Patent choice
An exciting and monetarily rewarding new field, IPR is ideal for those with strong analytical abilities and reasoning skills
Usha Albuquerque

Several years ago a rice producer in the US developed a new strain of rice which had the exact flavour, shape and taste of basmati rice from India. He began marketing it as 'Basmati Rice', the only difference being, it was grown in the US and not in Dehradun, from where the original 'basmati' comes from.

When India realised this, it took up the matter in the international courts and it was finally accepted that this strain of rice is the intellectual property of a geographical region of the country, and so no other rice grown anywhere else, even if it carries all the particular characteristics of basmati rice, can be given this name. Same is the case with Champagne, the bubbly wine from the Champagne region of France. No other champagne-like wine can be called Champagne unless it comes from this particular area of France.

It has been the same for Benarsi saris, and Darjeeling tea, and also for films, music, books, software and all kinds of creative and inventive works and products. A couple of years ago author Chetan Bhagat accused the producers of the film 3 Idiots of plagiarism as he felt that the story was taken from his book 5 Point Someone. All these cases feature the legal ownership of a variety of intangible assets, such as literary, musical, and artistic works; discoveries and inventions; geographic indicators, and words, phrases, symbols, and designs, for which there are now laws that protect such ownership and grant certain exclusive rights to the original owner.

An intellectual property right is a legal concept that confers the rights of ownership to owners and creators of any specific work, or product or produce of a specific area. Such rights are internationally recognised and can be granted for areas related to literature, music, inventions, designs, ideas etc, which are used in the public domain. Such rights make the creator/inventor the owner of the product/work and prevents others from exploiting the same commercially.

Common types of intellectual property rights include copyrights that pertain to rights over an original literary work; trademarks that regulates the distinctive indicator unique to an organisation or an individual in business; patents, which confer rights over an invention; industrial design rights; and trade secrets in some jurisdictions. Thus, products (e.g., DVDs) are protected by patents, software (e.g., Windows) by copyright, goodwill (e.g., the logo of BMW) by trademarks. Every country, including India, has specific laws to protect the various forms of intellectual property, which on an international level is governed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

Increasing growth of scientific knowledge demands new forms of Intellectual Property protection. New developments in the Intellectual Property Law such as the trademarks law, copyright law, patents law, industrial designs law and information and communication technology laws (cyber laws) have demanded the need for lawyers with a specialised knowledge of this field. An IP lawyer works with a wide range of clients from small business owners to top management corporations and from garage inventors to prize winning scientists. They draft applications and intellectual property licensing agreements as well as various kinds of legal documents to protect the intellectual property of their clients before the Intellectual Property Tribunals, Courts, or before the Customs Organisations.

The specific legal issues that arise in relation to the management of intellectual property (IP) vary from industry to industry. In the music and entertainment industry, copyright law would be an important consideration, and with rapidly improving satellite transmission and digital technology, and the increase in video piracy copyright law is gaining pivotal importance. On the other hand, for novelty in engineering designs, laws pertaining to industrial designs would apply, whereas for the knowledge based industry which is research driven, patents would be of most importance. The growth of the Internet has created a surge in intellectual property crimes, particularly hard goods piracy, Internet piracy and cybersquatting (the abusive registration of trademarks on the Internet). Content protection and electronic rights in a digital age is a fast-growing IP niche.

There are many different types of Intellectual Property Rights. Some of them include:

Copyright: Original and creative works in music, literature, design etc are protected by copyright, symbolised as "©".

Patent : An exclusive right given by the government or the authority to an inventor for a particular original invention.

Geographical indication: It is used for products which are originating or have been created in a particular geographical area, region or country.

Trademark: Symbolised by a sign such as ¢ and ®, and is used to indicate a distinctive trade name used for particular kinds of goods of that category which cannot be used by any other product.

Eligibility

While Intellectual Property Rights is a specialisation normally taken up by lawyers, it can be taken up for study by any professional. In the case of an Indian patent agent, on the other hand, a degree in science, engineering or technology from any university in India is a pre-requisite.

There are a number of institutes that offer PG diploma, diploma and certificate courses; full time, part time as well as in distance learning on Intellectual Property, Patent law, IPR Management and others. Applicants need to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised university. Most law courses have a module or offer specialisation in IPR.

The courses are suitable for working professionals as well as students aspiring to get into a career in IP. Most courses in IPR have been designed keeping in mind not only the law student but also other professionals, as well as those from corporate and business organisations to help them identify and utilise the intellectual wealth produced by their organisations.

Job prospects

There are many career avenues for those who specialise in IP - from law firms and software companies to FMCGs and durable goods industries to national and international organisations working in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, and research institutes for science and technology.

Universities and research organisations take on engineers and scientists with IPR specialisations for working on research projects which require proper documentation and patent protection.

A study of IP is also useful for marketing and brand management professionals, who work with FMCG and durable goods industries, and need to understand the implications of using a mark, or logo associated with a product.

Knowledge of IP is useful for Chartered Accountants too, when valuing their client's intellectual property, rating patents, handling the financial aspects of intellectual property, accounting intellectual property as a capital asset, its valuation and giving considered opinions on the financial aspects of IP.

In this information age when creativity can so easily be replicated, protection of intellectual property has become so important that practically every new product - whether a music video, movie, software programme, logo, design or brand name, needs to be ensured that the original cannot be copied, duplicated or adapted. Designers want to protect their new fashion designs, music composers want to safeguard their composition from duplication, and filmmakers want to ensure their film stories are not adapted or plagiarised. Microsoft, a company built entirely on intellectual property was one of the early pioneers that recognised the need of protecting its software programmes through copyright. Companies today carry out intellectual property audits to identify their intellectual wealth and even have special departments to manage them. Even countries are signatories to trade agreements that protect the intellectual property of the original creator. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been set up to regulate and ensure the rights of creators and owners of intellectual property.

IPR is an exciting new field for those with strong analytical abilities, reasoning and logical skills, and a persevering bent of mind. It is an open arena for those willing to get in on the ground floor of a career that is reckoned to go places. As long as people invent or create, there is a need for Intellectual Property specialists to protect and enforce Intellectual Property rights.

An IPR specialist can start on salaries anywhere between Rs 15,000-30,000 per month, depending upon the area of expertise and the range of work undertaken, and career growth can be exceedingly fast.

— The writer is a career expert

Career Hotline
I don't want to do an engineering job
Pervin Malhotra 

Q. I am an electrical engineer, but I don't want to do a typical engineering job. I went into engineering as it was the thing to do when I completed college. I have a social conscience and am tired of seeing corruption and inefficiency. There is so little information available about other kinds of opportunities. Can you please guide me? — akhil rawat

A.I fully understand your concern. You seem to be looking for something that satisfies you, personally and professionally. As an engineer, a factory, corporate or government job is not the only option. Many engineers have made excellent contributions to society, not because they are engineers but because they had a social conscience and good education, like you. For example, the last two Magsaysay prize winners from India (Deep Joshi and Harish Hande, both engineers with management degrees) worked with economically deprived communities and made remarkable headway. They've shown how organising and helping poor rural communities can help change the face of India, including poverty, deprivation, rampant exploitation and corruption.

Unfortunately, this is not well recognised by our families and society, and our higher education system does not prepare us for such careers. I have, a few years ago, guided a young student in my column to an organisation called PRADAN (www.pradan.net) to explore their Development Apprenticeship programme as an opportunity to build a professional path in rural development.

You are lucky that there's a new programme (MPhil in Development Practice) just launched by Ambedkar University Delhi (www.aud.ac.in) in collaboration with PRADAN that addresses this very issue. Moreover, the stipend of Rs 15,000 is generous and it launches you into a new profession, which I believe is as valuable to society as doctors, lawyers, engineers, managers, scientists, teachers etc. You will get to play an active role in making India better place to live in by helping devise projects for poverty and corruption and to pursue a vocation that is satisfying and meaningful.

This is not a research kind of degree but a degree where an engineer with a BTech or someone with a master's degree can also apply. The programme will equip you with special expertise, building on your engineering skills and help you grow into a holistic development professional. And you'll have several options at the end of the course: You can join non-governmental organisations, start your own initiative, work in corporate social responsibility projects or join the government.

Interning with a fashion magazine

Q. How do I get an internship in a top fashion magazine? — urmila saini

A.Depends on what exactly you're looking at doing in the magazine: You have not mentioned your background or specific interests. Is it writing, styling or visualising? Regardless, just contact them directly with a sample of your work. And be prepared to do whatever odd jobs they ask you to do to begin with. If they like your work, they will involve you in more relevant work.

What if my senior gives a nasty reference? 

Q. I've had a rather unpleasant working relationship with my immediate senior in my present job. However, I need a decent reference from my employer to get a new job. What if he gives me a really nasty one — will it ruin my chances of further employment? I am really worried. — jatinder baxi

A.First of all, don't worry. If it's any comfort, the following should set your mind at rest. To steer clear of legal implications, most employers, when asked for references about former employees, respond very briefly - sticking to the essential documented facts, e.g. the position held, period of employment, and the final salary drawn. By and large, they avoid giving negative information or actually suggesting that you are unreliable or unfit for hiring, etc.

Besides, if this particular reference is not exactly a glowing one, don't panic. More so, if the other references which you are submitting are on the positive side. Employers usually look for the overall trend, and one stray unsatisfactory reference should not really matter. It's understandable that sometimes, interpersonal relationships do misfire. If asked to explain, you can always field the question adroitly (rehearsing your answer beforehand would help) without unduly trying to run down your previous employer. Best of luck!

Playing safe is not the right strategy

Q. I am enrolling for BA course in Punjabi University, Patiala. However, I am double-minded about selecting my subjects. I have decided to go with geography and economics along with two compulsory subjects English and Punjabi. I am confused about the remaining one subject. As I want to do IPS or PCS, I want to be perfect in two subjects one is geography and for the second subject I want to have your advice. I am good in theory rather than practical subjects and really want to study geography, so that even if I don't clear IPS, I would have the option of doing MSc in geography. I want to play safe. Please suggest the appropriate option.
— vineet khullar

A.I don't think that you should make the 'safety' factor your guiding force as far as choosing subjects in BA (or at any other level for that matter). Instead, choose a subject that really interests you and which can leave other options open besides the PCS.

Moreover, all subjects, including economics, can be pursued at the postgraduate level. In fact, economics goes well with geography. And the two even coalesce in a field called economic geography which studies the location, distribution and spatial organisation of economic activities across the world. It further incorporates the Geography of Agriculture, Geography of Industry, Geography of International Trade, Geography of Resources, Geography of Transport and Communication etc. But all this is at a much higher level. As for the present, give equal attention to all the subjects in your course. And don't confine yourself to your textbooks. Read around the subject - exploring all the dimensions. Who knows what else might catch your fancy by the time you graduate!

Courses in water harvesting

Q. I am doing my MSW presently. I am wondering if you could suggest some short-term programme in water harvesting preferably through distance learning. I am very keen to set up an NGO to promote water harvesting. — tushar baxi

A.IGNOU offers a Certificate Programme in Water Harvesting & Management (6-month). The programme offerss practical knowledge on effective water management.

University of Madras, D/o Distance Education, Chennai

Course: Diploma in Rain Water Harvesting (1-year, Dist) Centre for Human Resources Development, National Institute of Rural Development, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad

CHRD's activities include formulating policy papers on rejuvenating traditional water harvesting systems and structures and user participation, Community Based Drinking Water and Sanitation Management of SWAJAL. Also check out the following link: www.rainwaterharvesting.org/Rural/Traditional2.htm

email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com ...

Writing contest

Indo-Norwegian fictional writing competition "In Your Shoes" gives a unique opportunity to people across India and Norway to pen down their thoughts and imagination about a life in another place. The mutual writing competition between the two countries gives a chance to write your self into another situation, empathise with the everyday life of another. The contest gives a chance to writers to showcase their imagination and win a trip to Norway. The texts will also be used in relation to a research project at the University of Oslo. The theme of the project is the perceptions of the other. The winning entry will get a trip to Norway. But others need not worry. The best entries will be published in an anthology and presented in English, Hindi and Norwegian. The contest is organised by University of Oslo, Bokvennen Literary Magazine and Pratilipi Bilingual Literary Journal.

Eligibility: Any genre any age

Language: English & Hindi

Word limit: 2000 Words

Deadline: June 18, 2012

Submit to:

indonorway@gmail.com

Check out: www.indianorway.wordpress.com

MRIU ties up with Malaysian varsity

Manav Rachna International University has joined hands with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia for joint research programme on physiotherapy and to develop a dual-degree programme in the field of sports therapy and rehabilitation. Both universities are also keen to have exchange programme in the fields of research, faculty and students exchange. A three member delegation from the Malaysian university visited the Faculty of Applied Science, Manav Rachna International University recently, to develop an understanding in the fields of physiotherapy, nutrition and sports sciences among the two universities. The delegation was headed by the Dean Academics, Dr. Mohd. Sani Madon supported by the Deputy Dean, Dr. Abdul Rahim Mohd. Shariff and Senior Lecturer, Dr. Sanmuga Nathan. Manav Rachna University is among the leaders in the field of sports physiotherapy in the country while UPSI are developed in the field of sports sciences and sports pedagogy. MRIU and UPSI have been working together in sports pedagogy and research on tennis and hockey players.

Aspire signs MoU with Assam Down Town University

Aspire Human Capital Management (Aspire) and Assam Down Town University (ADTU) have signed an MoU to prepare their MBA students through Aspire MBAPro and Aspire ProHire Classic, Aspire's leading embedded employability products for management education. Aspire, headquartered in Gurgaon, is India's leading employability education firm which has since 2007 trained over 52,000 students across 78 unique campuses in 14 different states of India. ADTU, set-up in 2010 by The Down Town Group, is a multidisciplinary educational institution in the North-East Region, offering over 45 courses across engineering, management, nursing, pharmacy, allied health and hotel management to almost 2000 students from all across the North East as well as Nepal. Both Aspire and ADTU share the vision to create global employability for students. Through this alliance, Aspire will provide ADTU MBA students with access to MBAProTM and train ADTU faculty to deliver Aspire's syllabus. Additionally, Aspire will train ADTU MBA students with ProHire Classic, Aspire's 4-semester Employability Training programme. ProHire Classic will lead to a University of Cambridge BULATS certification for students.

Scholarship roundup
Opportunity for young scientists

Each year, the TWAS Fellowship Programmes, which operate under agreement with governments and national organisations in developing countries, offer a number of fellowships to young scientists from developing countries to carry out postgraduate research in developing countries other than their own. Currently, there are 11 fellowship programmes for postgraduate research, implemented in collaboration with the partner organisations. The partner organisations where Indian students can apply are:

National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brazil PhD in the natural sciences in Brazil.

Duration: up to 4 years.

Deadline for applications:  June 30.

Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China

PhD research in China.

Duration: 1 year.

Deadline for applications: 31 August.

International Centre for Insect Phisiology and Ecology (icipe), Kenya

PhD in the natural sciences, especially focusing on integrated control methodologies for crop and livestock insect pests and other related arthropods, and insect vectors of tropical diseases.

Duration: up to 3 years.

Deadline for applications: 15 September. 

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia

PhD degree in the natural sciences.

Duration: up to 3 years.

Deadline for applications: 15 September.

National Science and Technology Council (CONACYT), Mexico

PhD degree in basic natural sciences.

Duration: up to 4 years.

Deadline for applications: 1 July.

National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), Pakistan

PhD in molecular biology and molecular genetics.

Duration: up to 4 years.

Deadline for applications: 30 June.

International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Pakistan

PhD in organic chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular medicine, pharmacology or physical chemistry.

Duration: up to 4 years.

Deadline for applications: 30 June. 

Eligibility: Applicants must be affiliated with a university or research centre in their home country

Applicants must provide evidence that they will return to their home country upon completion of their Fellowships

Applicants already on site in the host country are not eligible.

How to apply: By post and electronically

Details: International travel (return economy class by the shortest route) and visa expenses will be covered by TWAS.

Programme partners will provide a stipend to cover living expenses, including health insurance. Obtaining suitable health insurance is the candidate’s own responsibility and will be at his/her own expense.

The Fellowships do not include provisions for accompanying family members.

Jobs that are just a click away
Abhishek Joshi

Want to rake in moolah doing work online? Well, freelancing and microjob sites could be your playgrounds. Here are five options (A word of caution- None of this is supposed to be get-rich-quick stuff!) for the kind of work you could be offering or looking for on these sites. Take your pick:

Data entry jobs

Data entry is the act of entering data into a computerised database or spreadsheet. Much of the work being deadline-oriented, accuracy and speed come in handy here.

Work as virtual assistant

Business owners often find it hard to do day-to-day tasks associated with managing and organising their work all by themselves. They hire virtual assistants to handle work such as answering phone calls, research work and updating records.

Editing and proofreading

Many a time, the writer is hard-pressed for time when it comes to editing or proofreading his work before it is published online. If you have good command over the language, maybe the polishing work could be right up your alley.

There is plenty of such work online, but just as in the offline world, a rule of the thumb is that you don't get it all on platter. Put your best foot, or rather click, forward!

Writing website content

Many website or blog owners need to constantly update the content on their domain, but they don't have the time to do it. They hire others to write the content for them. This is where you step in if you have a flair for writing. You could move on to taking up ebook rewriting jobs.

Writing ebooks

Many a book lover has taken to reading books in the digital format nowadays. As a result, the online publishing world is bursting at the seams. Just like there are website owners looking to get content written by others, there are those looking to get ebooks written on their behalf.

For that matter, you could write ebooks on a marketable subject and sell them online. In case you find the sales part intimidating, or simply don't want to get into the nitty-gritty of it, help is at hand- You could outsource work ranging from ebook cover creation to sales website set-up through freelancing and microjob sites.

Course cruising
Courses in Animal Biotechnology

The School of Animal Biotechnology, Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, is offering M.V.Sc./M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Biotechnology. The candidates having B.V.Sc. & A.H. are granted M.V.Sc., while those with under graduate degree in other branches of biology/life sciences are granted M.Sc. The School is running a prestigious Human Resource Development (HRD) Project of the Department of Biotechnology of Government of India for Master’s in Animal Biotechnology. Under this programme, admission to six seats is made through All-India entrance test conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi which is open to students from any state of India/Union Territory.

All students admitted under this programme in addition to research and training contingency are provided a scholarship of Rs 8000 (those holding B.V.Sc. & A.H.) and Rs 4500 per month (for others). The other four seats are filled from within the state of Punjab on the basis of merit in the qualifying examination. Total four seats for Ph.D. programme are filled on the basis of merit. Two batches of M.V.Sc./M.Sc. have passed out and currently.

How to apply: Prospectus can be obtained from the office of the Dean, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana -141004 or admission form can be downloaded from the university website.

Deadline: Without late fee June 29, 2012

With late fee of `600/- July 6, 2012

Check out: www.gadvasu.in

Economics courses

The Indian School of Business & Finance (ISBF), an Affiliate Centre of University of London (UoL) with academic direction from London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) invites students to apply for its three-year full-time undergraduate honours degree programmes in BSc Economics , BSc Economics & Management, BSc Business.

Eligibility: Applicants who have passed/appeared for the Class XII examination conducted by CBSE/ISC/State Board/International Baccalaureate (IB)/GSCE A-Levels (by May 2012) are eligible to apply.

Selection procedure:

CBSE/ISC/State Board: Selections are made on the basis of an entrance exam and personal interview. IB students: With 30 credits or more (predicted / final grades): Are exempted from the entrance exam.

Seats: 40 for each course.

How to apply: visit www.applytoisbf.com

Deadline: June 12, 2012

Certificate in retail assistant programme for persons with developmental disabilities

Persons with developmental disabilities can check out the Certificate course in Retail Assistant programme being offered by Manovikas-IGNOU Community College (MCC). This innovative IGNOU certified programme is comprehensive and allows students to acquire specific competencies, college credit with resources to achieve the desired goals.

The course: This programme provides learners with specific courses on material handling, understanding customer relations, and business and social communications

Duration: 6 months to 1 year.

Eligibility: 17 years or older, borderline to mid-level developmental disability such as autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, learning disabilities, hearing impairment etc. Above average results on the Multiple Intelligence Disabilities test in the areas of Linguistic, Interpersonal, and Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence.

How to apply: The forms can be downloaded from manovikas.co.in or you can write to Manovikas-IGNOU Community College, A-267, Surajmal Vihar, Delhi-110092.

Deadline: June 15, 2012.

Check out:

www.manovikas.co.in/mcc 

first take: sports technology
Sporting spirit

The growing interest in sports has made it into a thriving industry. The exponential growth and diversification in this field has given rise to several new challenges such as, successfully organising major sporting events, which, in turn, has created the need for various types of experts. Therefore, to cater to the growing needs of sports' professionals, international level sports education has become essential to meet the surging demand. Dr Tom Allen, Sports Engineering Researcher and Course Leader BSc (Hons.) Sports Technology Course, Sheffield Hallam University, talks about the new avenues, courses and opportunities in the field of sports education. The university's Academy of Sport and Physical Activity brings together a sports teaching programme and three world-renowned research centres to offer an international centre of excellence for cutting-edge sports education and research and is offering Bsc (Hons.) in Sport Technology. Excerpts:

What is sports technology and what is the scope in this field?

Sports technology is about applying technology to the world of sport. In particular, physics, engineering, biomechanics and mathematics are used to further our understanding of the mechanics of sport. Equipment manufacturers use this knowledge to produce better equipment (performance and injury prevention), while governing bodies such as the International Tennis Federation, take measures to ensure the nature of their sports don't change.

Who can join this course/eligibility for students?

Anyone with a keen interest in sport and technology. Typically students with a background in maths, physics, design, chemistry and sports science can go in for sports technology.

Are any special skills required for students getting into this field?

No, but students usually have a strong interest in sport and engineering.

What are the job prospects for students once they finish this course and where all they can get employment?

There are a wide range of job prospects, such as working for a sports brand (Adidas, Prince, Ping, Gunn and Moore for example), a governing body (FIFA, ITF), a team (UK Sport etc), performance analysis company (Hawkeye) or further study and academia. As an example, a previous graduate from our course, Dr David Bacon, is the Technical manager for Gunn and Moore.

Are there any other universities and institutes where students can pursue such courses in India?

Though in India there are few institutes offering degree level courses in physical education and sports science or certificate courses in sports management and sports marketing, however, there are hardly any institute offering sports technology as a course.

What made you offer these courses to students in India?

Sports Technology is a really interesting and challenging subject area. India has always been a sports savvy country but there is hardly any university or institute offering such innovative and quality education to these budding students who want to pursue it as a career option. Having international students helps create a more diverse and richer learning environment and really improves the student experience as a whole.

What are the different fields of specialisation that the students can go for after completing this course?

There are different fields like Sports materials, sports instrumentation, sports equipment design, biomechanics, sports equipment characterisation and academia to name but a few. Students can also opt for the Masters course, which are a good way of specialising.

— As told to Geetu Vaid

Welcome change
Changed format for IIT JEE examination
Pavan Chauhan

The recent decision to have a common entrance examination for all engineering colleges from 2013 has evoked a mixed bag of reactions from students as well as the teaching community. In the changed scenario all engineering aspirants will have to appear for two exams - JEE main and JEE advanced - to be held on the same day. For admission to IITs, a student will first be shortlisted on the basis of his/her cumulative score in Class XII exams and the main test - each getting a 50% weightage. Those desirous of getting into the IITs will have to take the JEE advanced test. It has been proposed that the final merit list for admission to IITs will be based only on a student's performance in the JEE advanced test.

For centrally funded institutions which include NITs and IIITs, the break up of weightage will be 40 per cent for Class XII board exams, 30 per cent for the main test and another 30 per cent for the advanced test.

Why the need for a common entrance test?

In the earlier scheme of things a student's performance in Class XII exams was not given any weightage in the engineering entrance exams. Thus, school classes took a back seat as students paid extra attention to getting coaching for the entrance exams. Thousands of students followed a rigorous 8 to 10 hour a day coaching routine and joined a 'dummy' school to just complete the formality of clearing the Class XII board exams. While this on the one hand made "coaching business" thrive, the students also were under extreme pressure to clear multiple entrance tests, each with a different level of difficulty..

The interesting thing to note here is that, while students still had to first 'master' their Class XII concepts in order to crack IIT JEE and other competitive exams, performance in Class XII exams was never openly acknowledged as being important. A student who gave everything to preparing for these entrance tests but was still unable to clear them, most likely had his entire career messed up because of sub-optimal performance in the Class XII board exams.

How do these changes impact the lives of engineering aspirants?

With the new pattern, however, things are likely to change significantly. With Class XII marks finding a place in the selection process, an engineering aspirant's performance in the board exams will carry weightage now. Such an integrated approach to education will provide the right foundation for life long learning in students and make him look at education in a holistic manner and not merely as an 'entrance exam' that needs to be 'cracked'.

Concern

Though the move has met with some opposition from the faculty of IITs and some parents, by and large the teaching community and students have lauded the decision as it would reduce mental and financial burden.

Fear: The exam will now become easier and the IITs will no longer remain the institutions of excellence. Positive take: IIT entrance exam has always been tough and only the best got through. By simply enabling more students to take the exam with less pressure would not make it any easier.

— The writer is Managing Director, Meritnation.com, an online education portal

Plus points

l It will reduce the pressure of multiple exams on students

l It will help restore the importance of Class XII boards

l It will reduce the strangle-hold of coaching institutes

l It will help reduce the added burden on aspirants in terms of time, fees and preparing for multiple exams

l The IITs will now have a larger base to choose from

l In fact, such an integrated approach of concept-building through school exams coupled with problem-solving skills necessary in entrance exams, will only benefit students in the long run. 

smart strategy: how to get a summer internship
Hot short jobs
Vinay Grover

The best way to get work experience and learn the ropes of a trade is through a summer internship. Want to do more than hang at the local pool or scoop ice cream this summer? A summer internship is a great way to go! Not quite sure how to get going? Here are some tips to get a summer internship.

Make a list

Figure out what you want to do - what interests you, what do you want to learn how to do, or what do you think you want to be in 10 years? Write down a few places or lines of work that come to mind. While you're at it, scribble down a few basic things to narrow your search - which town or area, paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, for school credit or not.

Do your homework

Look into big companies in your area; most big corporations have internship programmes. Stumped? Talk to your college counsellor or parents' friends who have jobs you think are interesting. Research the companies or organisations you are interested in working for. Find out what you can learn as well as about the opportunities for career growth. Prepare answers to potential interview questions, such as why you want to work for the company, before going for the interview.

Get creative

Don't want to work in a stuffy office while your buds are hitting the beach? No problem. Look into museums, art galleries, publishing houses, nature centres, eco-research centres, whatever.

Get moving

Online research for big companies and orgs is a great starting point, but walk around your city or town to see if any other places spark your interest. Be bold, if something looks interesting, walk in, ask for an application, or leave your info (including a resume) with them. Don't forget to smile!

Don't give up

So your dream workplace doesn't have an internship programme? The search isn't over yet! Look up who you can contact in HR or who the managing director of a certain department might be, and contact him! Let him know that you're interested in interning and ask if the company has a programme or a way for you to help and learn a few things.

Get that resume in shape

What's a resume and how do you make one? Check out 'Do Something's How' to create a resume and 11 tips for a great resume on net!

Make contact

If your internship has a formal application programme, write out your application and apply, and do a little digging to find out who might be getting that app. Give HR a call and ask who handles hiring. Send a written note or an email explaining why you'd like the job and what makes you good at it. A little extra goes a long way.

Spread your net

It's tempting to put all your efforts into that dream job, but there are ton of people vying for internships, so make sure you look into at least five options and make contact with them so you have plenty of choices!

Snagged an interview?

It's important to dress appropriately and answer up to the expectations.

Follow-up

If you talked to someone at a company or had an interview, make sure to thank them and remind them you're out there and would still love to intern with them.

— The writer is CEO, Executive Search Firm, Symbiosis Management Consultants 

Honing the skills
AISECT-NSDC join hands to impart skill training to 1.3 million semi-urban and rural youth over 10 years

Bhopal-based Education, Training and Services Network, AISECT, has partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with a mission to skill around 1.3 million youth across semi-urban and rural India over the next 10 years. Under this alliance, AISECT will work as a national partner of NSDC to spread quality skill development training across the country and placement of students.

This skill development project will initially be carried out in the rural and backward regions of states like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa and Maharashtra and will gradually be implemented across the country. As part of this alliance, AISECT's skill development initiative will cater to seven of the 21 priority sectors identified by NSDC. These sectors include IT and ITES, Electronics and Hardware, Banking and Financial Services, Teacher and Assessor Training, Textiles, Organised Retail and Agri Skills. These are the sectors which are estimated to have the highest contribution towards the requirement of skilled workforce in the country over the next 10 years.

Commenting on this collaboration, Santosh Kumar Choubey, Chairman, AISECT Group said, “The unorganised sector is a critical part of the Indian economy. The extent of informal employment is estimated to be at about 450 million between 2008 and 2012 and this percentage will tend to remain at approximately the same level. This not only indicates the importance of the informal sector but also the importance of informal employment and the need for skill building therein. Through this partnership, AISECT, which has an extensive reach in the rural and semi-urban areas through a network of over 10,000 centres spread across 27 states and 3 Union Territories, will contribute significantly to the objective of carrying out skill development on a large scale in the unorganised sector.”

Under this partnership, AISECT will also undertake massive "Training of Trainers" programme to improve the quality of skill training and to up-skill the technology utilisation of trainers in training. Moreover, skill development programmes will be linked with university education and AISECT will also endeavor to set up Vocational Academies or Skill Resource Centres within the two universities that the organisation has set up in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Placements and post-training hand-holding support is a big component of this project and AISECT will provide placement services — both online and offline — to the trained manpower. — TNS

Hiring trends: gmac survey findings
Job market improves for MBAs

More new business school graduates are landing jobs to go with their diplomas amid renewed optimism among employers, according to new data from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). According to GMAC's 2012 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, 79 per cent of companies that took part in the survey and said they plan to hire recent MBA graduates this year, compared with 72 per cent in 2011. Moreover, the average number of planned new hires per employer increased to 17 in 2012 from 13 last year.

Meanwhile the Global Management Education Graduate Survey reveals that 62 per cent of newly minted MBAs and other management education graduates who participated in the survey reported that they had a job offer, up from 54 per cent in 2011. Among students who had at least one job offer at the time the Global Management Education Graduate Survey was conducted in February and March, full-time two-year MBAs saw the largest gains between pre-MBA and post-MBA salaries (81per cent). This is up eight points from last year.

“As companies begin to act on plans to expand, they are hiring talent to help manage strategy and growth to sustain the business for the long term,” said Dave Wilson, president and CEO of GMAC. “Particularly noteworthy is the expansion of hiring among the smaller companies in our survey, which are key drivers of economic activity. These entrepreneurial firms see real value in the skills that management graduates bring to the workforce.” The MBA remains the core degree programme of business schools, while master’s programmes are further gaining in acceptance by employers.

In an industry attractiveness index developed by GMAC, more graduates are switching out of the finance/accounting sector than are switching into it in 2012. Despite graduates' highest success rate in landing a job in the manufacturing sector (76 per cent), the manufacturing industry is seeing more graduates leaving the industry than switching into it.

Across the board, leadership skills topped the list of skills employers want in their new management graduate hires. Employers also want new hires who are able to organise and combine information from multiple sources to solve complex problems and make sound judgments. These data analysis and high-level integrated reasoning skills were noted as particularly important to companies looking to hire graduate management students. — TNS

fast facts

l Largest gains in small business: Companies with fewer than 1,000 employees accounted for the largest proportional increase in demand for graduate management hires among the 1,096 global companies surveyed.

l Students report more job offers: Sixty-two per cent of graduating MBAs and other management education graduates surveyed this year reported that they had a job offer, up from 54 per cent in 2011.

l Recruiters are optimistic: Meanwhile, 79 per cent of companies surveyed said that they plan to hire recent MBA graduates this year, compared with 72 per cent in 2011.

l More new hires per employer: The average number of planned new hires per employer surveyed increased to 17 in 2012 from 13 last year.

Happiness @ work
Unwind with music 
Gems of ancient wisdom

The tense atmosphere at the workplace can affect the coolest of guys. Play some music to soothe frayed nerves.

One day in the 4th century AD, Gupta Emperor Samudragupta’s lute-playing session was interrupted by the news of his brother’s rebellion. He vowed, “I’ll not touch the lute till I need to use my battle axe.” Only after subduing many kingdoms and having performed the Ashwamedha yagya, did he take up the lute again.

Mughal Emperor Akbar would retire at night and get up in the morning hearing Tansen’s melodies. He also heard Mirabai sing, touched her feet and placed a necklace at the feet of Lord Krishna’s idol. Akbar met Soordas and had also expressed a desire to meet Tulsidas.

Besides devotion to the Almighty and their fight against tyranny, seven out of the 10 Sikh gurus were prolific writers. Compositions by six of them: Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur feature in Guru Granth Sahib. The 6,000-odd hymns in Guru Granth Sahib have been set to 31 ragas.

After a day of hard work at the Nawab Daulat Khan’s commissariat, Guru Nanak and his best friend Mardana would meet every dusk and dawn to sing hymns.

Baz Bahadur and his men were on a hunting expedition. A deer chase took them deep inside the jungle. Exhausted, they decided to return. Suddenly, they heard a melody. Roopmati, princess of Dharampuri, was singing and playing the ‘been’. So enchanted was Baz Bahadur that he sought her hand in marriage. So deep was their love that even today if you call out “Roopmati” at their tomb in Sarangpur, the echo answers, “Baz Bahadur”.

It was as if Lord Ranganatha (another name for Lord Vishnu) wanted to hear saint-composer Tyagaraja sing. When the saint reached Srirangam, the abode of Ranganatha, it was filled with a milling festival crowd. By no way could the saint reach the lord.

Then, there was a miracle. The lord’s palanquin couldn’t be lifted. Only when Tyagaraja sang in front of the lord, did the palanquin budge from its place.

Wrongly accusing Diwan Mehraj of embezzling state funds, the ruler of Jamnagar put him and his brothers behind bars. The next day, the King started out on a year-long military expedition. When Mehraj broke into a song, the melody reached the queens’ ears. As the ladies couldn’t release the suspects in the King’s absence, they acceded to the prisoners’ request for a pen and some paper. Mehraj’s verses later appeared as three books — Ras, Prakash and Shat-ritu — and he became renowned as Mahamati Prannath, the founder of the Pranami sect.

End the day on the right note.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

fortnightly quiz 414

1. Who has won the World Chess Championship for five times?

2. Where in Haryana was the foundation stone of the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) out-reach OPD laid recently?

3. Name the Republican candidate for the US presidential election.

4. Which metropolitan city of the country will be brought under e-surveillance?

5. Name the theoretical particle, nicknamed the God Particle, which is believed to be responsible for giving mass to the universe.

6. Name the islands inhabited by Jarawa tribals of India.

7. What is the capital of Syria?

8. Name the country that won the Azlan Shah Hockey tournament for the first time recently.

9. Name the tennis player with the record of maximum Grand Slam match wins.

10. Which team won its maiden IPL title recently?

— Tarun Sharma