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10 MOST POPULAR OFFBEAT CAREERS

 Animation
 Cartoonist
 Fashion Designer
 Graphic Designer
 Interior Designer
 Journalism
 Counselor
 Psychologist

Offbeat Career E-Book

© Copyright 2010 Catalog Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
 Animation - Colorful Vivid Career !!

Once upon a time, cartoon network used to be the only way our
mother could manage to pour the much hated milk down our throats
as we would forget everything around us, being engrossed in the
adventures of Aladdin and the little mermaid!!! This highly creative
and exciting career option could be yours, if you are truly passionate
about making characters in your head, come alive on screen! Films
like Hanuman etc have enlivened the interest in animation in India
today and it is deemed as a major sourcing hub for animation work. Animation is not only
limited to movies, but is increasingly being used as powerful tool to convey social messages
through humor etc-such as the recent advertisement to spread AIDS awareness and so on. As an
animator, you can even enter the ever-so-hot gaming industry in departments like art, design and
programming, sound and support. Creativity rules this field and also, basic technical knowledge.
You will be involved with professionals of other fields if you are working for a movie and
hence, time constraints are a lot.

Will This Career Suit Me ? Where Will I Work?

Entertainment industry-motion
To pursue a career in animation, one needs to
picture studios like Disney,
possess the following personality traits: Pixar.
Publishing houses -
High level of creativity and imagination graphics, printing etc
Animation is a combination of 70 per cent art Corporate firms for
and 30 per cent technology marketing demos etc.
good drawing skills, good visualization and Web design using
observation animation
Interest in technology as this field involves a Fashion houses
lot of technicalities Advertising firms
Quick learner to pick the fast evolving world Software development
of animation softwares like MAYA, Flash companies
Gaming firms

Duration of course: 3 years B.Sc animation

Diploma courses duration varies depending on institute

How do I pursue this career?

 Clearance of senior secondary school examinations from CBSE, ISC or any other equivalent
board in any stream.

 Taking up a 3 year course leading to a Bachelor of Sciences in Animation from a reputed

institute.

 It can also be taken up by completing an undergraduate degree in fine art or commercial art
and then pursuing a diploma course or a short term course from a reputed animation
institute.

 A diploma in animation from a reputed institute along with any bachelor degree will also get
you entry in the field.

 Whatever way you pursue this career but do remember creativity is the underlying factor
which will help you go long run and be successful.
© Copyright 2010 Catalog Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
 Cartoonist - World Of TOON-MANIA!

The term ‘Cartoonist’ is an amalgamation of cartoon artistry. With the

increasing amount of print journalism, the rapid progress in the field of
animation and game design and the emergence of new media in our country
such as websites etc cartoon artistry is in huge demand. As a cartoonist, you will
be required to create humorous pieces on ordinary, everyday life, or perhaps,
take a dig at a famous personality in a comic way, such that a social message or
plight is communicated to the viewer in lighter vein.
However the success of your work will lie in your own talent. As a
professional, you will be expected to be very creative in a short span of time
and work well under pressure. Being a highly competitive field, cartoonists today are juggling
between roles as animators, illustrators, graphic designers !! So do you think world of TOON-MANIA
can be yours???

Will This Career Suit Me ? Where Will I Work?

To pursue a career in the Cartooist, one needs to possess Art studios and film
the following personality traits: studios
Animation firms
Game design institutes
Creativity and imagination should be in peak
Newspapers and other
Critical ,sarcastic and witty in perception
forms of print media
Excellent drawing skills, good visualization
Internet and other forms
and observation of web media
Ability to be quick with assignments Independently as a
Spontaneity and ability to manage last-minute freelancer
changes Can work in graphic
Ability to work well under pressure design companies

Duration of course: 4 years of Bachelor’s degree in design or art

How do I pursue this career?

 The career chronology to be an cartoonist is:

 Clearance of senior secondary school from CBSE, ISC or any equivalent board in any
stream.

 Pursuing a four year undergraduate degree in Fine art leading to a Bachelor’s degree in
Fine art.

 Or in place of fine arts degree an undergraduate course in design leading to a bachelor’s

degree in design can also help in becoming a cartoonist.

 Acquire basic computer skills and knowledge of basic software.

 But however a degree can never help you become a cartoonist unless the baisc traits such as
creativity and imagination does not exists.

© Copyright 2010 Catalog Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
 Fashion Designer - Small Stitches to a Big Dream

That teddy bear you made in art class in school or that puppet show you put up in
kindergarten could well be signs of your interest and aptitude for an exciting career in
the fashion industry! A fashion designer uses textiles and fabrics as his/her medium of
expression. Just as a paintbrush is an artist’s biggest tool, the needle is a fashion
designer’s best friend. Creativity and glamour rule the roost, and so can your designs if
you ensure you are in the right place at the right time!

What with Indian designers carving their own niche abroad, international buyers are
marking India as a potentially viable fashion destination of the near future. If you feel ready to take up
the challenge of constantly rediscovering the world around you and bringing out your creativity on
fabric in new and unique ways, you are sure to make a brilliant career out of fashion. It can land you
big bucks, name, fame and oodles of glamour along with it !!!!

Will This Career Suit Me ? Where Will I Work?

To pursue a career in fashion one needs to possess

the following personality traits: Fashion studios
Under established
designers
Creativity and Innovation Established brands
Ability to think beyond the ordinary (designing new clothe
Ability of adjustment to pressures of lines for them)
competition Media (Entertainment
Ability to adjust to erratic working channels)
schedules Independent designer
Flexibility and openness to different ideas owning a boutique

Duration of course: 4 years of Bachelor’s degree in design or art

How do I pursue this career?

 The career chronology for this highly creative and challenging career is :

 Relevant Senior Secondary school degree from the CBSE, ISC, equivalent board from
any stream.

 Clearance of the aptitude test that is conducted by leading fashion schools of the
country. It is generally divided into 2 rounds-written and situation.

 A degree in Fashion design or fashion technology, preferably, from a leading institute

for better job prospects.

 A basic degree in arts or science, followed by a Diploma in fashion designing offered by a

few design schools in the country.

 This can be followed by direct absorption into one of the fashion design companies or
working under an established designer to gain experience.

 Participation in fashion weeks provide the maximum amount of exposure, from the point
of view of both, the designer and the prospective buyers of his collection.

© Copyright 2010 Catalog Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
 Graphic Designer - Design your Dream !!

What you buy depends on what you see. Graphic designers make a representation, visually
of products that are to be sold in the market like soaps, detergents, websites and the like. The
word ‘graphic’ relates to visual art and involves drawing; engraving or lettering. It is also
defined as the art of combining words and pictures in advertisements, magazines, books etc.
As a graphic designer, you will be researching using all the aspects of a product such as its
quality, its cost specifications, etc and depicting all those concepts as a central idea or theme
that will be used to sell the product in the market.
One can opt for more specialized work as website design which involves designing stylized
themes for websites to be launched in the market or product or packaging design to name few.
Doesn't it all sounds interesting… then go for it!!
h
c
Will This Career Suit Me ? Where Will I Work?

To pursue a career in Graphic designing, one needs to

possess the following personality traits: Art studios and graphic
design companies
Animation firms
Creativity, imagination Website designing
Ability to transfer abstract thoughts onto the Newspapers and other
media one is working with forms of print media
Interpersonal skills Internet and other forms
Ability to handle a high amount of pressure of web media
Flexibility in one’s ideas Independently as a
Ability to handle rejection and listen to freelancer
different perspectives on one’s idea Advertising firms for
High amount of aesthetic and artistic ability branding & logos

designer, you will be researching using all the aspects of a product such as its quality, its cost specifications,
etc and
Duration of course: 4 years of Bachelor’s degree in design or art

How do I pursue this career?

 Clearance of senior secondary school from CBSE, ISC or any equivalent board in any
stream.

 Pursuing a four year undergraduate degree in Fine art leading to a Bachelor’s degree in
Fine art.

 Or in place of fine arts degree an undergraduate course in design leading to a bachelor’s

degree in design can also help in becoming a cartoonist.

 Acquire basic computer skills and knowledge of basic software. Graphic designers need
to be skilled in ‘Adobe Illustrator’, ‘Photoshop’ and ‘in design’

 But however a degree can never help unless the basic traits such as creativity and
imagination does not exists .

depicting all those concept

s as a central idea or theme that will be used to sell
the product in aunched in the market or product or packaging design to name few. Doesn't it all sounds
interesting..

© Copyright 2010 Catalog Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
 Interior Designer - Homely Dreams !!

For a creative individual with a high sense of aesthetics and color

balance this job comes naturally as it only demands coordination of aesthetics with art to ensure full
usage of the living space. Flexibility to the client’s needs is an important aspect of this job-it includes
budget, existing space, his attitudes, cultural preferences and behavioral traits, need to be given ample
thought to design a space that would suit him.

This profession, like any other, needs high commitment to ensure that your vision of the living space
transfers into reality. The profession involves making contacts, interaction with people etc and cannot be
related to that of an artist who can afford to work perfectly in isolation !!!

Will This Career Suit Me ? Where Will I Work?

To pursue a career in Interior design, one needs to possess

the following personality traits: Independently, taking work
according to client demands.
Work with restaurants and
Creativity and Imagination hotels
Ability to harness new ideas and implement In collaboration with an
them architect, to work on specific
Ability to wok under the stipulated time projects
Interpersonal skills Work with corporate firms
Inclination to follow and keep oneself updated and residential societies
with latest trends

Duration of course: 4 years of Bachelor’s degree in design/arts

Diploma courses

How do I pursue this career?

 The career chronology to be an interior designer is :

 Clearance of senior secondary school education from CBSE, ISC or any equivalent
board.

 Taking up a four year course leading to a Bachelor of Fine Art or a five year program
after Class 12.

 Can also avail post-graduate diploma programmes after an undergraduate degree in

Architecture with a specialization in Interior designing.

 Pursuing short term courses from leading institutes.

 Courses of different durations are available in leading institutes of India and accept
students after a basic aptitude test, from any stream

© Copyright 2010 Catalog Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
 Journalism - Truth Or Dare ???

The ‘headlines’ that has become an inseparable part of our everyday lives were the
outcome of the noblest of professions – journalism. If it weren’t for journalism and
journalists, we would perhaps remain as frogs in a well who knows nothing of the world
outside.

If you look for power without dirtying your hands, Journalism probably is the best career
option for you. You can make Governments rise and Governments fall. No Minister, no
social worker, no business tycoon can escape the eyes of a journalist. For those who love challenges ,
journalism - a respectable, satisfying and creative work, could be a profession for your heart !!!!

Will This Career Suit Me ? Where Will I Work?

In order to be a journalist, and be successful you must

possess traits like: Work for daily news like
TOI, HT - collect news and
then write article on it.
Attention to detail Work for news channels like
Driven by curiosity NDTV, CNNIBN, Aaaj Tak
Learn to maintain good contacts for they etc as an reporter.
give you the information Work for magazines and
Be alert and quick periodicals.
Be an effective communicator Freelance for different
Ability to think beyond the ordinary newspaper or channels.
Flair for words
Interest in happenings around

Duration of course: 3-4 Years

How do I pursue this career?

 The career chronology to be a journalist is :

 Minimum eligibility to enroll in degree of journalism is 10+2 with any subjects.

 Some institutes also provide one year certificate courses in journalism for which
eligibility is 10+2 with nay subjects.

 A degree in Mass Comm. is also ideal way of entering the profession.

 There are also courses in specialized areas of journalism like sports, television, photo,
press law etc.

 A degree in language viz. English, Hindi or other regional language with certificate
course in journalism can fetch job in Journalism in respective languages.

 There is always an option to go for higher education/ Post Graduation.

 On the contrary no amount of course or training can claim to make one, a journalist
unless the person possess interest and traits for it.

© Copyright 2010 Catalog Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
 Counselor - A Professional Guide !!

A counselor is a human’s friend. They guide the needy, assist people

with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career decisions
and problems.

There are many specialty areas in counseling including, mental health

counseling, school counseling, community counseling, rehabilitation
counseling, substance abuse counseling, guidance counseling, and
vocational counseling.

It is a kind of service to the society, working with people suffering from a wide variety of conditions
ranging from career and stress management to more scathing situations like
depression and chemical addiction.

Will This Career Suit Me ? Where Will I Work?

The profession may entail following traits:

Work in organizations
engaged in community
Intense listening and assessment ability improvement and social
Desire to help understand themselves and others. change.
Logical and creative style of problem solving As a Mental Health
skill. Counselors you can help
Ability to think objectively without being swayed people cope with emotional
by emotion. and mental trauma such as
High energy to handle the array of problems that depression, stress, and
they address. addictions.
Good Communication skills. A School Counselors works
with schools/colleges to
Genuine liking for people, concern for their
facilitate the academic,
welfare, patience, personal/social, and career
No prejudices about class, culture, religion, and development of students.
race make up There is scope of self-
employment and work in
private practice.

Duration of course: B.Sc/B.A in Psychology

How do I pursue this career?

 Counselor education programs in colleges are found in departments of education or

psychology.

 A bachelor’s degree often qualifies a person to work as a counseling aide,

rehabilitation aide, or social service worker.

 Graduate programs in career, community, mental health, school, student affairs, and
marriage and family counseling are important.

 A master’s degree is typically required to be licensed as a counselor.

 People can come to counseling also from social work or human resources
management.

© Copyright 2010 Catalog Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
 Psychologist - Reading Minds !!

Psychology is the study of people: how they think, how they act, react and interact.
It’s concerned with all aspects of behavior and the thoughts, feelings and motivations
underlying such behavior.

As a science, it is a systematic approach to the understanding of people and their

behavior. As a profession, it is the application of the understanding of human behavior to
help solve human problems.

In a sense, you are already a psychologist: we all are. We are all interested
in what makes people think, and how this understanding can help us to solve major problems in society.
But then how to go from being an ‘amateur psychologist’ to a professional one? Let’s explore further!!

Will This Career Suit Me ? Where Will I Work?

To pursue career in law one needs to possess the

following traits: Schools to resolve students’
learning and behavior
problems.
One has to have a genuine interest in people Work with young offenders
Intense listening and assessment ability as forensic psychologists
Desire to help understand themselves and others Can work in management,
Logical and creative style of problem solving skill personnel, training,
Ability to think objectively without being swayed selection and careers
by emotion services
High energy to handle the array of problems that Research and teaching in
they address institutions of higher
education
Work as developmental
psychologist and examine
people’s interactions with
others and with the social
environment

Duration of course: B.Sc /B.A Psychology

Duration: 3 years

How do I pursue this career?

 Can take up bachelor course in psychology after passing 12.

 Course is offered as combinations in both arts and science streams in Indian

Universities.

 A master’s degree or specialization is typically required to be successful in the field.

 One can specialize in varied fields – clinical, Child, Experimental, Social psychology

© Copyright 2010 Catalog Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.