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Magic of words and images
Career Hotline
Cool Counsel
Course cruising
career compass: ivf expert
field
in focus: social sciences
Scholarship round-up
classroom and career
Lukewarm pay hikes
‘Smart’ ban boosts performance
Happiness @ work
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mass media Jayanthi Krishnan talks about the challenging and bright career prospects offered by the new-age media industry The world is still ruled by words that can 'create magic'. Communication being the most potent weapon in the modern world has the ability to create public opinion, influence public sentiments and send vital messages to the masses. From Doordarshan's penetration in the early 1980s to a decade full of information in the new millennium, communication in India has come a long way. With an entire spectra of media in a race to get hold of the masses, be it in the form of movie posters, advertisement hoardings or on the go FM channels, mass media catches up with you wherever you go. With an ever- increasing range and diversity of the sector in the form of TV channels, newspapers, magazines, Internet, social media, e-content, blogging, twitter and the facebook, it is almost impossible to imagine life without mass media! Beating the slowdown in 2008-2009, over 600 television channels, 100 million pay-television households, 70,000 newspapers, production of more than 1000 films annually, a jaw-dropping 13,200 crore advertising industry and a $ 3 billion public relations industry poised to double itself in to a $ 6 billion industry in the next two years, the media industry in India continues to grow at a rapid pace. Be it television, radio, film, digital, print media or advertising and public relations, the prospects of growth, in terms of development in industry and hence your career, are vast. With different cultures, languages and content preferences, the diverse Indian market provides global media and entertainment companies ample amount of opportunities to deliver localised content. India's favorable regulations and reforms are creating investment opportunities for global media and entertainment companies and resultantly broadening the scope and prospects of a fruitful and fulfilling career for young talent in the world of media and entertainment both nationally and internationally. Spectrum of options
If you are someone gifted with the ability to express views, thoughts and events with impeccable clarity in the written word along with a keen desire to express yourself, journalism is a fulfilling career option for you. Journalism today is not restricted to print media alone. Electronic media, digital media and web-based journalism have added a plethora of openings for aspirants. Content development, news-based reporting, editing, packaging, product development, designing and presenting are few of the multiple options and careers open to those wanting to pursue a career in this field. Audio visual An eye that can capture images, moments and visuals in detail enough to replicate and recreate is an eye that should consider this career. Audio visuals is a platform that is used in various fields such as films, advertising, broadcast, documentaries, production houses where career options such as programming, casting, editing, packaging, shooting, producing are a few of the several options available to those who wish to explore their creative ability and vivid imagination and ideas to create a product for general entertainment and awareness for mass audience. Advertising management Advertising management is a very interesting field that provides the creative minds that can churn out unique concepts in word /or imagery to represent a brand or even express a concept. If you think you have the passion to present things in a unique manner, then you must consider this as a career. The Ad industry provides a candidate with openings such as copywriters, researchers, programmers, media planners, client servicing, account manager and many such lucrative career options. Public relations One with an ability to understand, present and convince audiences be it journalists, advertisers, clients, masses alike, and keep them in tune with updates while subtly creating and maintaining a strong perception of a brand, must definitely consider PR as a career option. PR also has a variety of openings ranging from strategy and tie up executives, media relations executives, senior account executives, account managers, brand managers, corporate communications manager, strategic communications manager etc to name a few of the interesting options.Corporate communication Clarity of thoughts along with the ability to understand the vision of an organisation, an interest in honing that vision and to promote it are the skills involved to be a part of corporate communication. If you can streamline thoughts and visions and make these more coherent not only for projecting the vision of an organisation to its clients and collaborators but also with the team of the organisation itself; then corporate communication can be a fulfilling career option for you. Event management Event management is for those who can gauge the mindset of target audience, like devising means and plans to reach out to them and enjoy actively working towards realisation of different events. The recent growth in the sector means that the industry has opened up to include events of all sorts and scales. Events could cater to anything form a simple marketing to relationship building or fund raising. There are options for professionals at each step from the conception to execution of the event. With a radical shift in pedagogy, more and more institutes are now focusing on imparting practical learning in tune with industry standards. Multiple teaching methods like classroom lectures, case analysis, group projects, business simulation games, assignments, workshops form the core of the learning process. Go for the media courses that provide a judicious mix of academics and real-life experience and boost practical knowledge and skills required in an industry-oriented job market today. Job prospects Armed with the appropriate degree you can look at your respective interest field and choose from the umpteen options available within any given industry. Like as journalism and broadcasting graduate you can look at reportage, news production (for television), writing or even editing. Each field offers a bouquet of opportunities that you can explore. In fact, with experience comes specialisation which one can focus on once the exact point of interest is ascertained. Similarly in audio visual you can be in film, television or digital video production. You can choose to work for information; marketing or entertainment based options and even choose amongst these to be a part of the management or the creative team. The power of media is best exemplified with communication of the desired objective of the organisation. You can choose either of the communication or management options to utilise the power of the mass media to get your message across. Remuneration Though the remuneration varies from one field to another, it also depends upon the institute from which the course has been completed. For beginners, on an average, the remuneration may range from Rs 2 to 3 lakh per annum. The pay increases with experience and time. The writer is Director, International School of Business and Media, Gurgaon
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How can I get into weapon development?
Pervin Malhotra Q. I'm interested in weapon development as a career option. Please tell me about the courses in this area/subject, and the institutes where I can apply. What should I be doing after completing school to get into this area? — Vineet Joshi
Your best bet would be to pursue courses in basic engineering and sciences at the UG level and then consider your options. Courses that you could consider — Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Nuclear, Computers, IT, Aeronautical, Chemical), Sciences (Electronics, Physics, Maths, Chemistry, IT).
Increase your employability
Q. I am about to complete my graduation (BBA). Financially right now I can't pursue a a master's course. I’m really in need of a job. What kind of parallel courses can I do while working? I'm also interested in learning a foreign language. Which foreign language is suitable for me and has more scope? — Armaan Sahni
What’s the scope in social work?
A.A
Master's in Social Work will equip you to work as a professional social worker
in national and international social welfare organizations. Many corporate
houses that have a full-fledged community development department also hire
professionally trained social workers in the areas of medicine, education,
family welfare and human rights etc and as professionals to drive their CSR
activities. You can also work as a project officer, programme coordinator,
development consultant, counsellor, instructor or lecturer. Hundreds of
Universities across of the country offer a Masters degree in Social Work --
both central and state universities. The better ones are TISS, XISS,
Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Delhi University, Benaras Hindu University, Punjab
University, Jamia Milia Islamia, University of Mumbai, University of Pune,
Bangalore University, University of Madras.
What’s the best route to newsroom?
Q. I want to become a journalist. Which course should I pursue immediately after my completing my Class XII this year? Can you please guide me in this area, about the college and courses. — Vartika Handa
A.While you can pursue an UG course in journalism/ mass communication and In fact, your graduation can be in any stream — science/commerce /humanities — and still make a career in journalism as long While doing your graduation, try and intern with a local newspaper, or even a magazine; write for your college magazine; set-up a blog; and also submit articles to publications. After completing your graduation, join a PG course in journalism/ mass communication where you will the basics and the "rules" and techniques in different types of journalism.
Productive break
A.For one, talk to your seniors who have taken the same stream, talk to students studying MBBS /BDS. Also, do talk to a number of professional doctors. What about? Ask them what their typical day and week is like? What qualities are required to succeed in the field, what kind of preparation is required, what are the pros and cons of their chosen field of work. All of this will help you understand in detail about the future, the scope and prospects of a career in medicine as a doctor, researcher etc and the level of effort and preparation required. Then once you're sure, join a coaching institute and work hard to crack the entrances! email your queries to
careers@tribunemail.com ...
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How can I overcome exam anxiety?
D. C. Sharma Q. I am a student of Class XII. I suffer from extreme examination anxiety. As a result I keep on revising till the last minute and work myself up so much before entering the examination hall that I get confused and forget important points. I put in a lot of hard work but this last minute panic ruins my results. How can I overcome this? —Rohit Tahkur A. A large number of good students fail to score good marks because of such anxiety. To go on revising the learnt material till the last minute is a big mistake. You should discontinue this as soon as possible. Don't revise or learn anything fresh at the eleventh hour. Stop looking into books and notes at least one hour before the exams. The more peaceful and confident you stay during this hour, the better will be your chances of performing well in the next three hours. A major cause of examination anxiety is haphazard and unorganised way of preparing for an exam. The students who leave everything for the last few days panic when they are not able to finish their lessons. So make a proper study time table and plan and stick to it. In the same manner organise the things that you are supposed to carry into the exam hall in advance to avoid anxiety. You forget to reproduce even main points in the exams is simply due to your confusion which is your own creation. Now do as advised. You will see how peaceful and confident you remain not only before the exams but also during the exams. The three hours or so that you spend in the examination hall bear fruit only when you reproduce the material you have been eagerly learning throughout the session. The strategy advised here shall help provided you follow it sincerely and diligently.
Power of positive imagery
Q. I have come to know that visualisation helps in preparing for the exams. Is it true? If yes, may I know how to do it? Are there certain risks if I make use of visualisation to prepare for my exams which are round the corner? — Deepti Gulati
Retain a calm and positive state of mind. Dwell upon the images of your stupendous success for a few minutes before you go to sleep at night. As you go on visualising with a positive bent of mind on daily basis, you will be amazed how negative thoughts will leave you forever. As you regularly dwell upon positive feelings about success, you will always vibrate at the frequency of success. Then getting success not only in the exams but on other fronts of life too will become a routine habit with you.
Tested techniques for better retention
Q. Is there some principle behind forgetting? If yes, how can I
remember my lessons clearly for the exams? Is it sufficient to revise
the learnt material by re-reading it frequently? Kindly advise. —
Chirag Sharma
A.Yes, there is a principle behind forgetting. Whenever we learn something, it at first enters our short-term memory. We will soon forget most of it if we do not actively repeat it with clear focus and concentration. A 19th century German memory researcher Hermann Ebbinghaus illustrated it graphically through the Ebbinghaus Curve. To retain the material you learn for the examination, revise it at different intervals. You have to revise it once immediately after learning, thereafter revise it after an hour, then after a day, then after a week, then after a month, and then after two months and so on. Ebbinghaus discovered that this process changed the normal forgetting curve and enabled respondents to reproduce it better. You can use the same technique for your examination preparation. Revision is done most effectively if you practice the output method. Revising the learnt material by rote method simply pushes the material into the long-term memory. It gets stuck there until you make an effective effort to bring that material out. You have to get the material out under pressure. For that you have to write the answers as if you are actually writing the exam. So prepare questions as are asked in the examination. Then practice writing the answers at home. House tests are based on this output principle only. Taking mock tests must not be taken as a casual task. Discipline your study strategy if you really want to succeed. email your queries to
careers@tribunemail.com
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Course cruising
The course: PGDM-BE is a two-year, full time programme offered through six trimesters. The curriculum offers a strong mix of quantitative, analytical and strategic skills that encompasses the fundamental core to progressive theories and concepts in business and management practices and prepares the students for all aspects of life beyond the campus. Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, with at least 50 per cent marks or equivalent CGPA (45 per cent in case of the candidates belonging to SC, ST and Differently Abled (DA) categories. Students appearing for the final year degree examination, at the time of application, can also apply. Preference is given to women, non-creamy other backward classes (NC-OBC) and candidates from family business background. Preference will also be given to candidates who have entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial experience. Admission criteria: Entrance examination, entrepreneurship aptitude test and personal interview. EDI accepts CAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA and CMAT scores in lieu of entrance examination. Students, opting for PGDM-BE/DS through CAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA and CMAT have to apply to EDI. Last date for application: April 14, 2012. Written test: April 28-29. Check out: www.ediindia.org / www.ediindia.ac.in On similar lines
Duration: Two years full-time. Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree Admission criteria: Merit
Building a strong future
The course: Postgraduate course in architecture at the University of Liverpool’s School of Architecture. The Master’s degree in Architecture is a 12-month full-time or 24-month part-time programme comprising four one-semester core modules (total 60 credits), up to four optional modules (total 60 credits) and a research-based dissertation/thesis (total 60 credits) completed over the summer. The course focuses on the history and theory of architecture; architecture and the visual arts; application of digital technologies in design; and alternative renewable technologies in architecture. Qualification: International qualifications to gain entry to the course will be evaluated in line with the National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) guidelines. English language requirements at IELTS 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or TOEFL IBT 88-89 are accepted. Timelines: The course will commence in September, 2012. Application deadline: July, 2012. Tuition fees: Ł11,500. Check out: http://www.liv.ac.uk/lsa/courses/ma/ or http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/international/ — TNS
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career compass: ivf expert
Skills required This profession requires a deep understanding of the anatomy, biochemistry and endocrinology of the male and the female. An IVF expert has to be very good at surgical skills as well. Not only this, he/she should also be able to take care of the psychological needs of the patients. Degrees associated with it
In India, the highest degree in this branch is called FNB (Fellow of National Board in Reproductive Medicine - two years). To get into this course, one has to qualify an all-India common entrance exam and again an exit exam at the end of two years of training. There are only 11 seats for this all over India. One has to be really dedicated in this field since it's not only physical treatment but a lot of psychological counselling as well. Timings and clockwork A day in the clinic of an IVF expert consists of OPD consultations, psychological counselling, ultrasounds, intrauterine insemination, operative procedures like oocyte pickup, embryo transfer and surgical sperm retrieval. In addition, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic fertility enhancing surgeries are performed by an infertility and IVF expert. Remuneration The remuneration varies widely from a Rs. 50,000 to Rs 1, 00,000 to start with and might go up to any value with passing years.
Pros: It's a highly gratifying profession since the joy of parenthood can't be com-pared to anything else. Making couples, who have been trying for years, conceive and have their own child, is the biggest gift that one can give. Cons: But this profession also has its own challenges. It requires a very long training period of at least 11 years. There is a lot of psychological counselling required, especially if an IVF cycle fails. It requires high skills since it's a very finely balanced treatment and finally, the highest success rate world over are not more than 50 per cent in spite of all the
hardwork. — The writer is IVF Expert and Gyn\aecologist, BL Kapur Hospital, New Delhi
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field
in focus: social sciences
Most students are wary of subjects such as history, political science, sociology, as they think these subjects require a great deal of rote learning, and also do not lead to any worthwhile career option. But if you are fond of reading, possess good communication skills and a healthy curiosity for things around you, you may like to consider some of these subjects for graduation. Subjects such as history, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, social work and other such subjects are known as social science subjects and can open up a range of avenues in diverse fields ranging from civil services, advertising, mass communication, archeology, to market research, hotel management, adventure sports and even wildlife studies. Social sciences study almost all aspects of human society. It helps us to understand different ways in which individuals and groups make decisions, exercise power, and respond to change. Through their studies and analyses, social scientists suggest solutions to social, business, personal, governmental, and environmental problems.
Skills required Depending on the jobs and the field of work you choose, you may need a wide range of personal characteristics for a career after social sciences. Intellectual curiosity and creativity are fundamental personal traits, because social scientists constantly seek new information about people, things, and ideas. Excellent written and oral communication skills also are necessary for these professionals. The students interested in the social sciences are also required to possess broad vision, sensitivity, critical awareness and other perspectives that the study of these subjects provide. So if you are good with planning and organising, teamwork and communication you may like to look beyond the traditional careers and explore new avenues. Don't be afraid to choose any of the social subjects, any one of them may prove to be the foundation for the career of your dreams! Some areas of work in social sciences include:
anthropology
Anthropology is a social science, which studies the origin and the physical, social, and cultural development and behaviour of mankind. Anthropologists study the differentiation of physical and cultural types in human beings, and the effects of living in different environments all over the world and over the centuries. They may examine the way of life, archaeological remains, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. Some compare the customs, values, and social patterns of different cultures. In this way, scientists are able to consider the dynamism of the evolutionary process and explain how a community is what it is today and its relationship with the past, and to other communities or groups. It is for this reason too, that a study of anthropology provides a good base of knowledge for a more learned understanding of sociology, development, economics, gender studies, criminology and psychology, the legal system and so on.
Anthropologists can study social or physical anthropology. While a background in science is preferred for physical anthropology, you can take up social anthropology after Plus II with any subject stream. Social anthropologist usually concentrates on sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, or linguistics, while physical anthropology is a study of physical and biophysical anthropology. Jobscape There are three main areas of employment for an Anthropologist, i.e., teaching, research and working in museums. Research jobs are available in organisations like Archaeological Survey of India, the Planning Commission as well as international organisations like the United Nation's UNESCO or UNICEF Public Health Organisations as well as commissions for women issues, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and other government departments offer opportunities for research and field work in the various aspects of Anthropology. Anthropologists can also work in the Community Health Sectors, where they work as Social Scientists.
social work
Social work is no longer limited to the conventional definition of being involved in charity of welfare-oriented organisations even though many institutions employing personnel with social work qualifications are involved in such activities.
The social worker performs several functions as the work is a mixture of liaison, mediating, monitoring and practical problem-solving. A major part of the work involves field work. Much time is spent visiting people and communities, listening to their problems, offering support and encouragement and ensuring and monitoring the optimum use of resources. Much of the work covers responsibilities with community development agencies operated by government or non-government organisations, municipalities, panchayats or international organistions. Academic route To make a career in this field, you need to do a B.A. in Social Work, which is a three-year graduate programme. Candidates who have completed their graduation in sociology or social sciences are preferred for admission into a two-year post-graduate M.A. in Social Work. However, graduation in other streams is also admissible in many colleges offering such post-graduate programmes. Jobscape Candidates passing from leading social sciences institutes are often employed in public health institutes, psychiatric centres, counselling forums, reform centres and even anthropological or research-based organisations. Work in this field ranges from handling educational needs of different social groups, organising communities for change, lobbying with local groups, government officials or other specialised groups, organising training programmes, raising ecological awareness, and even AIDS and family planning education. Many professional social workers who have had sufficient experience start independent work as counsellors or therapists, providing correctional, educational, and legal support. Many have also set up their own NGOs, specialising in their particular area of expertise. Job opportunities also exist as instructors and lecturers in training centres for community development personnel, funding agencies, and as development consultants. The fact that social workers are also recruited by international organisations like UNESCO, WHO and UNICEF underlines the fact that their skills sets are equally applicable in the global marketplace.
sociology
Sociology is a fascinating subject that covers the study of human behaviour and our relationship with others within an organisational or social structure. Sociology ranges from the study of relationships in family units in the most primitive cultures, to the research of large bureaucratic institutions in major industrialised nations. Among the specialties within sociology are criminology, demography, cultural traditions, family relations, gerontology, social welfare, race relations, social status, and social change.
Academic route After Plus II with any subject stream, you can take up a degree in sociology, or in any of the specialisations in this field after graduation. As sociology-related careers are so diverse, it is advisable to think about one's ultimate career goals before enrolling for a degree programme. Jobscape Research institutes, the criminal justice system, law, public health and welfare organisations, private business, government, and international agencies employ sociologists. A professional with a degree in sociology is well prepared for administrative positions, particularly in government and public agencies that administer human services. Students with a bachelor's degree often secure employment as research assistants, data analysts, case workers, paralegals, advertising managers and administrators. Depending on the specialisation taken at the master's level you can work in areas related to criminal behaviour or gerontology, social welfare or demography. Students of sociology often consider a career in the civil services and can sit for the UPSC exams. Sociologists also take up careers in market research organisations, researching consumer trends and working with market researchers to discover new opportunities to meet the public's needs.
archaeology
Archaeology is a multi-disciplinary subject which integrates knowledge of history and anthropology with geology, chemistry and even art. Archaeology can be either research related or field oriented. A study of fossils, monuments, manuscripts, coins and excavated remains provides the researcher with material on which to base knowledge of the societies that existed in the ancient past.
Academic route A background in art, history or culture is useful for an archeologist. You can take up a bachelor's degree in archeology after Plus II with any subject stream, or specialise in any of the fields of archaeology after a degree in history or sociology. Jobscape Archaeologists can seek jobs in government sectors through examinations conducted by Union Public Service Commission or Staff Selection Commission and also in private environment monitoring companies or in similar organisations. Archaeologists can be employed in museums, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, cultural centers and historical division of the Ministry of External Affairs. The Archeological Society of India employs a large number of people and specialists are in great demand for maintaining, investigating and reporting about the archaeological sites and their condition. The ASI also maintains archaeological departments in all states and at sites of historical significance. There are also jobs with the National Archives of India which houses all historical data at its headquarters in Delhi and regional offices in Bhopal and Jaipur, and the National Museum in New Delhi and the many state museums across the country, as also specialised museums and organisations such as the Indian national Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Defence Services that run and maintain their own museums, the Films Division where old films need to be preserved, the All India Handicrafts Board and others. A degree holder in archaeology can also work as tourist guides, heritage managers, interpreters in the tourism industry.
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Scholarship round-up
Fellowships for scientists
Duration: Not exceeding five years. Eligibility:
l
The applicant should possess Ph.D in science/engineering /medicine. l
Scientists should be active in the frontier area of science and engineering with outstanding contributions in the form of research publications and/ or patents, peer recognition from scientific community, awards etc. in his/ her area of research. l
The fellowship is open to Indian nationals residing in India or abroad. l
The scientists from abroad can choose to work at any S&T institution within India. However, he/ she will have to submit a letter from Head of the Institution at which they wish to pursue research, stating that administrative and basic infrastructural support to facilitate research will be provided. l
The institute should also undertake financial and other management responsibilities of the project throughout the five year term in case fellowship is awarded to the scientist. Age bar: The fellowship is open to scientists between 30 to 40 years of age as on December 31, 2011. Amount: The support will cover all requirements for performing the research and will include a fellowship of Rs 25,000 per month for five years. The fellowship will be provided in addition to the salary they draw from their parent institution. In addition to fellowship, grants for equipment, computational facilities, consumables, contingencies, national and international travel and other special requirements, if any, will be covered based on merit. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with a freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan. The project should contain innovative research idea and it should have a potential of making impact on R&D in the discipline. How to Apply: Post, email Last date: April 30, 2012. Check out: http://www.dst.gov.in Internship opportunity in Canada Subject(s): Courses offered by the university. Duration: Five weeks. Amount: Round-trip economy class air travel and monthly stipend as per the policy of the institute. Eligibility: l
An applicant should be pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree in an Indian university/ institution; l
The applicant should have completed an equivalent of a Canadian bachelor's degree from a recognised Indian university with at least 55 per cent marks; l
The applicant should have some (paid or voluntary) professional or work experience relevant to his/ her proposed field of study; l
The applicant should not have another degree from a Canadian university or be enrolled in a Canadian degree
programme; l
The applicant must be a citizen or a permanent resident of India; l
The applicant should demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English, and should preferably be in the age group of 21-30 years. How to Apply: Send a hard copy of the filled out application to the Shastri India Office: Sanghamitra Jana Chatterjee (Programme Officer: Faculty and Student Mobility) Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, 5 Bhai Vir Singh Marg, New Delhi - 110 001 Last date: March 31, 2012. Check out: http://www.sici.org.in Email: sici@sici.org.in — TNS
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A smooth transition
Gauri Nagpal
Start early For all of you, who believe that career choice should start once you have left the school classroom, let me tell you, the biggest chasm between your classroom and career happens to be you. Your career choice should start as early as when you are in the 7- 8th grade. That would give you enough time to analyse your own strengths and weaknesses and carve a niche for your own self rather than follow the herd. Remember that the first leg is after Class XII the competition may be less tough than after graduation. So start serious studies early. All ears Out of all sense organs that make you choose a career path, use your ears the most. We all do that, taking advice from our parents, friends, teachers our role models, BUT where we go wrong is that we do not create a channel between the ear and the heart, so much so that it remains a clamor in our minds and never gets linked to what our heart wants. The world says go in for a Management Program, have we ever pondered what is it that our heart longs for? And if it longs to do something, are placements or remuneration the only criterion for our choice. If that is the case, believe me you have burnt out even before you have begun. There are many options like advertising and hotel management that might not seem lucrative at the first glance but a dive deeper reveals that these have a lot more to offer to students who do not wish to be just a cog in the wheel. Passion is key Career choice is like carving your own future wheel. Each one of you has a unique skill set, mindset that would carve out a unique future for you. If you are really passionate about something, find out ways and means to get it. Peep deep into yourself and find out, "What gives you greatest joy? There is no right or wrong answer to it but just be creative and authentic in your approach. You should not wait till your graduation or post graduation to bridge the gap between learning and earning. There is a spurt of Vocational Courses to choose from and there are more than a 100 entrance exams you can take after XII. The options available to you are mind boggling. Instead of being boggled by the sheer information overload, it is best to use a focused strategy. Rather than being exposed to many things, it is better to go in the depth of a career. Don't get enamored by the rankings that the colleges claim to have got. Visit the place; see it for yourself before making a choice. Believe and move on... Our beliefs influence our actions. Some of us believe that we are not good at number crunching- numbers send shivers down our spine. If you want to change that the answer does not lie in rushing to the coaching centers, but change your belief that you can't do it. Mr. President of USA, Barack Obama, gave us a very powerful phrase -Yes we can, It is time we use it. We want to run the marathon, but our knees turn to jelly at the very thought of it. Start believing in yourself for the career choice you have made for yourself. There is a multi talented person inside each one of us, waiting to wear multiple hats and steal the show. Good idea then to ask yourself. What's one thing you would like to do in your life, if you knew you would not fail? What dream you wish to dream if success is guaranteed? Do it tonight and answer will flashback to you. Whatever, the answer is, get to work on it right away. Tell yourself you can do it... And then watch the magic begin... — The writer is acareer counsellor
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Lukewarm pay hikes
Uncertain economic environment in the country is going to affect the pay hikes across all major sectors this year as companies adopt a cautious approach towards pay raises. This has been indicated by the results of the annual Salary Increase Survey by Aon Hewitt. Salary increases in India are projected to be 11.9 per cent, marginally lower than the actual increase of 12.6 per cent in 2011.
With 550 organisations representing 19 primary and 31 sub-sectors, this is the most comprehensive research available in the area of performance and rewards. The data for the survey was collected over November 2011 to January 2012. Commenting on the low hikes projected for the current year, Sandeep Chaudhary, Practice Leader, Compensation Consulting, said, “The economic growth in 2011 was hit by stubbornly high inflation, high interest rates, a slowing global economy and a policy paralysis in India. However, we are seeing encouraging signs in recent weeks on business sentiments. While organisations across industries are keeping a keen and watchful eye on this oscillating macro-economic environment, the number reiterates that organisations are taking a long-term view on talent." Pharma sector rules The front runner for this year’s salary increase is the Pharmaceutical Industry, with a projection of 13.3 per cent for 2012, riding high on a surging year-on-year growth with a CAGR of 11per cent. The domestic industry's long established position as a world leader in the production of high-quality generic medicines is set to reap significant new benefits as the patents on a number of drugs are scheduled to expire over the next few years. Fatter pay packets for mid-management level While the projections across all levels of management are lower than 2011, junior and middle management are still expected to get the highest increase for 2012 (12.3 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively). This employee category forms the majority of the employee base. Also, these employee segments constitute the most job opportunities across sectors and locations. Emerging trends The salary increases provided to critical talent have consistently been two to three percentage points more than the overall increments in an organisation for three years in a row now. The trend continues for 2012, with a projected increase of 15.1per cent for this employee group. This trend highlights that India Inc. is increasingly concentrating efforts on identifying top talent and rewarding them Spending on variable pay as part of total compensation has been steadily growing over the past decade. It indicates a shift in overall pay philosophy as employers are tying a greater percentage of employees' pay to individual and overall company performance. Top/senior management see 23 per cent of their total compensation as variable (up from 16 per cent in 2001). —
TNS
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‘Smart’ ban boosts performance
Imposing a ban on staff from checking their BlackBerrys, iPhones or any device just one evening a week can lead to improvements in happiness and performance at work, a new research has found. The Harvard Business School study involved management consultants being banned from monitoring their work after 6 pm once a week.
The experiment called ‘PTO’— predictable time off — was carried out on 1,400 employees of the Boston Consulting Group over three years. Professor Leslie Perlow was inspired to carry out the study after she found that 26 per cent of employees out of a sample of 1,600 managers and professionals slept with BlackBerrys or iPhones by their bedsides. Initially, managers at BCG were wary of the experiment and warned it would be halted immediately if ‘there was the slightest concern about the quality of BCG’s work’. Some ‘workaholic’ consultants resisted PTO, while other teams only partially embraced it. But those who had regular ‘downtime’ said they found they had greater job satisfaction and were more likely to stay for a long-term career at the firm. They also said they found their work-life balance improved, and they became more productive. Over three years, 59 per cent of those who embraced PTO agreed with the statement “I am excited to start work in the morning” compared with 27 per cent of those who dismissed PTO. Asked if they ‘feel satisfied’ with their jobs, 78 per cent of those who had just one evening off a week said yes, compared with 67 per cent of those who partly accepted it, and 49 per cent of those who rejected it. The study found that those who turned their phones off spent more time with their families and started making future plans for their social lives instead of endlessly cancelling them or not even bothering. “We defined as ‘on’ the time people spent working plus all the additional time they were available, monitoring their work in case something came up. What caught our attention was that the more people were ‘on’, the more unpredictable their work seemed to become,” the Daily Mail quoted Professor Perlow as saying. “By being constantly connected to work, they seemed to be reinforcing - and worse, amplifying - the very pressures that caused them to need to be available,” she stated. — ANI
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Happiness @ work
After conquering Lahore, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s first public act was to pay homage at the Badshahi mosque there. He not only celebrated festivals of all religions, but also had a Kashmiri Hindu Dina Nath to take care of the state finances and Muslim Fakir Azizuddin as his foreign minister. One day, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was invited as a guest of honour at a party by a British host. When he went in a traditional Indian costume, he wasn’t allowed to go in. He returned home, changed into a Western dress and joined his hosts. At the dinner table, he started feeding his clothes, much to the amazement of his British hosts. He explained, “If the same man is allowed entry only when he changes his clothes, then aren’t the clothes invited and not the man?” Asoka had given up all things dear to him — except his children. So his son Mahendra first joined the Sangha. His daughter Sanghamitra followed her brother. Later, the brother-sister duo, one after the other, made their way to Lanka to spread the Buddha’s word. The Mahabharata tells us how partiality can ruin a clan. The fact that Bhishma had sought the hand of Gandhari for the blind Dhritrashtra made the Gandhar royalty angry, but they couldn’t do much as Hastinapur was too mighty. Nursing this grouse, Gandhari’s brother Shakuni sowed seeds of dissension among the Pandavas and Kauravas. As Dhritrashtra, despite being elder, couldn’t ascend the throne because of his blindness, he desired to see his son Duryodhana on the throne — by any means. Later, the game of dice was to be played between Duryodhana and Yudhisthira, but Duryodhana made his expert uncle Shakuni cast the dice. King Bindusara’s favouritism towards his son Asoka made his other 100 brothers jealous. This led to a bloody war between brothers after Bindusara’s death. Due to his son Salim’s bad habits, Akbar wanted Khusrau, his grandson, as his successor. This led to a bitter relationship between the father and the son. When Salim became emperor as Jahangir, he had Khusrau blinded and put in a dungeon. Similarly, Shah Jahan had a liking for his eldest son Dara Shukoh. So his other boys — Murad, Shuja and Aurangzeb ganged up against Shah Jahan and Dara. After emerging winner, Aurangzeb imprisoned his father and brother Dara Shukoh. Remember saint Kabir said, “The universe has emerged from a single source, then how can you call one good and another bad?” — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
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The world is still ruled by words that can 'create magic'. Communication being the most potent weapon in the modern world has the ability to create public opinion, influence public sentiments and send vital messages to the masses. From Doordarshan's penetration in the early 1980s to a decade full of information in the new millennium, communication in India has come a long way. With an entire spectra of media in a race to get hold of the masses, be it in the form of movie posters, advertisement hoardings or on the go FM channels, mass media catches up with you wherever you go.
Broadcasting and journalism 
A.You seem to have set your sights on an explosive sector! Weapons development and manufacturing is a controlled activity and rests solely with the government. Typically, R&D is undertaken at DRDO — Defence Research and Development Organisation. Manufacturing of ammunition, armaments and assorted equipment is undertaken by the Ordnance Factory Board.
A.You should be looking at courses which will increase your employability prospects — courses in sales and marketing, or finance depending on your interest. Also, don't be overly picky about your first job immediately after graduation. Treat it as an experience where you are getting paid to learn! Once in a job you can switch companies, sector and even fields. Remember it is much easier to switch jobs WHEN already in a job. As far as learning a foreign language goes — sure take it up if it interests you. Do remember that it will take a considerable time to build up enough proficiency in a foreign language for it to help you land a job. Do so by all means. It is a great way of adding to your overall personality and a life skill, don't bank on it for getting a job in the immediate future. 
Q. I am interested in doing my postgraduate in social studies. Can you please tell me which colleges in India offer a postgraduate degree in MSW? I would also want to know what is the scope for someone graduating in MSW? — Kishore Aneja
Q. I am a student of Class X, going to Class XI. I have a month-long break in between during which I would like to do something relevant. I have taken pcb and want to go in medical field, but I'm not 100 per cent sure whether I want to be a doctor. Please suggest how I can make this month more productive for my future? — Anita Kohli
A.It is true that visualisation can help in preparing for exams. But you have to make use of this technique carefully. It is a double-edged weapon. If it can help you reach the top, it can also make you trip. Visualisation is benficial when you use it to maximise positive feelings and reduce the negative ones. In your spare time learn to intentionally dwell upon memories of a grand success that you have had in the past. Create images of your grand success in the future too, and frequently dwell upon them. See clear detailed images how happy and elevated you and your near and dear ones feel when you succeed. 
Globalisation and liberalisation of Indian economy along with integration of world markets have opened up horizons of prosperity and growth for business. The fast pace of changes have made entrepreneurship the latest buzzword among the enterprising professionals. Those nursing business dreams can check out the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI), Ahemadabad’s two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management — Business Entrepreneurship (PGDM-BE) course. The course is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Ministry of HRD, Government of India.
Infertility/reproductive medicine is a very specialised branch of medicine that has saved countless couples from the trauma of being childless. One of the revolutionary treatments of chronic infertility is through in vitro fertilisation or IVF. IVF as a technique has helped thousands of couples overcome infertility for the past two decades and more. Though initially IVF was developed to treat tubal factor infertility, today this technique is being used to treat unexplained infertility and male-factor infertility as well as immunological problems and several others medical conditions. Increasing awareness about fertility treatment has increased opportunities for IVF experts manifold.
Research enthusiasts with Ph.D in science/engineering/medicine can apply for "SwarnaJayanti Fellowships", ae Government of India funded fellowship for students at the Department of Science and Technology. The fellowship scheme had been launched to commemorate India's 50th year of Independence. This scheme provides special assistance and support to a selected number of young scientists, with excellent track record, in order to enable them to pursue research in science and technology. The fellowship is scientist specific and not institution specific, very selective and has close academic monitoring. 
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute is offering a Master's or Doctoral Student Mobility Fellowship Programme for Indian students to do internship at recognised Canadian Universities. The student mobility programme is designed for Indian students enrolled in a masters or doctoral programme at recognised Indian universities or institutions of higher education to take up/ pursue a course or do an internship at recognised Canadian universities, colleges or institutions. The recipient will be affiliated as a student/ intern at a Canadian college, university, research institution or an organisation in the developmental sector, and will pursue a course (module/part of a course), or undertake a project or internship at the host institution in Canada.
From time immemorial, the classroom and career have been at logger heads — each passing the buck onto the other. While the buck game continues, one common denominator gets sacrificed — the student. Today, students are at such a gain (pun intended) at the plethora of information available for them that choosing the right career is like choosing a needle in the haystack. With colleges with their marketing collaterals, each breathing a different story down their necks, career choice has become a real mind boggling exercise. Here is what as students you should do:
Partiality towards a few causes heartburn in the others. As a boss, maintain as much neutrality as you can.
