JOBS & CAREERS
 


Medicine for the mind & body
Unlike modern medicine, traditional & alternative systems focus on treating the whole person, making them immensely popular & opening scores of satisfying career options
AT a time when there is so much concern about increasing cases of swine flu and when maintaining health is a matter of life or death, there are increasing numbers of people turning to alternative methods of healing for tackling some major illnesses. Ayurveda, naturopathy, homoeopathy and other such systems of medicine are helping thousands of patients cope with chronic and life threatening diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and so on. There is today an increasing awareness about medicines with medical research regularly alerting us to the efficacy or alternatively the side effects of a range of medicines.

Careercature
Sandeep Joshi

Before the group discussion, I want to know the financial status of the company under the Right to Information Act.
Before the group discussion, I want to know the financial status of the company under the Right to Information Act.

Take a break for work-ex
Career fad: Students take a break from studies and seek a job to get hands-on knowledge & an edge over peers
Standing at the crossroads eight years ago, 29-year-old Ramneek Khullar decided to take a break from studies after graduation and “experience” some real work — as a sales executive with a private bank. The decision paid off.

Office Mantra
Mind your workplace manners, it pays
MANNERS maketh the businessman, with a global survey finding Americans and Britons to be the most easily insulted by lack of workplace etiquette, while Australians are among the most offensive.

Looks matter more than CV!
Fogget polishing your resume to find a suitable job, for, your looks are more than enough to do the trick, suggests a new study, which has found that new employees are hired on the basis of their ‘personality or appearance’.

Refining business skills
‘Finishing schools’ to fill the gap left by the Indian education system, help three million graduates do better at the workplace
The traditional image of finishing schools is of the Swiss Alps, where elegant young ladies from well-to-do families learn to walk, talk and make conversation before entering polite society. Now India is looking to the model for the three million or so graduates it produces every year to refine the skills they need to succeed in business and give the country a sharper edge in the global marketplace.

Being Boss
Outgoing, confident or narcissistic?
Egotistic bosses cause stress, wreck morale & productivity
People who work for a narcissistic boss find their stress levels shooting up and output going down, a new study has confirmed. They also have less job satisfaction and are more distressed overall. 

Bhubaneswar institute ties up with US firm
US CHIPMAKER Cypress Semiconductor Corp will set up a design technology laboratory on the campus of the Bhubaneswar Institute of Technology (BIT) and train its students. 

Fortnightly Quiz-342

Career Hotline

  • Planning a job switch? Know what you want first
  • Get decent marks in BA
  • In healthcare look at marketing jobs
  • IT stands for India today, BT represents Bharat tomorrow
  • Go ahead, serve the country your way!

 

 





 

Medicine for the mind & body
Unlike modern medicine, traditional & alternative systems focus on treating the whole person, making them immensely popular & opening scores of satisfying career options
Usha Albuquerque

At a time when there is so much concern about increasing cases of swine flu and when maintaining health is a matter of life or death, there are increasing numbers of people turning to alternative methods of healing for tackling some major illnesses. Ayurveda, naturopathy, homoeopathy and other such systems of medicine are helping thousands of patients cope with chronic and life threatening diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and so on.

There is today an increasing awareness about medicines with medical research regularly alerting us to the efficacy or alternatively the side effects of a range of medicines. The human body’s reactions to the thousands of drugs available and the many varying reactions along with lifestyle changes has triggered a global revival of popular interest in non-conventional and traditional medicinal practices and techniques.

Today, these traditional healing systems are part of an international multi-million dollar industry embracing their practice, research & development, and the manufacture of traditional medicines.

India is home to a variety of traditional healing plants and medicinal substances many of which originated here and have been grown for their medicinal properties and some which were imported from other parts of the world. Moreover, the practice of traditional methods of healing has developed over centuries and is an integral part of the healthcare system in the country.

We also have around 220 colleges, which turn out 9,000 qualified practitioners of traditional medicinal systems every year. Moreover, traditional medical practice is now recognised by the World Health Organisation, thereby widening the scope for those who want to help others through the practice of any of these streams. Some of the traditional systems of alternative medicine currently being practised in India include:

Amazing Ayurveda

THIS medical system lays emphasis on the preventive rather than curative aspect of ailments and employs the properties of medicinal plants in its practice.

How it works: Closely related to naturopathy, ayurvedic theory — which dates back some 3,000 years — revolves around the principle of the five natural elements of which all physical matter is believed to comprise. Maintaining a balance of these constituent elements within the human body attains freedom from disease. Ayurvedic doctors follow non-invasive practices – surgery is not known to ayurveda. Doctors examine patients by asking questions, feeling the pulse and by sight. Medicines are prescribed for prevention of diseases and general improvement of health.

Getting in: Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine is a five-and-a-half year undergraduate programme for students of Class XII with physics, chemistry and biology. It is useful if you have taken Sanskrit in Class X since ayurvedic texts, particularly the Charaka Samhita, are written in Sanskrit. Admission in institutions within a state is based on merit for students domiciled in the state. More than 150 colleges offer BAMS.

Nature’s Bounty

Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine based on the healing power of nature.

How it works: Doctors strive to find the cause of disease by understanding the patient as a totality of body, mind, and spirit. Most naturopathic doctors use a wide variety of therapies and techniques (such as nutrition, herbal medicine, Homoeopathy, and acupuncture).

There are two areas of focus in naturopathy: one is supporting the body’s own healing abilities, and the other is empowering individuals to make lifestyle changes necessary for the best possible health. While naturopathic doctors treat both short bouts of illness and chronic conditions, their emphasis is on prevention of disease and patient education.

Some more common treatments used by a naturopath include nutritional counselling, herbal medicine, acupuncture, hydrotherapy (water therapy) which includes drinking natural spring water, taking baths, alternating hot and cold applications, and exercising in water, all of which are thought to stimulate and support healing and strengthen the immune system.

Naturopaths also induce healing through using touch, hot and cold compresses, electric currents, and sound waves to manipulate the muscles, bones, and spine, and through detoxification — fasting, enemas, and drinking water in large amounts. Lifestyle and psychological counselling such as hypnosis, guided imager, or other counselling methods can also be part of a treatment plan.

Getting in: The Bachelor in Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences is also a minimum five-and-a-half year course (five-and-a-half + one year internship), full-time residential professional medical degree offered by various health science universities. There are 10 degree colleges running BNYS degree courses.

At present BNYS is the highest qualification in the field of naturopathy and yoga and considered at par with medical degrees like MBBS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS and BSMS. The National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune is the premier institute for the study and research related to naturopathy while others include the Gandhi Nature Cure College Hyderabad and IN Medical College of Naturopathy, Salem, Tamil Nadu.

Unani Medicine

HIPPOCRATES laid the foundations of this system in 5th century B.C. These were later adapted and developed by the Arabs into an elaborate therapeutic system and introduced into India via Central Asian trade routes some time around the 10th century A.D.

How it works: This system is based on the philosophy of good health being equivalent to a perfect balance of the elements, humour and temperament, and diagnostic methods use a combination of modern pathology and traditional pulse readings.

Getting in: Bachelors in Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) is offered in about 25 colleges in India. Admission in institutions within a state is based on merit for students domiciled in the state.

Opening many doors

ALL systems provide options for study and research at the postgraduate level. For many students unable to get into the limited medical colleges of the country, a qualification in any of the traditional systems is an alternative entry into a medical career. Most qualified practitioners join government service where special departments have been set up for the Indian systems.

There are also charitable or private clinics, hospitals and dispensaries for qualified doctors. With several pharmaceutical companies setting up facilities for research and development of herbal medicine, there is scope for employment in this area too. There are four autonomous institutions set up by the government to initiate, aid, guide, develop and coordinate scientific research in different aspects of Indian systems of medicine. These are the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani medicine, Homoeopathy, Yoga and Naturopathy.

The pay packet

WHILE remuneration for government doctors is at par with those in allopathic medicine, it may be considerably less in private practice where much would depend on the locality, place of work and practitioner’s ability and reputation. One would face competition from other systems of medicine and there are the problems of lack of adequate funding and research required to develop and further the system. But, as in all other medical professions, the work is a reward in itself, particularly when results begin to show, and patients gain confidence in their doctor.

There are many individuals choosing alternative medicine for a variety of reasons. They believe that it safer than other curative procedures, rarely makes use of drugs and is done naturally, encouraging those suffering from chronic diseases to turn to such therapies.

More than that, it is the awareness of the benefits of alternative medicine to improving other aspects of a person’s life — proper diet, a better lifestyle, and the ways of achieving mental health, that is also increasing bringing in votaries. So, mind and body healing can certainly lead to a healthy and satisfying professional career.

(The writer is a career expert)

Sweet Healing

HOMOEOPATHY was first developed in Germany in the late 18th century and then it took a hundred years of intensive research and experimentation to evolve the complex and sophisticated form we know today. Homoeopathy is the most widely practised of all traditional medical systems in India.

How it works: Homeopathic practitioners trace the complete history of the disease in the patient, and understand the personality, temperament and food habits before making a diagnosis. Homeopathic medicines are minute doses of natural mineral and plant substances, which cure the patient by stimulating the natural defences of the body. It is believed that the smaller the dose the more effective it is. Homoeopathy often offers cures for chronic conditions, which may require surgery under allopathic treatment.

Getting in: Homoeopathy is offered as a diploma and a degree programme. DHMS is a four-year course while the graduate degree, Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery, is five-and-a-half years. Admission to BHMS is based on merit in the Class XII exam for students of physics, chemistry and biology.

In some states there is a joint entrance exam for BHMS along with the MBBS and BDS. Homeopathic medical colleges are recognised by the Central Council of Homoeopathy and affiliated to different Universities or Boards for conducting the DHMS and BHMS.

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Take a break for work-ex
Career fad: Students take a break from studies and seek a job to get hands-on knowledge & an edge over peers

Standing at the crossroads eight years ago, 29-year-old Ramneek Khullar decided to take a break from studies after graduation and “experience” some real work — as a sales executive with a private bank. The decision paid off.

“I wanted to gain some experience before doing post-graduation. I took a break for two years and then did my MBA,” said Khullar, who is now working with the Citi Group’s finance division as a branch manager in Gurgaon. “My two years of work experience with Citibank not only gave me an edge over others when I went for the MBA interview but I also got a promotion with Citibank,” said Khullar.

These days many undergraduates feel taking a break from studies gives them an edge when they actually seek a job because of their “hands-on knowledge”. Career counsellor Jayanti Ghose said taking a year’s break is a concept from the West that is now being adopted by Indians. “It has become a trend to take a year’s break after graduation.

Until a few years ago, this concept was very popular in Western countries but now is a hit here too,” Ghose said. “Many students are not sure of the field in which they want to pursue a post-graduation degree. So I often tell them to work for a year or two. This not only puts some work experience in their pocket but also broadens their horizon and helps them find their field of interest,” she added.

For many, taking a break from studies means some time to relax and earn some money. “I want to work for a year because I desperately need a break from studies. I think it will give me a chance to roam around and relax,” says Saanya Khanna, a final year English student.

The 21-year-old is not only relaxing at home after her examinations, learning aerobics, but also writes occasional articles for fashion magazines to earn some extra money. “I want to become a full-time writer later. The one-year gap would give me the much-needed experience. The money is also good,” she said.

Teena Jha, a journalism graduate, feels: “I think, with a strong portfolio, one stands a better chance than other candidates at an interview. I have just completed my graduation in journalism and I plan to work.”

According to career counsellor Pervin Malhotra, director of Career Guidance India, many students come to her every year after their graduation. “Taking a break and going for a job will certainly give an edge to a student who wants to do an MBA. But if one wants to pursue a masters degree in disciplines like English, history or sociology, work experience will not be of any help,” Malhotra said.

Rachit Puri, a second year student of the Netaji Subhash Institute of Technology, an engineering college under Delhi University, has already made plans for dropping a year before he pursues a post-graduation degree in business administration. “I want to take a break for a year or two before I sit for the entrance exams of various MBA institutes.

I want to utilise this time to prepare for entrances and also learn some new software and programmes because there is a new invention every day in the IT industry,” he said.

Mehak Sharma said she was in a dilemma after she completed her graduation. “I was confused about what subject I should do my masters in. So I took a break. Now, I have decided to pursue a diploma in travel and tourism.” She reached this decision after working with a private airline for a year as a phone operator.

Rahul Duggal, a graduate in bio-chemistry, worked with a research centre for over a year and now wants to take up research methodology as a subject. “Just imagine, if I had not worked, I would not have realised what I enjoy most. Thank god, I decided to take a break and work. I now know what I want in life,” he said. — IANS

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Office Mantra
Mind your workplace manners, it pays

MANNERS maketh the businessman, with a global survey finding Americans and Britons to be the most easily insulted by lack of workplace etiquette, while Australians are among the most offensive.

The survey, by Australian-based international office space provider Servcorp, listed the top five most offensive workplace behaviors as not saying hello or good morning, not offering office guests a beverage, speaking loudly across the room, using swear words and taking calls on mobile phones. The use of stationery without permission and asking colleagues about their personal lives were also deemed insulting.

The poll then revealed the United States and Britain to be the most sensitive nations in the world, despite 60 per cent respondents believing Japan has the strictest work etiquette. English and American businessmen were also more easily offended than their colleagues in the Middle East, Japan and China, nations with cultural traditions spanning centuries.

Almost 25 percent of Australians, however, thought it was perfectly acceptable to swear — something the majority of Japanese and Middle Easterners found deeply offensive. Nearly all Australians polled also said they would not think twice about addressing their boss by their first name, something Chinese business people found very rude. Australians also regularly talk loudly at work, take personal calls and ask too many personal questions, the survey showed.

“Being aware of potentially offensive behavior is a key factor to Australian business success abroad,” Taine Moufarrige, Servcorp’s executive director, said in a statement.

“Australians are very natural in their business style, perhaps more so than any other country in the world,” she said, adding that the survey, which was sent to some 700 businesspeople in 13 countries, was commissioned to help Australians.

The survey found that although they are not easily offended, Australians were more ticked off than their international colleagues by business people who don’t buy drinks and who don’t offer guests beverages. — Reuters

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Looks matter more than CV!

Fogget polishing your resume to find a suitable job, for, your looks are more than enough to do the trick, suggests a new study, which has found that new employees are hired on the basis of their ‘personality or appearance’.

The study of nearly 200 fashion and jewellery retailers conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney has revealed that ‘lookism’ is rife in the rag trade, where physical appearance is more important than previous experience. However, experts have warned that the retail industry isn’t the only culprit, with hospitality, tourism and telecommunication markets equally as guilty.

The survey of nearly all clothing retailers revealed that they hired new employees based on ‘personality’ while 84 per cent said they relied on those who had the ‘right appearance’. On the other hand, only 44 per cent took into account a prospective employee’s qualifications and less than 80 per cent someone’s “previous experience”.

Diane van den Broek, study co-author and senior lecturer in work and organisational studies at the University of Sydney, said that the findings suggest employers pay little attention to CVs. “Beauty is big business both for those achieving it and those exploiting it. As such, we are all implicated in this phenomenon,” she was quoted as saying.

She said that it was extremely difficult to gauge how often retailers asked for photographs with job applications. However, it was becoming increasingly prevalent in the bar and hospitality industry, she said. Talent2 director John Banks said looks were still a large part of the hiring process. In some cases, it was the determining factor 90 per cent of the time.

“People like people who look good and first impressions count. (In jobs) where there is a lot of exposure to the public, appearance is still an important factor,” he said. — ANI

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Refining business skills
‘Finishing schools’ to fill the gap left by the Indian education system, help three million graduates do better at the workplace
Phil Hazlewood

THE traditional image of finishing schools is of the Swiss Alps, where elegant young ladies from well-to-do families learn to walk, talk and make conversation before entering polite society. Now India is looking to the model for the three million or so graduates it produces every year to refine the skills they need to succeed in business and give the country a sharper edge in the global marketplace.

The “finishing schools” in Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore are to open later this year, as part of a two-million-dollar project by the Indian School of Integrated Learning (ISIL) and British training firm Speak First. “The finishing school is taking graduates and anyone else of that academic level through a programme which will give them all the skills that a business could possibly want,” Speak First’s Amanda Vickers said in Mumbai.

“A lot of people (in India) are academically really well qualified, very bright and intelligent, all the things that most businesses want. But where there is a gap is in the skills that you need to succeed in business.”

India has seen massive foreign investment into the likes of its IT, banking and outsourcing sectors, attracted by a massive, educated — and cheaper — workforce, fuelling close to double-digit economic growth in recent years. But both Vickers, Speak First’s managing director, and ISIL chairman Vijay Moza said Indian employees could do better when it comes to “soft skills”.

Misunderstandings have often arisen from telephone manners or email etiquette with clients and even colleagues based elsewhere in the world that may just be a simple case of cultural difference, they said. A common bugbear among foreign businesses and individuals here is of many Indians not wanting to say “no”, leading to frustrations when requests are not completed on time or even at all, said Vickers. 

Too much respect for clients and superiors can be construed as a lack of directness while attempts to be more direct can come across as aggression, she added. Teaching communication, interpersonal and negotiating skills as well as cultural awareness is simply “reflecting a business need” in an increasingly globalised world, she said.

For his part, Moza said he has heard frequent complaints from company bosses not just about many graduates’ lack of workplace skills but the time and money it costs to get them up to speed.

“Finishing schools” would help fill the gap left by the Indian education system that does not have the resources to teach personality development, said Moza. It could also improve the employment rate, he said, quoting a 2005 Nasscom-McKinsey report that said only 30 per cent Indian graduates were suitable for jobs in the offshore IT sector or outsourcing industries. ISIL was also looking for tie-ups with universities to offer courses so that “by the time students come out of college they will be ready for a job”, he added.

Trainers for the schools are currently preparing for the start of courses in November, running through class programmes using role-plays, discussions and flip charts. Graduates to middle managers and above will soon be in class on either full-time, one-year courses or part-time working towards a vocational qualification.

“Soft skills training has huge potential but what’s more important is that we have to put all these things together. By 2020 India is going to be a superpower with China and the US,” said Moza. — AFP

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Being Boss
Outgoing, confident or narcissistic?
Egotistic bosses cause stress, wreck morale & productivity

People who work for a narcissistic boss find their stress levels shooting up and output going down, a new study has confirmed. They also have less job satisfaction and are more distressed overall. 

In recent years, the motivations of business leaders have come under increased scrutiny as a result of behaviour that caused both their employees and the public considerable distress. Unquestionably, many of the documented lapses in judgment can be traced to selfishness and a failure to check one’s ego. 

Wayne Hochwarter, management professor at the Florida State University College of Business (FSUCB), asked more than 1,200 employees to provide opinions regarding the narcissistic tendencies of their immediate supervisor. As many as 31 per cent reported that their boss is prone to exaggerate his or her accomplishments to look good in front of others; 27 per cent reported that their boss brags to others to get praise. 

Around 25 per cent reported that their boss had an inflated view of himself or herself, 24 per cent reported that their boss was self-centred; and 20 per cent reported that their boss will do a favour only if guaranteed one in return. 

“Having a narcissistic boss creates a toxic environment for virtually everyone who must come in contact with this individual,” Hochwarter said. “The team perspective ceases to exist, and the work environment becomes increasingly stressful. Productivity typically plummets as well. Most organisations simply do not consider the adverse effects of narcissistic bosses on worker productivity and stress.”

“In fact, many companies encourage it since narcissists are often seen as outgoing and confident - traits considered necessary for success in any managerial role,” said Hochwarter. “However, there is a fine line between self-confidence on the one hand and selfishness that negatively affects others on the other. Unfortunately, the needed adjustments simply do not take place in most organisations, for any number of reasons.” — ANI

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Bhubaneswar institute ties up with US firm

US CHIPMAKER Cypress Semiconductor Corp will set up a design technology laboratory on the campus of the Bhubaneswar Institute of Technology (BIT) and train its students. 

“It will be the first programmable system on chip (PSoC) laboratory in the state,” BIT chief operating officer and executive director Ashok Mahapatra said. PSoC devices provide a learning platform for students in embedded design. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in San Jose, US, by Mahapatra and Patrick Kane, director of Cypress University Alliance. Cypress University Alliance is a multi-faceted programme launched by the chipmaker to empower electronics engineering and computer science students to develop their skills.

“As part of the agreement, Cypress will provide hands-on training to the faculty and students of BIT in addition to free hardware kits and software tools valued at over $200,000,” Mahapatra said.

BIT will provide the facilities for the laboratory. Students and faculty will also have easy access to Cypress-sponsored training, technical support and curriculum development assistance, he added. — IANS

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Fortnightly Quiz-342

1. Name the Indian social activist who has been chosen for this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award for his pioneering work for the development of rural communities.

2. Who is the author of the book The Idea of Justice?

3. Name the sole anti-viral drug available against swine flu.

4. Which is India’s first nuclear-powered submarine?

5. Name the lyricist who wrote the famous song Mere desh ki dharti sona ugle…

6. Name the world’s deepest lake where Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin recently descended to inspect gas crystals.

7. In which country is Lapland, home to the world’s most popular and beloved person, Santa Claus, situated?

8. What is the full form of WADA?

9. How many times has Michael Schumacher won the Formula One championship?

10. With which sport is Tour de France associated? — Tarun Sharma

Winners of quiz 341: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Janhvi Jindal, class V-E, Apeejay School, primary section, Model Town, Jalandhar, Pin Code - 144001

Second: Tejpreet Singh, VI- Rose, St Xavier’s High School, Mansa (Punjab), Pin Code - 151505

Third: Noor Swapan Malhi, class VI-B, St Joseph’s Convent Secondary School, Bathinda, Pin Code - 151002

Answers to quiz 341: Forty years; Unique Identification Database Authority of India; Kirana Gharana; July 22, 2009; Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan; Milan; Willis Tower; Bangladesh; 75 years; Platinum

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

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Career Hotline
Pervin Malhotra
Planning a job switch? Know what you want first

Q. After completing my BTech, I have been working in an IT company. I am not happy with the place and feel like changing my job or career. But I’m not sure whether it’s a good idea or even a good enough reason to do so at this point. Please help. — R.J. Vij

A. There are reasons, and reasons, why people switch jobs — better opportunities, better pay, better work environment, boredom or lack of challenge. The list is endless. But what is it that is making you ditch this job for another?

n Is it a bigger, better package and benefits?

n Is it the reputation of your current employer?

n Are you looking for enhanced job satisfaction and added responsibilities?

n Or more importantly, is it the lack of challenge and growth opportunities in your current situation?

Before you decide to take this decision, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the industry. The grass always looks greener on the other side, but everything is not a bed of roses. Even your new career option would come with certain disadvantages. And gone are the times where companies offered job security. That’s a thing of the past. So do weigh all the consequences of your decision carefully. You might even want to seek advice from a career counsellor or perhaps someone from the field you are looking at.

Sure, changing careers is a risky job but once you’ve made the decision, do give it your best shot to make the most of it.

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Get decent marks in BA

Q. In inter, I got 40 per cent in math, 63 per cent in physics and 67 per cent in chemistry. My total is 303/500. I am doing BA now. Due to my low marks in math, will there be a problem if I decide to sit for any competitive exam? Is there a percentage limit in each subject? — Himani Juneja

A. It all depends on what competitive exam you sit for. Typically, a certain aggregate percentage of marks at the bachelor’s level is specified for each exam. So, except for some exceptional cases where the post is math-centric, and where it is specifically stated to the effect, you should face no problem. Make sure you get a decent percentage in your BA, though.

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In healthcare look at marketing jobs

Q. I am student of BCom first year and working in a medical store. Due to this I have a good knowledge of medicine. What are the opportunities for me in healthcare sector or will it be better for me to do commerce related courses? I want to get a job soon. Please also suggest some courses. — Kartik Pandit

A. In the healthcare segment, you could look at marketing jobs either in hardcore pharmaceutical companies or those in the nutraceutical sector (i.e. those manufacturing nutritional supplements, energy drinks and related products). Should you wish to study further, you could go for postgraduate courses in pharma marketing/ management or even in hospital/healthcare management or law (medico-legal and related litigation is on the rise).

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IT stands for India today, BT represents Bharat tomorrow

Growing at an accelerated rate of 35% every year and projected as the next big wave after IT, biotech is a happening field of work with excellent future prospects. Now that the chemical composition of the human DNA has been successfully mapped, genomics is set to dwarf infotech within the next 20 years

Q. I have done BSc biotechnology with 60 per cent and now want to pursue MSc in it. Though I want to become a college lecturer, I would like to know what are the other options available after this? Is there a good scope of this course? — Kanupriya Arora

A. As you must have realised during the course of your study, biotechnology research spans across diverse fields such as agriculture, animal husbandry, pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, genetics and environmental sciences. It is all about exploiting of biological processes for industrial, agricultural and other purposes, especially genetically manipulating micro organisms for producing antibiotics, hormones, etc.

Biotechnologists have been able to improve the quality, nutritional content and yield of food products, alter genetic defects in animals and humans, create pesticides that protect crops without harming consumers, deal with wastes in an environment friendly manner and so on. As ongoing research keeps extending the horizons of knowledge, the scope of this field remains virtually infinite, making BT one of the hottest career avenues today, after IT.

Some other major areas of work in this field include bioinformatics, industrial research & development, academic research, marketing and planning, plant biotechnology and biomedicine.

Mounting environmental concern and the increasing demand for safer and better eco-friendly products has prompted governments round the world to spend billions of dollars to find appropriate solutions to related problems. Many avenues of employment ranging from research and development to production, bioinformatics, and marketing exist and many new ones are being added daily.

Besides teaching, you can find opportunities to work in pharmaceutical companies, chemical, agriculture, textile, horticulture and allied industries, research laboratories run by the government and the corporate sector. Multinational companies operating in this field, with the chemical industry in close lead, offer the best remuneration packages.

An MSc biotech is a starting point for most jobs, although higher qualifications (PhD) are required for getting into cutting-edge R&D or serious academics.

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Go ahead, serve the country your way!

Q. I want to be an electronics engineer in the Armed Forces. What is the eligibility? Is it first year of BTech? — Vijay Kumar

A. The Combined Defence Services Exam is conducted twice a year (February and August) by the Union Public Service to admit cadets for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The eligibility criteria and the pattern of the exam is as follows:

n IMA: Unmarried males with bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

n Air Force Academy: Unmarried males with BE / Bachelors degree (physics and math in 10+2).

n OTA (SSC course): Married or unmarried males with bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

n Naval Academy: Unmarried males with BE /BSc (physics and math).

Selection is on the basis of an objective type written exam followed by SSB tests and interview for those who qualify the written exam. The intelligence and personality tests essentially cover outdoor, group and psychological activities.

There are separate entry routes for each of the armed forces. For instance, there are two modes of entry into the technical branch of the Indian Air Force:

Qualified / final year male engineering students can apply for the aeronautical engineers’ courses. While both men and women can apply for the Short Service Commission, pre-final year male students can apply under the University Entry Scheme (UES).

Eligibility for aeronautical engineers (electronics branch): 60 per cent aggregate in: BE / BTech (electronics / telecom / electrical /electrical communication / electronics & communication / instrumentation /computer science and engineering) or a combination of these subjects, or a Diploma in Electronics of Madras Institute of Technology or BTech in radio physics and electronics / optics & opto electronics or MSc (physics with electronics) / electronics / computer science / computer application / (MCA with maths, physics and electronics at bachelors level) / MSc technology in electronics and radio engineering or Section A & B of AMIE of the Institute of Engineers in electrical / electronics / telecom engineering or Graduate Membership Exam of the Institute of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) with subjects of Section A and all subjects of Section B.

If selected, you will proceed for intensive training after which you will be granted Permanent/ Short Service Commission and inducted into the Technical Branch of the Indian Air Force. For further information, log onto the respective websites: www.careerairforce.nic.in,www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, www.nausena-bharti.nic.in

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