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Catalyst Fieldwork

A key focus of our training curriculum is the emphasis on fieldwork for students to gain experience in the working world. Our teaching programmes involve a strong field work component that interfaces with classroom teaching; where students spend substantial time in concurrent field work. They do internships in industries, government department, hospitals, schools, custodial and protection homes; in rural, tribal and urban contexts working with people, institutions and processes. Through this combination of classroom teaching and fieldwork, students share and analyse knowledge in discussions in the class rooms, meetings and conferences; and develop empathy for the people they work with.

Institutions all across the globe are looking for evidences of competency in an aspirant’s profile during application screenings and personal interviews. In an increasingly competitive world with a high demand for hands on skills, relevant field level exposure speaks the loudest for the candidate’s credibility of being fit for the course that she or he has applied for.

“Catalyst helped me prepare for academic options beyond a conventional master’s degree. It helped me develop an aptitude for competitive exams and interpersonal skills. It also helped me land an internship with Microsoft” – Prantik Mitra : Climate Action Professional; Converted Masters in Climate Science and Policy, TERI University

Fieldwork, including volunteering, internships, and project opportunities with social purpose organizations, can significantly enhance your applications for Bachelors, Masters, Fellowships, or any educational or professional program in the social science and development sector. Here’s how fieldwork experience can help in converting applications into admissions:

  1. Demonstrating Practical Experience: Fieldwork provides you with hands-on experience in real-world settings. Admissions committees value applicants who can demonstrate that they have actively engaged with the field they’re applying for. Practical experience showcases your commitment, passion, and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real situations.
  2. Concrete Examples for Essays and Interviews: Many application processes require essays or interviews. Fieldwork experience provides you with concrete examples to illustrate your motivations, skills, and the impact you want to make. Instead of relying solely on theoretical concepts, you can discuss actual projects, challenges, and solutions you’ve encountered during your fieldwork.
  3. Depth of Understanding: Fieldwork exposes you to the complexities, nuances, and challenges of the sector you’re interested in. This deeper understanding sets you apart from other applicants who might only have theoretical knowledge. Admissions committees look for candidates who possess insights that go beyond classroom learning.
  4. Building Relevant Skills: Fieldwork equips you with skills that are highly relevant to the sector. Whether it’s project management, data analysis, community engagement, or advocacy, these skills enhance your suitability for the program you’re applying to. They also showcase your readiness to contribute actively during your studies.
  5. Networking Opportunities: Through fieldwork, you can build valuable connections within the sector. Networking with professionals, mentors, and experts can provide you with references, recommendations, and insights that can strengthen your applications. A recommendation from a well-known figure in the field can carry significant weight.
  6. Tailoring Your Application: Fieldwork experience enables you to tailor your application to the specific program you’re applying for. You can align your experiences and skills with the program’s goals, demonstrating how your background fits their requirements and objectives.
  7. Demonstrating Initiative: Pursuing fieldwork shows that you’re proactive and genuinely invested in the field. It highlights your initiative to learn beyond the classroom and make a tangible impact. Admissions committees seek candidates who are self-driven and passionate.
  8. Incorporating Reflection: Reflecting on your fieldwork experiences in your application essays or interviews showcases your capacity for introspection and personal growth. It demonstrates that you don’t just complete tasks but actively learn from your experiences.
  9. Diverse Perspectives: Fieldwork often exposes you to diverse environments, communities, and challenges. This diversity of experience enriches your perspective and can contribute to a more holistic learning environment within the program you’re applying to.
  10. Highlighting Resilience: Fieldwork can be challenging, requiring adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving. Discussing how you’ve overcome challenges during your experiences demonstrates your ability to thrive in various situations.

FEW OF OUR RECENT FIELDWORK

Sapling boutique launch in Kolkata.

National Handloom Day sensitisation and awareness

Primary Research on Women Health and Safety concerns during Durga Puja and Diwali in Kolkata and Siliguri.