Are programming skills needed for UID

Pervin Malhotra

Q. I am a student of graphic design. Can you please tell me something about User Interface Design (UID)? Since I don’t have a technical background, I’d like to know if programming skills are required for this specialisation. — Ria Sachdeva

A.A common example of User Interface Design would be the remote control on your TV. Other devices, such as and stereo systems also have a user interface. So be it a website or video game, a home appliance or the computer in a car dashboard, a mobile app or a virtual

reality interface, digital cameras, or the audio mixing consoles that DJays use, User Interface Designers enhance the human-computer interaction and involvement by perfecting the functionality and making the experience glitch-free, aesthetic and delightful.

Creating a strong link between the customers and website UID can make or break a company’s customer base. It creates fewer problems, increases user involvement, perfects functionality with a dash of style.

While it’s certainly a competitive advantage, UX designers do not have to code. So don’t worry about your lack of software skills.

Do read up extensively on this topic to get a clear idea of what it entails and go meet a couple of people who are working in this upcoming domain.

Scope of avionics

Q. I am in Class XII and of late I have developed an interest in avionics. What is the scope of this field in India?

— Daljit Singh

A. There are certain engineering branched that integrate two or more branches and avionics is one such branch. An abbreviation of Aviation Electronics, Avionics is all about designing and operating electronic systems, circuitry and components for aircraft, missiles and satellites.

A vital branch of electronics, avionics has many sub areas like avionic architecture, aircraft control & guidance, electronic warfare. It also offers immense scope for higher studies and research.

A BTech in Avionics will focus on electronics used in aerospace systems. While covering all that comes under a typical ECE programme, it will give you in addition, an exposure to the control and computer systems that are used in aerospace systems.

BTech in Avionics can be followed by further specialisation in power electronics, micro-electronics, communication, control computer systems.

Armed with a degree in avionics, you can assume a variety of roles as per your interests and academic credentials including those of Technical Manager, Avionics Engineer and Test Engineer.

Prospects in govt sector after MCom

Q. What are the work options in the government and corporate sector for those with a master’s in economics?

— Sudhanshu Verma

A. If you have a master’s in economics then there are several options for you in the government as well as corporate sector.

In the government sector, there’s the Indian Economic Service (IES) where you can be working for the Planning Commission or the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). You would be assisting in various policy decisions through research, by analysing data and identifying trends. IES officers work across 25-30 ministries.

If you’re academically oriented, you have a variety of other options.

In a research role, you could help the government in researching specific areas of the economy or help a business with its research on the capital market. You could of course do research work as an academician, to advance the boundaries of economics as a subject.

You could even be working in a bank researching data across economies and making projections on numbers like GDP growth, inflation, fiscal deficits, etc. At the micro level, you could be studying the markets to figure out where stocks and bonds or currencies are headed.

In the corporate sector, you could be hired as an economist or pursue roles in investment banking, consulting, marketing, etc.

Economics is a vast, varied and fascinating field. Keep exploring the various avenues based on your strengths and interest.

Employability in hospitality sector

Q. Is it true that employability in the hospitality sector is low? I am very keen on joining a course in hotel management after Class XII but my parents are apprehensive about my job prospects after getting this degree. — Sana Rishi

A.No, this is not true. Actually recent statistics indicate that hotel management graduates are far more likely to be placed upon graduation as compared to architecture, engineering or even technology students. Dearth of qualified professionals for the growing hospitality sector as compared to the smaller pool of employable youth may be responsible for this happy turn of events. And experts feel that this trend is likely to continue.

Do reassure your family in this regard. Also, you are looking at this sector as a matter of choice, not default. That in itself is a big plus. Also, a Bachelors in hotel management can be followed up with postgrad options, including MBA, law, mass communication etc…. you name it!