What is the job all about?
Botany is a stream of biology and the science of plant life.Botany is the learning of all aspects of plant life. It delivers information concerning the general description of plants, the different methods of cultivation, such as indoor or outdoor planting, soil and temperature requirements, pruning, and other significant details, the means of spread (seeds, cuttings, division, etc.), and the different diversities and hybrids.
Botanists work in many diverse roles. Some recognize and record and monitor plant species, and search to find novel species. Others may keep, manage and improve the plant life in a specific area. Some of them work in laboratories, classifying and purifying possibly useful chemicals made by plants, which may be used in anything from drugs to building resources. There are also chances to teach in universities
Can I go for it?
Because the field is so broad, there are many kinds of plant biologists and many different opportunities available.
Botanists interested in ecology study interactions of plants with other organisms and the environment.
Other field botanists search to find new species or do experiments to discover how plants grow under different conditions.
Some botanists study the structure of plants. They may work in the field, concentrating on the pattern of the whole plant. Others use microscopes to study the most detailed fine structure of individual cells.
Many botanists do experiments to determine how plants convert simple chemical compounds into more complex chemicals. They may even study how genetic information in DNA controls plant development. Botanists study processes that occur on a time scale ranging from fractions of a second in individual cells to those that unfold over eons of evolutionary time.
The results of botanical research increase and improve our supply of medicines, foods, fibers, building materials, and other plant products. Conservationists use botanical knowledge to help manage parks, forests, range lands, and wilderness areas. Public health and environmental protection professionals depend on their understanding of plant science to help solve pollution problems.
An inquisitive mind with decent problem-solving abilities
• cooperation and leadership skills
• an interest in science, technology and plants.
Is there a future in this field?
Today Botany has immense career potential in areas such as Biotechnology, Genetics, Horticulture, Floriculture, Plant Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Agriculture etc. Teaching, Government Service and Research can yield some good openings in this area.
Botany can also help in making a career in horticulture or floriculture. Horticulture has grown from a kitchen garden kind of activity into a much organised sector. There is increasing demand for fresh and hygienically grown and packed fruit and vegetables. Indigenously rare items like asparagus and celery are being commercially cultivated and new varieties like baby corn have being developed.
The study of environmental science can also be taken up after a degree in Botany. Opportunities in this field are immense for environmental scientists, environmental biologists, environmental modellers, as well as environmental journalists. In the present scenario, when the environment faces great danger from pollutants of different types, professionals in this area are in great demand.
You can also get into forestry after studying botany. In the government sector, one can join the Indian Forest Service which plays an important role in the supervision and management of forests. Botany can be taken as paper for the entrance exam for this Service.
Where can I start?
In Goa
1.Carmel College of Arts, Science & Commerce for Women
2. Dempo Charities Trust Dhempe College of Arts & Science
3. Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts & Science
4. Ponda Education Society’s Shri Ravi S. Naik College of Arts & Science
5. St. Xavier’s College of Arts, Science & Commerce
Goa University for masters and Ph D in Botany
Outside Goa
Almost all colleges in Mumbai, Pune & Bangalore offer Botany at the undergraduate and post graduate levels
Employment Avenues:
There are prospects for botanists in universities, private research institutions, conservation organisations, local authorities, nature reserves and country parks, botanical gardens and collections, and in industries like food, pharmaceuticals and oil. There is strong competition for many professions.
It is possible to enter as a trainee or technician with pertinent subjects consist of plant biology and plant sciences.
Most field and conservation botanists work, and are qualified, as volunteers before starting a paid employment. Other employers may offer on-the-job training. There are many promotion opportunities for field and conservation botanists. Those people who work in laboratories and university as teachers may be promoted to senior positions. Some botanists also get into writing, researching and broadcasting.
Working hours can vary accordingly. Botanists who work in laboratories and teach usually work for 37 hours week, from Monday to Friday. Those who work in field and conservation work may devote a lot of time outdoors in all weather circumstances, and could be required to work irregular hours, including weekends.
Monies:
Monies are good as Pharmaceutical Organisations look to develop medicines from plants and so look for smart researchers in Botany. Hotels too like a variety of landscapes and flowers in their gardens. So there is good scope for Landscaping as a Business. Hospitals specially Ayurveda devote a lot of time in research in plants for developing new medicines.
Please do not be satisfied with just acquiring a Degree/Diploma – try and enhance your CV by doing online learning programs (with a certificate) of programs relevant to your choice of career. Your chances of employment will be much better than just a plain degree/diploma.
Please check this website under other details for places you can learn online. Also try and develop your confidence by doing a public speaking training program with people like Toast Masters International.
For government jobs: please check : http://www.employment-newspaper.com/