• Lesson in English

• CAREER QUERIES HOTLINE

• ADMISSION DEADLINE

Educating parents, kids
Monica Sharma

THE query neatly printed on the single-sheet questionnaire baffled him. Had he ever told his child that he loved him or was it obvious? The 30-year-old marketing executive with a multinational pharmaceutical firm had never thought of it. As he sat there in the small freshly white-washed classroom, in front of the school Director, with his cheek resting on his stretched arm, chewing a lead pencil, the memories of his own childhood flashed through Dinesh Sharma’s mind. Yes, he had spent his entire childhood unsure of his father’s love for him.

His apprehensions were not without reasons. Dad was a college professor, always reading one book or the other, without even thinking once that his two children wanted to talk to him about their day-to-day adventures in the school, wanted him to narrate bed-time stories of heroes and heroic deeds, like the parents of other children did. Dad was too busy for all this. But then he was caring. He used to drop them, and later pick them up on his rickety scooter, from the school as "cycling was exhausting, particularly in summers".

This was not all. Dad would make sure that his little ones were not without pocket money, at least to buy a bread pakoda, if nothing else. He would also ensure that their shoes were polished and books neatly covered with brown paper. At that time, Dinesh and his brother were too young to understand that all these gestures were signs of love and affection. They were only aware of the fact that dad had never expressed their love for them, like protagonists in movies did.

Was he not committing the same mistake? Was not his job keeping him away from his home and his little ones for over 15 day? Had he ever taken them out to see a circus, a cricket match, or even a movie? Had he ever asked them about their extra-curricular activities and problems they encountered in school ? The answer was ‘no’.

Psychologists believe that the realisation about his own "mistake" would not have dawned upon Dinesh had he not been asked to fill up the questionnaire by the school authorities. "It forced Dinesh to think and analyse his own conduct," says Ms Deepika Kaushal, a socio-psychologist "And in the process take a decision to rectify his mistake."

Such tests, she asserts, were increasingly being conducted by the school authorities "in an attempt to make the parents realise what was right and what was wrong for their children." "The intention behind the entire exercise is to ensure healthy development of a child’s personality," reveals Ms Rami Garcha. co-ordinator of Panchkula-based kindergarten — Wonder Years. "You see, education is not enough. Besides books and games, we believe that a child’s personality depends on the way it is moulded by the parents when he or she is young. So in order to help the child, we help the parents to realise what is good for their young innocent, not by instructing, but by forcing them to use their brains."

A venture of Besten Foundation, Wonder Years, after joining hands with Kenderdine Montessori School of the UK, recently held one such test for the parents. They were handed over a set of 14 questions," says Ms Garcha. "At first, they thought it was going to be easy, but an expression of apprehension soon appeared on the faces of some of the parents as they started ticking the options. After the session was over, the answers were discussed openly and some parents did realise that their approach was not 100/- per cent correct."

She concluded: "Educating parents sometimes is as important as educating the children."

Lesson in English
W.L. Gordon

Words often misused:
Do not say, "This picture is more perfect than that one."

Say, "This picture is more nearly perfect than that one."

Anything that is perfect is complete and flawless, and one thing cannot be more perfect than another.

Often mispronounced:
Fiat (a sanction or decree). Pronounce as fiah-at with accent on the first syllable.

Often misspelled:
Staccato — observe the two "cs".

Synonyms:
Harmony (noun) — conformity, unity, agreement, accordance, congruity, uniformity, consistence, peace.

Word study:
"Use a word three times and it is yours." Let us increase our vocabulary by mastering one word each day.

Today’s word: infinitesimal (adj) — minute; so small as to be incalculable.

Pronounce as in-fan-i-tes-i-mal with accent on the fourth syllable.

E.g. "He spoke of the infinitesimal particles of an atom."

CAREER QUERIES HOTLINE

A The Bar Council of India is a statutory body formed by an Act of Parliament. It looks after the framing of the curriculum for professional law degrees (LLB) in India and also has the power to recognise foreign law degrees.

Presently, the following UK law degrees are recognised by the BCI:

Leeds University: LLB, Oxford University: BA (Law),University of Birmingham: LLB,University of Buckingham: LLB, University of Cambridge: BA (Law), University of Hull: LLB, University of Lancaster: LLB, University of London: LLB, University of Wales, Institute of Science & Technology

Indian students who go for an LLB degree to the UK directly after their class 12, are not allowed to practise as their degree is not recognised by the Bar Council.

Hence the only routes that seem viable for an Indian student are:

Complete your Bachelor’s degree (in any subject) from India and then go to any of the institutions listed above.

Students who have done their LLB from an UK institution which is not recognised by the Bar Council, can make a representation for the same. However, this is a time-consuming process.

A As if the post-WTC effect on the hospitality sector was not bad enough, it has been further compounded by the western paranoia about Indo-Pak border trouble in recent times. To that add the mismatch between what the industry expects and what most of the HMIs are churning out. This is probably because of the out-dated syllabus and lack of necessary infrastructure for training students in current industry practice. Most of the institutes offer little or no on-the-job training. Only a tiny handful have hotel properties attached to them.

Also, it is important not to confuse hotel management with business management. Most students end up getting jobs in supervisory positions rather than executive or managerial positions.

A graduate from an average HMI gets a salary of Rs. 3,500-Rs. 7,000 p.m. at the entry level, whereas an even a middle rung B-School graduate can expect at least Rs. 10,000-Rs. 12,000. Moreover, few hotels give benefits like PF, medical, etc. to all their staff.

No wonder a number of those in the hotel management industry move into other industries, where they are paid two to three times what they get in a hotel. Moreover, the jobs are less demanding and the work environment is much better.

To rise within the hotel industry, you will need additional qualifications.

If you couldn’t get a good placement through campus interviews don’t lose heart. Just rework your strategy. Here are some tips that will help give a positive spin to the situation:

• As an alternative, you could join the industry as a management trainee, or an operational trainee, etc.

• Utilise the time to explore the area you want to specialise in.

• Try to read up hotel publications and websites regularly to keep abreast of emerging avenues and opportunities.

• Register with a few online hospitality jobsites.

• You could even consider joining one of the international fast food chains, which provide great career opportunities, good pay packages, and excellent possibilities for growth.

And now some Don’ts:

• Think twice before joining small outfits like resorts, clubs, etc. even if you are offered a fancy sounding designation. Although this seems like a veritable godsend, it may be seen as a career disqualification in the long run.

• Consider turning to foreign countries, especially the Gulf, only after gaining sufficient experience in India.

A Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is typically a full-fledged three-year postgraduate degree offered by universities and affiliated colleges. Considered to be on a par with a BE or BTech, it has greater market acceptability, especially for professional jobs in software.

A PGDCA, on the other hand, is of shorter duration (1-2 years), has less stringent entry requirements and is usually not as comprehensive as a full-time MCA.

After completing your graduation you can apply for MCA which is offered at over 340 institutions and university departments. Most universities and some states have their own entrance exams for admission to the course which requires a fair amount of preparation.

If, on the other hand, you opt for a PGDCA, you may need to supplement it with a course in advanced computing or a certification in Oracle/SQL server and C#.

A Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) and Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP) are US qualifications that equip professionals with certification in Purchasing/Materials Management. You can now qualify for these through exams conducted by the IIMM, Bangalore.

For the CPM certification you must clear all four modules of the CPM exam (Module 1: Purchasing; Module 2: Management; Module 3: Supply; Module 4: Critical Issues in Supply Chain Management). Graduates with 5 years of professional experience in purchasing/supply management can take this exam.

APP applicants must clear a subset of the CPM. exam, namely Modules 1 & 4. Candidates for this exam must be graduates working at entry-level in purchase or material-related areas.

The duration of the course depends on your ability as you can appear in all four papers at one time or separately. The course can be completed in one year.

Contact classes are held at selected centres. Study material is despatched to every candidate enrolled for the course.

For further information, you may contact:

Indian Institute of Materials Management, NHQ Education Wing, 247, Raheja Arcade, Koramangala, Bangalore 560095/NHQ Secretariat, 405, Kaliandas Udyog Bhavan, Prabhadevi, Mumbai 400025 or log on to www.iimm.org

A After your postgraduation, you could look at the following options Research Associate in a university, government body, health authority or industry. Research Scientist in agricultural or botanical labs and biotechnology firms after completing a PhD. Analyser and Investigator in food & beverage or pharmaceutical industries to maintain quality and consistency of the products. Medical & Laboratory Technician in hospitals, laboratories, and institutions involved in conducting research and training. Medical Sales Representative for promoting sales of pharmaceutical products to general practitioners, retail pharmacists, hospitals, clinics and doctors Conservationist to conduct biological surveys and accordingly, make recommendations for the management and safeguarding of rare and endangered plants, animals and their habitats.

Teacher in schools (after doing BEd) or at the college level (after qualifying NET).

A The best possible option for you is to train yourself to be a perfumer.

Grasse, the French capital of perfumes (just inland from the French Riviera), has opened a special school where students are taught to recognise 500 smells, without which they can never hope to become perfumers.

Run by the Grasse Guild of Perfumers, the school accepts all students regardless of age and experience on the condition that they know English which is the medium of instruction. Students must, however, pass a half-day test of their motivation, sense of smell and their desire to create and innovate.

After nine months the student-perfumers will be qualified to start blending. An expert ‘nose’, however, must be able to distinguish 4,000 odours -which will come after another 5 years of apprenticeship. The school teaches the techniques of traditional perfumery, discerning the natural raw materials which are more difficult to master as compared to the synthetic odours which are increasingly used in perfumes because they are cheaper.

A The Merchant Navy comprises vessels of various types such as tankers, cargo carriers, passenger ships and other types of specialised ships that are operated by public and private sector shipping companies. The ships are manned by trained navigators, marine engineers and crew.

The operation of a ship can be categorised into three main areas - the deck department, the engine department and the service department. It is the engine department where the Chief Engineer, Radio Officer, Electrical Officer (Second, Third, Fourth) and Junior Engineers have a prominent role to play. They operate, install and repair the ship’s engines, supervise and co-ordinate the activities of the engine-room crew, inspect the engines and other mechanical and electrical equipment. The work is mostly confined to the ship and may involve exposure to noise, odours and other hazards requiring the use of safety equipment and clothing.

Due to the increasing use of sophisticated electronic equipment and computers, the duties of engine-room personnel continue to become more complex. Knowledge of the machinery, computerised systems, good written and oral communication skills, and the ability to effectively monitor, inspect and maintain machinery are necessary.

Although a career in the Merchant Navy appears glamorous and attractive, it entails being away from one’s family for long stretches of time. In spite of all this, life at sea pays very well and is full of varied experiences, thrills and challenges. Cadets start off as Junior Engineers and progress through the ranks to eventually become Chief Engineers at very lucrative wages. Job opportunities exist in both private and public sector shipping companies.

Marine Engineering is a 4-year course offered by the Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata, and other institutes approved by the Directorate General of Shiping, Mumbai. Selection to MERI is through the IIT-JEE.

Mechanical engineers and naval architects can also become marine engineers after doing an additional Pre-sea training course.

ADMISSION DEADLINE

Armed Forces

Jul 27 Indian Army, ADG of Recruiting, WestBlock-III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi 110066. Website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

Elig: Unmarried final or pre-final yr male Engg degree students (Engg course in Civil/Electric/Mech/ Telecom/ Electron/Comp Sc/Engg Tech/Prod/Workshop Tech/ Telecom/Manufacturing/ Individual/Architecture)

Age: 19 to 25 yrs (Final yr) 18 to 24 yrs (Pre-final yr).

Selection: Tests conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) followed by medical examination.

Appln F: Apply on plain paper to respective command HQ in the prescribed format, superscribe on envelope (white) in Red Ink indicating the branch of Engg. Applied for.

Details: See Employment News 22-28 Jun.

Jul 22 Indian Navy, Direct Entry (Diploma Holders), Post Box 488. Gole Dak Khana, GPO, New Delhi 110001.

Website: www.nausena-bharti.mil.in

Direct Entry Diploma Holders (3-yrs)

Elig: Unmarried males. 3-yr Dip (50% agg) in Mech/Electl/Electron/Telecom/Aero/Ship Bldg./Instrumentation/Metallurgical Engg. Age: Born bet 01 Feb 1981 and 31 Jan 1985.

Selectn: Written test (at 28 centres incldg. New Delhi).

Appln F: Send in prescribed format with regd. attested documents to the above add.

Details: See Employment News 22-28 Jun.

Guru Jambheshwar University, Directorate of Distance Education, Hisar (Haryana).

Ph: (01662) 76735, 68135, 68157

Website: www.gju.earnet.in

Aug 21 1. (a) MCA

(b) MCA 2nd yr (Lateral entry)

(c) MCA 3rd yr (Lateral entry)

2. MBA

Aug 31 3. MSc Comp Sc (Lateral entry)

4. PG Dip in Comp Appl

5. PG Dip in e-Comp Tech

6. BCA

7. Adv Dip in Web Programming

8. Dip in Computing

Sep 15 9. Master of Mass Comm

10. Master of Insurance Business

11. PG Dip in Taxation

12. PG Dip in Environ Mgt

13. PG Dip in Advertising Mgt & Public Relation

14. Bachelor of Mass Comm

15. BBA

Elig: For 1(a), 2, 4, 5, 13, 14: Bachelor’s degree.

For 1(b) & 3: PGDCA/BTech (Comp/IT/Electron/Electron & Comm).

For 1(c): MSc (Comp Sc/Software/IT)

For 6, 7, 8 & 15: Class 12/3-yr Dip from institutions affiliated to Tech Educn. Deptt Har/other states.

For 9: Bachelor’s degree (with 1-yr/PG degree/Dip in Mass Comm/Journo/PR/Advt.)

For 10 & 11: Bachelor’s Degree/ Masters Degree or fellow of ICSI/ICFAI/ICWAI.

For 12: Bachelor’s degree (40% agg, Sc in Class 10).

Appln F: Send Rs 150/- by DD favouring "Registrar, GJU, Hisar with self add envelope (25 x 30 cm). At Counter: Rs 100/- (cash).

Jul 15 Punjab Aircraft Maintenance Engg College, Civil Aerodrome, Patiala 147001.

Ph: (0175) 222900

1) Aircraft Maintenance Engg Course/Aeronautical Engg

2) Dip in Aircraft Maintenance Engg (Licence Course)

Elig: Class 12 (PCM, 50% agg). Age: 17 yrs.

Selectn: Written test & Interview.

Appln F: Send Rs 300/- by crossed DD favouring "Principal, P.A.M.E.C., Patiala" with self-add, stamped (Rs 25/-) envelope (11" x 5") to the above add.

Aug 31 The Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), 2, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110003.

Ph: 4631820/30.

Website: www.iete.org

1) AMIETE Courses (Degree level):

Comp Sc & Engg, Electron & Telecom Engg, Info Tech.

2) DIPIETE Courses (Dip level):

Comp Sc & Engg, Electron & Telecom Engg.

Elig: For (1): Age: 16-yrs, Class 12 (PCM) & wk ex in relv. field or studying for higher qualification withPhy/Electl/Electron/Comp/Dip holder

For (2): Age: 14-yrs, Class X with Genl. Sc. & wk ex in relevant field or studying for higher qualification with Phy/Maths/Engg.

Selectn: Test (Dec ‘02/Jun ‘03).

Appln F: Send Rs 250/- by DD favouring "Secretary General, IETE, New Delhi" specifying the course to the add above. At Counter: Rs 200/- also available at Sc 30-B, Chandigarh.

Centre for Electronics Design & Technology of India (GoI, M/o Info Tech), A-34, Phase VIII, Industrial Area, Mohali 160059 (Ch’garh).

Website: www.cedti.com

A) Adv Dip Course (26 weeks): i) System Maintenance Engg, ii) CADD Engg, iii) Bio-Medical Equipment Tech & Maintenance, iv) Hardware Electron. & Sys Design, v) Enterprise Networking

Elig: For Ai): Dip/BE (Electron/Elect/Instrumentation/Comp Sc/(BSc/MSc Electron).

For Aii): BE/DME/ITI/Draftsman Mech Engg/Prod Engg.

For Aiii): Dip/ITI (Electron/ Elect/Instrumentation/BSc (Electron).

For Aiv): Dip/BE (Electron/ Elect/Instrumentation/(BSc/MSc Electron).

For Av): Dip/BE (Electron/ Elect/Instrumentation/Comp Sc/(BSc/MSc, Electron/ Telecomm)/BCA/MCA.

For B): Class 12/ITI Dip (For 1-yr after Class X).

For C): Bachelor’s degree/O’Level/Dip (3-yr).

For D): ‘A’ Level For E): Bachelor’s degree/dip (3-yr).

Fee For A (i), (ii) & (iv): Rs 25,000/-

For A (iii): Rs 20,000/-

For A (v): Rs 36,000/-

For B: Rs 15,000/-, For C, D, E: Rs. 3,500/- (per subject).

(Payable in 2 equal instalments). 1st instalment to be paid along with application by DD favouring "Director, CEDTI", payable at Ch’garh).

Appln F: Apply on plain paper mentioning name, mailing address, educn. Enclose attested copies of certificates and (cash)/DD favouring "Director, CEDTI" payable at Chandigarh to "The Director" at the above address.

Jul 25 Delhi College of Engineering, Bawana Road, Delhi-110042 (University of Delhi).

1. MSc (PT)

App Phys

2. ME

Civil Engg (Structural Engg (PT/FT), Environ Engg (PT/FT), Hydraulics & Food Control (PT/FT), Elect/Electron & Communication (Controls & Instrumentation (PT/FT), Electron & Comm (PT/FT), Power Apparatus & Sys (PT), Mech Engg (PT/FT) (Termal/Production), Appl Chem (PT/FT) (Polymer Tech), Com Engg (Comp Tech & Appln).

Selectn: GATE Score (For FT courses).

AppIn F: Send Rs 300/- by IPO favouring, "Principal, Delhi College of Engineering", payable at GPO, Delhi with three self-add slips (10 x 5 cm) to the Dy Admin Officer to the above address latest by July 15. At Counter Rs 250/- (cash).

Jul 5 University of Delhi, D/o Computer Sc (North Campus), Arts Faculty Extn Bldg., Delhi-110007.

Elig: Bachelor’s degree (50% agg) with Maths in Class 12.

Selectn: Entrance Test (Sunday, Jul 14).

Appln F: Send Rs 250/- by DD favouring "Registrar, University of Delhi", payable at New Delhi with a self-addressed, stamped (Rs 18/-), envelope (25 cm x 15 cm) to Mr. R.K. Srivastava, Office-in-Charge, Room No. 303, Dept. of Computer Science at the above add.

Jul 5 Indian School of Hospitality Amity Office, E-27, Dfence Colony, New Delhi 110024.

Ph: (011) 4690630/4699700/4621960

Website: www.amity.edu

or

Manpower Development Centre, ITDC, Near C-10, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi 110016.

Ph: (011) 6602346/47/48

Website: www.itdc-idea.com

or

Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021.

Ph: (011) 6110101

1) PG Dip in Hospitality Mgt (1-yr FT/2-yr PT for working Hoteliers)

2) PG Dip in Tourism Mgt (1-yr)

Elig: For 1: Degree/Dip in Hotel Mgt. For 2: Bachelor Degree (50% agg).

Selectn: Written test/interview.

Appln F: Can be obtained on payment of Rs 500/- by DD favouring "Indian School of Hospitality" payable at New Delhi from above addresses or download from Amity website.