|
|
|
| JOBS & CAREERS |
|
|
|
Word Play
Have computers, will need server specialists
Apna Sapna Money Money
Career Hotline
Brit workers ready for pay cut to save jobs
Course chat
|
|
Word Play
WE may have a handful of leaders advocating a ban on English education but most acknowledge that the ability to communicate — whether in English or any other language — enhances your personality and career growth. We all have people with whom we have to work to get things done. Our ability to communicate with superiors, clients, customers, peers and subordinates can enhance our effectiveness or sabotage us. Often, it is our verbal skills that make the difference. But many students spend little or no time to develop communication skills and the confidence that comes with speaking well.
Many people who express themselves quite well in writing, particularly in exams, find it difficult to verbalise their thoughts and answers. It is useless to be knowledgeable about your subject and have a long list of qualifications if you are unable to answer a few simple questions about yourself and your work without fumbling and mumbling. Students often find it hard to understand why their speaking does not achieve the same positive response from the listener or audience as their writing might have. What is often forgotten or overlooked is the fact that it is not only the content of our communication that matters but also the delivery. To catch the attention of an interview panel or a boss you have to get him or her to first listen to what you have to say. Only then will he or she allocate time to read through your application or CV. Prospective employers do not have the time or inclination to try to decipher what you have written, no matter how fancy the qualifications. It is also not enough to be able to converse in English. What you say and how you say it are significant pointers to an assessment of your personality. For those appearing for college or job interviews and group discussions, here are 10 ways to increase your verbal efficacy: Voice modulation: A voice or sound is often heard before we actually see the owner of it. The tone of voice, the pitch and intonation are extremely important. A high whiney, squeaky voice is not perceived to be one of authority. In fact, a high soft voice can make you sound like a pushover or a wimp. You can improve the quality of your voice with exercises to lower the pitch of your voice. One effective lesson is to start singing — but do it an octave lower on all your favourite songs. Practice this and after a period of time your voice will begin to lower. Slow down: Westerners complain that Indians speak too fast and often they cannot understand what we say. People will perceive you as nervous and unsure of yourself if you talk fast. To be coherent and clear, you must speak slowly. However, be careful not to slow down to the point where people begin to finish your sentences just to help you finish. Animate your voice: Your voice should express your thoughts and feelings not only with the words you use but also with its tone and pitch. So, avoid a monotone — use dynamics. Your pitch should be raised and lowered. Your volume should be soft and loud. Listen to the TV news anchor and observe the undulating tone and pitch of voice and try to imitate them. Enunciate your words: Try listening to your own voice. Make a recording of your speech and check if you can hear every word. It is important to speak clearly — don’t mumble. If people cannot understand what you are always saying, they will just not listen to you – and you lose a wonderful opportunity to make a good impression. Use appropriate volume:
Use a volume that is appropriate for the setting. Speak softly when you are alone and close. Speak louder when you are speaking to larger groups or across larger spaces. Pronounce words correctly:
People will judge your competence through your vocabulary. If you aren’t sure how to pronounce a word, don’t use it until you check on it. As a nation, we are famous for mispronouncing words, illustrated amply by well-known English actor Peter Sellers. While today Indian accents are not considered improper, to be clearly understood we must neutralise regional overtones that others find difficult to decipher. In the call centre industry, much time and effort is spent in helping students from different regions, neutralise their accents so as to have a uniform form of speech. Use the right words: If you’re not sure of the meaning of a word, don’t use it. Start building up your vocabulary learning a new word a day. Use it sometime in your conversations during the day. In this way you will develop the confidence to use new words with assurance. Make eye contact:
There are many students who lack the confidence to look directly at the person they are talking to or look in another direction. It is vital to make eye contact with the person or persons you are talking to. If you find that difficult you can practise on a small group by consciously looking into one of the listener’s eyes and then move to the other. By looking directly at your listener, you also learn a lot about how your words are being received. Communication is a two-way process. It is the art of both sending and receiving messages. The message is, therefore, only received when the receiver is able to translate the words, symbols, and the body language to understand the message. Use gestures: Make your whole body talk. Gestures are a wonderful means to make a point, or express a thought. Use smaller gestures for individuals and small groups. The gestures should get larger as the group that one is addressing increases in size. Don’t send mixed messages:
Make your words, gestures, facial expressions, tone and messages match. If you have to deliver a negative message, make your words, facial expressions and tone match it. Of course, the starting point of all good communication sounds obvious but is often overlooked. Knowing what you want to say before you say it is central to all communication. Many people put mouth in motion before they put brain in gear is a well-worn observation but practised most often in the breach. Those who start speaking before they’ve given any real thought to what it is they want to say often find the discussion gets off track or fails to address the points they wanted to make. Plan ahead. Think about what you want to say, plan what and how you are going to say it and, if possible, rehearse it. In an interview or group discussion, try to anticipate the sort of detours your communication could take such as questions from and interjections by other people and prepare answers to deal with them in advance. You communicate most effectively when you’re calm. So, try to relax before the discussion and do your best to not become emotional during the conversation. Improving your communication skills will vastly improve your career growth. The majority of professional jobs today require above average oral communication skills. Becoming aware of your ability to communicate will help you work towards techniques that will enhance your skills and put you firmly on the path to future success. So go ahead – talk as much as you wish to but make sure it is clear and effective. (The writer is a career expert)
|
|
Have computers, will need server specialists
The role of a server specialist is one of great responsibility and calls for extremely good training and knowledge. N-Power offer courses for working professionals with IT qualifications to empower them with additional skills to fast-forward their career paths, equipping them to face this industry with more confidence.
All in a day’s work
THE responsibilities of a server specialist include installing, configuring and assembling server components as per given specifications and procedures, planning and implementing policies for storage and database facilities, disaster recovery of database, ensuring adherence to established policies, processes and procedures and security of user identities.
Training & institutions
THIS is a specialised field and requires very good technical knowledge and skills. International certifications like MCSE, MCSA, RHCE and RHCT are the most sought-after in this sector. The N-Power Certified Systems Professional course offers international certifications like MCSE on Windows Server 2003 & MCSA Windows Server 2003. On completion of NCSP professional course, students can appear for MCSE on Windows Server 2003 & MCSA Windows Server 2003 exams. IT qualified professionals like MCA and B.Tech degree holders can pursue these vendor certified courses to be a specialist. Besides N-Power, all IITs, RECs and C-DAC offer such professional courses.
Career growth
INCREASED use of PCs and Internet in all sectors like BPO, telecom, retail, banking, manufacturing and other industries is leading to a demand for people who can set up, maintain and service PCs & IT systems. From telephone calls, bank ATMs to television programming, everything requires network connectivity. So, despite the ongoing economic slowdown and speculations about the future of IT industry, career prospects in the hardware and networking industry holds immense scope. The role of a server specialist crosses all business and industry segments. It is not at all confined to the IT industry. Every business house or government office that maintains its own website or server requires a server specialist. As more and more sectors of trade and business are relying on Internet connectivity, career prospects of a server specialist are growing. Pay packages are good in this field. You could start with an initial salary of around Rs 25,000 a month in any corporate house, which would go up to Rs 40-60,000 a month after some experience. This is a career that seems to have no downturn and holds good promise of a bright future. Training and expertise is the key to success here. Are you game?
A STUDY by Evalueserve suggests that the current demand for networking professionals in India stands over two lakh. However, only 140,000 are currently available, indicating a deficit of more than 60,000 professionals. This deficit is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.64 per cent till 2010.
To be continued
|
|
Apna Sapna Money Money
Recession or no, a few extra bucks never harmed anyone! Put the extra money into a savings or fixed deposit account or pay off few pending bills and save on interest. These are precisely the reasons why employees of various companies these days are exploring different ways to earn extra bucks despite full-time jobs. Experts say that working part-time is often the best way to earn extra without disrupting your regular job. The first thing to do is assess your skills, hobbies, interests and training. This paves your way and allows you to find that source of income, which is usually something related to your current job or interest. Take the case of Vishal Khanna. He is an executive with a steel production company but has also been a pharmaceutical representative for the last 10 years. “As an executive, I have a lot of responsibilities and work eight to ten hours a day. But I make it a point to devote some time everyday to network with my pharma business associates,” he tells. Even though many employees like Khanna working in big organisations are not short of cash, they say that being prepared and planned helps them when they have to meet other expenses and needs. “Additional income is very necessary in the present economic crisis. The standard of living has gone up tremendously. It is not just food, clothing and shelter but a lot of other requirements that need to be fulfilled,” adds Khanna. Although, juggling the two professions leaves him very little spare time, he doesn’t mind it because of the extra income and recognition. Alka Aswani who owns a boutique in a posh suburban area agrees with Khanna. “A second job always comes handy, as it fetches the much needed extra buck,” she says Aswani. Besides owning the boutique, she is an agent advisor with a life insurance company and also works as a sub-agent with a travel agency wherein she arranges tickets for her clients. “Since insurance is the only guaranteed factor, it gets me good business, which in turn gets me the extra income,” adds Aswani. “I operate as a sub-agent from the boutique and get access to international fares at a lesser rate. My clients find it convenient and so do I,” she adds. For Vikas Manchanda, currently working as a manager in a big retail store, putting his creative talent to use is the best way to supplement income. Vikas, an MBA from a reputed institute, gives tuition to aspirants after he is free from his store duties. Although he cherishes the extra income, he feels it all depends on how secure your first hob is. He cautions against working for a part-time job at the risk of your regular job. If they can, so can you. There are loads of part-time jobs you can do in your spare time to earn extra bucks to supplement your income in present times. Good luck!
|
|
Career Hotline
Q. I like driving and want to get into drifting. Please suggest if there are any specific courses and the requirements for getting admission.
— Vineet Sud A.
Drifting, as showcased in the movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, has brought the word drifting into our everyday vocabulary. Drifting is a driving technique in which a vehicle slides at an angle with its side moving forward in the direction of the turn. Although there are a number of informal drifter clubs, I doubt if there are any specific formal courses available. However, there is loads of info and videos on drifting on the Internet. And while you’re at it, here are a few pointers to keep in mind: Not all cars can drift — most importantly, it has to be a RWD (rear-wheel-drive). No two cars react identically. Try to “feel” your vehicle to familiarise yourself with its reactions. Never drift on the road. It is illegal. It might seem like fun, but it’s really not worth the risk. Don’t go faster than you can handle. Recovering from a spin takes skill and experience. Do pursue your regular studies as your primary focus and opt for drifting as a pastime to begin with lest you find yourself adrift career-wise. Get the drift?
Up, up & away: Sky is the limit
Q. I have heard that DRDO recruits engineering graduates and M.Sc students as scientists. I would be very grateful if you could tell me something about this, as I am very keen to work in the area of defence. — Maninder Singh
A.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the country’s flagship defence R&D institution, formulates and executes programmes of scientific research, design, development testing and evaluation of various systems, sub-systems, devices and products required for the country’s defence. Its purpose is to create self-reliance in critical technologies that are relevant to the country’s national security and development. Incidentally, former President APJ Abdul Kalam is an ex-DRDO scientist. R&D covers a variety of disciplines such as aerospace & avionics, armament & explosives, combat vehicles, computer science & systems analysis, electronics, engineering, life sciences, advanced materials, naval technology, rockets & missiles and satellite communications. DRDO scientists have achieved significant milestones at a fraction of the cost of similar experiments and projects in more developed countries. DRDO employs highly qualified and competent scientists and technologists who constitute the Group A (Class 1) technical service known as Defence Research and Development Service. Scientists are mostly recruited at entry level (Scientist B), which is a gazetted post. Salaries for DRDO scientists are pegged alongside grades for civil servants (minus the perks). To be eligible, you must be an Indian national with a first class master’s degree in science subjects, mathematics or psychology or possess a first class bachelor’s degree in engineering/technology or metallurgy from a recognised University or equivalent (applicable only for feeder entry to DRDS as Scientist B). Knowledge of Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Russian language is an asset. The upper age limit is 28 years. Relevant work experience is required for posts in higher grades B, C, D, E, F, G. Scientists are selected on the basis of the DRDO SET. The three-hour test has two sections. Section A has 100 questions based on your subject stream and Section B has 50 questions to test your analytical ability and quantitative skills, current affairs and GK. Upon selection, you will be trained at DRDO institutions at Pune and Mussoorie as well as at prestigious academic institutions for acquiring higher qualifications. You may also be sent on foreign deputation for training/ presenting papers and specific assignments. For details on job descriptions and how you can contribute to the nation’s defence through R & D, log on to www.drdo.org or http://rac.drdo.gov.in. Also watch out for the advertisement that appears in Employment News in the month of April-May each year.
Landing a job depends on various factors...
Q. Are the following institutes recognised? Will courses from these institutes be as recognised as courses from say Delhi University or Jawahar Lal Nehru University? Are they worth getting jobs in private as well as in the government sector?
n
Tilak Manjh Bhagalpur Vishwavidhyalay, Bhagalpur (PG in industrial relations & personnel management) — Hema Jaikishan,
Lokesh Seth A. To check the recognition status of a university, log on to the UGC website (www.ugc.ac.in) or that of the Association of Indian Universities (www.aiuweb.org). For checking the recognition of technical, management, hotel management courses, check the AICTE website (www.aicte.ernet.in). For medical courses, check the website of the Medical Council of India (www.mciindia.org). For foreign medical colleges like the two you have listed from China, please check the WHO website. If you want to get a foreign medical degree and practice in India, you need to clear two hurdles. First, get an eligibility certificate from the MCI, the main recognising authority in India for medical education programmes. This will also ensure that you are not going for a fake medical programme, because MCI wouldn’t give a certificate for such programmes. The medical school must be listed in the WHO directory. Second, after you get the foreign degree, you must clear the MCI screening test. Only then will you be eligible to practice anywhere in India. You can get all the relevant information on the rules and regulations section of the MCI website. For courses in teaching (B.Ed, M.Ed etc), log on to the website of the National Council for Teacher Education (www.ncte-in.org). The kind of jobs you get after pursuing a course from a given institution will depend on the reputation of the institution, the demand in the market, the industry’s perception of the institution and your position in the merit list. For instance, not every student in a given IIT gets an equally high salary offer. As for government jobs, it is essential to have studied at a duly recognised university
or institution.
Long & short of Army
Q. I have completed my master’s in sociology. My height is just five feet but I want to join the Army. Please tell me the opportunities available. — Darpan Bhatti
A.
Height may not be such an important factor for non-combatant roles in the Indian Army like logistics, law and education. However, do check out the specific requirements which are listed in detail on the Indian Army’s website, www.joinindianarmy.nic.inWorking graduates who are medically fit can also sign up as officers in the Territorial Army.
Mechanical engineering opens many doors
Q. After completing intermediate, I am doing diploma in mechanical engineering. After this what course should I opt for? — Rakesh Muniya
A.
Well you have several options: n Seek lateral entry to the second year of B.E. (mechanical). Many engineering colleges offer this provision. However, domicile conditions apply. n
If you are employed, you can either do a part-time, four-year B.E. from an engineering college or acquire a B.S. degree by distance mode from Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Distance Learning Programme Division, Pilani
(www.bitspilani.ac.in). n Enrol for a 1-1½-year post-diploma course in computer software offered at various polytechnics. n
Opt for the Associateship of the Institution of Engineers (India) (www.ieindia.org). AMIE (Sections A & B taken together are equivalent to B.E./B.Tech both for the purpose of employment as well as further study). Diploma-holders can directly enrol in Level A and get an exemption of four papers. n
If you are interested in industrial drafting and designing, you can take up a course in CAD/CAM. Computer aided design and computer aided manufacture, using high-end software, will give an added edge to your knowledge of mechanical engineering. n
Alternatively, you could also opt for a course in tool design (plastic moulds, press tools, jigs, fixtures and gauges) from a recognised institution. n
The Ministry of Labour (GoI) runs advanced training institutes in every state that offer short-term, job-oriented and skill enhancement courses in several branches
of engineering. n The National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology, Ministry of Steel (GoI) offers job-oriented certificate course in rolling technology / steel making technology (1.5 years) at Pune, Nagpur, Kolkata and Mandi
Gobindgarh. n Several open universities offer a range of courses through distance learning for diploma-holders. n
The Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, recruit bright male diploma holders as direct entry candidates each year through a written, physical and medical exam. You will receive appropriate training during which you will be paid a decent stipend (plus perks: free board, lodging, uniform and books). Thereafter, depending on the rank, you will start off in the initial scale of Rs 7,400 plus generous perks. Diploma-holders are also recruited as Air Traffic Controllers at airports.
This column appears weekly. Please send in your queries, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com
|
|
Brit workers ready for pay cut to save jobs
IN wake of the ongoing recession, about a third of workers in UK are ready to accept a pay cut if it helped colleagues keep their jobs, according to a new survey. The research commissioned by campaign group Keep Britain Working showed that about more than 30 per cent employees are ready to take pay cuts, while one in five would apply for a sabbatical on reduced pay, half would agree to change their role entirely if it helped avoid redundancies.
However, the workers also wanted managers to make sacrifices themselves. “There seems to be a new altruism at work. If people believe that being flexible about their own employment conditions will help stem job losses they will take on change and make personal sacrifices, especially if bosses do their bit,” the Daily Express quoted James Reed, founder of the campaign, which is backed by both sides of industry. “Indeed people are full of innovative and effective ways to help employers cope with the downturn other than by simply cutting jobs. Over 400 ideas, practical examples and advice have already been submitted to the Keep Britain Working website since it was set up only last month,” he added.
— ANI
|
|
Course chat
PEARSON VUE has announced scholarships for Indian students taking the prestigious Law School Admission Test—India. Conducted across India in May, the test is a special version of the exam conducted globally by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), which will be the first law school in India to accept the LSAT—India, has announced scholarships for students applying for the three-year LL.B. programme and the five-year BA, LLB programme. Each of the top five LSAT test scorers enrolling into either the three or five-year programmes shall receive Rs 1 lakh. Students entering JGLS based on the results of LSAT will also have the chance to avail a second scholarship, the Naveen Jindal Young Global Scholarship. Two scholarships of Rs 5 lakh each shall be awarded to one student each from the three-year LLB programme and the BA-LL.B programme. LSAT will be launched on May 24 at test centres in 14 cities—Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Ranchi.
— TNS
|
|
Fortnightly Quiz-334
2. Who was the first Indian to go in space 25 years ago? 3. Who is known as the architect of the Indian Constitution? 4. How many years ago did the Jallianwallah Bagh massacre take place? 5. Which country is known as the ‘land of morning calm’? 6. Which Indian cricket legend’s life-like wax replica will be inaugurated at the world-famous Madame Tussaud’s wax museum on April 24? 7. With which sport is Gagan Narang associated? 8. Name the five Indians in Wisden’s first-ever Dream Test XI. 9. After how many years did India recently record its series triumph against New Zealand in Test cricket ? 10. Which Indian player has created the world record for most catches by a fielder in Test cricket? — Tarun Sharma
Winners of quiz 333: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Trishank, class XI-B, Budha Dal Public School, Patiala, Pin Code - 147001 Second:
Jaya Sharma, class V, KV, Mall Road, Karnal, Pin Code - 132001 Third: Jyoti Tomar, class IX-C, CL Kapoor Public School, Kahan Niwas, Kapoor Complex, The Mall, Solan, Pin Code - 173212 Answers to quiz 333:
$1.1 trillion; Rajdoot; Maruti 800; 60; Dr Anil Kakodkar; 290 km; Afghanistan; International Business Machines; Gautam Gambhir; Sir Richard Hadlee Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address. Note:
Kindly mention the pincode of your place to facilitate the delivery of the prize money. Answers can also be sent
at quiz@tribunemail.com
Name ………….…………........... |
|
|
Ten
ways to up verbal value...
THIS is a time when the global economy is witnessing a phase of slowdown. Various industry segments are affected directly or indirectly by this world phenomenon. However, there are still industries and career options that have not been touched by this crisis. The hardware & networking industry is one such industry.
The job of a server specialist offers immense opportunities in any sector of business that relies on computers and Internet. He is a professional who plans and coordinates the configuration, implementation, and administration of server software. He is required to deploy web-based applications, security components on the applications server, install and support identity management components and develop technical policies for the organisation. He has to install software components and liaison between the applications and web portal, operations, and database support staff.
THE economic crisis has thrown up a host of challenges for the workforce. Of course, most are happy to have a job, the salary cuts and zero increments are unpleasant. Many are looking at different ways to earn some extra bucks to supplement their income.
1. After how many years did India win Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament recently?
