Environmental bent of mind a must
Ayesha Banerjee interviews Jagdeep Gupta, general manager, programme management, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi.
Please tell us something about the profiles of the people you recruit at the CSE?
CSE’s core area of work is policy research and advocacy of environmental issues. So far as research goes, we have broadly two segments — the environmental reportage section, which brings out the fortnightly magazine Down to Earth and its supplement for children, Gobar Times; and the hardcore scientific research at secondary and tertiary levels, which deals with subject-specific area 
such as water, air, land, industry, poverty, climate change, etc.
Therefore, profiles of people would vary from reporters, with or without scientific background, to copy editors with good rewriting skills in English.
The hardcore scientific research studies would call for people with Master’s in environmental science/ environmental engineering. Master’s degree-holders in architecture, planning and social work are also sought-after candidates. Master’s in economics is preferred as well since we have lot of data crunching and statistical analysis. Even environmental law graduates find a good place in CSE. We also recruit scientists with doctoral degrees in organic/inorganic/environmental chemistry to work in our laboratories. CSE designs its products internally, hence we recruit art and graphic designers and photographers. We have had medico doctors for our health programme and chartered accountants working for our support programmes. But then, all must have an ‘environmental’ bent of mind.
Is it mandatory to have a science background?
It depends on the work area. Frankly speaking, when CSE started, these courses were non-existent and our research then and now has been the same. Our research stalwarts come out of a mixed bag: They even have English, history, home science as their background.
What kind of a mindset should an ‘environmentalist’ have? Do you look at that, too, while recruiting or do only qualifications count?
It is only the mindset that can make a difference to the environment. The environmentalist is within you, not in your degree alone.
What kind of people look to work with you? Are young people interested in working for the environment?
In fact, it is the younger generation that is extremely sensitised on this issue, thanks to the government introducing environment as a compulsory subject. We have no dearth of interested and educated candidates. We have a full-fledged volunteers and internship programme to cater to the applications we receive from all over the world. CSE engages almost 20-25 foreign volunteers and interns, apart from almost 300-400 volunteers from within the country per year.
What kind of salaries should one expect while at the CSE?
Starting salaries are kept low to recruit people with an interest in issues, not money. CSE tries to maintain salaries as per industry standards, in the research sector at least. However, we definitely cannot match the perks and other attractions of the corporate world. Monthly salaries could range from Rs 10,000 to around Rs 1 lakh.
Author: HT Horizons
Date: 13th Jan., 2010
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