Interning for success
More and more high school and college students are
making a beeline for internships to know their minds,
gain experience and develop social skills. Of course,
a little extra pocket money never hurts!
Taru Behal

A team of young people were ideating on creating a social mobilisation campaign for a corporate social responsibility initiative of a real estate company. The best ideas came from two 17-year-olds interning with the company! Fresh-faced, eager to learn and please and updated on technology, they are a delight to have around is the general consensus in the industry.

The trend of picking up smart students from college for four to eight weeks of summer internships in the sales and marketing functions has been gaining ground for the last few years, especially by start-ups with limited marketing budgets and this summer the age group of interns has got even younger. Students, while still at high school, are making a beeline for internships in banking, retail, event management, insurance, journalism, web designing, hospitality and fashion.

McDonalds and Pizza Hut were one of the first to create opportunities for school and college students to work at their outlets. Students who joined them wanted to supplement their pocket money, gain experience and develop social skills. But standing at a counter, taking orders and serving food was still not considered trendy enough to become a popular choice.

Organised internships have, however, come of age with schools stepping forward to tie up weeklong internships with leading companies. For Shri Ram School and Vasant Valley in New Delhi, which already have active career counselling cells, this was a natural progression. It was also easy to tap into resources of their parent community, most of whom are influential and hold senior positions in the corporate sector, requesting them to absorb their students for structured internships. Students were then asked what sectors they preferred and then positioned in the industry of their choice. This year they got to intern with companies like Tata AIG, Pepsi, Coke, Living Media, Lintas and Hero Honda.

Gautam Agawari, director, Pyramid HR, a Delhi-based consulting firm that recently hired school interns to promote its new products and services, says, “If employers have a structured plan during the summer months and X-mas holidays on using young people on specific projects they can get a lot of things done — from telemarketing, research, working on databases, getting critiques on websites, organising events and providing editorial/ design inputs for in-house newsletters.” Tapping young people and making the most of their enthusiasm and fresh approach can be an advantage. Apart from the fact that you don’t have to pay them a king’s ransom, they can be your best brand ambassadors and image consultants, he adds.

But going by feedback from a fresh batch of student interns, the situation at companies is not all that rosy. “There is no hand holding. You have to make your own way. If you are prepared to do that, it will be a win - win for all,” says Unnattee Eusebius, who has just gone to Class XII in Delhi’s Shri Ram School. Her plan is to do English Honours from St Stephens College and pursue a career in journalism or publishing. An avid reader, she thinks she has a flair for writing but wanted to assess if her skills matched what the real world offered and expected. She did a week’s internship with Hindustan Times (HT City) and topped it with a fortnight’s internship with a publishing house.

Her main reason was to “gain exposure to media (print) and visualise where I would be in this profession a few years down the line.” While other interns with her were doing it for “time pass” she definitely wanted to see how newspapers worked and was glad she got one byline and three finished articles to show by the time her weeklong training was over

From her batch, she was one of the few who did a second internship. “Sacrificing an annual vacation for a working stint is not the idea of fun for many and since this summer most internships were not paid ones, given the recession, it was reason enough for many giving it a miss” she says. Which is why unless the student is serious with good people skills chances are that the experience may not be all that memorable.

“Moving out of the ambit of a protected environment was my biggest learning. Expecting people to be nice, welcoming and appreciative of your talents is a rare bonus. Most department heads under whom interns are placed are not desperate to have them in the first place. At best they are accommodating and in a rare case will assign tasks that are challenging, she says.

Kreeti Gogia worked with Euro Kids, a preschool, as administrator and counsellor. She handled admissions, enquiries, bank work, employee salaries and accounts. These tasks gave her an overview of how things worked so much so that when the time came for her to bid adieu, her employers offered her a part time job, doubling the stipend amount. She held on to the job for nearly a year, balancing college in the morning and Euro Kids in the evening.

“The feeling that you are responsible and that people do not treat you like a kid is a big high. Also holding my ground amidst 20 and 30 year olds when I was just 16 and being regarded as an equal boosted my self-esteem immensely.” She learnt how to draft letters, handle official correspondence and brush up conversational skills and at every step could introspect and reflect on her ‘performance and conduct’.

Kreeti feels if you persevere and let people see that you are capable and serious you may be assigned an interesting project, giving you something tangible to show when you step out.

Mallika Bajaj, the youngest-ever host of the Davis Cup Tournaments held in India, interned at various media firms starting with Livemint when she was all of 17. This was followed by short stints with NewsX, BBC, The Times of India and Lok Sabha TV. According to her, “Exposure to print, electronic and online media made me decide that I wanted to specialise in television reportage focusing on sports 
and lifestyle.”

While waiting for her class XII results and finalising admission in Australia for an under graduate course in Media Studies, she joined Livemint, the online entity of Mint. “I got a chance to research, write, edit and do video stories. I fiddled with camera and media software as I interviewed celebrities like Arjun Rampal, Aishwarya Rai and Fardeen Khan.” She recalls that her timing was perfect for while she was interning, Livemint was thinking of putting up video stories on their website. They were still to acquire equipment and have a studio. So when she volunteered to use her own handy cam and shoot video interviews, edit them and do the voiceover they were willing to give her a chance. Having taken the initiative she delivered by working overtime and enlisting support and help from senior friends in the media industry. Her bylined stories earned her better grades in college besides making her next internship easier – an anchoring stint for nearly a dozen episodes on television channel NewsX.

Amogh Ranadiv has planned his internships Class X onwards and has done one every year. He started with JLT, Times of India’s magazine for the young in Mumbai. He always knew he wanted to be a writer and post internship enrolled for a bachelors in media and communications. He feels that internships decorate your CV, provide an extra edge that comes handy when you step into the job market and shows you how to earn an extra buck.” His advice is that one should not try too hard to fit in. just do your work without too much noise, and let your work speak for itself.

Suresh Naidu, a parent whose son has been rather iffy about what career to take up, says, “Even for those who are not too sure of what they want to pursue, a student internship can be a stepping stone to at least getting a better understanding of your own self. Unpleasant experiences too to that extent are part of the learning process.”

Unnattee had pictured a fairytale office, helpful people, fun work and weekends off. This vision was quickly shattered. “It is not mandatory for people to be helpful. Everyone is just so busy.” A lot then depends on what you are prepared to do to maximise your stint at the company,” is her parting shot of advice. You could walk out with friends for life, a friendly guide and mentor, a reality check on the company/ sector and something new to talk about for a while.

Graphic designers are predicted to hold the
best & most jobs by 2014
It is a designer’s world!
Usha Albuquerque

If you are looking at a career where you will possibly never be out of a job, it is graphic design. Graphic designers are predicted to hold the most jobs by 2014. Keeping in mind the future of the media and the need for creative work, graphic designers are projected to have the best employment opportunities of all creative professionals.

The Maggi noodles packet, the glossy fashion magazine, the news programme you watch on television, the banners and hoardings — all these diverse products of everyday life have one thing in common: they all have some elements of graphic design. No wonder there are tremendous opportunities in this field!

Design is a broad term applicable to any sphere of activity where aesthetics and creativity are required. Graphic designers analyse, plan and make creative visual solutions for communication. They help to express the message in the most effective way in the print, film or electronic medium.

You could be doing fashion magazine layouts, brochures or menu cards, corporate logos and reports, video graphics for TV channels, web design packages, advertising visuals and a range of interesting jobs depending on the area of work. Graphic designers create the layout and production designs for newspapers, magazines, corporate reports, journals and other publications. They also develop promotional displays, marketing and packaging brochures for various products and services and unique design logos for businesses. In addition, they also make signs for government and businesses. The graphic designer also produces material for interactive media, Internet web pages and multimedia projects.

Graphic designers work with print, pictures and patterns. They lay out text and pictures for books and magazines, advertisements, posters, sales brochures, product packaging, Television programmes, credit and title sequences of films, video animations and cartoons, outdoor media like hoardings, kiosks, stationery, and so on. A variety of different techniques like color combinations, illustrations, photography, print and print-layout are used in graphic designing.

A graphic designer is a commercial artist who provides creative solutions to communication problems for the promotion of products, services or ideas enhanced through visual communication. . It is the job of the graphic designer to give meaning to thoughts and ideas presenting it on paper or creating a suitable combination of visual media that could include sound as well. Printing, photography, and film are important tools of communication. Although the traditional skills of the hand still remain prized, the computer has become an indispensable tool for today’s graphic designers.

Graphic designers work on two-dimensional designs that include print, drawings and illustrations, as well as three-dimensional design that could be video or animation. Computer aided Designing (CAD) and 3-D graphics is now often used and offers many advantages to designers. CAD is a branch of the widely used concept — multimedia, which is an integration of various media such as sound, video, text, and graphics on a single platform. Graphic designers and animators design on computers and then the design is put to use by the clients that are as wide ranging as television producers, fashion designers, jewellers, architects, scientists, researchers and many others.

The right strokes

You need a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or BFA or a diploma in graphic design, multimedia or commercial art to qualify as a graphic designer. These courses are available at several colleges, universities as well, as polytechnics and private design schools. Graphic Design is taught as a separate course in some institutions and in others it is taught as part of the Bachelor’s degree course in Fine Arts, or diploma in commercial art and design. The curriculum includes studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and Web site design. In addition to design courses, a liberal arts education or a program that includes courses in art history, writing, psychology, sociology, foreign languages and cultural studies, marketing, and business are useful in helping designers work effectively communicate complex subjects to a variety audiences.

You can apply for the diploma / degree courses in design after 10 + 2 in any subject, if you have an interest in the subject and general creative abilities. Some basic problem-solving skills and creative communication are also useful. Graphic designers should be familiar with computer graphics and the various design software available. Admission to most courses is through a written-cum-drawing test.

There is now a common qualifying examination, NEED (National Entrance Examination for Design), for admission to the undergraduate level programmes in design for many of the top institutes of design, including NID Ahmedabad, IILM School of Design, Gurgaon, Srishti School of Art , Design & Technology, Bangalore, IICD, Jaipur, and several others. Students can apply to all institutes with their NEED score and seek admission in any of the major design education establishments in India. Forms are available in October each year, while the entrance test is held in January.

Upward climb

With almost every field of work today asking for the designer touch, designers can take their pick according to their aptitude and preference. The design industry contains different job profiles such as graphic designers, design management professional, creative directors, art workers and more. Employment opportunities for graphic designers have witnessed a tremendous increase in the present decade because of rapid advances in computers and in the creative media such as electronic media, packaging, film and animation, advertising agencies, marketing firms, design studios and educational institutes.

Graphic designers and animators can work for television networks and production companies especially those making educational and research programmes. With so many private television channels coming up, there is no dearth of jobs for animators. They can even work for feature filmmakers in Bollywood. Moreover, graphic designers can also work for software development companies and multimedia centres. They can even opt for a career in advertising agencies, publishing houses and design studios, and with printers and typesetters, exhibitions and displays, as well as publishers, manufacturers and department stores. A large number of graphic designers also work independently.

Design is definitely one of the most sought after professions of the new millennium. Consumerism has led to the rising demand for designers and there is no dearth of work for them. As market competition increases, new products are being released almost every day, and need to be well designed and attractive enough to catch the eye of the consumer, while also fulfilling a functional use. There is therefore a growing demand for designers being felt in almost every sphere of human activity. So if you a good imagination, love working with colours, shapes and ideas, have an intrinsic artistic talent; are curious and interested in the social environment around you, you can start by designing your own career in the field of graphic design.

(The writer is a career expert)

The meltdown
B’lore techies settle for low-paying jobs
Begin exploring other fields as attrition rate rises to
23 per cent, much of it attributed to layoffs
Maitreyee Boruah

Till a few months ago, IT professional T.V. George was earning Rs 70,000 a month plus perks. But after losing his high-paying job, and being unemployed for three months, George, 31, has started giving tuitions in mathematics and physics to aspiring engineering students in his neighbourhood.

“Now, I am earning Rs 15,000 per month. It’s been hard. I got married only a few months before losing my job. So, when I lost my job, I was in a difficult position. Thankfully, I had some savings. With the savings, I am paying my rent and for a few other necessities,” George, who was employed with a top US IT company, said.

“After losing my job, I tried my best to get a new job. But I remained unlucky. So to help run my home, I decided to give coaching classes to aspiring engineering students.” George is not alone. Recession has hit the IT sector in Bangalore, with scores of techies losing their jobs. Some have been forced to take up low-paying jobs as they wait to bounce back when the recession ends.

Dipankar Dutta, 27, working with an Indian IT company as software engineer, lost his job almost eight months ago. Today, he has a job, but as a content writer in a tech firm. “Thankfully, writing has been my forte. So, I landed this job of a content writer. Otherwise I would have been in a soup. Since I cannot afford to stay in Bangalore without a job, I compromised and settled for the new job with a much lower pay package,” said Dutta.

Scores of IT and ITES professionals in Bangalore have lost their jobs in recent times, an effect of the global economic meltdown. But there is no precise count of the numbers. According to the latest employment and business outlook report by Bangalore-based staffing firm Teamlease, at 23 per cent, the attrition rate in this city is higher than in any other city in India.

The report was based on interviews with HR heads, CEOs and senior executives of 495 companies in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune. “The city accounted for the highest attrition rate. IT accounts for over 80 per cent of the city’s total labour pool. The attrition rate was 23 per cent in the last quarter, against the previous quarter’s 16 per cent. Much of the attrition could be involuntary attrition (or layoffs),” Teamlease general manager Surabhi Mathur-Gandhi said.

India’s Silicon Valley has seen thousands of people getting pink slips in recent months. And many more are under the threat of losing their jobs. “It’s painful to lose your job in today’s expensive world. Those who have lost their jobs are desperate now, thus they are settling for low paying jobs,” Karthik Shekhar, general secretary of UNITES-Professionals, an unrecognised union of IT/call centre/BPO employees, said.

“Every day we meet young men and women who have lost their IT jobs recently. All they want is a job. But getting a job in the IT sector is very difficult. So, they have no option but to settle for jobs outside their fields and that too with low paying packages,” Shekhar added.

“It’s encouraging that today’s youths are ready to move ahead in their lives. Instead of waiting for the economy to revive, IT professionals have started exploring other fields and this is a positive sign,” said B.N. Gangadhar, professor of psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans), Bangalore.

Mohammed Khan, a trained software engineer, said: “Initially it was difficult, but I am happy with my choice. After losing my job with an IT firm, now I am working as a sales executive. I am hoping the economy will recover soon and all the techies who have lost their jobs will get new jobs in their field.” — IANS

...over 1 cr new jobs this fiscal

Amid reports of massive job losses in the time of global downturn, the government sees over one core jobs being created in rural areas this financial year with khadi units contributing 10 lakh jobs.

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Enterprises is also bullish on sales of products from ruralindustries. Merchandise sales from village industries is expected to increase by 10 per cent to Rs 22,344 crore in the fiscal, says the annual report of Ministry of Micro, Small and Enterprises for 2008-09. 

“The total cumulative employment in the khadi and village industries sector is estimated to have increased to 102.35 lakh by the end of March 2009 as against 99.21 lakh by the end March 2008,” says the annual report of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for 2008-09. While the village industries are projected to have 100.25 lakh jobs by end of 2009-10, the khadi sector is estimated to have 10 lakh during the period, the report said.  — PTI

Pharma, manufacturing & telecom sectors see highest salary increase for FY10; IT & financial services at bottom of list
Salary hikes
It’s not all bad

Pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and telecom sectors are witnessing the highest increase of up to 11 per cent in salaries for FY 2009-10, while IT and financial services got the least hikes. With the economic downturn impacting the earnings of companies, they were restructuring their salary structures and focusing more on performance and also cutting down on the increments for the current fiscal, experts said.

As per a mid-year survey on ‘Performance & Reward Trends’ by Hewitt Associates, pharma sector saw the highest salary hike of 11.1 per cent for FY 2009-10, followed by manufacturing (10.8 per cent), telecom (9.5 per cent) and FMCG (9.3 per cent). However, retail sector has been impacted by the downturn and the salary hikes for the current fiscal might not be as expected by the industry.

“Firms have been found to implement metrics to determine return on investment on human resources. Investment in proprietary knowledge and technological upgrade is continuing, albeit slower than during boom times. “Smart firms have turned inward, consolidating operations, rationalising requirements and optimising resources to ride the slowdown,” Deloitte senior director (management consultancy services) P Thiruvengadam said. “In the wake of the economic downturn and the current situation that the Indian economy is witnessing the IT, ITeS sectors will be impacted,” Thiruvengadam added.

The Hewitt survey revealed companies across industries were strongly differentiating rewards on basis of performance but majority of them were not considering any layoffs or severe salary cuts in the current fiscal. The sectors to witness least increase in pay packages for the current fiscal are IT (2.8 per cent), ITeS (4.4 per cent) and financial services space (5.2 per cent), the survey stated.

“In IT & ITeS sector, overall salary increases have been kept under control and most companies have reported a stable or marginally reduced pay cost structure in relation to total costs. It reflects the response of a growth economy managing a short to medium term slowdown, while keeping an eye on long term growth,” Thiruvengadam said.

Interestingly, layoffs have been generally more prevalent in sectors which hired numbers in the last few years like in the IT, ITeS, and retail sector recently, he added. The Deloitte survey ‘Engaging employees in recessionary times’ found that there was an overall decrease in attrition rates. Around 23 per cent of firms surveyed reported attrition figures of less than five per cent and 44 per cent of companies reported figures between five and 10 per cent.

“During these unprecedented times when firms across the world considered options such as mass layoffs and salary cuts, India Inc also considered same measures but with maturity,” Hewitt’s performance and rewards consulting practice leader in India, Sandeep Chaudhary said. — PTI

US employees to see pay hike in 2010

With the economic recession expected to ease in the coming months, a survey shows that employees in the US are likely to see their salaries rise by as much as 3 per cent in 2010.

The planned 3 per cent increase in pay would be across executives, middle management, supervisory and clerical positions, global consulting firm Hay Group said in a recent report. Reflecting improved sentiments about the economy, the likely salary hike of 3 per cent is higher than anticipated earlier, it said.

“... it (pay rise) reflects an uptick relative to a Hay Group survey in March 2009, when organisations indicated that planned salary increases were a median of 2 per cent for all employees and zero for executives,” Hay Group said.

“This may indicate a positive opinion from organisations regarding the relative health of the overall economy and their organisations in 2010,” it added.

Hay Group’s forecast results are based on the responses from more than 400 organisations from March through June 2009.

Course chat
Now, a media course through distance learning

Access Atlantech Edutainment (India) Ltd, in association with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), has announced the commencement of six-month certificate courses in digital audio and digital production. The certificate programmes are designed with the objective of creating awareness and understanding of various processes of production in sound and film thereby generating more self-employment opportunities to the ever-increasing segment of aspiring students.

Students will in future have various options to upgrade this certificate studies to diplomas and thereon. Courses offered under this affiliation are:

Certificate programme in creative media arts (digital audio): The course provides a solid foundation of the concepts of digital audio and its application in the media industry. Students would undergo an intensive training and also get an opportunity to do assignments and projects. The programme encompasses a very comprehensive set of subjects like sound theory, studio equipments, digital audio workstation, audio postproduction, editing & mixing etc.

Certificate programme in creative media arts (digital production in television and film): The course is proposed keeping in mind those who have an interest in visual communication and want to understand the mystique behind film making or television programming but have not had access to learn about either. This course helps the student to make an informed choice about which aspect of film/video making that he/she wishes to pursue further academically.

The distance learning certificate programme will be offered from August 2009 with contact programmes scheduled at all the Access Atlantech campuses across India. — TNS

IBM offers IT education tourism

IBM has announced the launch of an education programme that it said would enable IT professionals and students to come to India and receive IBM certified training here. To avail of this offer, an individual needs to register for a course from the IBM Power and IBM System Storage Curriculum, the company said in a statement.

All visa formalities, tickets and accommodation requirements are arranged and facilitated by an IBM training partner, it said. The IT education tourism programme, slated to start next month, is a unique initiative where IBM has partnered with Stratom IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., India to introduce IT education tourism as a package for global students and IT professionals.

IBM plans to target around 300 participants in India for a minimum of 30 days this year.

As part of the programme, IBM would offer a comprehensive portfolio of technical training and education services for systems designed for individuals, companies and public organisations to acquire, maintain, and optimise their IT skills, the statement added. — PTI

Fortnightly Quiz-341
A small step, but a giant leap

1. How many years ago did the first astronaut land on the moon?

2. What is the full form of UIAI?

3. To which gharana did the classical vocalist Gangubhai Hangal belong?

4. On which date was this century’s longest solar eclipse witnessed recently?

5. Who was known as Frontier Gandhi?

6. Which place was recently voted as the world’s top

fashion city in an annual survey?

7. What new name has been given to the 36-year-old Sears Tower in Chicago?

8. Which country recently clinched its first overseas cricket Test series by defeating the West Indies 2-0?

9. After how many years did England beat Australia at the Lord’s cricket ground in a Test match recently?

10. Which jubilee is being celebrated by the Ranji Trophy championship this year?
— Tarun Sharma

Winners of quiz 340: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Vartika, class IX-A, Blue Bells Model School, Gurgaon, Pin Code - 122001

Second: Ratanvir Kaur, class X-B, DAV Cent Senior Secondary Public School, Mansa, Pin Code - 151505

Third: Dixit Jangra, class IX, Janta Public School, V& PO Rabhra, tehsil Gohana, district Sonepat, Haryana, Pin Code - 131301

Answers to quiz 340: 2 billion; China; Wal-Mart; Jammu-Udhampur rail track (highest rail bridge Gambhir Bridge); Michael Phelps; Cycling; Rudi Koertzen; 90; Sunil Gavaskar; James Anderson and Monty Panesar

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.

Career Hotline
Pervin Malhotra

MPharm in Australia
You’ll have to start afresh

Q. What kind of degree will I get if I pursue my masters in pharmacy in Australia? I have done BPharm. — Livinder Singh

A. In many countries, including Australia, the MPharm degree is not considered an advanced follow-up degree for pharmacists. In fact, it has superseded the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) as the prerequisite and primary qualification for registration to practice as a pharmacist. Which is to say that it’s not a postgraduate course for BPharm degree holders like you. Nor credit is granted for previous studies undertaken in any undergraduate programme, including pharmacy or related fields.

From 2008, entry into the MPharm programme is open to international students who have completed an undergraduate degree in either biomedical sciences, health sciences, science with a major in physiology, pharmacology or biotechnology or an applied science degree with a major in medical laboratory science. In addition to completing their undergraduate degree, students should be proficient in English, as determined by the university’s IELTS standards. This also gives an opportunity for science graduates from a variety of life and biological sciences to enter this profession.

Moreover, pharmacists from overseas have to pass the APEC exam and training process to qualify for registration as pharmacists in Australia. Do ensure that the school and its MPharm programme are accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

Where to study

MPharm is offered at the Griffith University (School of Pharmacy), Murdoch University (School of Pharmacy), University of Canberra, University of Newcastle (School of Biomedical Sciences), University of Sydney (Faculty of Pharmacy) and the University of Western Australia

Mastering the genes

Q. I am a student of BSc Part Two with botany, zoology, English and chemistry. I want to do MSc in genetics after graduation. Please name some recognised universities. — Deepali Mehra

A. You could look at the following universities that offer MSc genetics in North India. The subject is also offered as a specialisation in MSc biotech programmes.

The typical eligibility for both courses is a bachelor’s degree in physical or biological sciences, biotech, agriculture, biotechnology, medicine, dentistry or veterinary sciences. Incidentally, genetics is also taught as a part of dairy technology courses.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

University of Delhi (www.du.ac.in)

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, MP

Devi Ahilya University, School of Biotechnology,
Indore, MP (www.davvbiotech.res.in)

Ch Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University,
Hissar 125004, Haryana

Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab

Rajendra Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar

Go on, do a diploma in X-ray technology

Q. After completing Class 12 (PCB), I worked as a darkroom assistant in a hospital. Currently, I am working as an X-ray technician. I have also completed my BA. Since I don’t have a diploma or degree, I get a low salary. Please tell me if I can pursue a course related to X-ray technology? — Vikas Bhalla

A. Sure you can! Besides some institutes, many hospitals also offer courses in X-ray technology and radiology like the Holy Family Hospital, Jamia Nagar P.O, New Delhi. The course is diploma for X-ray technicians. Its duration is two years and eligibility is inter science or equivalent. Other courses are available at:

Institute of Public Health & Hygiene, RZ-A-44, Mahipalpur, New Delhi 110037

Duration: One year

Selection: Entrance exam, interview (Please check if it is recognised by Govt of NCT, Delhi)

Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (Maharshi Dayanand University), Rohtak 124001

Duration: Two years

Eligibility: Class XII (PCB & English)

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh-160012

Eligibility: 10+2 (science) or (a) HSc/PUC with physics and chemistry, (b) certificate or diploma in radiography, (c) Five years experience as a radiographer

Patna Medical College Hospital, Patna-800004, (Bihar)

Course: Diploma in X-ray technology

Duration: One year

Eligibility: Inter science or equivalent

This is just an indicative listing. There are several others. Check with your seniors for something in your vicinity.

Mission MBA: Let state not decide course

Q. I am a third year student of BCom. I want to make a career in management. Please guide me about top management institutes of Punjab. — Surinder Pal Khaneja

A. When choosing a B-school, please don’t restrict your choice to a specific city or region. Go for the best you can get – anywhere in the country. But since you ask, Panjab University’s Department of Management Studies enjoys a good reputation.

Secondly, it’s not a very good idea to jump into an MBA directly after completing your graduation. After all, pursuing a management degree is a huge investment of time (not to mention money).

Work-ex before going for an MBA is now almost an unspoken requirement for all the top B-schools in India during the selection process. Previous work experience will not only help you make a better decision but also increase your odds of getting into a good B-school.

While a good academic record was considered sufficient to be admitted to a reputed institute until a few years ago, today an increasing number of B-schools ask for work experience. Prospective students, with a solid work record, tend to get precedence over fresh graduates. Understandably, these people tend to have more practical knowledge, and can therefore absorb the new information better and quicker. Also, companies prefer people with work-ex in their functional areas because they have a lot more to offer and can hit the road running.

It will also help you face the interview panel with a convincing answer to “Why an MBA?” While participating in case studies, you can relate better to managerial and professional problems if you have come across similar situations in real life.

Work-ex also bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. It gives you clarity of goals and a sharper overview and perspective of what’s happening in the marketplace. All told, it also helps you extract greater value from your MBA.

Mass comm vs BCom
Weigh the pros & cons

Q. I am a BCom student but weak in math and accounts. I don’t see much of a future in finance and would like to take up mass communication. Is it the right choice? — Surinder Pal Khaneja

A. Let me explain what this field called mass communication is all about. After that you can decide for yourself whether you’re suited for it or not.

Mass Communications is a very broad umbrella term that includes various fields — i.e., advertising, journalism, public relations, cinema, radio, television and broadcasting, theatre, communication arts and now even has the Internet in its ambit. Although communication remains the core element, the nature of work would depend on the field you are in.

A course in mass communication will give you a general overview of each of these fields at the macro level. Thereafter, you can choose your preferred medium and area of specialisation and work in the area that fascinates you most. Electronic and satellite communication has ushered in dramatic changes in journalism. Job opportunities exist in: Newspapers, magazines and periodicals, news agencies, television, radio, regional press bureaus of international papers/news agencies/networks, Internet portals, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, related government agencies and public relations departments of public and private sector corporations, as freelancer/stringer, art and theatre critic, book reviewer, etc.

This column appears weekly. Please send in your queries, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to:
The Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com.