Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences from The MS University, Baroda. Also, offered through distance education by IGNOU and others, admission is on the basis of marks obtained in school-leaving exam in case of graduation, and on the basis of marks obtained in graduation, in case of postgraduation. Students from all streams are eligible to join the Bachelor’s course.
The programme subjects include library administration (including acquisition and verification); budgeting, personnel management; cataloguing; networking, automation; information sources; conservation of material; research methodology; and public libraries and academic libraries.
Ishtiaq Ahmad, a student of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science course for graduates offered by Jamia Millia Islamia says, students are exposed to software like Virtua, Libsys, SOUL and MARC, which help in organisation and management. He and a few other students interned at the JNU library in December. “Our training helped fill the gap between theory and practice,” he shares. Masroor Faizi, his classmate interned at the National Medical Library, which houses medical journals and e-journals. Here he was exposed to the process of how a print journal is made available online.
“The syllabus also covers understanding of staff deployment, manpower management, and about such issues as electricity supply and right selection of furniture, “shares Dr. MMA Ansari, faculty at Jamia. This gives students exposure to the daily functioning of a library. Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya under DU offers a one-year Bachelor of Library and Information Science, which is open to graduates from all streams.
Library and Information Science is a degree course, offered at Bachelor’s and Master’s level by universities across the country. The Bachelor’s is a one-year programme, which requires a bachelor’s degree in any stream. Dr Jose has a Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences from The MS University, Baroda. Also, offered through distance education by IGNOU and others, admission is on the basis of marks obtained in school-leaving exam in case of graduation, and on the basis of marks obtained in graduation, in case of postgraduation. Students from all streams are eligible to join the Bachelor’s course.
The programme subjects include library administration (including acquisition and verification); budgeting, personnel management; cataloguing; networking, automation; information sources; conservation of material; research methodology; and public libraries and academic libraries.
Ishtiaq Ahmad, a student of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science course for graduates offered by Jamia Millia Islamia says, students are exposed to software like Virtua, Libsys, SOUL and MARC, which help in organisation and management. He and a few other students interned at the JNU library in December. “Our training helped fill the gap between theory and practice,” he shares. Masroor Faizi, his classmate interned at the National Medical Library, which houses medical journals and e-journals. Here he was exposed to the process of how a print journal is made available online.
“The syllabus also covers understanding of staff deployment, manpower management, and about such issues as electricity supply and right selection of furniture, “shares Dr. MMA Ansari, faculty at Jamia. This gives students exposure to the daily functioning of a library. Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya under DU offers a one-year Bachelor of Library and Information Science, which is open to graduates from all streams.
|
Higher studies
At the postgraduate level, as in the case of University of Delhi, the curriculum delves deeper into Information Systems, Knowledge Organisation, Cataloguing and Classification. The syllabus includes Advanced Library Cataloguing (non-book material), Advanced Computer Application, Research and Statistical Methods, Marketing of Library and Information Services, Information Storage and Retrival and electives in Public Library, Academic Library, Research Library, Health Science Library, Agriculture Science Library and Engineering and Technology Library.
At the postgraduate level, as in the case of University of Delhi, the curriculum delves deeper into Information Systems, Knowledge Organisation, Cataloguing and Classification. The syllabus includes Advanced Library Cataloguing (non-book material), Advanced Computer Application, Research and Statistical Methods, Marketing of Library and Information Services, Information Storage and Retrival and electives in Public Library, Academic Library, Research Library, Health Science Library, Agriculture Science Library and Engineering and Technology Library.
Lacunae in the programme
“The curriculum followed at Bachelor’s and Master’s level at most Indian universities is not equipped to face the challenges posed by today’s information revolution,” says Dr. Jose of MDI. According to him, most of them still emphasise theoretical aspects of librarianship instead of concentrating on applied topics.
The course structure should take into consideration various technological changes, which are affecting the library and information services. “Greater emphasis should be placed on topics in computing and web content management and development,” he shares. Dr Jose, a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore, rates this postgraduate course, as well as that at the National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), New Delhi, high on these parameters. NISCAIR also offers a fellowship (read box for details). Library professionals are increasingly opting for doctorate too, for better growth prospects. Dr. Jose did his research at Pune University, in the area of design and development of expert systems.
“The curriculum followed at Bachelor’s and Master’s level at most Indian universities is not equipped to face the challenges posed by today’s information revolution,” says Dr. Jose of MDI. According to him, most of them still emphasise theoretical aspects of librarianship instead of concentrating on applied topics.
The course structure should take into consideration various technological changes, which are affecting the library and information services. “Greater emphasis should be placed on topics in computing and web content management and development,” he shares. Dr Jose, a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore, rates this postgraduate course, as well as that at the National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), New Delhi, high on these parameters. NISCAIR also offers a fellowship (read box for details). Library professionals are increasingly opting for doctorate too, for better growth prospects. Dr. Jose did his research at Pune University, in the area of design and development of expert systems.
Growth and pay packages A library professional is a specialist, and is treated at par with other experts. Thus, in an academic institution a head librarian is equivalent to a professor and falls into the same salary bracket. A deputy librarian is treated equivalent to associate professor. In private sector, according to BK Panda, a graduate in Library Science from Delhi University and now works as an Information Analyst with TCS in Bhubaneswar, the starting salary can even be Rs 5 lakhs per annum.
Jobs in the education sector
”The number of schools and colleges that are opening up in the country offer great opportunity to young professionals,” says Dr. Ghayas Makhdumi, University Librarian and Head, Department of Library and Information Sciences at Jamia. Makhduni has a PhD in British Medical Information System and a proposed model for India from the University of London. The Government has also launched a number of Central Universities and state universities. There’s also a plan to create a knowledge grid, which will depend upon the services of library professionals. Add to this, subject libraries that are opening up, with the increase in specialised institutes for law, hotel management, engineering, medical etc. A librarian working for a law firm may hold both library science and law degrees, while medical librarians should have a strong background in the sciences.
”The number of schools and colleges that are opening up in the country offer great opportunity to young professionals,” says Dr. Ghayas Makhdumi, University Librarian and Head, Department of Library and Information Sciences at Jamia. Makhduni has a PhD in British Medical Information System and a proposed model for India from the University of London. The Government has also launched a number of Central Universities and state universities. There’s also a plan to create a knowledge grid, which will depend upon the services of library professionals. Add to this, subject libraries that are opening up, with the increase in specialised institutes for law, hotel management, engineering, medical etc. A librarian working for a law firm may hold both library science and law degrees, while medical librarians should have a strong background in the sciences.
Corporate sector opportunities
“More and more librarians apply their information management and research skills to arenas outside of traditional libraries — for example in areas such as, database development, reference tool development, information systems, publishing, Internet coordination, marketing, web content management and design, and knowledge management,” observes Dr. Jose. Take the case of Panda. He joined TCS as information officer working in the field of knowledge management, and his job is to provide virtual information services, as part of the global help desk. A user sends a query, and information is provided within 30 minutes. “In the corporate world, companies have to store vast amounts of information and therefore have a comprehensive content management system,” says Panda. For instance, an area such as banking demands mass information management, which can be done only by professionals who have the ability to organise vast amounts of information in a systematic manner.
“More and more librarians apply their information management and research skills to arenas outside of traditional libraries — for example in areas such as, database development, reference tool development, information systems, publishing, Internet coordination, marketing, web content management and design, and knowledge management,” observes Dr. Jose. Take the case of Panda. He joined TCS as information officer working in the field of knowledge management, and his job is to provide virtual information services, as part of the global help desk. A user sends a query, and information is provided within 30 minutes. “In the corporate world, companies have to store vast amounts of information and therefore have a comprehensive content management system,” says Panda. For instance, an area such as banking demands mass information management, which can be done only by professionals who have the ability to organise vast amounts of information in a systematic manner.
Turning consultant
Professionals like Mamta Joshi - a library and knowledge management consultant since 1978 - render services to several libraries. She did her Master’s from Annamalai University and has worked with organisations like Information and Augmentation Centre, Lucknow and Tata Management and Training Centre’s management library. Today she renders her expertise to L&T’s Management Development Centre Library in Lonawala and Central Library at Powai. Her role as a consultant spans innovating, suggesting books to the library, and working on physical use of space available. But one must stay abreast of new products. “Fifty per cent of my time is spent searching for new things. If you don’t keep abreast of technology, and offer newer features, the user will get frustrated,” she says.
Professionals like Mamta Joshi - a library and knowledge management consultant since 1978 - render services to several libraries. She did her Master’s from Annamalai University and has worked with organisations like Information and Augmentation Centre, Lucknow and Tata Management and Training Centre’s management library. Today she renders her expertise to L&T’s Management Development Centre Library in Lonawala and Central Library at Powai. Her role as a consultant spans innovating, suggesting books to the library, and working on physical use of space available. But one must stay abreast of new products. “Fifty per cent of my time is spent searching for new things. If you don’t keep abreast of technology, and offer newer features, the user will get frustrated,” she says.
| Archival studies vs Library science |
The world over many universities bracket the two together as Library, Archival and Information Science. But there is a world of difference, say Shradha Shankar and Snigdha Roy. Both have a PG Diploma in Archives and Record Management from the National Archives and currently work at Jamia Millia Islamia’s Premchand Archives. Currently they are both in the process of restoring the legendary writer’s original manuscripts, along with original papers of other authors like Qurratulain Hyder. “Archives are related to original documents, as opposed to books, which are secondary sources. We have to hunt for original documents, whereas books can be ordered online,” says Shradha. Since the classification is different, so is the method of preservation, adds Snigdha. According to Shradha, the contents of the National Archives - which has unbroken records from 1747 - would easily span 30 km if laid out in a straight line. The institution has been producing experts who have been absorbed in different setups across the country. Archival services are required at every administrative level – including district and tehsil, to maintain land and other records. Corporate houses also maintain archives, such as Tata Central Archives. The RBI has its own archive. However, according to Shradha and Snigdha, even though there are vacancies in government setups, job postings have not be announced. |
The role of the traditional librarian is fast evolving from that of a custodian of books to a facilitator who locates the right information
Textile Design: A journey of colours, textures, crafts
India, home to a mindboggling variety of textiles, needs more qualified designers to keep pace with demands of the international and domestic markets.
FAST FACTS :Prominent institutes: NID, NIFT, Pearl Academy of Fashion, Shristi, JJ School of Arts;
Programmes: UG, PG;
Selection for UG: Studio & written tests + interview;
Aptitude: Interest in textiles and crafts, creativity, drawing skills;
Who is hiring: Fabric retailers, export houses, buying houses, textile mills, handloom cooperatives, fashion designers, design studios and buying agencies.
CHANDRASHEKHAR Bheda’s first brush with textiles was in Class 7, when his mother suggested he stop whiling away his vacation time and lend a hand in the local cloth shop. Here in his hometown Sangamner (Maharashtra), located in the belt of handloom weavers, he had to sell everything from materials and sarees to shirts, to people who came from the neighbouring villages. In retrospect, he feels the experience sowed the seeds for his future career path.
Programmes: UG, PG;
Selection for UG: Studio & written tests + interview;
Aptitude: Interest in textiles and crafts, creativity, drawing skills;
Who is hiring: Fabric retailers, export houses, buying houses, textile mills, handloom cooperatives, fashion designers, design studios and buying agencies.
CHANDRASHEKHAR Bheda’s first brush with textiles was in Class 7, when his mother suggested he stop whiling away his vacation time and lend a hand in the local cloth shop. Here in his hometown Sangamner (Maharashtra), located in the belt of handloom weavers, he had to sell everything from materials and sarees to shirts, to people who came from the neighbouring villages. In retrospect, he feels the experience sowed the seeds for his future career path.
However, it was the 1970s, and design was an unheard of vocation in most households! But he was already winning art competitions in school and saw applied arts as an outlet for his talent as well as a way to earn money. So he pursued an undergrad diploma in textile design (TD) at the Sir JJ School of Arts, Mumbai, followed by PG in TD at the coveted National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. And his love for textiles is evident. Seema Mahajan is also passionate about textiles. “Fabric is so versatile,” explains the HoD of Pearl Academy of Fashion’s textile design department. For one, it is the raw material used not only to create garments and accessories like jewellery, footwear and handbags but also soft home furnishings like curtains, table linen, bed covers and kitchen linen.
The latter are used in residences, and in large quantities in sectors like hospitality and the medical field. Technical textiles with specific properties are used in fields such as defence and transportation. Designer Poorvi Mathur who pursued a PG in Textile Design at NID, assisted an architect during her final year project. “I designed a false ceiling of fabric for a cardiac rehabilitation centre (to improve acoustics),” she recalls. Hence, the challenge for any textile designer is to understand the end function and designing fabric, accordingly.
A. A Textile Designer at Raymond is responsible for all-round development of fabric. From understanding market requirements through feedback on existing products and new product ideas, to collating fashion trends on display at trade fairs, and forecasting trends for the coming season, the textile designer dons the role of a design analyst. Taking these inputs to finalising design and the colour story for various collections through the seasons and developing new products, makes our designers, key players in the product development and marketing life cycle. Q. Will the demand for textile designers go up in the future?A. It could be said that Textile designers are at an all-time high demand now on account of strong domestic and increasing outsourcing needs from foreign countries for quality products from India. Q. What do you seek in a new recruit? A. We especially look for candidates with an innate interest to innovate. |
India, home to five basic fibres – silk, wool, jute, cotton and linen – is a mass producer of textiles. Within silk alone, India produces not one but six varieties including mulberry, tasar, eri and muga. Homegrown techniques like weaving, dyeing, printing and embroidery can be used to treat raw fibres in myriad ways to give them a complete facelift. This variety makes the canvas for Indian textile designers pretty exciting, and if you are willing to travel even more so.
On the move
This is because though corporate offices and designer studios are located in cities, the real action happens in factories, handloom and handicraft hubs, located in industrial hubs like Karur, Panipat and Kannur and villages or towns with a craft tradition. Chandrashekhar fondly recalls the 13-odd days he spent with Ikat weavers in Koyyalagudem village in Andhra Pradesh, for a craft-oriented project by Oxfam Fair Trade Company UK. He ate what the weavers ate, and has no complaints about the lack of electricity in the village. In the end, the home furnishings collection he created with the weavers sold for five consecutive years, abroad!!
Making a career
A textile design programme will train you in the technical and creative aspects of design, and a young pass-out from a textile design programme from a prominent institute can earn between Rs 20-30,000 in their first job. A fresher from a polytechnic can earn up to Rs 8,000 in an organisation such as an export house. Work-wise, the textile industry has come a long way from the 1980s. Back then one either worked for a small design studio, which supplied to textile mills or you worked in the mill, itself. Chandrashekhar recalls his first job with a design studio, where speedily ‘churning out designs’ was the need of the hour! The challenge ended at creating a paper drawing of the design, not knowing the fate of it in the final product. “Sometimes I would recognise some illustrations made by me on handkerchiefs meant for children at Crawford Market!” Chandrashekhar remembers with a chuckle. Today, designers use computer software such as TexCad and Textronic, which have been specifically created for this purpose.
 |
| Handpainted silk stoles by Mithila craftsmen from Madhubani District in Bihar |
Today, textile design graduates can work full-time as designers or fabric managers for export houses, buying houses, textile mills, handloom cooperatives, with fashion designers, design studios and buying agencies. Poorvi’s first job was with Synergy lifestyles, a home furnishings export house in Mumbai, where she had to make product samples for buyers according to seasons, as well as their requirements/style. “We had to source fabrics from local markets, design weaves, embroidery and print patterns to go with the collection and make well-styled products,” recalls Poorvi, who doubled up as photographer and clicked pictures for the company catalogue.
Many export houses also present designers with an opportunity to visit design events, exhibitions in India and abroad. One can also work for corporates such as prominent fabric and fashion retailer Raymond. KA Narayan, President – HR, Raymond Limited offers a positive forecast for the job market on account of a strong domestic and increasing outsourcing need from foreign countries for quality products from India.
Prominent companies: Arvind Mills, Raymond, Indian Terrain, Grasim Industries Ltd., Madura Brands, Fab India, Synergy Lifestyles, Mafatlal Industries, Nahar Industries, Shingora International, Ambadi Enterprises, Crew BOS, Mahajan Overseas, Himmatsingka Seide, Abhishek Industries, Welspun India, Shades of India, Linenscapes (India), Textrade International, Mura Collective, Portico, Creative Mobus Fabrics, Rateria Exports, Triburg, Bharat Silks, Third World Exports, The Shop
Prominent companies: Arvind Mills, Raymond, Indian Terrain, Grasim Industries Ltd., Madura Brands, Fab India, Synergy Lifestyles, Mafatlal Industries, Nahar Industries, Shingora International, Ambadi Enterprises, Crew BOS, Mahajan Overseas, Himmatsingka Seide, Abhishek Industries, Welspun India, Shades of India, Linenscapes (India), Textrade International, Mura Collective, Portico, Creative Mobus Fabrics, Rateria Exports, Triburg, Bharat Silks, Third World Exports, The Shop
 |
| Textile Art mural for Suzlon by Bheda |
As a textile designer one can also turn entrepreneur like NIDian Vaishali Sinha whose design studio hires textile designers and focuses on both international and a few Indian clients. With a set-up of around 20-25 people, her company focuses on designing fabrics and soft home furnishings, though every now and then they get a unique project from abroad through their website. Like the one by glassware and dishware brand Corelle asking them to design prints for their dinnerware. “Crockery is somewhere connected to table linen. And our exposure for a very long time to world trends and our understanding of the technicalities of what prints can or cannot be done, is strong. So, they took us up,” she elaborates.
Besides focusing on design, being driven and getting savvy in areas like marketing and management, is inevitable for an entrepreneur. One can also be an independent design professionals like Chandrashekhar who realised a long time a ago that a full-time job was not his cup of tea. “For me, the approach is very important. The freedom to be creative yet be relevant to the market place, and to be able to bring influences like cultural heritage, crafts or regional sensibilities, to name a few,” he shares. His projects range from creating home textile design collections for domestic retail stores to working with architects and interior designers to do all the home furnishings in a household.
Besides focusing on design, being driven and getting savvy in areas like marketing and management, is inevitable for an entrepreneur. One can also be an independent design professionals like Chandrashekhar who realised a long time a ago that a full-time job was not his cup of tea. “For me, the approach is very important. The freedom to be creative yet be relevant to the market place, and to be able to bring influences like cultural heritage, crafts or regional sensibilities, to name a few,” he shares. His projects range from creating home textile design collections for domestic retail stores to working with architects and interior designers to do all the home furnishings in a household.
In harmony with artisans
Working with craft artisans is another aspect of any textile designer’s lot, though many find it difficult to communicate. “It should be looked at as problem-solving opportunity, the onus is on you to provide market intelligence to them. If you don’t take challenges, design profession is not for you,” says Chandrashekar, who even uses social media to keep in touch there after! “Sometimes I chat with my Facebook friend Aziz Khatri, an artisan from Bhadali Nakhatrana in Kutch. He interacts in Kutchi using English script and then uploads a picture to show me his latest tie-dye work!”
Into the classroom
Research is king The main aim of Amole’s space design project was to redo a physical space using one’s knowledge of textile techniques. But the project that was to be wrapped in six weeks, took him two and a half months! “We cannot come up with a conclusion if we don’t do enough research,” he explains, giving us a taste of the rigour of projects at NID. His challenge was to suggest ways to revive the Calico Dome, which collapsed in the 2001 earthquake and make the space functional again for the people. In its heyday the Dome served as a retail outlet for Calico Mills, which produced some of the best textiles in the country. Amole suggested a textile installation in the open space below the dome, and the basement could be used for exhibitions. To give the installation a 3D effect, he suggested using a technique called origami tessellation (image below), that involves no cutting, stitches or glue. All it takes is one single piece of cloth and of course, some painstaking handiwork.The final output was a 46-page document, rich with sketches, research and photographs. Welcome to the jury Like all design students Amole had to present his project to a panel. Juries can be attended by anyone – juniors, seniors and classmates, and they can prove to be a nerve-wrecking experience. “Even today, the jury is scary as they can make you sweat,” he shares. The challenge is to defend your project work without getting emotional. In the final semester the jury is a closed one. |
Into the classroom
Textile design is offered as a four-year undergraduate programme by design institutes after Class 12. The selection procedure is through practical studio tests and an interview to gauge your level of aptitude, interest and motivation for a career in design. Some exposure to fabrics, crafts and related aspects is a must, so do your homework (read our story on design entrances). You may also have to present a portfolio to showcase a creative aptitude.
Typically, the first year is dedicated to foundation studies where students can explore all areas of specialisations along with basic design courses, common to all fields. At NID, students are allowed to choose a specialisation like textile design, where as at many other institutes they select the course during admissions. The curriculum is project-intensive and covers all areas of textiles such as weaving, printing, dyeing and fabric construction for myriad purposes.
Student exchange programmes is another value-addition. Amole, a final-year student at NID, had the opportunity to attend one semester as an exchange student at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) in Paris, where he was exposed to transfer printing, knitting and other new techniques. He is now preparing to take on his final year diploma project in an upcoming area – automotive textiles, which involve designing the interiors of cars. “To bring in an Indian textile influence,” he shares.
The textile edge
One can pursue a PG programme, especially those from complementary streams to wish to gain knowledge of textiles. The eligibility at NID for its PG programme is BFA, design degree in Textile, Knitwear or Fashion, Home Science with textiles, Interior Design and Architecture. Engineers with a Textile technology specialisations may also want to pursue a PG as well as graduates from any discipline with one year relevant industry experience.
Alternative routes
One can also pursue a Bachelor in Fine Arts with a textile design specialisation, which focuses strongly on the technical skills. However, as the number of seats in design institutes and Fine Arts colleges is limited. Another route is a BSc in Home Science, which offers a textile component. For instance, Lady Irwin College offers Fabric and Apparel Science as part of BSc in Home Science, and an MSc Home Science in Fabric and Apparel Science. Unfortunately, Home Science courses accept only women. Polytechnics and craft institutes also offer programmes, and many textile designers and smaller studios do select students from these institutes as assistants, full-time or on a project-basis. Ultimately no matter which route you take, creativity, a passion for textiles and the drive to learn as much as you can, will give you the edge!
Alternative routes
One can also pursue a Bachelor in Fine Arts with a textile design specialisation, which focuses strongly on the technical skills. However, as the number of seats in design institutes and Fine Arts colleges is limited. Another route is a BSc in Home Science, which offers a textile component. For instance, Lady Irwin College offers Fabric and Apparel Science as part of BSc in Home Science, and an MSc Home Science in Fabric and Apparel Science. Unfortunately, Home Science courses accept only women. Polytechnics and craft institutes also offer programmes, and many textile designers and smaller studios do select students from these institutes as assistants, full-time or on a project-basis. Ultimately no matter which route you take, creativity, a passion for textiles and the drive to learn as much as you can, will give you the edge!
Select institutes and courses focusing on textile design
No 1 | Institute | Course | No of seats | Duration (years) | Fee |
1 | National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad) | Graduate Diploma in Design | 100 (projected) | 4 | 2,10,800 (per year) |
PG Diploma in Textile design | Not fixed | 2½ | 2,55,800 (per year) | ||
2 | Sristi School of Art, Design and Communication, Bangalore | Professional Diploma Programme | 60-100 | 2½ | NA |
3 | NIFT (Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Kangra, Kannur, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi campuses) | Bachelor of Design (Textile design) | 330 | 4 | Rs. 61,750 per semester |
4 | Pearl Academy of Fashion (Delhi, Jaipur) | BA (Hons) Textile Design PG Diploma in Textile design MA Design (Fashion & textiles) | 60 | 4 | NA |
20 | NA | ||||
20 | NA | ||||
5 | Sir JJ School of Arts, Mumbai | BFA Textile Design | 15 | 4 | Approx Rs 700 per term |
6 | Lady Irwin College, Delhi | BSc (Home Science) | 144 | 3 | NA |
MSc (Fabric and Apparel Science) | 48 | 2 | NA | ||
7 | Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai (women) | Diploma in Textile Design | 25 | 2 | NA |
8 | South Delhi Polytechnic for Women | Textile & Apparel design | NA | 4 | Appox 45,000 for full programme |
9 | Indian Institute of Crafts & Design, Jaipur | UG Diploma in Craft design | NA | 4 | NA |
PG Diploma in Home Textiles | NA | 2 ½ | NA |
Career in Retail
What began as the last mile contact with the buyer, retail has now moved into multiple formats from corner shops to hyper malls. We examine the options available.
Fast FactsRetail Studies: Pearl Academy of Fashion, Indian Retail School, NMIM, Welingkar
Programmes: UG, PG and MBA in Retail
Retail Companies: Product-related: Future Group, HUL,LG Electronics, P&G, Nestle, IBM; Services-related: ABCTCL (Cafe Coffee Day)
Programmes: UG, PG and MBA in Retail
Retail Companies: Product-related: Future Group, HUL,LG Electronics, P&G, Nestle, IBM; Services-related: ABCTCL (Cafe Coffee Day)
MALLS, squeaky clean, glamorous and spacious, are the new face of Indian retail. No, actually a new form in the overall organised retail landscape, a glitzy booming US$28 billion sector. A far cry from the traditional lala shops which tied domestic shoppers for long; modern retail is changing the old shopping norms. Corporate India is embracing organised retail experience.
Here’s another notable thing. New-age retail is fast becoming an attractive career destination for most youngsters. Ask Chavvi Singh, 23, a Delhi-based area sales manager with Arvind Retail or Harish Nair, 25, a retail merchandiser with the Future Group. Or Tarini Chawla who is interning with Louis Vuitton, a luxury brand. For most of us, retail implies interaction with a well-groomed, smiling and helpful store assistant.
For most, retail only takes place on the store sales floor. But that image is a mere trailer because beyond the frontline, emerging retail is much more; a structured business with huge infrastructure, logistics and massive manpower force driving the splendid show at the back-end. A report from McKinsey & Company states that organised retail is expected to increase to 14-18 per cent from 5 percent in 2008. “It is likely to each US$450 billion by 2015,” indicates the report titled ‘The Great Indian Bazaar: Organised Retail Comes to Age in India’.
For most, retail only takes place on the store sales floor. But that image is a mere trailer because beyond the frontline, emerging retail is much more; a structured business with huge infrastructure, logistics and massive manpower force driving the splendid show at the back-end. A report from McKinsey & Company states that organised retail is expected to increase to 14-18 per cent from 5 percent in 2008. “It is likely to each US$450 billion by 2015,” indicates the report titled ‘The Great Indian Bazaar: Organised Retail Comes to Age in India’.
- Course review: Explore the PG Diploma in Retail Management
Opportunities abound
Who would have imagined in the ‘80s that young, bright females would take up a job at electronics gadget or even cosmetic shop or would serve you coffee and burger at Mc Donalds? Dapper college boys would jostle to get employed in Salvatore Ferragamo luxury shoe and bag boutiques instead of aiming for a probationary officer’s position in a nationalised bank? Changing retail landscape scripted a new trend in the job market. Formats like departmental stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, speciality stores and western-style malls are all gifts of modern retail.
Let’s take a glance at a few recent news items: “Gitanjali Gems planning to open mega retail stores by August” , ”Ferrari opened first showroom in India” , “Multinational retailers Walmart, Carrefour and Tesco to open stores in India”. As new organisations debut, current ones expand, and foreign brands compete for local eyeballs, they all translate into increased manpower requirement. Bharti-Walmart, a wholesale B2B cash-and-carry stores (called Best Price Modern Wholesale), for instance, plans to open 8-10 new stores. “And employ approximately 4,000 people by December 2011,” says the Arti Singh, Senior VP, Corporate Affairs.
Let’s take a glance at a few recent news items: “Gitanjali Gems planning to open mega retail stores by August” , ”Ferrari opened first showroom in India” , “Multinational retailers Walmart, Carrefour and Tesco to open stores in India”. As new organisations debut, current ones expand, and foreign brands compete for local eyeballs, they all translate into increased manpower requirement. Bharti-Walmart, a wholesale B2B cash-and-carry stores (called Best Price Modern Wholesale), for instance, plans to open 8-10 new stores. “And employ approximately 4,000 people by December 2011,” says the Arti Singh, Senior VP, Corporate Affairs.
|
Liberty Shoes plans to add 50-100 stores each year. “We would need six people per store, which means 600 more people each year,” says Anupam Bansal, director, Liberty Shoes. Purnendu Kumar, Associate VP, KSA Technopak, a retail focused research firm, says, “Around 60-80 lakhs new jobs will be created in the next five years, out of which almost 6-8 lakhs will be for graduates and above.” It is hard to believe that just two years back, the fledgling sector had to take a severe beating in the wake of global economic downturn. Well-known brands like Subhiksha and Vishal retail were swept away. The giants who managed to stay afloat halted their expansion plans and capped their job openings.
Deepti Goel, VP, Mall Strategy and Coordination, Ambience Malls, recalls, “The members of the retail ecosystem were only concentrating on strengthening the existing operations, consolidating and innovating.” Cut to 2011. The growth projection is sunnier. Let’s look at area earmarked for retail operations. According to a report titled ‘India Organised Retail Market 2010’, published by Knight Frank India, during 2010-12 around 55 million sq ft of retail space would be ready in national capital region (NCR) and other metros including Hyderabad and Pune.
Hop on the retail bandwagon
Retail offers career destinations, not just job options or stop-gaps. Tanu Gupta, who is with Timtara, an e-retail firm selling electronic gadgets, joined the company early February in 2010. A year-and-a-half later, she is a category manager. “Looking at the growth potential of the sector, I decided to join retail, says the BSc Home Science student, who went on to pursue MBA Retail in Supply Chain Management from College of AgriBusiness Management, Pantnagar. A periodic promotion means a lot to this ambitious professional who is thrilled with the growth the sector is offering her.
Vacancies are available from entry to senior management level, says the spokesperson, India, of global apparel brand Marks and Spencer. “Since organised retail is an emerging sector in India, there is not many executives with long and relevant experience,” she declares. There is a pronounced need for professionals in middle and senior level management level, she adds. Chhavi joined Arvind Retails, an apparel organisation as a management trainee for the Arrow brand. She now heads a team of over 125 employees. Growth in a typical retail organisation, (Eg: Apparel) goes thus: trainee, stores manager/category sales manager, regional manager, territory manager, national head. Requirement exists for large number of support staff, as well.
A store manager is like the CEO of a company, says Anupam, implying that he/she has to be apt in supervisory skills, HR management, leadership, financing and motivating skills. As one moves up the ladder, he/she switches to planning and strategizing. In 10 years, from a starter’s position one can move to be CEO, depending on performance, calibre and academic qualification. Visual merchandising forms an essential element. At the initial stages, one can move from store manager to just focus on visual merchandising and further specialise in the area.
Harish Nair, a visual merchandiser, who completed his PGDM in retail from FDDI, currently employed with the Future Group, gives a peep of his profile. “I decide on quantity of stock to be allocated to each outlet depending upon an outlet’s potential.” Meaning, “a store’s ability to sell,” explains Harish, in-charge of “Converse”, a youth-oriented shoes, apparel and accessories brand. Purnendu says that a lot of jobs will crop up in speciality areas like merchandising, sourcing, product development, design, logistics, supply chain etc. Retail also employs HR and IT professionals, corporate trainers, logistics and supply chain executives.
Chavvi Singh Area Sales Manager, Arvind Retail, Arrow Brand Chavi started out as a management trainee at Delhi’s South Extension Arrow store in 2006.
|
“Are you comfortable removing old shoes of a customer and slipping on in a new pair?” asks Anupam of Liberty. He points out that the dynamics involved in shoe retail is different from that of food, apparel, electronic and others.“This is not a cool job”, he says, referring to front-end operations in particular. But the retailer is not a dissuader. He merely feels that the candidate and job should find a match in each other. Whether it is product retailing or service retailing like- airlines, travel or hospitality-the challenges are distinct. So find your pick and stick to the job for at least six months before even contemplating otherwise.
But when you make a selection, it is advisable to map your qualification and aptitude with the product/service you are going to serve. Let’s take an example of a coffee shop retailer who sells café lattes and mochas. A common beverage - coffee - transformed into a designer product caters to the habit of drinking rather than the product itself. In this type of retailing, the test lies in enhancing delightful customer experience. A pleasant smile and sophisticated communication skill are desired qualities here. Product knowledge is inconsequential in this case; quite contrary to the core requirement in electronic or FMCG shopping.
Some of the skills sought by retailers are fundamental: friendliness, honesty, work ethics, malleability and a good personality. Employers value creativity and initiative-taking traits in an employee. The acid test, however, is how good is the communication skill that one possesses, especially the front liners. The second significant feature is product knowledge. This skill separates men from boys. “When I was the store manager, I found that most of our salespeople won’t engage with customers much,” says Chavvi. Upon further probe she discovered that the salespeople didn’t engage with potential buyers much because they feared customers could ask more product-related questions. Buyers these days have easy access to information. Sellers have to be a notch above their information levels. Period.
All competitive companies invest in training of their employees. Many skills can be learned and developed with education and experience. The truth is, with the entry of transnational companies, high level of management programmes will be needed to help bridge the demand and supply gap at managerial levels, says Goel of Ambience. There are some aspects that even a four–year degree programme can’t teach you, says Anupam. For instance, “passion”. A lot of sales tactics and marketing spiel can be taught, but not passion. Even the coolest dude feels ashamed changing the shoes of a customer. The educated ones settle for back-end operations at Liberty, he says, whereas other MBAs venture out for glamorous jobs.
|
Popular retail caters to masses and luxury retail is slave to classes. Luxury retail is one emerging segment in retail. The other being e-retail. The luxury retail, an estimated $500 million market, is yet to open up in India. Brands like Gucci Fendi, Chanel, Hermes, TAG Heuer, Maybach fall in luxury retail category. Luxury retail thrives on aspirations of individuals. You can buy a watch of Rs 300 or of Rs 3 crore and above. Tarini Chawla, an alumnus of Pearl Academy of Fashion, who obtained her degree from Pearl Academy, is now with Louis Vuitton. “Luxury retail is client-focused, customer-centric,” explains the 23-year who is now undergoing training in marketing and merchandising. A notch lower is premium retail segment.
E-retail doesn’t render conventional buyer-seller interface but trading happens in virtual space. As per Internet and Mobile Association of India (IMAI), the e-commerce market which was worth Rs. 19,688 crore in 2009 is likely to grow to Rs. 46,520 crore by 2011 year end. “E-retailing is growing 30 percent y-o-y,” says Arindam Bose, MD and Chief Customer Officer, Timtara. It offers distinct advantages over traditional retail method. Since the cost of real estate and inventory stocking is subtracted, the buys are a tad cheaper, at least in the initial stages when e-retailers don’t stock or stock less. Then there is ease of browsing at one’s convenient time, and less parking hassles,” says Arindam.
In e-retail one can choose a career under one of many verticals: Merchandising, Operations & Logistics, Sourcing, Marketing, and Customer Service, Finance or IT. “There can also be movements between verticals like Merchandising and Operations,” Arindam talks about the lateral shift. Qualities of creativity and innovation kick in. How can the web space be utilised and optimised to attract a buyer’s attention? How can they linger on the page? Here, customer relationship is built on different parameters with high-quality customer-service skills taking centre stage. For instance on-time delivery, damage-free delivery etc.
Avail of a bright future
The scramble for focused talent, high on calibre and creativity will increase. Capable managers from disparate industries like FMCG, BPO, telecom, and Hospitality quick to adapt to the needs of customers will be in demand. And the requirement for more educated, knowledgeable, and motivated people will arise. “Who are able to develop strategies for creating, attracting, nurturing and retaining customers,” says a Marks and Spencer spokesperson. As the market grows, the competition gets stiffer, the wages will also get better. For an intern working with a premium brand, the salaries start at Rs. 15,000 on an average. For a store manager, it is Rs. 30, 000 per month. A step higher, the CTC increases to Rs. 50, 000 per month. A national head’s CTC will be Rs. 1.5 lakh per month or above. These are average wages. Depending on a company and an individual’s capability it can fluctuate 10-30 percent, either side. So, join the sector and become a star brand of your company.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)