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Maths is the
path
OFFICE MANTRA
A shower-break can make staff productive
Career Hotline
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Dress for Success Friday Dressing FRIDAY is the most awaited day in the entire
workweek and deserves a little casual clothing. Casual dresses and skirts are acceptable. You can also team up a collared tee with khaki pants. For footwear, anything from sneakers to loafers to flats is good. HEY, want to see a live circus? Look at Natasha! She has all the colours of the rainbow today, said Shivani, my next workstation colleague. I looked up in the direction she was pointing. Oh my god! There she was, wearing a red and yellow salwar suit with a pair of golden slippers to match. Natasha was definitely out of place. We both smirked and returned to our work, but later in the day I realised there were many Natashas, who paid little heed to what they were wearing. This piece is for all those poorly dressed souls who like to pass off their wrong sense of dressing as “It’s my style or I can carry it off!” There are some basic rules that every company lays down in the dress policy and the same should be adhered to. The wardrobe
AS a thumb rule, wear what complements your body. The fabric, stitching and colour leave an impression. Never try to compromise on quality. Have fewer articles of clothing, but they should represent you. Make sure the clothes fit you well. In case the trousers are a little long or the shirt a little loose, ask for alterations. Colours like black, brown, gray, navy blue, beige are appropriate for office wear. Both stripes and checks look good. Though heavy fabrics are good for winter, choose linen for summer. In winter, just don’t drape around your mom’s shawl. No offence, but a good quality coat would look much more professional. Avoid: Low necklines, transparent tops, noodle straps, open collars and bright salwaar kameez.
Accessorise right
CARRY matching accessories: Your handbag, belt and shoes should complement what you are wearing. As they say, “If you want to judge a person, see his or her shoes.” Keep a regular check — in case they need a little mending, don’t ignore. Scraped soles and tattered straps can mar a ravishing outfit. Whereas knee length boots go with skirts, team up a pair of pumps with trousers. Many working women tend to ignore the belt. If your pants have hoops, you need a belt. Period. Go in for classy leather ones and avoid the plastic, shiny
ones. Scarves add dimension to your personality and complete your style statement. A scarf can be tied in so many ways — either it can be a short one tied around the neck like a necktie or worn with the loose
ends untied. Jewellery plays an essential role in women’s dressing. Keep it simple and matched: Usually a pair of earrings, a pendant and a watch or bracelet will do the trick. Avoid mixing metals.
Hygiene matters
OKAY, the clothes are perfect, the accessories sorted, the shoes matched and the jewellery sparkling. What if all this is worn with shabby hair, uncut nails and a body odour? A big disaster! Dandruff on your
shoulders is a complete no-no. Wash your hair more frequently, keep them clean and if need be, consult a doctor to be dandruff
free. Buy a good deodorant and use it. If you sweat more than normal, ensure that it includes an anti-perspirant. Carry it with you to office or keep a small perfume vial handy. Keep your nails clean, shapely and coated with a nail colour that compliments your skin colour. Not only does that add another dimension to
your personality, it also protects nails. Your hair may make or mar your complete look. Take good care of your tresses. Consult a hair stylist, get a haircut that suits your face and allows you to be comfortable while carrying it. Regular cleaning and conditioning will keep your mane shining. Last but not the least, nothing succeeds more than a smiling face and a pleasant greeting. Be cheerful and you will be unstoppable!
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Maths is the path
If you are one such maths aficionado, then why spend sleepless nights worrying over whether you will make it to the ridiculously high cut-offs for B.Com or Economics Honours at a good university when your best bet is a BA Maths Honours programme? Many students may not even have considered this option. And even if you are not necessarily mad about mathematics but generally good at it, you may like to consider a degree in mathematics which is useful for any number of careers ranging from the obvious chartered accountancy, financial services and banking to any area of management, advertising, law and even computer game design.
Why so?
MATHEMATICS has a pervasive influence on our everyday lives, and contributes to the wealth of the country. Other than the obvious uses of maths, do you know that…
Taking a degree based on maths does not mean that you have to become a mathematician. Maths is not just a subject on its own. Rather, it is a set of tools or way of thinking. Almost any area you can think of has a need for mathematicians. After all, how can you study the oceans if you don’t understand the waves? Or develop new drugs against diseases if you don’t know how to test whether they work or not? Mathematics is about pattern and structure, logical analysis, deduction, calculation within these patterns and structures. When patterns are found, often in widely different areas of science and technology, the mathematics of these patterns can be used to explain and control natural happenings and situations. It is for this reason that mathematics is applied for a variety of usages. Mathematics teaches patience, discipline and step-by-step problem-solving skills. The ability to use logical thought, to formulate a problem in a way which allows for computation and decision, to make deductions from assumption and to use advanced concepts, provides you with a sound background of knowledge and transferable skills that can be utilised in an unlimited number of career opportunities. It is for this reason that mathematicians are increasingly in demand. With a mathematics degree, you should be able to turn your hand to finance, statistics, engineering, computers, teaching or accountancy with a measure of success not possible to other graduates. This flexibility is even more important nowadays, with the considerable uncertainty as to which areas will be the best for employment in future years. A BA in maths will include three years of study of vector calculus and geometry, differential equations, numerical analysis and computer programming, linear programming and theory of games. After graduation you can take up a master’s degree in maths, or an MBA, or choose from any number of interesting careers that include:
Even if you do not choose a career in mathematical sciences, studying as much mathematics as you can is a good way to keep your career options open. Mathematics is an excellent foundation for any career. Students in areas as anthropology, sociology, and psychology, as well as law, business, travel and ticketing, advertising, marketing and media planning also benefit from a solid background in mathematics. If you find studying mathematics interesting and enjoyable, have a strong analytical and reasoning ability and the solution of a problem holds excitement and satisfaction for you, mathematics is a good subject to choose. You will love its challenge, its clarity, and the fact that you know when you are right. QED! (The writer is a career expert)
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OFFICE MANTRA
On the other hand, Nandan would always find faults even with a sincere and hard working subordinate. He would always say: “I ‘m sorry. You have got no worth. You always make mistakes!” After some time, Jacob was promoted by virtue of his distinguished output. But Nandan was asked to explain the reasons of his downfall. His output had fallen far below the expectations of his seniors... THE difference lay in their behaviour and dealings with their subordinates! Management consultant and business writer James K Van Fleet’s bestseller ‘The 22 Biggest Mistakes Managers Make And How To Correct Them’ is astounding. It spins out why employees hate their bosses and how a simple application of human psychology can transform that hatred into affection and everlasting relationships in business matters. The manager who shouts at his employees even when they are doing their best is a sure failure. And the one who stands by his employees, encourages them even whey they are at the verge of failure can certainly turn a failure into success. Such is the power of saying “Bravo!” A psychological study has revealed that only 25 per cent of subordinates criticised in front of others showed signs of improvement in their next attempt while 75 per cent of them did very well when criticised in private. Such is the psyche of we, the people. And a successful manager knows the power of this wonder! Instead of shouting at his weak subordinates, a successful manager gives them a patient hearing. He knows that a weak subordinate when given an affectionate pat makes more effort and that, too, sincerely. More concerted efforts made in the right direction enhance his output. And the result is an added boost to the salary not only of that subordinate but of the manager too! An inefficient manager usually criticises his subordinates for qualities that he even himself doesn’t have. Does this not amount to building a self-image on a heap of sand that may collapse any moment? It is just an attempt to justify his mistakes to make other’s seem much worse! A competent manager knows when not to criticise. He criticises his employees without naming anyone. He doesn’t believe in punishment but believes only in enhancing performance. In order to enhance output, a successful manager criticises the wrong act rather than the wrong person. He points out a single wrong act at a time. Rather than commenting on A or B’s action, he would say: “When I used to be a subordinate, I too committed similar mistakes...” At the same time he would explain elaborately how he successfully corrected the wrong acts. Such a system of advice always hits the nail on the head. A successful manager never poses like a hard taskmaster — he acts like a kind friend, always listening, cooperating, patting on the back and granting more allowance to the ones who rally to go an extra mile. Such motivation not only encourages the one being benefited but also other employees to follow in the footsteps of the benefited one.
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A shower-break can make staff productive
WANT to make your employees more productive and creative? Well, then allow them to shower during the working day. That’s the conclusion of a new study, which involved four businesses — a restaurant, an architect firm, an advertising agency and a lingerie
company. All the firms took part in the eight-week study, conducted by PR firm Lucre. In addition to their usual daily wash, staff took a shower break — and results showed improvement across a range of areas, from mood to productivity, reports The Telegraph. The study found that employees taking shower breaks at the four businesses — ad agency Home in Leeds, restaurant The Chancery, in London, architects and designers 3s, in London, and Simone Perele UK, a lingerie company in Surrey — saw an overall boost in productivity and creativity of 42 per cent and 33 per cent, respectively! Lucre said that during a control period of four weeks, staff recorded how they were feeling throughout the working day. Then, workers spent a further month taking a minimum of one shower break a day, while filling in questionnaires rating among other criteria if they felt more productive or creative. Sam Walsh, an employee at Home who participated in the study, said: “I found that showering gave me some peace and quiet, being away from the ringing phones in the office was great for mulling over ideas. “I even came up with a great new TV ad idea for one of our clients while I was in there. As well as helping me get a fresh perspective on things, I also found it a great pick-me-up on the days when I felt tired.” Nicholas Patterson, general manager of The Chancery, said: “Our hardworking staff members are on their feet for long shifts in what is a hot and hectic environment. “Shower breaks made sure they took time away from the restaurant to refuel and freshening up their feet with a shower also offered them physical benefits which made them work more effectively in the restaurant.” Lucre conducted the survey for client Mira Showers.
— ANI
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Career Hotline
Appetite for chess? Plan the moves now
— Simran Kaur A. With a line-up of youngsters making it big on the international stage, India is fast emerging as a chess powerhouse thanks to the growing number of International Grandmasters. And with these talented youngsters giving their older peers a good run for their money, parents are encouraging their wards to consider chess a career option. As a result, domestic tournaments have witnessed a healthy competition and a considerable improvement in the overall standard of the game. Promising youngsters are being professionally coached and groomed by the All India Chess Federation (AICF). With more than 12 GMs, AICF targets producing 100 Grandmasters by 2012. Do visit their official website, www.indianchessfed.org Several national and international tournaments are being organised in India and our young players are sent to participate in events abroad by the federation. Corporate sponsors are also pitching in with scholarships. Russian Grandmasters, who are renowned for their excellent theoretical knowledge of the game, are being regularly invited to hold camps. Your local chess club would be a good source of advice and guidance. Contact the State Chess Associations of Punjab and Haryana to locate affiliated chess clubs and coaching centres. Websites:www.punjabchess.com, www.haryanachess.synthasite.com Once you’ve gained proficiency, make sure you participate in as many tournaments as possible. This will hone your ability to think beyond the immediate move. The reigning grandmasters of the Board of 64 squares can mentally visualise the entire game of moves and countermoves before touching a piece! The Government of India also organises national camps. Chess players of all ages can attend this one-month subsidised camp if shortlisted by the school or sponsored by the coach. The Chess Players Association of India (CPAI) organises tournaments and runs three academies in Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. For details log on to www.cpai.in CBSE has introduced a national level inter-school championship to encourage budding talent. The great thing about this game is that it can be played by anybody. Age, sex, physical fitness levels or even a disability is not a disqualifier. Chess is one of the few sports where children can compete with adults on equal ground — it is thus one of the few skills in which true child prodigies exist. The youngest Grandmaster reigning over the Board is 13-year-old Parimarjan Negi (he won his first title at age six!).
Indian Railway Service
— Harjeet Sodhi A. The SCRA (Special Class Railway Apprenticeship) Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruiting junior officers in the Indian Railway Service of mechanical engineers. The eligibility is a pass in 10+2 (PCM). The age requirement is 17-21 years, which is relaxed for certain categories. The exam can only be taken only in English and consists of two parts: Part I: Written exam (three papers of 200 marks each) adding up to a total of 600 marks) - Paper I: General ability test (English, GK & psychological test) - Paper II: Physical sciences (physics & chemistry) - Paper III: Mathematics The questions are approximately of Plus 2 level. Part II: A personality test to assess your overall academic and extra-curricular performance, leadership and communication skills (one hour, 200 marks). This test is only for those who have qualified Part I. Upon selection, you will be sent for four years of apprenticeship at the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Jamalpur. When you complete your stint as a probationer, you will be appointed as an assistant mechanical engineer. For details, log on to www.upsc.gov.in
First clear the MF certification process
— Rajeev Chadha A. With the capital market riding on the back of a booming Indian economy, mutual funds have emerged as an important financial intermediary for the investing public. Although assets of the 30-odd Indian funds have jumped skywards, investors need to understand how a mutual fund works and the increasingly diverse and complex investment options created by a large number of
MFs. The agent or distributor assumes the role of a financial advisor and is the key channel for bringing mutual funds to a large number of investors all over the country. The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), which sets the industry standards for all funds operating in India, has a certification process — the AMFI Mutual Fund Test. This certification has been made mandatory by SEBI for anyone engaged in selling mutual funds — agents as well as those employed in distribution companies and banks. Upon clearing the test, you can apply for your AMFI registration number that will certify you as an AMFI Registered Mutual Fund Advisor (ARMFA). The Test can be taken by anyone (regardless of age or qualification), who wishes to test his knowledge of the complexities of how mutual funds function internally and externally. The automated multiple-choice online test requires no prior knowledge of computers. Papers are set for each candidate separately and assessed online. After you have the AMFI Basic Module, you can look at the AMFI Advisors Module. The AMFI MF Test is also offered as a separate module of the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) Certification in Financial Markets (NCFM) along with other subjects such as derivative trading, capital markets etc. AMFI has prepared the necessary study material to help you prepare for the test. The workbook can be obtained from the AMFI office in Mumbai. For details log on to www.amfiindia.com/testingprogram.html You could also contact your nearest NSE centre (there are seven of them) to register for the online test for a fee of Rs 500. There is no restriction on the number of attempts Log on to www.nse-india.com for details. Two good books I can recommend on the subject are The Indian Mutual Funds Handbook by Sundar Sankaran and The New Commonsense Guide to Mutual Funds by Paul Farrel — both published by Vision
Books(www.visionbooksindia.com).
LLB correspondence not possible
— Ujjwal
Khanna A. No university offers a full-fledged three-year LLB through correspondence. However, the following law courses can be done through correspondence: Bachelor of Academic Laws (three years) and
Bachelor of General Laws Where: Annamalai University, Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalinagar-608002 Duration: Two years LLB (academic) Where: Guru Nanak Dev University, Centre or Distance Education, Amritsar Duration: Two years Eligibility: Bachelor’s deg (50%) LLB (academic) Where: University Of Jammu, Directorate of Distance Education, New Campus, Jammu-180006 Duration: Two years Bachelor of General Laws Where: Kakatiya University, School of Distance Learning and Continuing Education, Warangal-506009 Duration: Two years LLB (academic) Where: University of Kashmir, Department of Distance Education,
Hazratbal, Srinagar-190006 Duration: Two years Eligibility: Bachelor’s (40%) Bachelor of General Law Where: Madurai Kamraj University, Directorate of Duration: Two years Guru Jhambeshwar
University, Hisar Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra Unfortunately, due to statutory requirements, these courses are not recognised by the Bar Council of India and you will not be able to practice in a court of law after doing these courses. Of course, the knowledge of law will always prove useful in any field.
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
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Consider your business as an investment and not an additional expenditure. How you look can actually bag you an important project, invitation to an important conference or a friendly greeting from
a senior.
MATHS, maths and more maths! There are some people who love crunching numbers, spend hours working out Sudoku puzzles, can tell you what mileage your car should be doing or what Sehwag’s run rate was in the last six overs and so on.
JACOB and Nandan were simultaneously appointed managers. Jacob was very successful but Nandan an utter failure. Jacob would encourage even his weak subordinate with encouraging words: “I’m proud of you. You’ve got the potential! We wouldn’t have done this part of the work without your cooperation!” And the worker in question would really work wonders to show his real worth next time. 
Q. I want to make my career in chess. What do I have to do for it? Please tell me about the name of some institutions?
Q. I passed 10+2 in 2000 and now wish to appear for the Special Class Railway Apprentices Examination conducted by the UPSC. Can you please tell me about the eligibility criteria and the admission procedure?
Q. I have been working as an insurance agent for the last couple of years. I would now like to become a mutual fund agent as well. Are there any courses that would help or books I could read on the subject?
Q. I am pursuing CA. As per the new rules, I cannot enroll in any other regular course. Please suggest some good law colleges that offer LLB correspondence courses.