Archival studies
Preserve and prosper
Usha Albuquerque

Imagine being able to see and read letters written by Mahatma Gandhi or Nehru or even older manuscripts from the Moghul period? With a rich historical repertoire stretching back centuries, there are probably millions of records of events, major declarations, treaties and also simple letters in museums, libraries and even homes across the country.

Institute watch Osmania University, Hyderabad PG Diploma in Archival Science and Manuscriptology (one-year) Eligibility: Graduation with a three-year work experience. Annamalai University PG diploma in Archives Keeping (part-time) Gandhigram Rural Institute, Gandhigram PG diploma in Archives and Documentation and Management. Eligibility: Graduation with experience in library/archives/certificate in library science.

While many of these are today available for us to see, read or research upon, there are probably thousands of documents across the country still waiting to be discovered and thus professionals are needed to catalogue, maintain and preserve them for posterity.

This is the work of an archivist — they are scholars and curators who collect and preserve archives or records of historical, cultural, administrative and artistic interest, and of art and other objects. They plan, devise and implement systems for the safekeeping of records and historically valuable documents. Archives can include manuscripts, letters, papers, maps, drawings most of which were handwritten hundreds of years ago, as well as printed historical documents and microfilmed material.

In India, most of this material has been housed in the national archives gallery in New Delhi and in hundreds of museums and offices across the country.

The work

Archivists are specially trained in evaluating and preserving records for administrative, historical, legal, evidential and other purposes. The work involves:

• Researching the origin, distribution and use of materials and objects of cultural and historical interest. Often they are called upon to read and interpret old-fashioned hand-writing and archaic words and phrases.
• Organising, developing and maintaining collections of artistic, cultural, scientific or historically significant items
• Directing or undertaking classification and cataloguing of museum and art gallery collections and organising exhibitions. This is painstaking and time consuming work as each unit - volume, map, paper or bundle of papers - has to be described and given a reference number.
• Preserving historically significant and valuable documents such as government papers, private papers, photographs, maps, manuscripts, audio-visual materials
• Preparing scholarly papers and reports
• Archivists are also required to organise exhibitions and special displays at museums and art galleries for general or specialised interest, and to source and acquire archival materials so as to build and develop al collection for research purposes.
• With increasing efforts to maintain computerised records of data, they also need to manage electronic records and microfilmed archives.
• Other jobs in this field are those of conservators, who work with archivists to carefully clean and repair damaged and delicate materials of historical relevance. Conservators are especially knowledgeable about chemicals, tools, and methods used during conservation treatment.
• As more and more records are being preserved electronically, there are also requirements for computer specialists, and digital imaging specialists and other information science specialists.

Getting in

In order to get into this field you must have an interest in history and in research and documentation work. To work in the national archives, or to become a curator, you need a master’s degree in ancient/medieval Indian history or an MA/MSc. in archaeology/ anthropology or professional training from the School of Archival Studies, attached to the National Archives — the institute set up by the government to train specialised professionals in researching and maintaining the national archives. It runs short-term courses for professionals and those interested in the subject. These courses cover a diploma in archival studies, management of records, reprographics covering microfilming and handling of automated information, and information science. The training involves fieldwork, laboratory work as well as theoretical knowledge, and students are exposed to the latest in the field through regular contact with other internationally renowned archives, such as the Smithsonian Institute and the London Archives.

The courses at the School of Archival Studies include:

• Diploma in Archival Studies (one-year): A minimum of 50 per cent in MA (history) with at least one paper in Modern Indian History
• Certificate courses (eight weeks): In archives administration, reprography, care and conservation of books, manuscripts and archives. Minimum qualification is graduation degree.
• Certificate course (four weeks): In records management for personnel employed in archival repositories and record rooms in government, public and private organisations.
• Sub-professional course (eight weeks): In servicing and repair of books for personnel employed in record rooms of ministries, libraries and other departments.

Job prospects

The major openings for archivists are with the National Archives of India which houses all historical data at its headquarters in Delhi and regional offices in Bhopal and Jaipur, 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 records, the Films Division where old films need to be preserved, the All-India Handicrafts Board and others also take on specialists from this field. Research and training opportunities are also provided by the Indian Council of Historical Research, and INTACH. The historical division of the Ministry of External Affairs also takes on researchers in the Cultural Affairs Division. There are also several private collectors who provide employment for researchers and conservators. Business houses such as the Tatas, Mahindras, Birlas and others have set up their own museums and maintain archives of historical value.

However, there are ancient and valuable historical records and archives at state level institutions, universities and libraries housed in old buildings, in deteriorating and deplorable condition and badly need to be kept in sealed, temperature-controlled environment where trained archivists can research, classify, catalogue and preserve this vital heritage of the country, offering many opportunities for those who come into this field.

Archival studies is not a well known or popular career and just a handful of students venture into this field in India as compared to those in other countries. But it can be an enriching and fascinating career for anyone with a strong interest in history, and a perceptive and probing mind.

— The writer is Director, Careers Smart Private Ltd, New Delhi

Career Hotline
Pervin Malhotra 

MCom vs MBA

Q. I have done my B.Com with 74 per cent marks from MCM DAV Chandigarh. I have option either to go for MCom or MBA. Firstly, tell me which one is a better option and secondly, suggest some institutes for MBA as I didn’t give CAT or MAT. — Harsharan Randhawa

A. Since you haven't given the CAT or MAT, the question of doing a decent MBA at this point doesn't arise, which, in a way, is just as well. Reason? For one you don’t have the necessary work experience to get into a good B-school. A good B-school is very important because we have thousands (yes thousands) of B-schools in our country today. In such a situation, the kind of job you will get after studying at a top-end one and that (if any) you may get from a B-grade one would be vastly different.

One very do-able option is to find yourself a job and do your MCom through distance learning.

This is a win-win situation because in two years time, you'll have a postgraduate degree in your pocket. You will also have sufficient work experience for getting into a good B-school, provided you've scored well in the CAT etc. And you’ll be lot clearer about the sector you wish to work in and the area you wish to specialise in.

What is the scope of a course in psychology?

Q. I have passed Class XII with 87 per cent marks. Although I am eligible for BDS, I'm not very interested in it. Instead, I am interested in doing BA (Hons) Psychology from Delhi University. What should I prefer? What is the future scope in this field? — Tanveen Kaur

A. Go for the field that interests you after all that's where you’ll be spending most of your working life!

The scope in this field is vast and the demand is equally huge (a recent Delhi-based study reveals that 10 per cent of the population suffers from mental health issues. And this figure is grossly below the actual incidence because a very large number of such cases go un-reported due to the stigma attached or due to non-recognition of symptoms, feel experts. Hence, the figure could well be double this, if not more).

While some Psychologists specialise in research, others focus on assisting individuals and groups in managing conflict and operating more effectively. But most serve as clinical psychologists or counseling psychologists and work in counseling centres, clinics and hospitals, schools, NGOs, HR departments, market research organisations and even the defence services. However, as compared to most other professions, a very significant percentage of all psychologists are self-employed.

But let me warn you, the work can be emotionally taxing and draining. But whether it’s helping people overcome a drug habit, or coming to terms with the loss of a near one, or coping with a terminal illness, knowing that you've made a positive difference in someone’s life can be also be extremely fulfilling.

The minimum qualification for getting a job in this field — even at the entry level, is a master’s in psychology with specialisation in any one area depending on your own interests and aptitude. However, a PhD is increasingly the norm and would therefore, hold you in good stead.

You could choose from the various areas of specialisation which include Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child / Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Social Psychology, Organisational / Industrial Psychology, Organisational Behaviour, Forensic Psychology (Legal & Criminal Psychology), Health Psychology, Sports Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis, Psychometric Testing etc.

Long wait for counselling call

Q. I have passed Class XII with 66.2 per cent marks. I have cleared my AIEEE exam with 84 marks. My AIEEE marksheet is as follows:

Marks 84; All-India rank 151489; Category rank is 6598; State rank is 3686; Category rank is 191. I'm a science candidate and am permitted to fill seats under all categories but I have not got any counselling call as yet. I don't know what to do now. It's all so depressing. Even the eligibility criteria offered by the colleges is being fulfilled. Please suggest some way. Should I wait for all the counsellings or get a direct admission to some colleges? — thajvir kaur

A. Since you haven't mentioned your specific area of interest, I would suggest you secure admission in BCA or BSc (IT) or even BSc (General/Specific) programme first and then wait for counselling. With your Category rank, you stand a fair chance — considering the plethora of engineering colleges in our country (not to mention the seats that go vacant each year, albeit in the not-so-good colleges). A whopping 19 per cent or 2, 82,320 of the total 14, 85,894 engineering seats across the country remained unoccupied in 2011-12 according to AICTE figures.

So if you get a decent college, well and good. Else you can look at several postgraduate courses subsequently (e.g. MCA, MSc, MBA, LLB etc, etc) depending on the interests you develop by the time you graduate.

Will I be eligible for government job?

Q. I’m a science graduate but I've done my post graduation in Arts. I’ve cleared CTET with 73 per cent in social sciences. At present I’m doing B.Ed. in social sciences. Please tell me if after doing B.Ed. I will be considered for government jobs (TGT) or not? — Avinash Kaur

A. With your qualification you should not be worrying in this regard. Not only TGT, but you are also eligible for PGT posts in government as well as private schools.

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

field in focus: landscaping
A merry walk in the garden
Gauri Chhabra

Rapid urbanisation and the resultant concretisation has gobbled up the green open spaces in our cities. Houses with gardens and open spaces have become a luxury for a vast majority of city dwellers. Most of the houses have either been converted into boxed apartments that have little space to breathe. And if you happen to live in such an apartment and pine for greenery in your balcony on the 14th floor, you just need a landscape artist! Looking at landscaping as just planting trees in the garden and constructing walkways is taking a myopic view of it. It has much more scope and more potential than it used to have just a decade back. A spurt in construction and the reduction of green cover has led many environment-conscious people to yearn for a green cover in their balcony, in the backyard and even in the middle of their living rooms.

Landscaping as a nomenclature refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of a piece of land, that is, flora, fauna, structures, man-made structures, lighting, and the like. And even though landscaping has become somewhat synonymous with gardening and anything to do with renovating a garden, making elevations, walkways, erecting light posts and planting ornamental trees, landscaping is really about anything that alters the landscape in any way. Today landscaping has become a lifestyle art, hence landscaping as a career has become especially lucrative. To learn the job, most young people enter the landscaping business as an apprentice attached with an already established landscape artist, and only then can they spread their wings in this exciting field.

Who is a landscape designer?

Landscape designer is mainly involved in designing services like residential townships landscaping services, horticultural landscape design services and commercial landscape designing services etc. He mainly takes into account the natural environment and maintains a harmonious relation with it. He works in association with surveyors, engineers, environmental scientists and building architects.

Job profile

• Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.
• Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
• Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.
• Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications in order to develop ideas and stay updated about the latest happenings in the world of art.
• Cut, bend, laminate, arrange, and fasten individual or mixed raw and manufactured materials and products to form works of art.
• Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.
• Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs.
• Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.

Getting in

There are many institutes that provide training in the nuances of the art of landscaping. The best way to ensure a good career in landscaping would be through joining such an institute, and going in for an apprenticeship under the supervision of an established artist till you are really capable of handling contracts individually. Landscape artists either work independently or through a firm. While there are many advantages of working independently, starting off with a firm would be an intelligent decision as it helps one establish oneself in this field.

No specific training or education is required to become a Landscape artist. Many landscape artists have simply combined natural artistic ability with years of gardening experience and launched a new career working as a consultant in a garden centre or have opened their own small business. Others may already be employed in landscape maintenance and wish to expand their opportunities by working as a landscape artist. For those preferring more formal training, many courses are available through community colleges and online. Membership in a trade organisation, such as the Association of Professional Designers, may be helpful in your quest to become a landscape artist.

Landscape artist or landscape architect? While the terms landscape artist and landscape architect are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between the two. The former refers to anyone who designs a garden regardless of education, experience, or anything else. That does not mean that a particular garden designer is not a great designer. It simply means that there is no criteria other than that the person designs gardens. The latter, however, is a licensed professional, much like an architect, who typically needs to have at least a four-year degree in landscape architecture, and two years of internship with a licensed landscape architect.

Skill set

A successful landscape artist must listen to his or her client and strike a compromise between the client's desires and the realities of climate, soil condition and budget. Some training in art appreciation or a related topic will be helpful as will be the basic maths and computer skills. For landscape artists interested in running their own businesses, some training in business management will be helpful.

If you are thinking about becoming a landscape architect, you should have an appreciation for nature, a creative flair, and a passion for working with your hands. You should also have strong writing and researching skills and an affinity for engineering and environmental sciences. All these skills will be useful in mastering the art and science of the analysis, planning, design, management, preservation, and rehabilitation of land.

Landscape architects apply their skills to site planning, garden design, environmental restoration, town and urban planning, park and recreation planning, regional planning, and even historic preservation. The growing popularity of this profession is understandable. Where else could consecutive job assignments find you planning a site for corporate office buildings, then have you managing a large wilderness area, and next creating public parks that won't interfere with the natural environment?

The work

Even though landscape architects appear to keep average hours, project deadlines can create a lot of overtime. Working through weekends is very likely. A major job, like planning a corporate site, can take more than a year to complete. A landscape architect must work with all the other professionals involved in a project. The list includes architects, engineers, and construction contractors, and a landscape architect must see that their design concepts will work with the overall project. Surveys of the land at the site itself must often be made, taking into consideration complex factors such as drainage, slope of the land, and even how sunlight falls on the site. Once this is done, they spend a majority of the remaining time in office preparing presentations for clients that include cost estimates, sketches, and models.

After a project is approved, landscape architects prepare even more detailed working drawings and outline explicitly the methods of construction and lists of construction materials. Some landscape architects even supervise the installation of their designs, although this is often left to a developer or separate contractor. You can also choose to specialise in areas such as residential development, parks and playgrounds, restoration, or even shopping malls. Only a few, however, are exclusively devoted to individual residential designing because the income is too small compared to the earnings from larger, commercial projects. Most of the profession is centered in urban or suburban areas, and while a majority of landscape architects work for landscape architecture services and firms, a full 20 per cent of people in the profession are self-employed.

Associated careers

Because of the numerous skills involved in landscape architecture, there are many related careers that landscape architects can move into. The most closely related field is, of course, architecture itself, but a career switch to straight architecture will require even more time and training. Many landscape architects find satisfying careers as landscape supervisors, landscape designers or consultants, drafters, environmental planners, or golf course designers. Civil engineering and urban planning are also fields of interest to landscape architects, as is the field of botany.

Therefore, for those of you who have a creative flair and lament “what man has made of man” (Wordsworth), this is the best profession to restore Nature’s glory in its pure and pristine form.

The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant

Course cruising

Dual programme

GNIT College of Management approved by AICTE invites applications for its two-year full-time PG Diploma in Management (PGDM) dual programme with specialisations in HR, Marketing, Finance, and IT & International Business.

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline recognised by UGC.

Candidate should have a valid CAT/MAT/XAT score.

How to Apply: The application form can be downloaded from http://www.gnitcm.net/

Selection Procedure: Selections are made on the basis of GD/PI

Deadline: July 30, 2012

Learning the nuances of fashion

JD Institute of Fashion Technology has announced admissions for MSc in Fashion Communication & Textile Technology.

The course: A PG programme that allows students from diverse backgrounds to gain basic concepts and knowledge in core subjects related to the fashion industry, textile industry and fashion communication. The programme emphasises on intensive theoretical and applied training in core areas of fashion communication, textile technology, visual merchandising, trend forecasting, and fashion photography. It trains students in advanced, comprehensive practical skills and techniques employed for specialized applications in apparel production management as applicable to both, export and the growing domestic sectors.

Duration: Two years

Eligibility: Applicant should be graduate or equivalent from a recognised university/ institution in any discipline. Students who have already appeared in the final year exams may also apply.

Application form: Can be downloaded from www.jdinstitute.com

Selection procedure: Entrance exam

Deadline: July 20, 2012.

Check Out: www.jdinstitute.com

MSc in Photonic Technologies

University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre is inviting applications for its new MSc Photonic Technologies. The course will cover a wide area of photonics that includes taught modules, practical training in research techniques and modeling with a four-month project. Candidates will benefit from integrated transferable skills elements and participation in the ORC's week long industry showcase event, where students will work with leading local and national photonics companies. It will give the students solid intellectual foundation and hands-on practical and technical skills that they need for a successful professional career in science, engineering and related photonics-based industry.

Duration: One year

Eligibility: The entry requirement for all Southampton MSc programmes is a UK 2.1 or 1st Class bachelor's honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject i.e physics, electronics, engineering, materials science or mathematics.

How to apply: Visit: www.southampton.ac.uk/pgapply.

Deadline: July 31, 2012

Fees: £19,800

Check out: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate/ pgstudy/programmes/orc/msc_photonic_technologies.html

PG programmes for docs

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in association with Hansa Medcell is offering US International PG programmes in distance education in cardiology, diabetology and rheumatology.

The course: John Hopkins University School of Medicine has developed these programmes in collaboration with Medical Education and Scientific Foundation, New York. The course is best suited for those medical practitioners, who cannot break away from their daily practice to acquire specialist skills. General practitioners, consultant physicians and orthopedics can take up this programme.

Schedule: This program is approved for release from July 1, 2012 through February 1, 2014. The programmewill then be reviewed, updated if necessary, and released for the next 2.5 years.

Eligibility: PG or a bachelor's degree in medicine with a minimum of three years of clinical experience in the specialty.

Fee: The international fee for the programme is $1,800; the programme is being made available to doctors in South Asia for Rs 60,000. Educational grants are available on a limited basis that further subsidise the course fee.

Check out: www.hansamedcell.com

Training for IT Return prepayers

Global Talent Development Corporation and IT trainer, NIIT Ltd. and the Department of Income Tax (DIT), have joined hands to create a pool of trained and certified Tax Return Preparers (TRPs) across the country as part of the Tax Return Preparers Scheme (TRPS). TRPS is an initiative launched by the DIT to increase awareness of tax laws through larger community participation, with NIIT being mandated to train and certify Tax Return Preparers (TRPs) across the country.

NIIT will utilise its nationwide network to test graduates across 110 locations, and select 5,000 candidates who will undergo a rigorous training programme on Income Tax Return filing procedures. The trained candidates will be referred to as 'Certified Tax Return Preparers' and will obtain an unique Identification Number from the Income Tax department, which will authorise them under Income Tax Act, 1961 to work as self-employed Tax Return Preparers.

The Tax Return Preparers are meant to file returns of individual and HUF income tax assesses as well as file TDS returns of small and medium enterprises in the lower income category. This would be the second batch of TRPs being trained by NIIT. The cost of training will be borne by ITD and the selected candidates will not be required to pay for the training.

A graduate in one of the select disciplines can apply for this scheme. The training will begin with a 15-day self-study period through the online Learning Management System and the handbooks, followed by 11-day classroom training. Graduates who successfully complete the training and certification exam will be issued a Certificate and a Unique Identification number. The Tax Preparers will also assist the department in other taxpayer initiatives like Aayakar Sewa Kendra, Tax Kiosks, Customer Contact Centre, register for home visits, E-return intermediaries and E-filing utilities for TRPs.

Graduates interested in this scheme can apply by visiting www.trpscheme.com

Smart strategy: the corporate tool kit
Golden rules to nail success
Be job ready by arming yourself with these work ethics to be a thriving professional
Swati Rai

There are basic behavioural, personality and inter-personal skills that are expected of an employee on board any organisation. Apart from the hard skills that are tested at the personal interview, it is the incumbent's professional work ethos that just might make him/her the “most valued employee” of the year.

There is an overkill of usage of the word ‘professional’ these days. Essentially it means conforming to the standards of a particular profession. These standards may pertain to dress code, deportment, professional dealings and expected behaviour in sync with the organisatio’s goals. Keep these handy tips in mind to project yourself as a thorough professional which will help you sail through your worklife merrily

Dressed to ‘skill’

Restrict your Friday dressing to Fridays only. Your dress - and that includes the way you wear your hair- is your first impression each time. There are certain dress conventions in each industry relating to both men and women. These ought to be followed and respected at all times to project an image of surety and success. Reserve the blatant display of tattoos and body piercings for after work hours.

• Avoid using too much of cologne or perfume as the case may be.
• Unkempt, dishevelled hair or even excessive gelling of hair and extreme hairstyles are a strict no-no at work.
• Women should avoid showing off the midriff, wearing skirts that are too tight or too short, open sandals or shoes.

Respect — A must have

This includes being courteous and trustworthy and adhering to the laid down norms. Respect for a fellow worker is the hallmark of a true professional. Do not be in a rush to pass a harsh judgement on a co-worker's personality. Everyone’s beliefs and ideas are a product of one’s background and its motivations are embedded in one’s past. So you can't expect them to align with your views always. When one is required to work in tandem it becomes important to respect a team member’s view. There can be disagreements and arguments over the correct approach to solve a problem, but don’t make it a public ego spat. This approach will make the team goals suffer in the long run and earn you the reputation of being a difficult worker.

Integrity — the most important skill

Once in a seat of responsibility, you are responsible for the decision you take, so consider the far reaching impact of your decision. To be a bankable employee, one on whose judgement and discretion the management has faith, weigh your words judiciously. Maintain neat records of the expenses incurred by you on behalf of the company and present them through the proper channel.

• Lying, cheating, hiding facts, however trivial, will have a damaging effect on your commitment to the organisation.
• Seek help in case it is required. It is better to seek help rather than suffering losses due to the lack of adequate knowledge.

Professionally speaking

You may be working for any sector, service or product but never forget that an organisation's main requirement is that the job is done efficiently and effectively. For this you have to respect deadlines, quality assurance and back-up services.

• Do not waste time by engaging in gossip, loose talk or salacious talk at work, instead stick to plan A of work.
• Try to steer clear of petty office politics.
• n Share your knowledge, mentor the younger lot and guide them for the role of future leaders.
• Do not be petty, selfish or mean in dealing with your subordinates.
• Do not expose yourself by trying to hog the limelight by side-stepping a work ant as an astute senior would take note and that won’t work well for you.
• Be an active volunteer in other related professional or voluntary organisation.
• Work on honing your skills more and more.

Men and women @work

Do not ignore an informed constructive criticism not only from your boss but also from a fellow worker.

• In work life be punctual and set an example and standard for yourself.
• Keep your opinions of other people to yourself and concentrating on the job at hand.
• While taking a professional decision don't let your personal feelings interfere with logic.
• Be quick to accept a mistake and rectify it immediately also learn from it.
• Before proceeding on leave finish your work and not wait for others to step in to your seat and execute your decisions and work on your behalf.
• Learn to keep confidential details to yourself and not divulge information at the drop of a hat.
• As a boss, be forthright yet fair while giving an appraisal oral or written.

Be social media savvy

Social networking sites are a great way to stay in touch and also enhance business development activities. It does not, however, mean that when you work at your desk you are logged on to Twitter and Facebook and logged out of work. Most corporates have a social media usage policy in place. Even if there is none then also it is good to limit virtual socialising at work. Moreover, one must also be cautious about airing controversial views or post pictures that can in any way harm the image and privacy of the company.

— The writer is an English language and life skills trainer

Study abroad
A host of choices for undergraduate courses
Natasha Chopra

There is a wrong general impression that students going for education overseas are primarily looking for postgraduate and research courses. The fact, however, is that a large number of parents exploring foreign universities and courses want to send their children for undergraduate courses across the world and even for schooling, the more common being after Class X. With a large number of international schools being set up in our country and students undertaking international exams such as the IB, a large number of these students are also aspiring for a recognised global education.

While getting into a good university is not easy anywhere in the world, the eligibility criteria are not as grueling as these are in India. In fact, most countries welcome international students. Even when a student misses the eligibility criteria, there are opportunities for him/her to undertake 'Pathway Programmes' that give him an opportunity do well and move on to higher ranked institutions. Pathway institutions have become increasingly viable options for many students as these give them an opportunity to fix their marks and make them self-disciplined. In addition it also gives them the flexibility of choices and opportunities to study modules or courses that are different from their chosen main subject areas and develop themselves holistically as students with wider interests.

Canada

Canada is a country that offers a wide choice of undergraduate courses both in colleges and universities. Courses in colleges are more economical and the eligibility criteria are not as stringent as those in the universities.

Universities, however, offer complete bachelor's degrees that are of four-year duration.

Courses offered: Bachelor's in Business and Economics, Business, Engineering (all branches)

Fees: $16,000CA to 22,000CA.

Living expenses:

$12,000CA.

Navitas Colleges ICM and FIC are pathways to universities (University of Manitoba and Simon Fraser University, respectively). The course is named as UTP stage — 2.

Fees: $16,000CA/year.

Colleges are able to give awards for diploma, advanced diploma and a few bachelor programmes.

Diploma: Business Management (Marketing, Finance, Business Insurance, Office Administration, Medical, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Information Technology, Networking, Biotechnology Technician, Biotechnology Technologist, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Mechanical Technologist etc.)

Advanced Diploma: Business studies, Information Systems

Bachelor's degree in Business, Business Information systems etc are offered in a few colleges.

Fees: $12,000CA - $14,000CA.

Living expenses:

$12,000/year.

USA

US education at the undergraduate level is an expensive affair. However, a little research and understanding of the US system can help a great deal.

USA supports a large number of international applicants interested in studying in America at undergraduate level. The financial assistance policy of American universities and colleges can be broadly categorised as— merit-based scholarships and need-based financial assistance.

Merit-based scholarships: Out of more than 3,800 colleges and universities offering undergraduate programmes, around 950 offer merit-based scholarships to international students. The range of merit-based scholarship is quite wide and can vary from $500 to the full cost of tuition.

SAT is a requirement and the higher the score near 2400, the higher the level of scholarship that can be awarded. Generally most universities will want to see a score of more than 2200.

Need-based financial assistance: It is granted according to the demonstrated need as assessed on the basis of data supplied by you and your parents on the College Board’s Foreign Student Financial Aid Application Form (FSFAAF). This application form can be obtained from The College Board Scholarship Service (CSS) of the Educational Testing Services (ETS), NJ, USA. The range of need-based financial assistance can be as high as the full cost of attendance, including return airfare.

United Kingdom

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, together form the United Kingdom and have some very prestigious and respected universities worldwide. For students who are seeking good quality education, the UK offers a huge advantage in being able to complete an Honors bachelor’s degree in three years (four in Scotland) and a master’s degree in one year rather than two years. Traditionally UK has been one of the most attractive destinations for students internationally and offers an opportunity to network with students from more than 120 countries in most institutions. The average tuition fees for undergraduate programme in UK will range from £9000-15000 and for postgraduate programme it will be £12000-16000.

The popular courses for the UK include: Business, Engineering, Computer scienceo, Bio Medical Sciences, Law, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Journalism and Media

Singapore

Singapore has some of the most well respected local universities — National University of Singapore, NTU and SMU. Many of the high ranking international universities such as INSEAD, Duke University and MIT, have also set up campuses in Singapore.

The total expense for Singapore in private universities will be between Rs 10-12 lakh per annum (living and tuition fees included).

Tuition fee varies between Rs 6-8 lakh and living expenses is around Rs 4 lakh. The tuition fees will vary if a student gets a direct entry to the bachelor’s degree or if the percentage is less then the student will first do a diploma, which is of 7-9 month duration.

In case the students have just around 50 per cent marks then they will have to do a diploma first. Singapore will consider overall percentage i.e. best of five subjects. IELTS/TOEFL is not required for Singapore. A student who manages to arrange a letter from the school stating that the medium of instruction was English usually gets a waiver for IELTS/TOEFL. The usual progression for Singapore is diploma followed by advanced diploma followed by bachelor’s degree.

— The writer is the MD Co-founder and MD, The Chopras, Global Education Corporate

Scholarship roundup

Biotech fellowships

The Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka and Department of Biotechnology, Government of India are offering fellowships for post-graduate diploma in specialised biotechnology-related job-oriented courses

Eligibility:

Candidates must have a minimum of 50 per cent in master's degree from universities of the state or any other university recognised as equivalent in life sciences, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or any other life science related courses; BE/B.Tech - biotechnology, bioinformatics; BPharma, agriculture, veterinary, MBBS and BDS are also eligible to apply.

Candidates who have appeared for the M.Sc/BE final exams can also apply.

Upon selection, a provisional degree certificate should be submitted to the respective colleges within two weeks of course commencement.

Details: Karnataka Biotechnology Aptitude Test (KBAT) for Admission of students to Biotechnology Finishing Schools (BTFS) for the post-graduate. A fellowship support of Rs 5000 per month will be given to every student who is admitted to the BTFS programme.

How to Apply: Online

Deadline: August 2, 2012

Kalam scholarships Down Under

The University of Sydney is offering Dr Abdul Kalam International Postgraduate Scholarship for international students in the field of Engineering and IT.

Eligibility: International students with an offer of admission to a master's programme in the Faculty of Engineering and IT.

Details: 50% tuition fees for a maximum of one year. Up to one year subject to academic performance.

How to apply: Electronically

Deadline: Semester 1 2013 entry: October 30, 2012

Check out details from: Engineering.Scholarships@sydney.edu.au

Breaks on job hopping
Attrition levels fall due to uncertain economic environment

India Inc has witnessed a sharp decline in the attrition levels during the April-June quarter as employees are becoming cautious about changing jobs due to uncertain economic environment.

HR consultants believe the trend might continue in the current and next quarter as well.

According to the study conducted by MyHiringClub.com, average attrition rate in the first quarter of the current fiscal (2012-13) stood at 17 per cent, a five per cent decline from the preceding quarter.

"We had seen attrition rate declined during first quarter of current fiscal year. Major reason for decline in attrition is current global economical condition and less hiring activities," MyHiringClub.com CEO Rajesh Kumar said.

"Usually first quarter of every financial year is known for the highest attrition but now current scenario is totally changed and fluctuation in job market is driving the less attrition in every industry," he added.

Echoing similar views, Manjunath Prasad, Director at SMMC Recruitment Services said, "It's a good time in terms of employee's retention rate for companies. Attrition and recruitment both are moving on very slower pace." He further said hiring activities were almost freezing in every sector, especially in IT and IT-enabled services and banking and financial services.

"Employees are not very keen to change their job or even they are not trying to get into new job due to uncertainty in global economical condition," he added.

Among the 11 industries surveyed, aviation and hospitality sectors have seen highest attrition rates among employees, while the rate is lowest among automobile and manufacturing areas.

However, all these sectors have witnessed a decline in attrition compared to previous quarter.

The aviation and hospitality space saw the highest attrition rate of 16 per cent in the first quarter of 2012-13, a fall from 22 per cent in the the fourth quarter.

The banking and financial services sector witnessed an attrition rate of 15 per cent against 20 per cent in the preceding quarter.

In addition, IT and ITes sector's attrition level stood at 13 per cent in the first quarter, followed by FMCG (11 per cent), real estate (10 per cent), telecom (eight per cent), automobiles and manufacturing (six per cent).

Employees with experience of up to five years had the highest attrition rate of 32 per cent, while it was 27 per cent for those with 5-10 years of experience and 22 per cent in the 10-15 years' experience bracket.

Interestingly, senior-level employees (experience more than 15 years) had an attrition rate of 19 per cent.

The survey was conducted among over 8,500 employees and 325 employers between May and June this year.

— Agencies

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Weather wins

Change is constant. And even if you feel that nothing will ever change in your workplace, weather surely will. So while planning your strategies, don’t forget the seasons.

The prosperous province of Garha, ruled by Rani Durgavati, attracted the attention of Akbar. Asaf Khan, Governor of Kara and the eastern provinces, led the huge Mughal army into battle. On Day 1, a handful of Rani Durgavati’s men routed the enemy, but the tables turned on the second day. To add to the Rani’s woes, her son Bir Narayan was badly injured and the rain came down in torrents.

When Durgavati decided to retreat and continue the fight from her fort, she couldn’t do so as the river was in spate. In order to avoid getting captured, she stabbed herself to death.

After the death of his stepbrother Sambhaji Raje, Rajaram, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, was on the run. He sought passage to go to the fort of Jinji from all southern rulers, but only Queen Chennamma of Keladi showed enough courage to stand up to the Mughal might under Emperor Aurangzeb.

Fortune favours the brave. When the Mughals under Jaan Nisar Khan attacked Keladi, the monsoon started. The Mughal army heaved a sigh of relief when Aurangzeb ordered a ceasefire as they not only had to battle Chennamma’s forces, but also the never-ending rain, plague and leeches.

When Swami Chinmayananda decided to construct an ashram in Sidhabari in Himachal Pradesh, the strong wind there posed a problem. So he erected a huge idol of Hanuman, son of wind-god, Vayu, and the wind subsided.

In Madison, Jayaprakash Narayan met Abram Landy who introduced him to the books of Karl Marx. So JP mulled going to Moscow, but he didn’t have enough money to do so. So, in 1926, he went to Chicago to find a job. He neither got a job nor did he have enough warm clothes for the severe winter there. He fell ill for six months, incurred a lot of debts, fell behind in his studies and finally had to abandon his plans to go to the USSR.

On November 1675, an unprecedented sandstorm hit Delhi as soon as Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded there. In the ensuing confusion, Bhai Jaita picked up the head of the master and took it to Keeratpur. From there, it was taken in a palanquin by the family members and devotees of the master to Anandpur Sahib for the last rites.

Lakhi Shah, a government contractor, took the body to his house — at the present site of Gurdwara Rakab Ganj. To avoid suspicion that the body was being cremated there, Lakhi Shah set fire to his house.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

Hiring scene
Auto, pharma sectors go strong

Hiring activity in the country has been a mixed bag with sectors such as Construction, Insurance, Oil & Gas and ITES going slow on their hiring plans, but others like Auto and Pharma continuing to hire fresh talent, as per the job speak index released by Naukri.com. According to the job index the IT sector, which is the largest employer of skilled workforce, has also slowed down its hiring plans and lateral hiring across companies has almost been brought to a halt. "Selective hiring is happening across most sectors now. However, the next few months will be challenging for the overall recruitment market in India" said Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO, Info Edge India

Most industries have started feeling the brunt of a slowdown with sectors like Construction, ITES, Oil & Gas and Insurance witnessing a 17, 10, 8 and 6 per cent dip in hiring levels in June 2012 when compared to the same time a year ago. Software Services, Banking and Pharma sector however has seen their hiring levels pick up by 9, 16 and 19 per cent, respectively in June 2012 over June 2011. Auto and the Heavy machinery sector has seen hiring numbers similar to what it was last year.

Sales and Business Development professionals have seen a steady movement in their hiring numbers with June 2012 index being 29 per cent higher than last year. Professionals in software services and Production have witnessed 6 and 4 per cent increase in demand in June 2012 over June 2011. On the contrary, professionals in BPO and Project management saw hiring levels dip by 12 per cent during the same time period. Accounts and HR professionals have not seen much movement in their recruitment levels when compared to last year. — TNS

B-school grads covet public sector jobs

Indian management students prefer to work in public sector firms over private ones due to secure employment environment and high future earnings, followed by MNCs, this was revealed by a study, Preferred Employer 2012, conducted by online job portal FlikJobs.com and MyHiringClub.com. The study reflected how youngsters look at job security as one of the most important parameters while choosing their future employers.

It also said that for women job seekers, a bank is an attractive workplace as compared to that for men. Among management and engineering stream employees, Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) is first choice to work and among BCA/MCA stream employees, Google is first choice to join.

"Job security is a big factor driving job seekers to opt for a job in the public and government sector. Working in the PSUs and government organisation is stable and permanent," said Rajesh Kumar, chief executive officer, FlikJobs.com and MyHiringClub.com

"Once selected in any government position, the person is recruited until the age of retirement. In special cases, like corruption, theft or other job-related dishonesty, the person is suspended and when proved guilty, dismissed. Now in current scenario, salary is also almost at par," he added.

The study was conducted on 1,86,745 registered job seekers of FlikJobs.com. Among surveyed employees, 21 percent respondents were from PSUs and government departments while 33 percent of them want to work with private sector organisation and 67 percent are happy with their current position.

— IANS

Fortnightly quiz 417

1. Which jubilee is being celebrated by the prestigious Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, this year?

2. With which South East Asian country is India planning to establish a road link by 2016?

3. Name the sub-atomic particle, believed to have been responsible for lending mass to the particles that eventually formed the stars and planets after the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago, that was claimed to have been spotted by scientists recently?

4. What is the length of the all-weather Rohtang Tunnel, expected to be completed by 2015?

5. Which Indian state is all set to commission the world’s largest 125-mw solar power project by the end of this year?

6. How many wickets were taken by Brett Lee in Test cricket?

7. Who won the men’s Wimbledon singles title for the seventh time this year?

8. How many tennis Grand Slam victories are in the name of Roger Federer?

9. Which country tops the table in the latest ICC Test championship rankings?

10. Who was the first sportsperson to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha?

— Tarun Sharma

Winners of quiz 416: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Bhavya Sharma, class X (White), Roll No 10, Model School, near Ambedkar Chowk, Rohtak, Pin Code - 124001

Second: Gurlabh Singh (Haraj), class IX, Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Mandi Bariwala, tehsil/district Muktsar, Punjab, Pin Code - 152025

Third: Debashish Das, class IX, Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27-B, Chandigarh Pin Code - 160019

Answers to quiz 416: Rio de Janeiro; Sunita Williams; Baltal and Chandanwari routes; June 26; Somalia, Congo and Sudan; Majuli; Raja Pervaiz Ashraf; Mantralaya; 209; Spain

Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address.

Note: Kindly mention the pincode of your place on the letter/postcard to facilitate the delivery of the prize money.

Answers can also be sent at quiz@tribunemail.com

Name……………….………….............................................

Class....………….......….……............................................

School address ...........................................................

News board

GATEFORUM launches first centre in Chandigarh

GATEFORUM, recently launched its first centre for the aspiring GATE students in Chandigarh. GATE is the qualifying exam for ME/M.Tech/MS courses in Indian institutes and universities like IISc, IITs, NITs, government engineering colleges etc. GATE is also the qualifying exam for jobs in reputed PSUs like BHEL, NTPC, IOCL, Power Grid Corp etc. Speaking on the occasion Aditya Reddy, Director, GATEFORUM said, "GATE is the second largest qualifying exam in India, after AIEEE, with 6.86 lakh test takers for GATE 2012 and we expect the number of applicants to go up to 7.5- 8 lakh next year. But even with such a huge demand, aspirants from Tier II and III cities do not have access to quality training". There were 21,772 students who registered for GATE'12 from Punjab, with Chandigarh itself accounting for 10,959 registrations.