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| JOBS & CAREERS |
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PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
Career Hotline
campus buzz
Vocational training venture
career
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HIRING SCENE
SMART STRATEGY
Happiness @ work
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High energy field
The goal of petroleum engineers is to achieve the maximum profitable recovery of oil and gas from given petroleum source by determining and developing the best, most efficient production methods Rajeev Rai
Sector overview The word petroleum generally refers to crude oil or the refined products obtained from the processing of crude oil (gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, etc.). The petroleum industry is broadly divided into two major sectors — the upstream sector and the downstream sector. Work in the upstream sector consists of the exploration, production and exploitation of oil and natural gas. The downstream sector comprises the refining, marketing and distributing functions. Petroleum Engineers function within the upstream sector and Petroleum Engineering is involved with the exploration and production activities of petroleum as the upstream end of the energy sector. It is an increasingly technical profession that involves procuring reserves from places that were hitherto deemed too difficult and expensive to be explored. Exploring success The goal of petroleum engineers is to achieve the maximum profitable recovery of oil and gas from given petroleum source by determining and developing the best, most efficient production methods. Petroleum engineers search the world for reservoirs containing oil or natural gas. Once these resources are discovered, they work with geologists and other specialists to understand the geologic formation and properties of the rock containing the reservoir, determine the drilling methods to be used, and monitor drilling and production operations. They design equipment and processes to achieve the maximum profitable recovery of oil and gas. Petroleum engineers rely heavily on computer models to simulate reservoir performance by using different recovery techniques. They also use computer models for simulations of the effects of various drilling options. Because only a small proportion of oil and gas in a reservoir will flow out under natural forces, petroleum engineers develop and use various enhanced recovery methods. These include injecting water, chemicals, gases, or steam into an oil reservoir to force out more of the oil, and computer-controlled drilling or fracturing to connect a larger area of a reservoir to a single well. Because even the best techniques in use today recover only a portion of the oil and gas in a reservoir, petroleum engineers research and develop technology and methods to increase recovery and lower the cost of drilling and production operations.Job profile Petroleum engineers focus on a wide range of projects and activities. Some focus on production challenges, identifying, testing, and implementing methods for improving oil and gas production. They might focus on economics, helping a team determine the optimum number of wells appropriate for a given operation. A petroleum engineer may focus on safety issues, or maintenance support, identifying and planning upgrades of equipment or systems. Or he may choose to teach, or to serve as a consultant to investors, banks, or other financial services firms. The type of job a petroleum engineer has often determines whether it will be a field or a desk job. Many engineers work on job sites, while others work in an office setting. A consultant to the financial industry, for example, may spend most of his time working in an office setting. There are strong international travel opportunities for petroleum engineers, as it is very much a global business. Many companies have offices and sites in multiple countries and transfers are common. Scope Petroleum engineering course offer wonderful job opportunities at global and domestic levels. Opportunities in oil and gas sector are ample in Middle East with very high annual income packages. Higher education opportunities are good all over America and Europe too. Core Companies: Petroleum engineers can get jobs in companies like Reliance Industries Ltd., ONGC, Schlumberger, Shell, OIL, Gas Authority of India Ltd., British Gas, Halliburton Services, Essar Oil, GSPC, Cairn Energy, IOCL, Essar Oil Ltd., Baker Hughes, Reliance Energy, NIKO Resources, GEOENPRO, MECOM Ltd., etc. Getting in Successful completion of the Plus II examination with physics, chemistry and mathematics as subjects, is the minimum eligibility criteria required to pursue a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering. One should have completed B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) or B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering in order to pursue an M.Tech (Master of Technology) Degree in Petroleum Engineering. Those with M.Sc. Chemistry are also eligible to pursue M.Tech Degree in this field. Course Duration: Petroleum Engineering Degree (B.Tech or B.E.) course is of four-year duration and Post graduation course (M.Tech) is of two-year duration. The writer is Chairman , AVK Group of Institutions, Bangalore.
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Charm of the UNIFORM
Pervin Malhotra Q. I will be completing Class XII with physics, chemistry and maths. I will also appear for the NDA exam. Just in case I don't get in, I wish to keep my options open for joining the armed forces after graduation through the CDS route. To be able to do so, must I compulsorily take B.Sc or can I do B.Com or BCA as well? I am not interested in going for an engineering degree. — Chaman Khera
l
For the record, the eligibility criterion is as follows: l For
IMA: Unmarried males with Bachelor's degree in any discipline. l For Air Force Academy: Unmarried males with BE / Bachelors degree, physics and maths in Plus II. l For OTA (SSC course): Married or unmarried males with a Bachelor's degree in any discipline. l For OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical Course): Unmarried women/issueless widows and divorcees/widows of defence personnel (four-year age relaxation for widows of defence personnel) l
For Naval Academy: Unmarried males with BE /BSc (physics and maths). Selection is made on the basis of an objective-type written exam followed by SSB tests and interview for those who qualify the written exam.
The FEE factor
Q. What is the average fee in a year for pursuing B.Tech in Computer Science from a Canadian University? How does this compare with the costs of studying the same course in the UK?
— Devinder Soni Technology and engineering programmes, in the UK and Canada differ in both the duration and nomenclature. In Canada, the B.Tech programme offered at various universities is of four years' duration, similar in structure to that in India. However, the equivalent degree programme in the UK is a B.Sc and is of three years' duration. While comparing costs, you should factor in the tuition fees, as well as living expenses, cost of travel, entertainment, clothing and other expenses to arrive at your likely total expenditure. For a Canadian B.Tech programme, your annual total expenses would be approximately 30,000 - 40,000 Canadian dollars. Over a four-year period, this would translate to approximately Rs 60-80 lakh, depending on the university you attend (1 CND = Rs 48.60) In the UK, the tuition fee and other living expenses for a B.Engg programme would range between 25,000 -- 30,000 Pounds. This works out to Rs 60 - 80 lakh over the three years (1 GBP = Rs 78.00) So while the annual expenses in the UK are higher, the additional year that you'll spend on completing your B.Tech in Canada would bring the overall costs at the same level unless you're opting for a Canadian university that offers a Co-Operative programme which has a built-in work term as part of the curriculum. The universities have their own arrangements with the co-op employers with whom students are placed for internship in the industry related to your study. In addition to costs, you must also factor in other criteria such as ranking of the university, strength and specialisation of faculty in your subject area, placement track record, likelihood of finding a job straight after completing your course, regulations related to work permits and Visa rules.
Playing with possibilities
Q. I passed Class XII (non-medical) last year. After that I prepared for IIT-JEE but could not clear it. Thereafter, I took admission in National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), which I left within 10 days and then took admission in B.Sc. What should I do now? My mind fluctuates easily and some bad decisions of mine are also making me feel low.
— Ramit Kataria Course selection is the first of many critical career-related decisions that you will make. In many ways, it is also the most critical as it greatly influences which career options are open and available to you further on and eventually leading you to the career of your choice. What you really need to do at this stage is to try and narrow down your choice(s) to one or two broad options and then concentrate on planning a career around it. Take a good aptitude/personality test to help you identify the fields that are most suited to you. I have an excellent one that you could take if you wish (Just send a blank e-mail to testcaring@gmail.com if you'd like me to send you a copy). If I were in your shoes, I would look at completing my graduation at the earliest and with the best possible aggregate without worrying too much about the pros-and-cons of the course you are enrolled in. A graduation degree, in today's day and age is the bare minimum qualification required. While essential in that it allows us to pursue higher studies, your bachelors-level course is not the one that will determine your career. It is your PG degree that provides the critical direction and altitude to your career. Use your college years productively to get to know yourself - your strengths, your likes, your skills. Pursue your interests (both academic and extra-curricular), try out new activities, learn a new skill or language, and work on personality development. At the same time, I also suggest you read up and talk to people about various possibilities and options that interest you. If you do this consistently, you'll be amazed how much you pick up. And the more informed you are, the better equipped you will be to rule out several of the inappropriate options and flag the "possible" ones. After you've found out some more about what is involved in pursuing each of these, you will be able to further pare down the list. Remember: If you love and enjoy what you do, you'll be successful. And believe me, each one of us has a personal calling, a gift or talent just waiting to be discovered and unleashed!
NOS not a valid route for pharma course
Q. I am doing my schooling through the National Open School. Am I eligible to pursue a Diploma in Pharmacy?
— Girish Nayar A. Among others, The Central Council of Pharmacy took the following decisions in its meeting (April, 2007): To approve only science academic stream (regular course of 10+2) for admission to DPharm as well as BPharm courses. Not to approve open school of any state for admission to DPharm course. In view of this, the Senior Secondary School Exam with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Maths conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (which was earlier approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) stands null and void. Moreover, candidates possessing qualifications other than those approved by PCI admitted to D.Pharm will not be eligible for registration as a pharmacist to practice the profession under the Pharmacy Act even though they might have completed the D.Pharm course. A statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the PCI controls pharmacy education and profession in India. Do refer to the following link on their website:
www.pci.nic.in/PolicyCirculars/NationalOpenSchoolQualification.aspx
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Stage set for Meta University
Students will soon be able to pursue two courses simultaneously in two different institutions. The Government has proposed the setting up of a 'meta university', which will make it possible for an IIT Kanpur student to also enroll for the ancient history course in Jawaharlal Nehru University or a mathematics student from Indian Institute of Science to pursue a course in comparative literature from Jadavpur University. The university will offer degrees and is likely to start functioning in the next academic year. The proposed university will initially begin discussions with Delhi-based institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University, the University of Delhi and Indira Gandhi National Open University to allow their registered students to take courses within these institutes. Much of the details are still being worked out, But initially the government is trying to get leading Delhi-based institutions on board. The Existing rules prohibit students registered at one university from attending classes or courses offered at another, unless there are exchange arrangements. The meta university concept is similar to the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, a recent "virtual" university championed by CSIR. This allows CSIR, a publicly funded industrial research consultancy, to offer courses, degrees and diplomas to graduates without requiring them to register with brick-and-mortar universities. The National Innovation Council has proposed that a high-speed, fibre-based broadband network that will soon connect more than 400 universities and academic institutions across the country should be used to pioneer the concept of a "meta university". — S.C. Dhall
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Vocational training venture
To consolidate vocational training in India the Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT), Australia, will be starting a pan-India Vocational Training business to service the growing needs for qualified staff in the retail, hair and beauty industry. Robyn Tyler, Director of the institute disclosed the Indian entry plans of SBIT, which is the largest educational institute of Queensland Government.
Southbank Institute will jointly roll out various courses in association with Franchise India Holdings, Asia's largest franchise solutions company to address the shortage of quality vocational training in India. "One of the most outstanding achievements of the past century has been the realisation that education is an indispensable asset of every individual, every community and every nation. Almost every one is a stakeholder in education. The national educational scenario in India, as envisioned in its different education policies, is a key instrument in ensuring access, equity, quality and relevance of education at all levels", said Gaurav Marya, President, Franchise India. —
TNS
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career
compass
When we go through the user manual for a new mobile phone, music system, or a computer gadget we rarely think about what goes into creating the instruction brochures. Sometimes we are able to figure out the instructions, while at other times we end up totally confused with the technical details. It may be interesting to know that you need to have professional training to prepare the instructions for such manuals. A technical writer is the bridge between technology and its users, and technical writing is the 'science' of designing, validating, and packaging the information created for the purpose.
For those who are tech savvy and enjoy reading the MacBook instruction manual, a career as a technical writer may be the right fit. A technical writer prepares clear, concise written documentation which communicates technical information to a target audience. Some common examples of technical writing include operating instructions, how-to manuals; documentation guides for industrial machinery, online help information or engineering specifications for construction projects. When a technical writer is assigned a project, he or she thoroughly researches the subject material, or examines the product thoroughly to understand how it works. After carrying out extensive research, the technical writer will create a document which communicates information in clear, useful terms, so that even inexperienced users can follow it easily. Technical writers can also work in specialised fields such as engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, technology, and other industries, for which he/she would need to have a qualification in the particular field in addition to language skills. For a large project, a technical writer may work with a graphic designer, an interface designer, several computer programmers, and a staff of freelance writers to design a huge web site. For a small project, or for a small company, the tech writer may be expected to do all of the above, all alone. Getting In There are no formal training programmes for technical writing, although some institutes and computer centres offer a module or two on training for technical writing skills. A graduate with a science background and the necessary computer training has an added advantage. Technical writers need to be good with computers, basic knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, software applications and programming languages, and be familiar with electronic publishing software, including graphic design, page layout, and multimedia software. Most technical writers use tools such as l
Dreamweaver l Robohelp l
Framemaker l Snagit l
Camtasia l Documentation Management
While some computer institutes offer short diploma courses in technical writing, and some institutes of mass communication, such as the Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai, have also introduced modules on technical writing, most of the programmes are those offered online by foreign universities and institutes. The Writers Block (TWB), TWBonline (http://www.twb-dl.com), a provider of technical documentation outsourcing and training services, has started the first online course specifically on technical writing in India. TWB OnLine offers formalised training to students through distance learning. Anybody with access to a computer and with an Internet connection can enroll for it. Scope Technical writers start work as technical communicator and can move onto the post of a senior technical communicator with about 3-5 years experience. They can produce user guides, installation and maintenance manuals, training material, marketing materials, presentations, proposals, technical reports, product advertisements, pamphlets, brochures, in-house publications and so on. They can enhance their documentation with navigation controls, tables of contents, indexes, and produce ergonomically designed layouts, and assist with user interfaces. The increasing use of IT in more segments like engineering, automotives, aeronautics, military, bioinformatics, medicine, mechanics and even rocket sciences shows an increasing demand for technical writers. Besides this, there is an equal demand coming from newspapers, tech magazines, e-zines, dotcoms, advertising agencies and technology-based companies like computer software and hardware firms. Most jobs are those like documentation specialist, instructional designer, proposal writer, quality analyst, technology journalist and so on. Remuneration Technical writing can be an interesting and creative field for those who enjoy working on the computer. With an average starting salary of about Rs 10,000-14,000 and the possibility of earning above Rs 40,000 in 3-4 years, technical writing can offer you a comfortable career growth. — The writer is a career expert
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YOUNG INDIA FELLOWSHIP
The Young India Fellowship (YIF) has invited applications for the second batch of its one-year, fully funded residential scholarship based in New Delhi. A minimum of 50 recent graduates from diverse subject areas with an excellent all-round record and intense passion for learning will come together to be a part of this fellowship, which is modelled after the Rhodes scholarship. The Fellows will undertake a holistic, multi-disciplinary academic course and project-based internship aimed at grooming India’s next generation of socially conscious leaders. Eligibility : This programme is open to: l Students who are in the final year of their undergraduate degree l Students who have completed their undergraduate degree and have worked straight after that for not more than two years l Students who are in the final year of their postgraduate programme - provided they enrolled in the programme immediately after completing their undergraduate degree l There is no restriction with respect to the area of specialization at the undergraduate level l There is no restriction with respect to the medium of instruction (English, Hindi, regional language) that the student has been exposed to at the school level. However, she/he should be able to converse, read and write in English given that the medium of instruction at the YIF programme is English l All Indian Nationals How to apply: Registration forms can be downloaded from the website www.youngindiafellowship.com and click on “Apply”. Selection procedure: Applicants who apply in the first round get the chance of early selection in the programme and enjoy the convenience of being interviewed in a city closer to their homes. The first round of interviews from January 1, 2012 will be carried out in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Subsequent interview sessions will be conducted only in New Delhi. Submission of detailed application dossier: l Apply online by registering on the YIF website l Download the application form from the YIF website l Take a hard copy directly from the YIF office The selection process will be carried out in three stages: l Assessment on the basis of submitted applications l Telephonic Interview l In-person interview The final selection will be based on the applicant’s successful performance at all these stages. Last date for submission of forms: Applications are open until February 28, 2012. The academic session starts in June 2012. MAAC scholarship 3D Animation training institute Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC) is offering an annual scholarship for 3D Animation and VFX courses. Students can apply for up to 100 per cent scholarship on various animation courses offered by the institute. A panel of experts will award scholarships based on a creative test for the students appearing and the students will have to submit a photocopy of their 10th/12th/ graduation marks-sheet and certificate at the time of admission. "Our objective is to not just provide financial aid, but an opportunity for students to achieve more than they aspire for. Through this initiative, MAAC recognizes young creative minds and provides them the much needed breakthrough," said Ram Warrier, Business Head, MAAC. — TNS
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Enriching exposure with global perspective
The Indian higher education systemis fast becoming global with a large number of foreign universities seeking to team up with Indian counterparts as international co-operation in academics has become inevitable in the context of the new world order i.e. increased globalisation and economic relations among countries. A student today, is a citizen of the world, who is learning and acquiring knowledge beyond the barriers of time and space. “India has the world’s largest number of young people, and many have achieved success around the globe. Universities from all over the world welcome Indian students to their campus and are seeking to partner with Indian universities. A partnership with a foreign university is usually for faculty exchange, student exchange, joint programmes and joint research. These partnerships will help Indian universities become more competitive in terms of quality of academic instruction and research and the quality of graduates”, says Dhruv Galgotia CEO of Galgotias University, Greater Noida, in an interaction with J&C while talking about the increasing trend of Indian universities having partenerships and tie ups with international universities. Excerpts: Are these international tie ups really beneficial for students and for the standard of education in the country? These tie ups are beneficial as they facilitate exchange of students and faculty. Student exchange gives our students an international experience and exposes them to a different work and study culture. When international students come to Indian universities, they bring with them a wealth of experiences which they share with our students. Our students are also able to develop a network of friends from around the world. New programmes, such as dual-degree programmes make learning exciting and interesting. They give an opportunity to a student to earn a degree from a foreign university at a fraction of the cost while studying in India. Faculty exchange brings new ideas and information. This results in curriculum enrichment and this, in turn, improves the quality of graduates. Your university has entered into tie ups with some foreign universities. What is the idea behind this move and how successful have you been in your endeavor? By networking with our international partners, we aspire to: Use their academic experts in designing and reviewing our curriculum. Plan for innovative and need-based undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with the possibility of double degrees Exchange of faculty for short periods Send our students to compete a semester abroad Have students from the foreign university for short-term programmes and internships. Utilise the expertise of professors in new research areas and setting up research centres to meet the global challenges. How do students benefit from these partnerships? These partnerships facilitate student and faculty exchange. Student exchange provides them with an international experience and also gives them an opportunity to work in world class labs and work spaces. This international experience can be applied to their work situations later in life. It also expands their world view, cultural intelligence and global awareness and improves leadership skills and is a big value addition to their CV. Faculty exchange brings experienced academicians from foreign universities. Indian students interact with them and gain insights about the technical perspective. Also if the foreign professors see interest and enthusiasm in the students they sometimes invite them to be part of their ongoing research abroad. What steps should educational partners take to give an international experience to Indian students? The educational partners should ensure that the MoU signed is active. l Encourage visiting Professors l Plan innovative programmes l Encourage incoming foreign students l Have flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods l Send faculty abroad for short periods to teach in partner universities, l Encourage Indian students to go to the partner university for a semester, l Promote student activities that involve Indian and international students. What are the future prospects in collaborative international education and what are the plans of your university in this regard? GU’s (Galgotias University) vision is to grow into a centre of international education of a high standard that can be compared to the best in the world. We aim to enrich the academic ambience of the university by sharing and learning from the expertise of foreign universities. To help in this process, a full-fledged International Office has been set up at the university with the following objectives: l Initiate and maintain international cooperations l Invite and support foreign faculty l Promote faculty and student exchange, l Initiate joint academic and joint research programmes l Provide guidance and support to international students, — As told to Geetu Vaid
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Tie up
Brilliant Tutorials has signed a tie up with CL Educate (Career Launcher) as a platform partner for the North and East India, including about 20 states of the country. Of the 40,000 plus students that Brilliant Tutorials currently services, over 8,000 belong to this region and seek test prep for all kinds of competitive examinations including IITJEE, Pre-medical test, Civil Services, etc. As per this agreement, CL Educate becomes the platform and go-to-market partner for BT beginning January 2012. While the academic research and practices come from Brilliant Tutorials, Career Launcher will be responsible for the delivery of services across this geography. CL Educate is a leading broad-spectrum education company founded by a group of IIT – IIM alumni with activities ranging from test prep, vocational training, K12-schools and higher education. CL educate is headquartered in Delhi and services over 100,000 students a year. — TNS
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HIRING SCENE
IT firm iGate-Patni plans to hire about 5,000 persons next year, as it consolidates its business post the acquisition of Indian firm Patni Computer, with most of them being freshers.
“We will be hiring 4,000-5,000 persons next calendar year ... That will take our headcount over the 30,000 mark,” iGate Chief Executive Officer Phaneesh Murthy said. For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, iGate Patni had 26,216 employees compared to 26,395 persons in the previous quarter. Out of the 5,000 persons that would be added, around 3,500 would be engineering graduates, while the remaining 1,500 would be science graduates. Some lateral hiring would also be done, iGate Patni HR Head Srinivas Kandula said. Currently, iGate Patni has 50:50 fresher to experienced employee strength. In January this year, US-based iGate, in a consortium with private equity firm Apax Partners, bought the entire 45.6 per cent stake of Patni brothers – Narendra Patni, Ashok Patni and Gajendra Patni – along with General Atlantic’s 17.4 per cent for $ 921 million (Rs 4,188 crore). Following the acquisition, iGate launched an open offer, which gave it a majority stake of about 83 per cent in Patni Computer Systems. As with any acquisition, there were high attrition rates, which the company is working to control, Kandula said. “The key phase of people integration will complete by December. Our focus this year has been on stability and consolidation and protection of our employees,” Kandula said. Attrition has come down dramatically to below 19 per cent and the target is to bring it down to around 16 per cent levels in the next two quarters, Murthy said. — PTI
CBEC to hire 28,360
With an aim to enhance its tax administration and prevent evasion, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has decided to hire 28,360 personnel, including officers. "The proposal is at an advanced stage of consideration by the government and it is expected to result in an increase of 28,360 posts at various levels," an official said. The CBEC, the official said, is in the process of cadre restructuring and its re-organisation proposal envisages creation of compact field units like directorates, zones, commissionerates, divisions and ranges. — PTI
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Master the SWITCH
itch
Vinay Grover
It's the lure of an attractive compensation coupled with attractive joining bonus or a career progression in terms of role and the designation that you have been vying for since long, the pull factor is attractive enough to make that hurried decision that may have sounded legitimate: for sure we are talking about making a "job change” or well, calling it more appropriately a "company change”. But be careful as the new job could have the same set of bottlenecks, riddled with the very same pitfalls of your current position and making the switch may in fact, yield no benefits and rather defeat your sole objective of change. So do some soul searching before handing over that resignation letter and be clear about what you detest in your current job and how the new opening will be different. Here are a few factors that you should consider before moving into a new territory: Green bucks Money is the most important factor, but is it the only parameter that you have deliberated while making comparisons? It is quite possible that you have had lot of opportunities to go one up on your compensation but your performance wasn't satisfactory to let that happen for you whereas in contrast your peers have gained considerably on the monetary front. If you feel left out or retarded in your present job, then things would not be very different at the new work place, since the parameters to gauge your performance could well be the same and a year later you will be due for another switch and so on. If that be the case then it's not the time to shift loyalties. Career progression You would assume that the opportunity that has knocked at your door is actually a career progression and would be a combination of set of responsibilities that you have aspired for. But ask yourself if you possess the capabilities to deliver or have you been trained to shoulder a larger gamut of responsibilities that you have been entrusted? Most of the times when you would address the question to yourself, the answer will not be in the affirmative. The present organisation has well developed training mechanism that facilitates treading a well-laid out career path. The present environment is conducive for learning and you have been given substantial growth opportunities but you have been casual in approach to shrug them off. So it's the time to ponder again. Downsizing The economic scenario is quite volatile, we are gearing up for another recessionary phase after the low we have seen in 2008, the recovery was marginal and the times are not conducive for making a transition. If you make a change and unfortunately the fortune of the new industry or company changes, then you might run the risk of elimination as per the golden rule of LIFO (last in first out). While with your current employer you enjoy a good working relationship and they have the big appetite to retain you in the difficult times. Thus, think before you walk out of the exit door. Emergence of a new sector It pays to have the first mover's advantage, and yes, moving into a new industry sector that looks promising should be a good choice to make that necessary transition. Here again, you have to be very clear whether you have researched it well and know completely what lies in store for you. The late 90’s saw the Dot.com boom and the eventual bust of the same. Similarly Retail was supposed to be next happening thing after Telecom but that also met a similar fate. Though after early setbacks these sectors have started seeing an upward trend, but the approach is much more balanced and for sure that initial fizz is missing. You have to evaluate and envision whether the emerging sector can hold its ground for a sufficient time and whether the customer base is ripe enough to lap up the offerings being made by the sector? Also, evaluate the environmental, statutory, or for that matter, government regulations that could give it a smooth run. If you have doubts, then think again. Entrepreneurial obsession “Why work for someone else when I can be my own boss?” The question rings a sweet bell in one’s ears and that too constantly. It is generally observed that if one is managing a couple of people or is an individual contributor par excellence or has grown up to senior middle management position tends to get distracted and wishes to stand on his own. He sees a glorified picture where he assumes all is green, and takes on that bigger challenge to set out on a journey to build on his own empire. The adage "All that glitters in not gold" holds very true in this situation. So make a reality check and if you are convinced that you have all that it takes to become a successful entrepreneur and you can make sure that you have enough finances available at your disposal to make the killing, only then go on your own. Else stay and check your organisation as seeing your passion it might give you that opportunity to become an Intrapreneur. — The writer is CEO, Symbiosis Manage Symbiosis Management Consultants
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Indians are emerging as favourites of overseas companies looking for temporary but experienced workforce for specific requirements available at low cost, say experts.
“India has become a favourite destination for hiring temporary workforce, especially in the IT sector. The trend that began about a decade back has gained momentum since the last four to five years... growing by 15 to 20 per cent per annum. Initially, only freshers were hired, but now companies are also going in for experienced hands,” Gi Staffing Services manager Samrat Roy said in Mumbai. Temporary staffing gives companies the flexibility to hire people for a trial period or for a specific assignment, which helps them cut down staff costs, especially when they do not have visibility about a similar project in future, Gi Staffing Services executive director Jacob Samuel said. “This is a win-win situation even for professionals, as this helps them gain exposure to work for multiple organisations, environments, platforms and projects, thereby gaining professional enrichment,” Samuel explained. According to Roy, the trend is also picking up in the Asia-Pacific nations. Indians, he said, are being hired in sectors like manufacturing, retail, automotive, healthcare and banking. “In the retail segment, temporary hiring by overseas companies has gone up by almost 45 per cent,” he said, adding that these temporary employees get packages at par with permanent workforce as they are there for a limited time. “Employees going from India are getting the same salary on a daily basis, including housing and other allowances,” Roy said, adding that these employees are hired purely on talent rather than academic performance. “Big companies have an HR policy for temporary staffing to judge them on their performance because it is believed that marks don’t necessarily portray the actual skill of a person or one’s capability to do a particular work. So temporary staffers have the leverage to work with big companies even if they did not score high marks in their exams,” Samuel said. Executive search firm GlobalHunt director Sunil Goel said gradually the demand for temporary jobs is also coming from Latin America and African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa apart from Asian countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. ”About 10-15 per cent of Indian IT employees work on overseas projects onsite on temporary basis for client-specific requirements. This is expected to grow by 15-20 per cent in coming years,” Goel said. Besides, Indian professionals engaged in power and energy, infrastructure, engineering procurement, construction and telecom sectors are also in high demand from overseas employers. — PTI
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Happiness @ work
Though staying in the wild is difficult after growing up in a palace, Lopamudra, the princess of Vidarbha, decided to follow the examples set by Parvati, Sita and Savitri when she married sage Agastya. The 10,000 rishis and their wives in Taragam forest had grown vain about their powers. So Shiva and Vishnu, in the form of a stunning man and a ravishing woman respectively, burst their bubble of sensory control. Enraged, the rishis attacked Shiva with a tiger which he flayed and draped it as a garment. Next came a serpent that he wore as a garland. Last came a goblin whom Shiva crushed under his feet. As good had triumphed over evil, Shiva, in the form of Nataraj — wearing the tiger skin and the snake and the goblin under his feet, started dancing. Amazed at Shiva’s dancing skills, Tandu, his disciple, learnt it from the Lord and taught it to sage Bharat, author of Natya Shastra — a voluminous treatise on dance, drama and music, to pass it to humanity. One day, as soon as Ramakrishna Paramhans sat on his bed, he got up with a start saying, “My whole body is burning.” His disciple Swami Vivekananda had put a silver coin under the mattress to test the master’s claim that he couldn’t stand the touch of money. In his company, a great change came over Vivekananda. When the master sent the disciple to Goddess Kali to bless him with money, he first asked for knowledge. Then, he asked Her for devotion. The third time, Vivekananda asked for renunciation. To counter British efforts that intended to make India a source of raw material for their factories and a market for English goods, a swadeshi movement was launched in India. It aimed at boycotting foreign goods, augmenting the sale the Indian wares and giving employment to Indian youth. This small spark spread so far and wide that swadeshi cloth, nibs, teacups and saucers, inkpots, dolls, soap, matchsticks, cigarettes etc gradually emerged. Lord Buddha brought violent men like Emperor Asoka and robber Angulimala to the path of non-violence. He turned the attention of dancers like Amrapali and Vasavadatta from their physical charms to their inner beauty. He even made his power hungry cousin Devadatta, who wanted to head the Sangha, repent his sins. “Walk alone even if no one else comes along,” Subhash Chandra Bose told his men in the INA as they marched to the tune of ‘Ekla chalo re…’ Not knowing when a ship would need it, a light house burns all night. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at
svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
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With the global energy consumption escalating with each passing year, the need to find new oil and gas reserves is of prime importance in the absence of a sustainable new fuel. Frequent price hikes and opening up of the petroleum sector to private players has brought this sector to the fore and the need for trained professionals to develop and man hi-tech imaging systems, super computers etc has also increased manifold. In this scenario Petroleum Engineering has emerged as a lucrative as well as exciting career option for students opting for the non-medical stream in Plus II.
When we go through the user manual for a new mobile phone, music system, or a computer gadget we rarely think about what goes into creating the instruction brochures. Sometimes we are able to figure out the instructions, while at other times we end up totally confused with the technical details. It may be interesting to know that you need to have professional training to prepare the instructions for such manuals.
The Indian higher education systemis fast becoming global with a large number of foreign universities seeking to team up with Indian counterparts as international co-operation in academics has become inevitable in the context of the new world order i.e. increased globalisation and economic relations among countries. A student today, is a citizen of the world, who is learning and acquiring knowledge beyond the barriers of time and space.
“India has the world’s largest number of young people, and many have achieved success around the globe. Universities from all over the world welcome Indian students to their campus and are seeking to partner with Indian universities.
With the global energy consumption escalating with each passing year, the need to find new oil and gas reserves is of prime importance in the absence of a sustainable new fuel. Frequent price hikes and opening up of the petroleum sector to private players has brought this sector to the fore and the need for trained professionals to develop and man hi-tech imaging systems, super computers etc has also increased manifold. In this scenario Petroleum Engineering has emerged as a lucrative as well as exciting career option for students opting for the non-medical stream in Plus II.
A. Yes you can go ahead and opt for B.Com or BCA if you wish. Barring the Navy option, you can then opt for the Indian Army as well as the Indian Air Force with these subjects at the bachelor's level through the Combined Defence Services Exam which is conducted twice a year (February and August) by the Union Public Service Commission to admit cadets for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
A. It's very critical that you factor in the total cost of a programme and not just the fees in a single year, while comparing your foreign study options.
A. You've done a fair amount of switching of streams already... and you've only just finished school! Not to worry ... no major harm done. And there's certainly no need to panic. But you must take care. At this stage, the most critical resource you have is time, and you don't want to be making too many wrong-turns and losing time, energy and your enthusiasm and self-confidence. The correct choice of career (and thus course) must take into account several factors - your unique combination of interests-personality-temperament; your abilities and strengths; and also the scope of prospects of different career options.
The Union Government will set up a meta university that will allow students flexibility in designing their curriculum and pursuing subjects and combinations of their choice in an effort to make higher education more liberal and accessible.
Good workers get disheartened when they see juniors picking up seniors’ bad habits. Don’t fret as your good habits, though slowly, will become models to follow too.