A foreign degree on forests

Q:I have done my MSc in forestry. I would like to study forestry abroad. Please tell me about the countries and the institutes that offer research programmes in in the subject.

Krishna Bhoumik

A:If you are scouting for greener pastures abroad, Europe has a long tradition of forest education.

• Oxford Forestry Research Institute (United Kingdom)

• European Forestry Research Institute (Finland)

• New Zealand Forestry Research Institute n Forest Research Institute, Malaysia.

The above mentioned are just some of the research organisations you could consider.

You could also check out the following:

• Yale University (website: www.yale.edu)

• University of California, Berkeley (USA)

• Oxford University (website: www.ox.ac.uk )

• University of Reading, UK (website: www.rdg.ac.uk)

• University of Queensland, Australia (website: www.uq.edu.au) and

• University of Toronto (Canada)

These institutes offer excellent research programmes for scholars like you. Closer home, you could consider joining international forestry organisations like:

• International Forestry Research Institute (Indonesia)

• Regional Community Forestry Training Centre for Asia & Pacific (Thailand)

• International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (Nepal)

• Pakistan Forest Research Institute

• Institute of Forestry (Bangladesh) and

• Chinese Academy of Forestry.

For a holistic approach to tackling the global problem of environmental degradation and dwindling forest cover, a multipronged and multidisciplinary approach is being adopted. Most of the courses abroad have adopted this approach to facilitate research work.

A doctor and an army man

Q: I have recently completed my MBBS degree and would like to join the Indian Army. Please tell me about the selection procedure for recruiting doctors in the Indian Army.

Dr Sanjoy Sinha

A:The Armed Forces Medical Services recruits medical officers to the Army Medical Corps in the Short Service Commission (SSC) to civilian doctors who have passed the MBBS exam (although a PG degree is preferred). Lady MOs can also apply. The age limit for the grant of SSC is 45 years. You must have permanent registration from state medical council/MCI.

Selection is through an interview and selected candidates join in the rank of captain. Incidentally, the notification for recruitment in Army Medical Corps has just appeared in all the leading national dailies. For further information, contact: the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services, DG-1A, M/o Defence, ?M? Block, New Delhi 110001.

The way to be part of the United Nations

Q: I am very keen to work in the UN. Would a bachelors degree in sociology help?

Ela Chaterjee

A:You don?t have to pursue a specific subject for getting a job in the UN, as it offers openings across several occupational groups. However, with sociology, you will find it easier to find openings in development-related agencies of the UN. For more information, visit its website: www.unjobs.org.

Keep track of the site from time to time and apply online as soon as you spot something up your street. To kickstart the application process, register on the site by opening a ?My UN? account. Understandably, applications submitted by UN staff are given priority.

Other international organisations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Norwegian Funding Organisation for Rural Development (NORAD), International Labour Organisation (ILO) etc. also offer high profile jobs to those with relevant qualifications (masters and beyond) and relevant work experience. These are mostly contractual in nature and the work involves liaising, policy, planning or monitoring..

Q: My daughter is seven years old and enjoys playing tennis. Is it a good career for girls? Please advise.

Mrs Bhowmik

A:You need to look no further than Sania Mirza to draw inspiration for your daughter. The right age to get started is just after five, although the child can begin playing as soon as she is able to hold the racquet. However, there are costs involved, including coaching fees, sports gear etc. Also there?s a lot of sweat and hard work involved. A school-going child needs to put in three hours of practice. Breaking into the professional circuit is also no mean task. Amateurs can make their way up the ladder by participating in ATP tours.

Your daughter can start by competing in the junior playoffs that consist of four segments: the Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under- 8. Ranking is based on the points awarded at entry-level events consisting of four tournament sections. With the points won during these events, tennis players can participate in major tournaments. You can also send your daughter for training to a good tennis academy at a later stage.