Category: Article

When pen spoke to paper…

Dear all

Pen and paper seem to have  a strange relationship. They tease, flirt, seduce and talk to each other in a language that only they seem to understand… When a pen wants paper, time comes to a standstill and everything else just freezes… in time and space.

Last night was the time when the pen just chose to glide on paper because it knew… only paper would understand.

It took me back in time… When I was a kid I was( and still am) very fond of punctuation marks. I knew full stop or period(.) and comma(,).

Simply put,  my teacher taught me that a full stop completes the sentence and a comma connects it. 

Simple. Isn’t it?

Little did I now then, I was so little

TILL, one day, just a few weeks  ago, I saw the period( full stop) and the comma come together.

Like this ;

I knew it now. It is a semicolon.

I know what it means. It feels like a suspension as if when the Divine power wants to put the world to a grinding halt, when it ceases to exist, He suddenly stops and puts a comma, indicating life would move on, it has to. The world today is hung, suspended from its very roots, asking itself.

Is there an UP to this upside down?

Yes, there is. As we stay suspended, it is a time of revelation, a time to see the world from the upside down position.

So, I revelled; in consciousness and became conscious of everything. The flimsy kitchen, the rickety relations, the temporariness of life itself and more so the noise inside of me.

And suddenly, there was a voice inside of me. My mother, I suppose. It said and echoed- 

Roti, kapda and makaan

They became voluminous and seemed to fill the entire world. Where did these words go? Do we still hear them? No. Not as much. As we grew up, we graduated from these to the world of pizzas, breads and cuisines that tingled our palette. Clothes became an obsession, houses became hotels where we tethered our bodies but forgot our souls. As life unfolded, these things ballooned to such an extent that it became claustrophobic, noisy and cluttered.

We became slaves of our own doing.

We forgot the Now. We all wanted to stop but then told ourselves,” I will do it, when I have the time”. And time never came. It kept slipping, melting like a snowflake. Time is scarce, we knew that, yet felt that there would always be tomorrow…And suddenly fear gripped us – there might be no tomorrow.

It was lopsided. 

The Divine Power had to strike a balance. It made us shut up. And stop. And stay home. Stay home, everyone said

The word home struck a chord again…

Roti, kapda aur makaan.

Ahh, it suddenly became clear, there was an UP to this upside down. I suddenly realized that we need to be aware of NOW.. We have to get out of our own way.

All of it made sense, complete sense.

There was no noise
No chaos, just quiet and peace.

I asked the Divine spirit, Why did you have to send a miniscule virus and create havoc to teach us all that?

I always felt HE was my English Language teacher. He smiled and said,” Whenever life tosses a curve ball or a question mark(?), always put yourself in a semicolon(;) mode and pause and ponder.

The question mark would uncurl. Imagine it uncurling, slowly, gradually.

it would straighten up and Lo and behold- it would become an exclamation mark (!).

Ahh!, I got it.

That’s when the pen ended its date with paper. For TODAY.
Gauri

Journalism and Mass Communication

Mass Communications – Forking Pathways

Mass Communication as a career option forks into many pathways. It covers all aspects of human life which can be the day-to-day happenings of the world of politics to social issues which are sure to get us thinking. The main reasons why students are actively heading to join this field is that they can easily bring forward their creativity and get paid adequately to do the same.

A career in Mass communication can be pursued after either a Masters degree in Mass Communication or a PG Diploma in Mass Communication. Should you be going in for a degree or a diploma? What is the difference? Does this converge at a certain point?

Let us understand.

M.A Mass Communication:

MA in Mass Communication is of two years duration. Whether it’s print or audio-visual journalism or corporate communication or radio production, a student learns everything in it. The basic eligibility for admission to MA Mass Communication program is a Bachelor or equivalent degree in any stream. A post-graduate degree in Mass Communication opens up career avenues in many media-related fields. A MA Mass Communication degree holder can find a job in areas such as editing, publishing, scriptwriting, direction, filmmaking. 

Institute Scape:

There are many institutes in India which offer an MA program in Mass Communication. Some of them are:

  • Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi
  • Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai
  • Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Pune.
  • Institute of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Kurukshetra
  • Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi
  • Institute of Media Management and Technology, Dehradun
  • MICA, Ahmedabad

PG Diploma courses in Mass Communication:

Post Graduate Diploma or PG Diploma in Mass Communication is of recent origin and is fast overtaking ‘Masters in Mass Communication’. The education under it is not imparted at undergraduate level nor it’s a two years master course. This course is also offered by various government universities and institutes. It’s a diploma which one can pursue after finishing his/her bachelor’s education. He has to devote just one year after his graduation to gain access to different mediums (Print, radio, television, and internet).Graduate from any stream can pursue this course but at the end of the course, he would be conferred with a diploma and not a degree. The contents of this course are similar to the contents of Bachelors and Masters programs but are completed in a span of nine months. This course is also offered by various government universities and institutes.

Institute scape:

  • Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), Delhi
  • Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), Delhi
  • Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, offers a one-year postgraduate diploma with specialization in four streams – Television, Print, New Media and Radio.
  •  Pioneer Media School, Delhi 
  • Indian Institute of Mass Communication, IIMC, New Delhi offers postgraduate diploma courses in  Journalism (English/Hindi/Radio & Television/Oriya) as well as Advertising & Public Relations. 
  • Distance education universities like Indira Gandhi National Open University ( IGNOU) is also offering a one-year diploma course in Mass Communication after graduation.

Getting in:

You should possess a bachelor’s degree after 10+2+3 in any stream. Most of the universities and institutes take only those students who have attained a minimum of 50 percent in bachelors’ degree. A student getting less than 50 percent is not allowed to take up the entrance test. Some universities demand at least 60 percent. However, the institutes keep on changing their eligibility criteria from time to time. 

Admission is usually based on a written test. The entrance exam for diploma in mass Communication tests a candidate’s general knowledge and aptitude. Each institute conducts its own test. For instance, the test for admission to IIMC would be on May 25-26, 2019. On the basis of an aspirant’s score/rank in IIMC Entrance exam, he/she can secure admission at any IIMC campus. Some institutes also hold interviews for selection of candidates for mass communication courses. 

Lateral Entry:

For direct admission to the second year of the program, a student must have a PG Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, Advertising or Public Relations from a recognized Indian University. However, a lateral entry in M.A course is not eligible to apply for UGC NET Examination. 

There are certain institutes like the following which also admit students laterally in the second year of the program. 

  •  R. K. Films and Media Academy, New Delhi
  • Jaipur National University
  • NCSM, New Delhi
  • Directorate of Distance Education, Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology, Haryana
  • Dibrugarh University,Assam

Earning a master’s degree in communication can help prepare you for jobs in corporate communication, journalism, mass media, politics, higher education, or a wide range of other fields. Students who are already employed can use the skills they acquire to advance in their current careers, with some leadership positions even requiring a master’s in communication. If you are interested in changing careers, you can pursue their master’s in a communication specialization that aligns with their particular professional goals. A master’s in communication can also prepare you for doctoral studies and a career in higher education, where you will spend time conducting research and educating students.

Trending jobs 

  • Copy Editor

The primary responsibility of a copy editor is to prepare content for publications in magazines, books, and newspapers. Copy editors rewrite and revise the copy of writers so that readers can easily understand it. Many editors start their careers as writers before transitioning into editing. While reviewing copy, editors look for grammatical errors, and punctuation. To effectively carry out their job duties, copy editors depend on creativity, critical thinking, communication, and writing skills.

  • Lobbyist

Working as a lobbyist is another career option available to individuals with a degree in mass communications. Lobbyists work for a variety of entities, such as small and large organizations, nonprofits and individual clients. The primary goal of a lobbyist is to convince politicians to vote in the best interest of the organization the lobbyist represents. To achieve this goal, lobbyists must communicate well and master the art of persuasion. A critical component of their job is to maintain good relationships with politicians, making effective communication vitally important.

  • Advertising Sales Agent

Advertising sales agents try to sell ad space to prospective clients. These agents spend much time out of the office meeting with clients. During client meetings, sales agents explain to clients how advertising products and services will help increase the client’s sales. Time spent in the office usually consists of making phone calls to secure business, creating promotional plans and sales literature and processing paperwork related to new and existing customers. 

  • News Broadcaster

News broadcasters, frequently called reporters, report news events on television, radio and through similar media outlets. These reporters typically cover a particular story. They often travel to the location where the event occurred and conduct interviews to investigate the story and report on it. 

Summing up:

Therefore, Journalism and Mass Communication offers a plethora of career options. Whether you follow the direct or the lateral route, you will carve  a unique niche for yourself with a singular selling point – creativity. 

Career Offshoots of GST

Taxation Careers go Bullish

It is the best of times and it is the worst of times. The budget 2018 comes as a mixed bag. It is the first union Budget after the implementation of GST in July 2017. After its implementation, most provisions of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) were tweaked and tax rates of numerous products were reduced in subsequent GST council meets which resulted in a sharp decline in government’s tax collection figures.GST replaced more than a dozen indirect taxes; these indirect taxes together formed a bulk of the government’s earnings. Service tax alone accounted for more than 14% of the government’s revenue in the last Budget in 2017. .Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who is also the GST Council Chief has stated that this year’s budget will provide further opportunity for him to address issues related to GST and also to further tweak the GST rates. Almost every sector desires a rate cut in the GST rates but probably only a few of these expectations will be met on the budget day given the precarious fiscal situation that the FM has to deal with. This may sound precarious, but looking at it from a careers perspective, it opens a tangent to job opportunities in the accountancy and taxation consultancy field.

Let us take a look:

Tax Consultant:

The new budget creates a spurt of opportunities for taxation consultants. Tax advisors have an important role to play in advising clients on the tax implications arising out of business transactions and ensuring that clients are well versed with tax laws, Various other sectors like e-commerce, retailing, manufacturing, services, logistics, supply chain, banking and financial sector will see a substantial rise in the job opportunities in the upcoming season. Many large corporates have set up special GST cells internally to deal with the new tax regime. 

What does a tax consultant do?

Tax consultant, also known as a tax advisor, is an expert in tax law, planning and compliance. He serves businesses and individuals alike by staying current on new tax law and positioning taxpayers for short and long term tax optimization. A tax consultant typically expands on the role of tax preparer. While tax consultants prepare tax returns, they also often work closely with clients throughout the year to ensure client tax liability is minimized. Tax consultants are strong written and verbal communicators able to explain tax law and strategies in a way that is accessible and easy for clients to understand. Tax consultants work for public accounting firms, law offices, financial consulting firms and many even have their own independent tax preparation and consultation businesses. In all settings, tax consultants can be expected to perform duties that include:

  • Conducting research on tax laws
  • Strategizing with clients to minimize tax liability
  • Communicating with clients to explain tax issues
  • Preparing tax returns
  • Estate planning
  • Keeping clients compliant with their tax obligations

Producing written content is a significant part of the job, as tax consultants must communicate their research findings including changes in tax laws that create opportunities for new tax strategies. Because a tax consultant may have many clients affected by the same issue, the ability to draft a well-written and concise letter is often the most effective means of disseminating information to a number of different clients.

 Examinations:

To be a tax consultant, you need to be a commerce graduate. You will need to get into a professional course like CA, ICWAI or MBA followed by a Tax Consultancy course. One can opt for various courses in Taxation that are very attractive and have a great knowledge and training in taxation. Some of the courses that can be done are the certification course in taxation, degree course in taxation, doctorate level course. 

Institute scape

  • Cosmic Business school, New Delhi
  • St. Peter’s College, Kochi
  • I.G.SS, Bangalore
  • Nagpur College of Taxation, Nagpur
  • St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
  • Symbiosis Law School
  • India Law Society Law College
  • Balaji Law College, Pune
  • Arihant Education Foundations, Arihant College of Commerce, Pune

Institutes and Certificate Courses:

To cope up with the ongoing changes in GST and bring greater awareness about the new tax proposals and policy, the Indirect Taxes Committee of the ICAI has introduced the Certificate Course on GST. The objective of this Course is to enhance the knowledge as well as to provide benefit to the members in the global service market. It aims to facilitate the members in industry as well as in practice by:providing specialized and updated knowledge in the area of GST in a systematic manner and enhancing analytical and problem solving skills for decision making. All the members of the ICAI ie:”chartered accountant” who is a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India constituted under this Act 1949) are eligible for this course which is of 10 days duration available in two options – weekends and weekdays from Mon to Fri.

Cleartax :

It offers a comprehensive learning program for CAs, CS, Law practitioners, legal consultants or on GST prepared by various indirect tax experts. You can grasp basic to the most advanced concepts of GST supported by e-learning videos, quiz and webinars to respond to the queries.

 TaxGuru :

Various batches for Online Certification Courses are being organised by the GST professionals and Taxguru to make people understand this new taxation system in the best way.

ChalkStreet :

A solution for tax professionals,legal consultants, accountants,students or even a casual taxable person.This comes loaded with a number of useful videos,pdf files, webinars and tests as well.

GST Centre :

You shall get a whole range of GST courses and Diplomas in GST like a beginners course, an intermediate course, an expertise course or a business management course.

ICT Academy :

ICT Academy is an initiative of Government of India and has been selected by NACEN, Government of India for undertaking training on GST. 

Newer Avenues:

In this journey towards a newer tax regime, fresh avenues have started blooming which has brought about a 20% average growth rate of niche tax firms.

Boutique Tax firms:

The complexity of GST is being taken up seriously by companies who want to avert all sorts of associated risks. The timing is certainly apt for carving out a niche for all the boutique tax firms in India and the increasing need for tax consultants. Most of the organizations have started discussing taxation in boardrooms trying to mitigate any risk arising out of it. This increased focus because of the associated complexity has increased the involvement of senior tax experts. In SMEs and promoter driven organizations, preference for boutique and smaller firms have been there for many years as they are skeptical of sharing all confidential information which includes their personal taxation data with the larger firms. 

Additionally, senior level personalized attention by  hand holding the promoters by Take for example, consultancy firm Ernst & Young India. In its Indirect Tax practice, the firm has seen over 60 per cent increase in hiring. Almost all our Indirect Tax hiring in FY2017 was GST related. 

Therefore, for all those who are in accountancy, taxation, and financial management, there are some exciting times ahead.

The right ECONOMICS

Economics – a good Optional for UPSC

With the UPSC Prelims paper conducted on May 25, 2025 the next step is to look at which subjects would serve the best for Optional subjects for Mains.

As far as the questions on economics were concerned, those were inclined towards application-based knowledge of existing government schemes, economic indicators, and policy effect. Economics  is a good optional for UPSC — provided you have an analytical mindset and are comfortable with graphs, data interpretation, and economic theories. The subject is highly relevant, overlaps with GS papers, and helps in interview discussions.

Syllabus

Economics Optional Subject has two papers in UPSC Mains. Each paper is of 250 marks with a total of 500 marks. Paper 1 includes Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Growth and Development. Under Microeconomics, we study the theories of consumers’ and producers’ behaviour followed by the theories of main types of market structures like perfect competition, monopoly, and oligopoly. Macroeconomics, on the other hand, is associated with the study of economic aggregates like output level, general price level, interest rates, unemployment, wages, etc. and their behaviour. We study various schools of Macroeconomics like the Classicals, the Keynesians, the Neo Keynesians, the Monetarists, the New Classicals, and the New Keynesians and their theories on the behaviour of these Macroeconomic variables. We also study Microeconomic theories of international trade, trade barriers, trade blocks, etc., followed by the Macroeconomic theories of the open economy, including concepts like the balance of payments and exchange rates. 

Optional Syllabus 2025 for Paper 2 includes the Indian Economy before the liberalisation and post-liberalisation period. The Pre-independence Indian Economy encompasses various features of the Indian economy, like agriculture, industries, railways, etc., during the British Rule. The Post-independence Indian economy includes the study of various sectors like agriculture and industries, economic problems like inequality, poverty, and unemployment, and policies like planning during the period from 1947 to 1991 and also post 1991 policies and  reforms.

Who should opt for it

This subject combines technical, analytical, and logical elements with contemporary relevance. Generally, a background in economics during one’s undergraduate studies or a fundamental understanding of introductory mathematics and statistics is preferred in Economics.

While Paper I in UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus is majorly conceptual and static, Paper 2 requires greater attention to contemporary events with greater emphasis on updated information and conceptual clarity.

Why should you gravitate towards Economics

Choosing economics optional can be a very good decision due to various reasons. First, it has a significant overlap with General Studies(Economy, Agriculture, and Environment) and also with other subjects such as Public Administration. So, you can kill two birds with one stone. Secondly, it is a scoring subject as both the questions and answers can be structured well and you can score according to the value points raised. Also, it is a subject of high relevance in current affairs and also the interviews. Knowledge of current economic affairs prepares you in a better way for the interviews also. Besides, there is a plethora of resources available both offline and online making it easier to prepare.

Prepping up

Keep the following points in mind while prepping:

For paper 1, it is imperative for you to master economic theories and link them with the Indian Economy. Questions may directly ask for these links or students can show them briefly for extra marks. Also practice graphical interpretations and basic mathematical tools (functions and differentiation).Since the paper would involve drawing and interpreting graphs and economic trends it is better to be proficient in drawing conceptually correct graphs.

For paper 2 focus on accurate rather than lengthy answers. Prepare thoroughly for pre-independence Indian Economy as questions are regularly asked from this area.

Similarly, prepare for post-independence and pre-1991 economies. You may have to memorize critical data points and also analyse performance indicators like GDP growth, sectoral employment shares, and the like. Since 1991 marks a watershed year in terms of economic reforms, you may expect a diverse array of questions talking about those reforms and their implications. Mere memorization would not serve the purpose; look for establishing linkages between various policies e.g., industrial reforms linked to foreign investment and unemployment.

Therefore, if you wish to score well and stay relevant and current throughout your life, develop an interest in Economics and go for it as an optional subject in UPSC.

Summer Internships Abroad

In today’s challenging and ever evolving economy, experience counts more than qualifications.  Summer internships are often great opportunities to gain relevant experience in the professional field you intend to pursue. Differentiate yourself from your peers by learning real-world skills, gaining foreign language proficiency, and immersing yourself in cultural opportunities which will help make your resume second to none and on top of it, if it is international, you carve a niche for yourself. 

In an international internship, you may work with a company, government or non-government entity, a research group or institute or some other organization allowing hands-on experience in a student’s major area of educational concentration or career interest.

Getting an internship abroad requires considerable research and self-awareness. You need to ask the right questions and know how to assess your opportunities.

Clarify your objective:

What is your primary objective for going abroad to intern? Is it because you wish to travel, have a good time or to hone your global skills? Are you going to show off to your peers on social media or you wish to add a feather to your resume? Answering these types of questions will help define the type of experience you are looking for and it is integral to setting yourself up for the best outcomes.

If you plan to intern abroad, zero in on a place that provides you an experience closest to what you are looking for in the career you are pursuing or wish to pursue. The internship has to complement the skills you already have.

Do a SWOT:

Before choosing an internship, do an analysis of your strengths and weaknesses; also opportunities and threats. Then try matching them with the country you wish to go and the culture that organization upholds.Choosing a country, deciding a career field, and finding a company to host you is no small feat. Do you want a large company or small, in fashion or marketing, accounting or finance, work on individual projects or as part of a team? The more specific you can be with your expectations the more likely you are to find a good match. Besides, you need to be sure your skills, interest and experience match the position, the business, and even the supervisor where you would intern.

Other considerations should go into your search and ultimate decision like: Health & Safety, Accommodations, Insurance, Communications , Peer Group and the like.

Some of them are:

The Wall Street Journal, London, England

This is a 10 weeks, paid  internship that would start in the month of July with The Wall Street Journal, based in London. This Dow Jones International opportunity is ideal for both undergraduate and graduate students who are excited to report on finance and business news and can demonstrate the ability to produce video, edit print and digital works, and work under tight deadlines. Successful candidates will work across a range of functions in our digital-first newsroom, gathering impeccable experience along the way. You should expect to write, conceive and publish stories; help arrange special sections and events; and work in print and online. Digital journalism skills are welcome. An interest in financial journalism is very helpful. An inquisitive mind and an eye for a story is a must. The application process is through submitting your CV and covering letter along with either a YouTube video telling  Why we should choose you to be the 2019 Financial News business intern * or a 4 slide PowerPoint telling: *What does WSJ , Financial News, mean to you?. It would be a dream internship for budding journalists. 

PwC: Women in Business Program in Edinburgh, Scotland

Open to all, regardless of gender, this programme is to inspire and support students seeking an experience in professional services, and is part of our continued commitment to improve our female representation by showcasing some of our female leaders. The programme focuses on developing confidence and skills and provides an insight into the opportunities available at PwC. With success, you will earn placement (depending on your application). Though an extensive process, this Women in Business program is a shadowing internship that first requires a 3-day long paid placement. During this placement, you will shadow a female leader within the organization and have the opportunity to impress them with your professionalism .

Goldman Sachs

Students and recent grads who are hoping to gain experience in the financial services industry can do so in a competitive international environment, with colleagues who are at the top of their game. Just make sure you have a polished resume and are really to compete with the best for a very limited number of positions. This is one of those fully paid internships abroad that will set you apart in your upcoming career search, marking you as a notable candidate for future employers. It will also equip you with incredible skills and give you the hook-up when building your network of professional contacts. The internships are available worldwide and the information is available at Goldman Sachs Internships Abroad.

IAESTE: Technical Internships Worldwide

If tech is your forte, don’t let your skill go to waste with an internship that doesn’t challenge your skill set. Take the leap with the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) and consider applying for one of their paid internships in over 80 countries. IASTE interns receive salary payments to cover their cost of living abroad (at the very least) and program assistance with visas and work authorization. So whether you are a computer scientist, mechanical engineer, architect, or complete math whiz, if you are enrolled full-time in a technical field and a sophomore, rising junior, or above submit your.

Deloitte:

A powerhouse of business both in the United States and throughout the world, Deloitte’s all expense paid internships abroad program abroad brings students all around the world in a number of different fields. Given that Deloitte is considered one of the “Big Four” professional services firms, it’s also an experience that will look amazing on your resume. From business technology to corporate finance to consulting, there are endless options.

H&M: Business Internship in Stockholm, Sweden

For students who are majoring in business but also have a passion for fashion, a summer internship with H&M at their headquarters in Sweden might be just the thing for you.The program runs during June – July each summer and they also offer additional weeks in store in order to prolong the internship.The application for Summer Internship Program for next year is usually open from 2nd of October to 2nd of December every year.

KONE: 

KONE is an international leader in the escalator and elevator industry, has been voted one of the world’s most innovative companies by Forbes, and they offer all expenses paid internships abroad! While this is definitely a great industry for an engineering major, KONE also has internships in IT, business, law, and other disciplines. Plus, they WANT you to intern in another country, so their International Trainee Program (ITP) includes round-trip travel expenses in addition to your salary. Oh, and they’ll arrange your accommodations and make sure you have an in-country point person to support you.

AIPC Pandora

This International Experiential Educational program allows students or recent graduates to take part in the operations of foreign organizations or companies. It is, therefore, a promising opportunity for young people who are interested in obtaining practical experience at a professional level in an international scenario, with the possibility of acquiring academic credits as well. Internship programs are located in Europe, Asia or South America. It includes academic and professional fields such as education, health, communication, business administration, marketing, tourism, journalism, etc. 

Asia Oppo: Hospitality Internships in China

Love to travel the world and always had a desire to join the tourism industry? Hospitality Administration majors will love AsiaOppo’s Hospitality Internship Program in China.

There are other opportunities in business, design, and education, but hospitality and tourism majors seem to get the best deal. Since this is a placement program, there is a fee, but you will also earn a monthly salary plus covered food and lodging. In addition to compensation and paid expenses, you’ll also receive program support, airport pickup, and a certificate upon completion — you’re essentially set for the summer!

Cultural Vistas: Professional Development Fellowship in Argentina, Germany, or Hong Kong

If you seek a totally unique experience for the summer, consider Cultural Vistas’ eight-week internship in one of three countries: Argentina, Germany, or Hong Kong. While there isn’t an additional salary, the highly acclaimed program selects up to 15 fellows, total, and is completely funded by Cultural Vistas. Not only will you focus on civic engagement and youth involvement, but you’ll also be able to gain culturally immersive experiences that help you grow personally and professionally. Expect support from Cultural Vistas pertaining to virtual learning, pre-program orientations, visas, and emergency medical insurance.

TEFL: Teaching Internship in Thailand

Future educators seeking a paid internship overseas have an option for TEFL program in Thailand. Not only will you receive training as an English teacher, but you will also gain a 4-5 month paid teaching internship, and a culturally immersive community experience.

Be prepared to complete a digital training, two-week in-person training, and placement in a rural or provincial school. If you want to go beyond the internship, though, you’ll have the option to extend it into a full TEFL certification. Including two start dates per year in May and October, plus a chance to extend your contract and increase your salary the longer you stay, this is a lifetime opportunity.

Summing up:

Therefore, if you wish to couple your wanderlust with some real time, immersive internships, these are some of the options you can handpick.

MBA after Engineering – Unicorn of sorts?

When it comes to an MBA degree, a singular point that we all look at is- the Return on Investment( ROI). Since graduate degrees in engineering are directly applicable to your chosen job field, thinking of an MBA after that  can seem a bit…nebulous. Getting an MBA as an engineer is much like learning to speak another language. You may have an innate understanding of business and an  uncanny ability to problem solve. 

But is that enough reason to totally walk off at a tangent and go for an MBA?

Since an MBA is an expensive affair, it becomes all the more imperative that you have your path absolutely clear and etched out before you- especially when you plan to go that route after your Engineering degree.

Before we do that, let’s broaden the definition of what kind of engineers we are talking about here.

Now, there are  various categories of engineers who would be toying with the idea of an MBA. Students with an Engineering degree ( Computer Science and IT , Mechanical or any other), working professionals  eg Non IT Engineers in non-IT roles e.g. mechanical engineers working in a production planning role, electrical engineering students who get into the energy sector, power generation / distribution / transmission jobs and also engineers who are already in business oriented roles (like marketing and sales, finance etc). 

Are you an engineer? Which category do you fall in? Why and how do you think an MBA after engineering will help?

Let’s explore :

MBA requires analytics and reasoning:

The entrance examinations for all MBA programs require basic Quantitative aptitude, reasoning and data interpretation- all skills honed in an Engineering program. Therefore, your engineering degree can be an added advantage for cracking the CAT, SNAP, MAT and other entrance examinations.

In consonance with ‘Make in India’ program:

With the launch of ‘Make in India’ campaign, India has signalled a spurt of growth. It aims to increase the contribution of manufacturing in GDP to 25% from 16% as of now. This would set a spiral of growth in engineering jobs. With engineers having the capacity to devise creative solutions with limited resources, an MBA would be an added advantage as organizations are trying  to create an enabling environment where employees are encouraged to upgrade and expand their skills throughout their lives. 

Need for a diversity of skill set

When engineers get into core engineering roles, at times they face an identity crisis, or a feeling of just being another-brick-in-the-wall  despite being ahead of the pack in their academic life.

For every 100 down in the trenches engineer, there’s the need for the management type that can walk in both worlds and guide the business activities of an engineering-centric firm.  These types of companies will be quick to acknowledge this type of diverse skill set.  The biggest benefit of being an engineer with an MBA, serendipitously, is that it allows you to think like an engineer, have the language of an MBA and  be a unicorn of sorts.

Moreover, if you hope to obtain a position that requires working with budgets and financial forecasting, graduate-level business education is advantageous.

Scale up to higher echelons of Management:

If you are already working as an Engineer and wish to move into that corner office, and leg up into the higher echelons of Management that oversees a team, an MBA is the right choice. This would help you move out of the shop floor, wriggle out of that lab coat and straight into strategic management. If you have an engineering background , it becomes an added advantage as you also understand the nuts and bolts of the business. Besides, once you get into a management role, you get out of the tactical stuff and you have an opportunity to get your salary bumped up by as much as 50- 60% which is way beyond the industry standards should you remain in the same role. 

Overcome career crisis:

A decade ago, midlife came in two forms- a life analysis and career paralysis. After 15- 20 years of work, professionals used to hit a glass ceiling. Today, the career cycles have shrunk and shortened and the feeling of midlife crisis comes earlier. Within 3-4 years, all the excitement of joining a new company at a higher salary dies down. Then comes the itch for a change- to get into fields such as accounting, finance, analytics. This is the time  an MBA could help you make the transition or score the job of your dreams. 

The flip side:

It also needs a word of caution however. If you are an engineer today and are fresh out of college, sometimes directly going the MBA route may not be the best decision to take. The reason is simple- Your counterparts with an Engineering degree get to enter the job market first, postponing an advanced or MBA degree until the moment is right.  Your knee jerk decision can add on to additional education loans. 

Moreover, an MBA might not make you very attractive to some employers. They may look at young, inexperienced MBA holders and assume they will be an expensive hire, not worth the cost when it comes to actual knowledge and lack of real-world experience.  In the startup world especially, there is a great deal of bias against MBA’s.  These maverick industries believe that your fancy degrees actually hinder rather than help business, with their formalities and dependence on traditional styles of management and growth. 

Whatever your reasons might be, do be aware of the pitfalls of taking up the MBA route. Schools, just like companies, have their own idiosyncrasies.

Summing up:

Remember, when it comes to determining whether an MBA as an engineer is worth it, it is better to weigh all the options. What works very well for your peers might not be the roadmap for you. Consider your personality type, your career roadmap, and where is it that you see yourself at least five years from now. Are you building a life or a resume?

Use your logic and reasoning. You’re an engineer, after all.

Humanities with a Digital Edge

There is a pattern in the way students make career choices. After Grade X, they would opt for Sciences, STEM courses being one of the most sought after. Oftentimes, it is seen that a vast majority of them feel that they are stuck with the wrong choice, a choice that they do not fit in with. They wish to switch to Humanities but are confused and feel that Humanities degrees don’t often lend themselves to obvious career choices. If you read medicine, you can be a doctor. But what job should you do if you studied medieval history or philosophy, for example?

Are you one of them? Do you wish to study Humanities and also wish to have a digital edge? 

If yes, you should go in for Digital Humanities. 

Digital Humanities is an emerging field that encompasses the practice of humanities research through information technology, and the exploration of how humanities evolve through their engagement with technology, media, and computational methods, which is basically the use of computer technology to understand the arts and literature. The good thing is that the modern tech-savvy generation with a knack for studying the subjects that come under the discipline of humanities have welcomed with open arms the advent of digital humanities as a study area. The surmounting digital data that is available nowadays presents exciting opportunities for new research questions with opportunities for real-life applications. In such a scenario, digital humanities trains and prepares students to gear up for a growing number of job opportunities that demand the processing and handling of digital information.

Course Content:

The discipline of the digital humanities explores how the questions posed in humanities scholarship are transformed and extended by the digital – both by means of tools and epistemologies. This course seeks to enrich the scope of both design and the humanities by using critical methodologies and approaches to reciprocally reflect upon the other. By doing so, students are able to adapt the modes of inquiry and methodologies embedded in humanities thinking to create both more contextually relevant and responsive technological applications and material objects.

Institute scape:

In India, the course is being taught in a few graduate institutes. Some of them are:

  • Srishti Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Bangalore offers both undergrad and postgraduate programs
  • Jadavpur University (JU), Kolkata, offers a PG diploma. Pun
  • Pune University offers a certificate course.
  • K.R. Mangalam University, NCR, offering B.Tech in Digital Humanities
  • Kotis Women’s College, Hyderabad.

In the last decade, digital humanities has also become a popular course in many top universities in Europe and North America. In Japan, China and Singapore, many colleges are offering digital humanities too.

Career Pathways:

Students pursuing digital humanities are eligible for jobs like digital library developers, copy editors, e-learning module developers, web designers, and information managers. 

The following are the top five job arenas for the graduates of Digital humanities:

Digital Curator

Simply put, it means creating content for digital collections. It is one of the most sought-after career paths after graduating with digital humanities. The key skills needed for digital curator entail the creation of catalogs or tags with metadata, preservation of the integrity of the collection of materials, evaluation of public reaction to the exhibited material, archiving, storing and disposing of materials that are not of use, and so on. 

A digital curator can join any company that demands the preparation of webpages as a visual exhibit. As a digital curator, you would be a catalyst in the implementation and integration of digital collections and digital tools into curatorial functions and to lead innovative digital projects, working closely with curators in other discipline areas.

Cultural Designer

A good design is immediately understood. But “understanding” varies between cultures. Cultural design differences are often seen as cute anomalies that won’t ever matter for designers. … There are plenty of other culture-bound designs out there, shaping everything from the shape of everyday objects to public policy. Cultural designers strive to make the designs and technologies more suited according to the social context and ensure better use of culture as a resource for innovation. Cultural designing is analogous to environmental designing in the way that it holds huge potential for improving the relationship between the quality of life and technological changes. You will be hired by companies that deal in bringing forth technologies to make the products more suited to the needs of the customers.

Data Scientist

Not only are Data Scientists responsible for business analytics they are also involved in building data products and software platforms, along with developing visualizations and machine learning algorithms. You would be responsible for analyzing, collecting, and interpreting significant amounts of data for the identification of ways to aid a business in improving operations and gaining a competitive edge over the rivals. The job profile of a data scientist is much like that of a statistician’s role and involves the use of advanced analytical techniques, like machine learning and predictive modeling. Any organization that deals with huge quantities of data requires the services of a data scientist.

Information Architect

With Facebook and Google both blocking websites with low valued content, it’s even more important that we produce content that the users will find valuable. Information architects are professionals who decide the structural makeup of digital environments, like a website, to make it more contextual and understandable. Information architects need a broad skill-set including familiarity with design software and HTML coding, in addition to expertise in communication planning. Information architects are generally employed for designing the websites that we use, the software and apps that we download, and the printed objects encountered by us. It is the very foundation for superior user experience with designing being involved in varied fields like content strategy, library science, technical writing, and interaction design.

Metadata Analyst

The Metadata Analyst provides metadata analysis, ingest, and management services. Metadata Analysts support the business needs of the enterprise-owned repository by providing standard data definitions, accurate business calculations, and complete traceability along with the lineage of the governed data.  The metadata analysts track questions and comments put forward by the subject matter experts and work towards identifying the gaps in the controlled vocabulary and defined taxonomy. They also remain involved in providing collaboration regarding the prioritization of digital assets and suggest enhancements to UI for all the automated tools.

The Road Ahead:

Flash forward 10 years and digital humanities will be present in just about every humanities department. Everyone will be a digital humanist, more or less. If you wish to get on the Digital Humanists bandwagon, the moment is now. If you’re a digital humanist, you’ve got a horseless carriage to ride, and it might just carry you ahead of the horses around you. 

But hurry, before everyone else gets one, too.

Top Careers for students who Love Economics

So you have just written your Std XII exam and are waiting for the result. Meanwhile, you are also wondering what to do next? You just scraped through studying Accountancy and other subjects but when it comes to Economics, there is a sparkle in your eye. 

Are you straddled with the question- How do I make a career in Economics?

If yes, you will get all your answers here…

Jobs for economics majors are not just limited to those with “economist” in the title. Economics graduates can cast a much wider net in their job search. After all, those who complete economics programs can find work in a huge variety of industries, from banking and insurance to real estate and public service—and almost none of those jobs specifically ask for economists.

Courses:

  • BA (Economics)
  • BA(Hons) (Economics)
  • B.Sc. (Economics)
  • BA (Business Economics)
  • BA (Developmental Economics)
  • BA (Applied Economics)

What kind of Bachelor’s in Economics degree should you get?

The type of degree you should get depends on your career aspirations. If you want to use your economics degree in a business setting, you may be well-suited for a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Economics.

Alternatively, you can pursue a more general Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Most of these programs also offer specializations such as International Economics, Monetary Economics, Urban and Public Affairs, and Quantitative Economics. To become an economist, you will most likely need to pursue an advanced degree after finishing your bachelor’s.

Most entry-level jobs in economics require at least a bachelor’s degree, but you can choose to get either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). A B.S. in economics focuses heavily on math and statistics, and it will prepare you for jobs that require advanced data analysis or modeling. A B.A. also has a math component, but it looks more at the behavioral aspect of economics and thus tends to incorporate more psychology or sociology in the mix. You must have studied Maths at class 12 for admission in DU, Shiv Nadar, Ambedkar University, Jadavpur, Presidency and St Xavier Kolkata.

Institutes cape:

  • Delhi School of Economics
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University
  • Presidency College Kolkata
  • University of Delhi, South Campus
  • St. Stephen College, Delhi University
  • University of Bombay
  • Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata
  • Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi
  • University of Agriculture Science, Bangalore
  • Gokhale Institute of Economics & Politics
  • Symbiosis School of EconomicsMadras School of Economics
  • IIT Kanpur
  • Banaras Hindu University
  • Ashoka University, students can pursue for 3 or 4 years as per their wish.
  • Shiv Nadar
  • OP Jindal University
  • BR Ambedkar School of Economics in Bengaluru offers the 5-year integrated course in Applied Economics

Career Pathways:

In the government sector, you may try for Indian Economic Services, jobs in Reserve Bank of India, PSUs and other public sector banks. Some examples include- Indian Economic Services (selected via UPSC); Economists (one usually needs to get a Ph.D.) with the Indian Government; Private Firms such as McKinsey, Deutsche Bank, etc.

Actuarist:

An actuary uses numerical analysis to calculate and manage risk. Your job is to analyze the likelihood of future events and identify ways to minimize the risk of negative outcomes. A bachelor’s degree will get you in the door; you will likely be partnered with more experienced actuaries who can guide your development. You will have to apply for membership in a professional actuarial society and pass a series of exams to be certified. You can start that process in your senior year of college; in fact, many employers expect students to have passed at least one of the qualifying exams before they graduate.

Financial analyst

Guiding companies’ investment decisions is the job of financial analysts. They use their skills in quantitative analysis to assess financial projections and evaluate investment proposals. You have to be skilled at deriving meaning from economic and business trends to be successful in this field. You can help keep the world’s financial systems on track by making sure that banks, credit unions, brokerage firms, and other financial institutions comply with applicable laws and regulations. Part of the role involves ensuring that borrowers are treated fairly and that the financial institutions are prepared to handle any unexpected losses. A bachelor’s degree in economics is a good foundation for you to embark on this career.

Supply chain analyst

Manufacturing firms, retail businesses, and transportation service providers rely on supply chain analysts (also known as logisticians) to make sure the process of getting products from warehouses to end users operates as efficiently as possible. These professionals collect data on costs and productivity to evaluate shipping processes and identify problems. You need to be good at strategic planning and resource allocation to succeed in this field.

Environmental economist

Do you have a passion for protecting the natural world? You might want to become an environmental economist. These professionals collect and analyze data to study the environmental implications of government policies on issues like alternative fuel use, soil conservation, and climate change. Their work helps decision makers plan activities related to environmental protection. Many of these positions require advanced training, but some entry-level jobs in government agencies are available for candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Market research analyst

As a market research analyst, your job would be to survey a business segment to figure out what products will sell well, who will buy them, and how much companies can charge for them. You are responsible for conducting surveys and keeping abreast of industry trends. You also have to present your findings in a way that people can easily understand. In addition to having a firm understanding of marketing, you need to be detail-oriented and have good quantitative abilities for this work.

Research

An undergraduate student in economics can pursue a doctoral degree and become a professor/ research scholar. Some of the top universities of the world have produced Nobel laureates in Economics, who have contributed vastly to the research world. Besides, there are several broad areas of research that can be explored such as- Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, International Economics, Behavioural Economics, etc. Economics forms one of the strongest pillars of management courses such as MBA.

Banking & Finance

Graduates in economics often shift to banking and finance, owing to the overlapping nature of work. For eg, Dr. C. Rangarajan and Sh. I.G. Patel were renowned Economists before they went on to become Governors of RBI.

GOING THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY ROUTE:

Data Scientist

Now, this is quite multidisciplinary. At the face of it, it may sound that Economics degrees don’t teach programming and databases, neither do they come even close to machine learning. But let me tell you, specific skills aren’t the most important, though. Solid background is — a background that will let you learn the specific skills quickly. If you work as a data scientist anywhere in the “real world”, you’ll have to present your results to non-technical audiences — managers, marketers and copywriters, customers and clients. And you’ll have to be able to show why your results matter and how normal folk can use it and act on it. As an economist, you’ve written your fair share of papers, essays, reports, presentations and dissertations in your time at university. In fact, it probably puts you well ahead of most of computer scientists and mathematicians when it comes to presenting and explaining your work clearly — and putting together longer pieces of texts that have structure and logic behind them.

Economic Journalist

If you have solid oral and written communication skills and enjoy explaining complex concepts in plain language, you may find success as a business journalist. Your job is to make the worlds of economics and commerce understandable to the average person. Having an economics degree means you can position yourself as a subject matter expert; as long as you can demonstrate your writing ability, many news organizations will value your input—even if you don’t necessarily have much journalism training and magazines analyzing markets trends, changing the socio-politico-economic environment, etc.

Law

Combine your degree in Economics with a degree in law and you can explore career opportunities in the field of International Law such Intellectual Property Rights and International Trade.

Summing up:

The career choices go on and on.

Put another way, having a broad set of employment options is a really good thing, and being in demand, because you know how to analyze and assess even when the problems are messy, is equally beneficial, and this comes when you are armed with Economics.

Keep your OPTIONS open

There are many factors to consider before selecting the best optional subject for the Civil Services exam such as syllabi, time available for preparation, etc. The syllabus of the subjects offered by UPSC is somewhere hyphenated between the graduate and Postgraduate  levels.
 

You can choose any of the UPSC IAS Optional Subjects for the UPSC Exam 2025 based on their educational background and areas of interest. The UPSC has provided a comprehensive UPSC Optional Subject List with 48 UPSC optional subjects, allowing candidates to select the one that best suits them.

Here are some popular optional subjects based on the success rate:

Popular optional subjects

Over the years, a few subjects are consistently chosen by the vast majority of IAS aspirants. These most popular or most opted optional subjects are so because their syllabus overlaps with other parts of the IAS exam ( UPSC Prelims, GS I, II, III or IV, Essay). However, there are many candidates who don’t opt for popular choices either because they are more interested in or have prior knowledge of some other subject. Also, candidates often feel that scoring in a popular optional subject can be tough as there is more competition.

As per the recommendations of the candidates, the optional subject Geography has a high success rate followed by History, Public Administration, Philosophy, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology and Law subjects. Subjects like Mathematics and Science can help students score higher if they overcome challenges like a vast syllabus, complex concepts, and the need for prior knowledge.

Going by the number of candidates appearing for the optionals, the least popular subjects are Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Geology. Civil Engineering. Mechanical Engineering. Agriculture. Statistics. Medical sciences.

Let’s encapsulate the oscillating pendulum in choosing these combinations. For instance Anthropology and Sociology.

 Anthropology and Sociology

Anthropology is the study of humans, human behavior, and societies in the past and present. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including human evolution, culture, and biology, making it highly interdisciplinary. It also looks at case studies that provide practical insights into human behavior and social structures. For those of you with a scientific temperament, this subject is often regarded as more scientific, offering precise answers and straightforward scoring opportunities.

Sociology, on the other hand, encompasses the study of society, social relationships, and institutions. It focuses on understanding human social interactions and how societies evolve. Sociology is more theory-heavy, requiring aspirants to be well-versed in sociological thinkers, social systems, and concepts. It also calls for logical analysis, but can have some concepts that are abstract, making it harder to present concrete, right-or-wrong answers.

There is a set of candidates who say Anthropology can be more scoring:

Concreteness of syllabus

Anthropology at  times becomes a better  choice due to the specificity and concreteness of its syllabus. Unlike Sociology, which can be more abstract, Anthropology provides specific case studies and examples that are easy to grasp. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to avoid too much theory and prefer scientific explanations.

High potential for scoring

Anthropology’s factual and science-based approach makes it easier to write precise answers, improving scoring opportunities.  Over the past few years several toppers with Anthropology as an Optional have been able to achieve top ranks because of the subject’s scoring nature. When compared to Sociology, where the answers are more interpretative, Anthropology provides clear-cut answers that are easier to evaluate.

Overlap with General Studies

When it comes to popularity, Sociology is widely chosen by UPSC aspirants, primarily due to its interdisciplinary nature and its overlap with many sections of the General Studies syllabus. The subject’s concepts like social issues, inequality, and demographic studies are relevant for the essay paper and interview.

Popular Choice

When it comes to popularity, Sociology is widely chosen by UPSC aspirants, primarily due to its interdisciplinary nature and its overlap with many sections of the General Studies syllabus. The subject’s concepts like social issues, inequality, and demographic studies are relevant for the essay paper and interview.

Easier to Understand for Non-Science Students

If you are a person with a non- science background, Sociology would be the right option for you. The theories and concepts are based on societal structures and real-world phenomena, making them easier to relate to.

Develops Logical Reasoning Skills

Sociology requires a deep understanding of social theories and thinkers, which can help develop critical reasoning and analytical skills. It can be advantageous in the UPSC Mains exam, where analytical writing is key.

Summing up

While both Anthropology and Sociology offer unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on your strengths and interests. However, if you are looking for a subject with a concise syllabus, high scoring potential, and scientific backing, then Anthropology may be a better option for you.

Focus on inter-disciplinary questions

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2025 is scheduled to be held on July 20, 2025. The UPSC CMS Notification 2025 has been released for 705 vacancies of Medical Officers and Assistant Divisional Medical Officers under various departments.
 

There have been some changes in the UPSC exam pattern for 2025.

While the overall structure remains the same with written exam, and personality test, there are adjustments to the focus areas within each stage.

The syllabus has been updated to reflect current events and issues, and there’s a stronger emphasis on inter-disciplinary questions in the Mains exam.

Topics that would be tested

The written test would carry 500 marks and comprise 2 papers. Paper 1 would test General Medicine, Paediatrics and Paper 2 would test Surgery, Gynaecology, and Preventive Social and Community Medicine.

If you get selected in NEET PG and CMS both, you can get an extension. If you clear CMS but are unable to clear NEET PG, you can get government aid to appear for NEET PG later.

Here are some tips to prepare for the exam:

Create a time table

With almost three months to go before the exam, create a monthly plan. Set specific goals for each period and allocate sufficient time for revision. You would have completed doing individual subjects by now. Revise them at least twice. Now is the time to create a plan for taking mock tests and previous years questions. Try focusing on the past five years’ questions at least.

Simulate by taking mock tests

Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment and help you gauge your preparation. Take them regularly to assess your strengths and weaknesses. This practice not only improves your speed and accuracy but also builds your endurance for the long exam. Since the question paper is multiple choice and they also give mixed bag as an option, you can practice elimination to arrive at the right option.

Best books for preparation:

Choosing the right UPSC CMS study material is critical. You need resources that are comprehensive, concise, and aligned with the syllabus.

If you have made notes for NEET PG those would be very helpful.

Some of the recommended books and resources for the UPSC CMS preparation are Prasad  Comprehensive Guide to Combined Medical Services by Dr Rajeev Kumar that comes in an updated edition every year.

Besides, there are other books like Human Anatomy by B D Chaurasia, Textbook of Pathology by Harsh Mohan Saradhi.

For Paper 2 preparation, some of the well known books are: Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases by Dr. Neena Khanna, Clinical Methods in Medicine by Chugh, Practical Aspects of Pediatrics by Cheeda.

Observe the pattern

If you believe that practicing previous years papers would help you crack CMS, it’s not enough. You need to observe the pattern. Almost 70% of the topics are repeated but there is always a surprise element in the remaining 30%. Some repeated topics are contraception, tuberculosis, chromosome disorder and the like. Over the past five years, the topics that are being asked have become more and more cross disciplinary.

Revise regularly

Regular revision is key to retaining what you have studied. Make concise notes of important points and revise them periodically. Also, make a list of the questions you are getting wrong repeatedly and revise them regularly.

While the UPSC CMS exam mainly focuses on medical knowledge, staying ahead of the curve in terms of being aware of the latest developments in the medical field can be helpful. This can aid you in answering application-based and case based  and demonstrate your awareness of the field’s current trends.

Summing up

To sum up, if you prefer a stable, administrative career with good benefits and work-life balance, and are not as interested in clinical practice and specialization, CMS is a  good option for you. To qualify for the UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam requires constant practice, the right resources, and  strategic planning.

With just 3 months left, you keep the end goal in mind and start working in iterative sprints that factor and feed upon each other!