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The steady rise of PR
first person strings of
love
Body size matters
Underpaid
Career Hotline
Happiness @ work
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The world of living mechanisms
If you enjoy solving puzzles, love working with numbers and computers, interested in biology and living organisms, but not terribly keen on a career either in engineering or medicine, then you could consider some of the exciting opportunities in biophysics. If you have always been curious about how the heart pumps blood, how the brain works, or how plants use light for photosynthesis you will be fascinated by biophysics. Biophysics is a science that applies the principles of physics and chemistry and the methods of mathematical analysis and computer modeling to study how biological systems work in living organisms. Biophysicists study the physics and physical chemistry of biological processes — how organisms develop, see, hear, taste, feel and think, how we breathe, how materials travel through our bodies, how our immune systems work, how muscles contract and how our bones support us and so on. The work of biophysics has a great impact on biotechnology and medicine. Biophysicists investigate how cells move, divide, and detect and respond to signals from the environment, and how materials travel into and through cells. By explaining biological functions in terms of the molecular structures and their properties scientists can help fight the many life threatening diseases that afflict us, and counter the dangers to plant life and the environment.
Wide range
Biophysics covers a wide range of sciences — both the physical and biological — and because of the breadth of training, opens possibilities to many different careers. A degree in biophysics would teach you to apply different research techniques, gather and interpret data and utilise advanced technology. Depending upon your interests and abilities, you can work in a laboratory, with computers, teach or become a science writer. In addition Biophysicists can work in forensics laboratories, chemical companies,
food-processing plants, drug manufacturers, the cosmetic industry, and manufacturers of agricultural chemicals (fertilisers, pesticides, etc.).
Getting in
Those interested in biophysics must have a bachelor’s degree in physics, biology or chemistry or in any life science to take up biophysics at master's level. Only a few universities offer biophysics courses at undergraduate level in India, but there are several options available to study biophysics at the Master's and PhD levels with research fellowships / scholarships available for the deserving candidates. research scholars/research fellows in biophysics are expected to have a knowledge of physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, statistical mechanics, or molecular biology. With the great leap of knowledge pushing back the boundaries of scientific discoveries there are exciting new opportunities for biophysicists. After Dr Chandrashekhar’s Nobel prize and with the Prime Minister's support there is a renewed enthusiasm for encouraging research study in sciences. There are several research institutes and government organisations in India and internationally, as well as universities, medical and dental colleges that employ biophysicists for research oriented
programmes. Biologically-oriented high-tech companies, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and nanotechnology also offer promising career opportunities to Biophysicists. Some of India's top industrial groups are focusing on research in industrial, agricultural and medical biotechnology, while also setting up new research centres for the study India’s unique and diverse plant, animal and microbial bio-diversity. So if you want to be part of the cutting edge technology of biosciences, here is a career tailormade for you.
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The steady rise of PR
The Indian PR industry is growing at an annual rate of 32 per cent and is likely to double its size to over $ 10.56 billion by 2012 from over $6 billion at present as corporates are relying more and more on PR professionals to hike their brand image to take maximum benefits of the current economic boom for increased sales and turnover volumes. Tough competition in the post recession era for brand building has increased the demand for PR agencies manifold. According to estimates, the Indian PR industry comprises 1,000-2,000 agencies with the manpower strength of between 30,000 and 40,000. In terms of vertical markets, healthcare has been identified by several of the industry mavens as the fastest-growing sector; however, the public sector, environment and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are all emerging as growth areas for PR. The overriding concern of the industry is the manpower shortage. Almost all agencies are hiring, a trend that is itself indicative of growth, and some are looking outside the PR industry to bring in new talent. Although there are thousands of small agencies and individual consultants are serving local markets, larger agencies are forging partnerships across the globe to meet demand from clients who are extending their global reach. There are more than 100 agencies — big ones with 10-15 branches across India like Perfect Relations, Genesis PR, and Vaishnavi, medium size ones with 4-5 branches and smaller city specific PR agencies. Many of these are affiliated or are Indian subsidiaries of global companies. Public relations is being used as a supplement along with advertising to form an effective communication strategy. This is primarily because at times advertising does not suffice in communicating the exact message. Public relation services not only help in communicating their message but can also help in generating a favorable response. Any average PR agency’s normal retainer fee can be anywhere between Rs 2.5 and Rs 10
lakh.
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Aviation
The domestic aviation industry is set for major hiring trend once again. If both the Delhi-based low-cost airlines — SpiceJet and IndiGo — are planning to hire more than 1,000 persons during this year, the Mumbai-based full service carrier, Jet Airways will require over 300 pilots in the next three to five years. The IndiGo airline will be adding between 1,000 and 1,200 staff members during this calendar year. “We will be hiring close to 400-500 cabin crew and about 400-odd airport personnel further the airline will hire when it starts inducting the 180 Airbus aircraft that it has ordered. Similarly, SpiceJet also plans to hire 1,000 crew and 40 pilots, while Air India Express plans to hire about 700 persons. It may be recalled that about three years ago some airlines
had to prune their staff strength due to weak passenger demand and rising input costs. The hiring activity at present has to do with the increase in the number of domestic passengers on a monthly basis. Since this trend is expected to continue over the next few years, most airlines are taking steps to capture a larger share of the pie. This includes not only hiring more support staff but also inducting more aircraft into their fleets. From the demand side, the Indian market is well positioned for growth for the next three to five years. The air traffic demand is likely to remain strong on the back of growth in the Indian economy, high disposable incomes and rising middle class aspirations.
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first person
There is an emerging global shortage of skilled human resources in the industry, which is particularly acute in the rapidly emerging markets such as India and neighbouring regions. The aviation industry in India and the Gulf alone is expected to see investment in excess of $200 billion over the next decade and availability of skills. K.S. Kohli,, Chairman of the Frankfinn Group that has a number of institutes in India and abroad to train airhostesses and cabin crew for the aviation industry, talks about the revival in the industry. Excerpts from an interview: What kind of trends are emerging in the aviation industry? Is it still as lucrative as it was till few years back for the youngsters? Yes. It remains as lucrative as ever for the youngsters who want to take this up as a career. There is no other career wherein with a minimum qualification of just Class XII youngsters can get opportunity to earn an average salary of Rs 70,000 per month on being selected as a cabin crew member in an international airline. How has the placement scenario been in the past few months? Placements have been excellent in the past few months. In fact, the airlines that had earlier gone in for job cuts have started hiring again. Not only are the domestic airlines such as Indigo, SpiceJet and GoAir in a hiring mode, but Kingfisher, Jet Airways and Air India have also started hiring. International airlines, too, have been hiring crew from India. Frankfinn Management Consultants are the appointed agents for the Emirates Group, including their airline — Emirates — and have assisted them in their recruitment drives for cabin crew in India. Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar, Singapore Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and many others have been hiring crew from India. Recently 26 students from a single centre of Frankfinn got selected for the Hyderabad Airport. Which are the main skills that the airlines look for in the job aspirants? How does an aviation training institute make aspirants imbibe these skills? There are multiple factors that the airlines look for in a candidate. It’s mainly the personality of an individual and their attitude towards the service industry. A candidate need not necessarily have to be qualified as “beautiful and fair”. So long as they have a pleasing personality and good communication skills they are the right candidates. They need to have the right positive attitude towards the service sector. Punjab region has always remained a favourite with airlines. How has your company’s experience with the airlines been? Hundreds of students from Punjab have been placed in international and domestic airlines. Frankfinn as a whole has made thousands of airhostesses and more than all other academies in India put together, a fact certified by the Limca book of Records.
As told to Rakesh Sharma
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Body size matters
“Men should be big and strong, and women skinny” — a cultural lesson drilled into our heads ever since we were tots. Unfortunately, that’s how it has to be if you want to earn a fair salary. According to a recent study, men who are skinnier than average cash smaller paychecks than normal-weighted men, while thin women are paid significantly more than their average-size counterparts, reports the Washington Post. Experts say it is just another sign that as a society, we have internalised the unrealistic, media-driven physical ideals that show up in the workplace, and, therefore, the pocketbook. Researchers Timothy Judge and Daniel Cable found thin women earned about $16,000 more a year on average. In contrast, thin men earned about $ 8,000 less than their more muscular male co-workers. They said that much of the problem is the result of subconscious decisions based on entrenched social stereotypes. Their report cites studies in which obese individuals were identified as “undisciplined, dishonest and less likely to do productive work”. Conversely, the researchers pointed out that employers and fellow employees associate values of self-discipline, thrift, hardwork and positivity with thin individuals. The researchers suggested that employers look at their assumptions about employees’ weight, because they may be rooted in prejudice. The study is published in the Journal of Applied Psychology.
— ANI
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Animal planet
Q. I am an animal lover and wish to build a career where I can spend a lot of time with animals. What are the options I could look at other than veterinary science? — Vinita Dewan If your interest is academic, then you could think about studying zoology, ecology or environmental science with specialisation in wildlife habitat. A wide variety of careers are available for people who are willing to work closely with animals. You could pursue veterinary science to become a veterinarian or a vet nurse or you could study animal behaviour and become a trainer (dog/horse/cat) etc. Such jobs don't strictly require an academic qualification. On-the-job-training/or apprenticeship under a professional would suffice. If National Geographic, Discovery and Animal Planet are your favourite channels and Jane Goodall your role model, there is countless species you could concentrate on. Depending on what interests you most, the type of work and the level of hands-on involvement would differ. The kind of animal-related career you choose will depend on the other subjects you are interested in e.g. If you like to write, then there is a large market for wildlife journalists. If photography is a passion, then wildlife photography and filmmaking are the areas to look at. If you are keenly observant and have good note-taking skills you might find biological fieldwork interesting. If animal conservation is your mission, you could combine your interest with training in advocacy/PR. and join any of the several organisations that are involved in protecting animal rights. If the health sciences interest you, you could choose to become a veterinarian or work towards a job that involves animal farming. You could also open a kennel or 'hostel' for pets whose owners can't leave them at home when they are away. You could even go into dog (or horse) breeding as a profession. Then, if you are business savvy, you can manufacture packaged pet food, and functional but smart coats, accessories and 'houses' for pets…the opportunities are endless. Pet grooming boutiques are the new rage in urban cities. Lastly, choosing to work with animals implies you understand and accept that the work may sometimes be dirty and smelly, mentally and physically exhausting. At times some hard decision needs to be taken, things may not always go according to plan and the work may not fetch enough money.
Studying in New Zealand
— Jawahar Sen A. Several New Zealand universities participating in NZ education fairs in India offer on the spot admission. The revised Immigration Act makes it much easier for overseas students to stay on in NZ after higher studies and work. NZ needs more people and prefers "those who have studied there" is the message being beamed out by the NZ government. Documents: Complete evidence of funds; bank statement of last two years showing sufficient funds to cover entire cost of study and living expenses. Apply for student visa at least 6 weeks in advance. There are only 8 universities in New Zealand, so you can directly apply to the concerned university after checking out the programmes offered on their respective websites or contact the approved agents for free counselling. Victoria University of Wellington (www.victoria-international.ac.nz) Lincoln University (www.lincoln.ac.nz), Massey University, www.massey.ac.nz Auckland Univ of Tech www.autuni.ac.nz University of Auckland www.auckland.ac.nz University of Otago www.otago.ac.nz Waikato University www.waikato.ac.nz/international University of Canterbury (www.canterbury.ac.nz) For a wealth of information on study in NZ, log into the following websites: www.educationnz.org.nz, www.mynzed.com, www.studyinnewzealand.com
New norms for NET
Q. I have done my LLB after completing my BA. Can I take the NET in Law? Can you please tell me something about the objective part of the NET exam. — Manika Chawla A. LLB is considered as a Bachelor's degree in law. You need an a postgraduate degree like LLM to be eligible to take the NET in this subject. UGC has changed its rules for the marking of papers for the Junior Research Fellowship and the National Eligibility Test (NET) for appointment of lecturers. Henceforth there would be no negative marking either for Paper-I or Paper-II (objective type). Just make sure you secure at least 40 marks in each of the two papers and an aggregate of 100 to ensure that your third paper, which carries subjective type questions, is taken up for marking. For the detailed structure of Paper III (4 sections) log onto:www.ugc.ac.in/inside/lateststructureofpapaer3net.pdf
Research and design engineering
— Farhan Islam A. Every field of engineering requires research and design engineers. Research engineers traditionally work in the R&D lab testing / or inventing new products and processes in their field (electronic, mechanical, computer, aerospace, whatever). They often utilise their creativity and curiosity to reach the discovery stage of a new breakthrough in the field. Design engineers, on the other hand, work on the application or of a new product or process, once it has been invented. Using sophisticated computer simulation, they test the new innovation, to visualise as many possible scenarios for application or troubleshooting. This way they are able to "foresee" how a new innovation could impact the future of the industry.
Entering the police force
Q. As one has to clear the tough civil services exam to become a police officer, is there a simpler way to join as a constable in the paramilitary forces like BSF or CRPF? — Tushar Dixit A.
Yes there is! As part of reform in the police recruitment process at the Centre, the government is - for the first time -- conducting a 'common examination' to recruit constables in the paramilitary forces. The first exam is aimed at recruiting over 54,000 constables. 49,070 constables (general duty) will be recruited for BSF, CISF, CRPF and SSB and another 5,000+ will be recruited for ITBP and Assam Rifles. Candidates of border districts and Naxalite /militancy affected areas in different states, including J&K, will get separate reservation in the recruitment to bring the youth in these areas into the mainstream. Unlike the earlier system where respective paramilitary forces used to recruit constables on their own, the 'common examination' will be conducted by the Staff Selection Commission at different centres across the country. The common written exam for recruiting constables in BSF, CISF, CRPF and SSB will take place on June 5 whereas for ITBP and Assam Rifles, it will be conducted on May 1. Candidates have the option to apply online or submit written applications. The age limit is 18-23 years. Candidates domiciled in a particular state/UT will only be eligible for vacancies in the respective state/UT and allocation to different paramilitary forces will be made on "merit-cum-option" basis. The selection process will consist of a physical standards test (PST)/physical efficiency test (PET), a written exam and a medical test. The entire process will be completed within 6-9 months. The written exam will consist of matriculation level questions on general intelligence and reasoning, general knowledge and awareness, elementary maths and English or Hindi.
The writer is a noted career expert and director, Career Guidance India (CARING). Please send in your queries 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
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Happiness @ work
Home-opathy
One day, the manes of sage Agastya, who was wiser than all the other sages put together, appeared before him. They said, “Despite your immense accomplishments, we have not achieved salvation as you have not taken care of your pitr wrin (debt to the manes). Marry and take our line forward.” Agastya then went on to marry Lopamudra, the princess of Vidarbha. To take care of household expenses, Agastya digested demon Vatapi. His brother Ilvala, recognizing the sage’s merit, gave him the riches he sought. Scholar Kaushika, instead of taking care of his old parents, decided to pursue his studies further. “You haven’t understood dharma correctly,” said the butcher Dharmvyad. “Better than just being good is to be useful. Use your knowledge for the service of society.” Hearing this, Kaushika went home to serve his parents. Due to dire poverty, little Ashwathama had never tasted milk. When Drona saw that the neighbourhood boys had served rice powder mixed in water as milk to his son, he decided to approach his friend King Drupad for help. When Drupad refused to come to his aid, Drona offered to teach the Kauravas and Pandavas to earn his daily bread. Sudama led a simple life and was always immersed in the Almighty. But his wife and children suffered due to Sudama’s non-material ways. Finally, his wife requested him to just visit his childhood buddy Krishna. Even in Dwarka, Sudama didn’t ask for anything from the Lord of all worlds. Instead, he gave Krishna a packet of his favourite poha (flattened rice). Guru Nanak showed that salvation doesn’t demand renouncing one’s family. He led a family life with his wife Sulakhni and two sons Sri Chand and Lakshmi Chand. He showed how much he cared for his family in an instance in Haridwar. When Guru Nanak saw devotees offering water to their manes, he too began offering water. But it was not to his manes, but to his fields in the Punjab. Remember, happiness begins at
home! — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at
vaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
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Fortnightly Quiz-380
1. To which gharana did renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi belong? 2. Who has been the longest-serving President of Egypt? 3. How many stars will be awarded to the safest roads in the country by the government soon? 4. Which state of India hosts the annual International Kite Festival in January? 5. What is the name of the world’s highest restaurant, situated 442m up in the sky on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa building? 6. In which state is Sevagram Ashram situated? 7. Name the Indian pair that reached the doubles final of the Australian Open tennis tournament this year. 8. Who won this year’s women’s Australian Open singles title? 9. Name the winner of the men’s Australian Open singles title this year. 10. With which sport was Lance Armstrong associated?
— Tarun Sharma
Winners of quiz 379: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Priyanka Rani, class X, Arya Vidya Peeth High School, Chuharmajra, district Kaithal, Pin Code - 136021 Second: Jaideep Singh, class IX, Silver Oaks School, Bibiwala Road, near ITBP, Bathinda, Punjab Pin Code – 151001 Third: Komalpreet, class XII A, RD Khosla DAV Model Senior Secondary School, Ram Tirath Road, Batala, Gurdaspur, Pin Code – 143505 Answers to quiz 379: Bharati; Tejas; 250; Namrata “Nikki” Randhawa Haley; Kerala; Joint Parliamentary Committee; January 15; Tunis; England; Lionel Messi Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address. Note: Kindly mention the pincode of your place to facilitate the delivery of the prize
money.
Answers can also be sent at quiz@tribunemail.com Name
………….…………........................................ Class………….......….……...................................... School
address..........…........................................ ...........................................................................
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The demand for PR professionals is rising as the sector has shown a growth rate of about 22-25 per cent in the last couple of years, and this has now risen to 32 per cent.
India has been one of the fastest growing aviation markets with demand for skilled personnel expected to triple over the next decade. Even conservative projections estimate India will emerge as the third largest aviation market in the world in the next 12-15 years.
A. Working with animals can be stimulating as well as satisfying. But firstly, you must determine whether your interest is essentially academic or you would like to be associated with animals in a more interactive way.
Q. After completing my M.Com I want to study further in New Zealand. How should I apply for it and do I have to qualify any entrance exam for it?
Q. I am a student of Class XII (PCB). I know a little about the various branches of engineering, but please tell me something about what research engineers and design engineers do.
Howsoever good one may be at work, at the end of the day, one has to return home. When you spend more than half of your day with your family, it is unwise to neglect it.