Ceramic dreams

Apart from delicate chinaware and breakable but expensive artefacts, ceramics have found more innovative and functional uses. Ceramic technology finds its application in core industries like nuclear technology, medicine and electronics.

If you were ever fascinated by delicate chinaware, the exquisite designs on porcelain, and wondered about its origins, then ceramic technology may solve the mystery for you. Dinnerware, artefacts and sanitary ware are not the only things manufactured out of ceramics. Hard to believe, but true, it is used even in aerospace and medical technology as well!
Ceramics is an interesting career. Ceramic engineers, technologists and marketers are the key people involved in the manufacturing, production and marketing of ceramic ware.

Ceramic technologists are often challenged to develop new and innovative processes to create utilitarian ceramic items out of ordinary, inorganic and non-metallic materials. They find employment in research, product development and ceramic engineering companies, in telecommunication, electronic, medicine and refractory and cement industries etc.

Ceramic engineers on the other hand, deal with the research, development and design of materials and products. They specialise in specific product lines like glassware, electronic equipment, fibre optics, plumbing fixtures, bulbs, drain and sewer pipes and so on. Ceramic industries, nuclear energy ancillaries, electronics industry and the defence establishment are some of the places where ceramic engineers find employment.

Next come the Ceramic artists who are essentially involved in designing ceramic ware. Anyone with a flair for creative expression and with an interest in ceramics can take up diploma courses in ceramic design to specialise in the field. Ceramic designers can work with ceramic manufacturers, freelance or set up design studios of their own. Ceramic artists can display their work at galleries and exhibit centres. Though as a designer, it may take some time to settle before the business takes off.

Ceramic marketers either have their own retail or business outlets where ceramic products are sold. They form a vital link between the manufacturer and the customer. They often help the manufacturer decide the newest product range to be introduced in the market by gauging customer reaction.

High school is the ideal time to plan your future study program. The Intermediate level (10+2 level) is the deciding period of study, and a specialisation in mathematics, physics and chemistry enables you to opt for further courses in ceramics. The Indian Institute of Ceramics, Calcutta offers a correspondence course in ceramics while the Indian Institute of Technology offers a five-year M.Tech degree programme. The Regional Engineering College at Rourkela offers a graduate engineering degree in ceramics. Anna University and the Allagappa College of Technology conduct a graduate course in ceramic technology. The College of Ceramic Technology conducts a four-year Bachelor of Science course in ceramic technology.

A graduate degree in ceramic engineering is the initial foot forward to step into the world of ceramics. The graduate degree, of course, can be followed by further specialisations. A postgraduate degree or a doctoral programme in material science and technology promises better opportunities. A degree in business administration will also ensure higher managerial posts. The most apt strategy would be to combine a degree in ceramics with one in management.

Technical knowledge becomes redundant if not coupled with the right mix of social and communication skills. The ceramic engineer or technologist works in co-operation and co-ordination with various artisans, production workers, managers, and clients. This calls for good communication skills, keen analytical ability, good memory, an eye for detail and design. They must also hone their ability for problem solving and finding alternative solutions. The work can often be very strenuous and exhausting, involving long hours and frequent travel.
For those interested in an environment that thrives on hard work, new projects and believe in seeing their designs come alive; they need look no further, for the ceramic industry may be the answer.

Samyukta Koda
Samyukta.hyd@cxknetworks.com

Related links:

http://education.eth.net/careers/engg/engg_ceramic.htm
Ceramic technology is an emerging field with good employment prospects. It involves the development of different types of ceramics for the increasing number of applications. Read on to understand what ceramic technology is all about.

http://digitalfire.com/education/index.html
Take a hard look at how potters and small scale manufacturers are on the 'edge of control' and what changes should be made to exercise responsible control over processes and ware quality.

http://www.gradschools.com/listings/menus/ceramics_menu.html
The site lists colleges offering graduate and certificate programmes in the United States

http://egurucool.com/careers/best_of_careers/ceramic_technology/pg1.html
What do astronauts, dentists, clumsy dishwashers, and astronomers have in common? Ceramics have applications in virtually any industry which demands the use of heat-resistant materials.
Hit the site for a comprehensive write-up on ceramics, right from work profile, growth and money and employment , to the advantages and disadvantages of being in it.


http://www.rightstepahead.com/academics/graduation/science/ceramic/ceramic2.htm
Ceramic engineering deals with the study of the properties, manufacture, design and applications of ceramic materials. Education, nature of work, and employment opportunities; find it all on rightspetahead.com.

http://www.ashree.com/ceramic.htm
Visit the site for a brief profile on a career in ceramic technology, employment opportunities and approximate remuneration.

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