CAREERS IN GEOGRAPHY
Geography is one of the oldest and the fastest growing fields of knowledge. Geography which is regarded as the “Mother of all Sciences” has undergone a process of evolution from descriptive stage to analytical stage.
The terminological meaning of “Geography” is description of the earth. But the Modern Geography tries to seek answers to questions like what, when, where, how, why and who.
Geography is a mixture of both Social and Physical Sciences. A good geographer is one who has sound knowledge of Geology, Zoology, Botany, Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Mathematics, Sociology, Economic, History, Anthropology, Political Science etc….
Geography studies a little bit of everything with its own unique approach such as spatial or aerial analysis.
In countries like United States of America, Russia, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, Geography is a very popular subject in Schools, Colleges and Universities. In India though Geography is taught as a compulsory subject in the schools but it is not very popular in higher education due to misunderstanding and lack of awareness about the subject.
Geography plays a significant role in the process of planning. Countries that have taken Geography seriously have progressed faster than those countries that have neglected the role of geography in planning.
GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION IN INDIA
Imparting of Geography education began during pre independence period. Geography was first taught at the undergraduate classes in the colleges that were affiliated to Punjab, Patna, and Aligarh University during 1927/1928. The first university to start Post Graduate Department of Geography was Aligarh University in 1936. Today out of 256 Universities, Geography is taught in 83 Universities.
GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION IN GOA
Geography is a popular subject among students in Schools, Higher Secondary Schools and Colleges of Goa. In the state of Goa, Geography is taught as an elective subject right from the days of Bombay University for the undergraduate classes. Today of the 16 non-professional colleges, 7 Colleges are imparting Geography education at undergraduate level namely,
DPM’s Shree Mallikarjun College, Canacona (1993), Government College, Pernem (1993), C E S College, Cuncolim (1987), Government College, Sanquelim (1988), Government College, Khandola (1989), Government College, Quepem (1989), and S P Chowgule College, Margao (1962). Apart from Non-professional Colleges, Colleges of Education also offer Geography subject. Year 2004-2005 opened a new chapter in Goa as Post Graduate Department in Geography was opened at S P Chowgule College, Margao.
JOB OPENINGS IN GEOGRAPHY
In the past many questions were raised regarding the employability of Geography. People think with Geography you can become only a teacher but the reality is different. Modern Geography offers plenty of job opportunities.
COMPETITIVE EXAMS:
A large number of Competitive Exams are conducted in India by various organizations like UPSC, GPSC, Railway Board, Bank Boards etc. Every student is required to appear for General Knowledge Paper. In General Knowledge, Geography is one of the important components. About 25-30% of the questions asked are based on Geography. It is observed that a good number of doctors, engineers, and other professionals appear for IAS, IPS and IFS exams. These professionals opt Geography as one the subjects for exam. This is one area where geography students can do better.
TEACHING DEPARTMENT
In teaching department jobs are available in Schools, Higher Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities with different qualifications. Students after Post Graduation can also perceive their higher studies in research from any Indian or Foreign University.
INDIAN DEFENCE SERVICES: Those who want serve nation for them Geography provides opportunity to join Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
Jobs in Indian Army:
Short Service Commission
Women's Special Entry SchemeQualification: MA/Msc in Geography Age: 19 years and 27 years (Unmarried)
Army Education Corp
Qualification: MA/Msc in Geography, Male, Age not more than 28 years (Married or Unmarried)
Jobs in Indian Air Force:
Ground Duty Officers for MenShort Service Commission Course for MenShort Service Commission Course for WomenQualification: MA/Msc in Geography Age: Less than 25 years unmarried
Jobs in Indian Navy:
Commissioned Officer in Meteorological Branch through Fast Track Selection Qualification: MA/Msc in Geography Age: less than 25 years (Unmarried)
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Geography post graduates can join state and central planning departments for which they are required to complete two years course in Master of Regional Planning. This course is available at following Institutes:
1. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
2. Guru Ram Das School of Planning and Architecture, Amritsar
3. School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
4. Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad
5. Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad
6. University of Mysore
7. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
ENVIRONMENT
Study of Environment is integral part of Geography and Geographical research. Geographers can do an excellent job in this area. Plenty of jobs are available in various industries and Non Governmental Organizations. To join industry and NGO’s you need to complete a course in Environment and Ecology. Many Correspondence courses are offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University, Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment etc.
TOURISM
A geography background is an asset for careers in travel and tourism.
Jobs available: Travel Agencies, Tour Operators, Tourist Guides, Holiday Consultants, Travel Manager, Sales and Exhibition, Hotels, Restaurants, Money Exchange, Beauty Parlors, Body Massaging, Cruise, Ticket Booking, Entertainment, etc
SURVEY
Geographers can specialize in surveying, either by joining the Survey of India or State Survey Departments, National Sample Survey Organisation, Census of India or Private Organizations.
MARKETING
In the age of Globalization and Privatization geographers have great opportunities in Marketing and Marketing Research.
GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
This is one of the fastest growing technical branches of Geography. This branch of Geography has changed the entire nature and character of the world. GIS is a systematic integration of Computer Hardware, Software and Spatial Data, for capturing, storing, displaying, updating manipulating and analyzing, in order to solve complex management problems. To make career in GIS there is a need to undergo a specialized course in GIS.
Geography is one of the oldest and the fastest growing fields of knowledge. Geography which is regarded as the “Mother of all Sciences” has undergone a process of evolution from descriptive stage to analytical stage.
The terminological meaning of “Geography” is description of the earth. But the Modern Geography tries to seek answers to questions like what, when, where, how, why and who.
Geography is a mixture of both Social and Physical Sciences. A good geographer is one who has sound knowledge of Geology, Zoology, Botany, Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Mathematics, Sociology, Economic, History, Anthropology, Political Science etc….
Geography studies a little bit of everything with its own unique approach such as spatial or aerial analysis.
In countries like United States of America, Russia, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, Geography is a very popular subject in Schools, Colleges and Universities. In India though Geography is taught as a compulsory subject in the schools but it is not very popular in higher education due to misunderstanding and lack of awareness about the subject.
Geography plays a significant role in the process of planning. Countries that have taken Geography seriously have progressed faster than those countries that have neglected the role of geography in planning.
GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION IN INDIA
Imparting of Geography education began during pre independence period. Geography was first taught at the undergraduate classes in the colleges that were affiliated to Punjab, Patna, and Aligarh University during 1927/1928. The first university to start Post Graduate Department of Geography was Aligarh University in 1936. Today out of 256 Universities, Geography is taught in 83 Universities.
GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION IN GOA
Geography is a popular subject among students in Schools, Higher Secondary Schools and Colleges of Goa. In the state of Goa, Geography is taught as an elective subject right from the days of Bombay University for the undergraduate classes. Today of the 16 non-professional colleges, 7 Colleges are imparting Geography education at undergraduate level namely,
DPM’s Shree Mallikarjun College, Canacona (1993), Government College, Pernem (1993), C E S College, Cuncolim (1987), Government College, Sanquelim (1988), Government College, Khandola (1989), Government College, Quepem (1989), and S P Chowgule College, Margao (1962). Apart from Non-professional Colleges, Colleges of Education also offer Geography subject. Year 2004-2005 opened a new chapter in Goa as Post Graduate Department in Geography was opened at S P Chowgule College, Margao.
JOB OPENINGS IN GEOGRAPHY
In the past many questions were raised regarding the employability of Geography. People think with Geography you can become only a teacher but the reality is different. Modern Geography offers plenty of job opportunities.
COMPETITIVE EXAMS:
A large number of Competitive Exams are conducted in India by various organizations like UPSC, GPSC, Railway Board, Bank Boards etc. Every student is required to appear for General Knowledge Paper. In General Knowledge, Geography is one of the important components. About 25-30% of the questions asked are based on Geography. It is observed that a good number of doctors, engineers, and other professionals appear for IAS, IPS and IFS exams. These professionals opt Geography as one the subjects for exam. This is one area where geography students can do better.
TEACHING DEPARTMENT
In teaching department jobs are available in Schools, Higher Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities with different qualifications. Students after Post Graduation can also perceive their higher studies in research from any Indian or Foreign University.
INDIAN DEFENCE SERVICES: Those who want serve nation for them Geography provides opportunity to join Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
Jobs in Indian Army:
Short Service Commission
Women's Special Entry SchemeQualification: MA/Msc in Geography Age: 19 years and 27 years (Unmarried)
Army Education Corp
Qualification: MA/Msc in Geography, Male, Age not more than 28 years (Married or Unmarried)
Jobs in Indian Air Force:
Ground Duty Officers for MenShort Service Commission Course for MenShort Service Commission Course for WomenQualification: MA/Msc in Geography Age: Less than 25 years unmarried
Jobs in Indian Navy:
Commissioned Officer in Meteorological Branch through Fast Track Selection Qualification: MA/Msc in Geography Age: less than 25 years (Unmarried)
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Geography post graduates can join state and central planning departments for which they are required to complete two years course in Master of Regional Planning. This course is available at following Institutes:
1. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
2. Guru Ram Das School of Planning and Architecture, Amritsar
3. School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
4. Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad
5. Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad
6. University of Mysore
7. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
ENVIRONMENT
Study of Environment is integral part of Geography and Geographical research. Geographers can do an excellent job in this area. Plenty of jobs are available in various industries and Non Governmental Organizations. To join industry and NGO’s you need to complete a course in Environment and Ecology. Many Correspondence courses are offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University, Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment etc.
TOURISM
A geography background is an asset for careers in travel and tourism.
Jobs available: Travel Agencies, Tour Operators, Tourist Guides, Holiday Consultants, Travel Manager, Sales and Exhibition, Hotels, Restaurants, Money Exchange, Beauty Parlors, Body Massaging, Cruise, Ticket Booking, Entertainment, etc
SURVEY
Geographers can specialize in surveying, either by joining the Survey of India or State Survey Departments, National Sample Survey Organisation, Census of India or Private Organizations.
MARKETING
In the age of Globalization and Privatization geographers have great opportunities in Marketing and Marketing Research.
GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
This is one of the fastest growing technical branches of Geography. This branch of Geography has changed the entire nature and character of the world. GIS is a systematic integration of Computer Hardware, Software and Spatial Data, for capturing, storing, displaying, updating manipulating and analyzing, in order to solve complex management problems. To make career in GIS there is a need to undergo a specialized course in GIS.
Courses available:
PG Diploma in GIS -Jamia Millia Islamia,
MSc Geo Informatics, Applied Geography and MTech in GIS Application-Bharathidasan University
PG in Geography, Geo Information Technology and Environmental Remote Sensing and PG diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing Applications - Madurai Kamaraj University
PG Diploma course in GIS - Allahabad University
At present about 1500 job are vacant as GIS analyst, CAD GIS Engineer, GIS Engineer, GIS Executive, GIS Programmer, Digital Cartographer, Geological Mapping Expert etc. but qualified candidates are not available.
CARTOGRAPHY
Cartography is an art or technique of making maps, globes, charts, diagrams etc. Maps are the tools of Geography. Geography cannot exist without Cartography. In the last two decades Cartography has undergone a sea change due to technological development. This is another area where geographers can do wonders.
Course available
Aligarh Muslim University-PG diploma in Hydrogeology and diploma in Cartography
University of Madras - PG diploma in Cartography
University of Pune-PG diploma in Cartography
Jamia Millia Islamia-PG diploma in CartographyMSc Geo Informatics, Applied Geography and MTech in GIS Application-Bharathidasan University
PG in Geography, Geo Information Technology and Environmental Remote Sensing and PG diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing Applications - Madurai Kamaraj University
PG Diploma course in GIS - Allahabad University
At present about 1500 job are vacant as GIS analyst, CAD GIS Engineer, GIS Engineer, GIS Executive, GIS Programmer, Digital Cartographer, Geological Mapping Expert etc. but qualified candidates are not available.
CARTOGRAPHY
Cartography is an art or technique of making maps, globes, charts, diagrams etc. Maps are the tools of Geography. Geography cannot exist without Cartography. In the last two decades Cartography has undergone a sea change due to technological development. This is another area where geographers can do wonders.
Course available
Aligarh Muslim University-PG diploma in Hydrogeology and diploma in Cartography
University of Madras - PG diploma in Cartography
University of Pune-PG diploma in Cartography
Utkal University - PG diploma in Cartography
Baroda University -PG diploma in Cartography
REMOTE SENSING
It is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area, or phenomenon through satellite without coming into physical contact with the object, area, or phenomenon under investigation. Remote sensing makes it possible to obtain information about dangerous or inaccessible areas. India has launched many satellites for obtaining remotely sensed data. India is an international leader in the field on Remote Sensing.
Courses available
Birla Institute of Technology,Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand -PG in Geo-Informatics, M.Tech. Remote Sensing and Ph.D. (RS/Geo-Informatics)
Birla Institute of Technology, Kolkata and Jaipur -PG in Geo-Informatics
Indian Institute of RemoteSensing, Dehradun,
M.Tech. Remote Sensing and training Course like certificate, Diploma and PG diploma in Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics -M.D.S. University, Ajmer,Rajasthan
PG in Remote Sensing/Geo-Informatics - Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University, Hyderabad
M.Tech. Remote Sensing and Ph.D. (RS/ Geo- Informatics)
National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad
Training course in various application of Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics
Indian Institute of Technology
Training courses and Ph.D in Remote Sensing/Geo-Informatics
A.P. University - M.Tech. Remote Sensing and Ph.D. (RS/ Geo- Informatics
