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LINGUISTICS
Career Hotline
Scholarship roundup
Happiness @ work
Smart strategy: hr practices in
slowdown
Testing times: cat 2012
Field in focus: urban practice Subject matter: botany
Course
cruising
Placement time
Fortnightly quiz 418
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Live the language
Gauri Chhabra Let your love for sounds, words and semantics blossom as you explore how people articulate their thoughts "Language is my whore, my mistress, my wife, my pen-friend, my check-out girl. Language is a complimentary moist lemon-scented cleansing square or handy freshen-up
wipette…" — Stephen Fry
Linguists investigate how people acquire their knowledge about language, and how this knowledge interacts with other cognitive processes, how it varies across speakers and geographical regions, and how to model this knowledge computationally. They study how to represent the structure of the various aspects of language such as sounds or meaning, how to account for different linguistic patterns theoretically, and how the different components of language interact with each other.
Many linguists do fieldwork, and collect empirical evidence to help them gain insight to a specific language or languages in general. By now you can see that while linguists may be better informed if they know multiple languages, the work of a linguist actually involves learning about language, rather than learning multiple languages. Course Cursor
Several universities offer this interesting subject at undergraduate as well as PG levels. Students wanting to get into a career in this field can go in for M.Phil and even Ph.D in linguistics after getting a master’s degree. Majoring in linguistics means that a student will learn about many aspects of human language, including sounds (phonology), words (morphology), sentences (syntax), and semantics (meaning). Students can also augment their qualification in this field with courses in related areas, such as cognitive psychology, cognitive science, philosophy, anthropology, computer science, or communication sciences. You might choose to double major and make your linguistic work part of an interdisciplinary programme of study. A secondary specialisation in one of the areas mentioned above can enhance your employability quotient. You may also choose to engage in independent research, such as working as an assistant in a language laboratory, research, traveling abroad or doing fieldwork.
New Pathways
A degree in linguistics isn't nearly as limiting as it was just a few years ago, and there are plenty of opportunities in different fields for graduates in linguistics. It helps if you have an idea in mind when you start higher education as to what you would like to do for the rest of your life. That way, you can tailor your course load to secondary knowledge that you might need for the career of your choice. Here are some of the career options open for students after getting a degree in Linguistics:
Teaching
Many people who hold a degree in linguistics pursue careers in teaching. The burgeoning market for teachers of English as a second language provides opportunities for linguistics majors to apply many of their skills. Not only must they help students understand the language and the customs of English-speaking countries, they must be able to relate to students in their own languages and mannerisms in order for lessons to be effective. Additional training in language pedagogy such as credentials in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL) can be of great help. Many teaching positions abroad require only an undergraduate degree, but at least some specialised training in the subject will make you a much more effective teacher. Linguistics can give you a valuable cross-language perspective. For those who go on to get a PG degree or M.Phil in linguistics might try for assignments in departments such as philosophy, psychology, speech/communication sciences, anthropology, English etc.
Translation
Skilled translators and interpreters are needed everywhere — from government departments to hospitals to courts of law. For this line of work, a high level of proficiency in the relevant language is necessary, and additional specialised training may also be required.
Consulting
You may also choose a career as a consultant to a variety of industries, such as government agencies, companies that deal with international affairs or have a world-wide marketing presence. Technology companies rely on consulting linguists to help refine user interface and speech recognition modules. Linguistics specialists also work on revisions to spell checking and grammar checking software applications, helping businesspeople to express themselves through clear communication. Some linguists even help programme new artificial intelligence systems that aid humans by learning their specific speech patterns. Law firms retain linguistic consultants on international cases and even to help lawyers speak with clients more effectively.
Neuroscience
Linguistics specialists help doctors and therapists work with patients who have suffered strokes or who exhibit signs of communication disorders. Many of these patients suffer needlessly when their injuries or illnesses prevent them
from speaking clearly, although the rest of their mental processes remain intact. By examining the unique speech patterns of these patients, linguists can decode malformed language to provide vital links to patients as they learn to communicate more effectively.
Combating Mother Tongue Influence (MTI)
Sometimes business executives hit a glass ceiling when partners or clients cannot fully understand them due to strong mother tongue influence in their speech. Sometimes, managers who grew up in rural areas might find themselves discriminated against when competing for jobs in urban areas. On the other hand, in some job profiles involving marketing, there is a need to effectively mirror the language and dialect of the target segment to often close more sales or earn more promotions. Linguistics professionals help their clients overcome these obstacles by teaching them how to adjust their language and mannerisms to fit professional situations.
Market Research
Market researchers rely on trained linguists to help frame up questions and conversations for research subjects. For instance, an interviewer seeking responses in telephonic interviews/surveys might unknowingly offend or confuse the respondents by using regional dialects. Likewise, interviewers can also introduce bias that would undermines the quality of their data by offending respondents with slang, jargon, or poor pronunciation. By properly accounting for regional dialects and speech patterns, linguistics majors can prevent researchers from asking leading questions or misinterpreting verbal responses.
Speech Therapy
Professionals with a degree in linguistics often work as speech therapists because they have an ear for the subtle nuances of language. Their background in linguistics gives them an unequaled advantage in this career, allowing them to distinguish problems that others might have trouble discerning.
Publishing
The publishing industry also has a high demand for professionals with a linguistics degree. Transcribing books and texts for audio recordings, for example, is important work, and individuals might make good money by working for publishers. Linguists can also work as technical writers and editors if they have supplemented their education with writing and literary courses. Many new products are being developed by multi-national teams of researchers, who often produce documentation that even they might find confusing. Linguistics graduates work with these inventors to overhaul complex instructions into manuals and documents that can be easily understood.
Assistance in lexicography
The development of good dictionaries requires the help of qualified linguistic consultants. Knowledge of phonology, morphology, historical roots of words is essential for compilation of dictionary.
Advertising and film industry
Companies that specialise in advertising often do extensive linguistic research on the associations that people make with particular sounds and classes of sounds and the kind of wording that would appeal to potential consumers. Actors need training in pronunciation, intonation, and different elements of grammar in order to sound like real speakers of a language or dialect. They may even need to know how to make mistakes to sound like an authentic non-native speaker. In the speech sound wave, one word runs into the next seamlessly; there are no little silences between spoken words the way there are white spaces between written words. We simply hallucinate word boundaries when we reach the end of a stretch of sound that matches some entry in our mental dictionary. Therefore, for those of you who are passionate about this seamless integration in the mental dictionary, linguistics is a linear career path to tread and succeed. — The writer is a Ludhiana-based career
consultant
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Maths holds the key to a great career
Q. I am a student of Class XII (PCM). I belong to a middle-class family and am good in studies especially maths. However, I neither want to go in for engineering nor for law. Please tell me something that I can do besides a regular BSc to improve my career prospects and also tell me from where I can pursue such courses. — harminder parmar A. You don’t realise how lucky you are! For most numerically-challenged, math-phobic mortals, number-crunching math wizards like you seem to belong to a different galaxy altogether. Career opportunities are truly wide and varied for those who have a talent and passion for mathematics. Moreover, the skills you develop while studying for a maths degree - such as the ability to think logically as well as in abstraction - will prove to be a great asset in any profession. No wonder it’s called the queen of sciences. Mathematics finds valuable multifaceted applications in all walks of life, including banking, business and law. Some of the careers where a mathematical background is particularly valued are: Actuarial science (insurance), taxation, business management, finance, computer science, operations research, market research (specifically quantitative), and media planning. The banking and financial services sector is another growth area where the work centres on portfolio management, financial control methods & forecasting, equity research, financial planning etc. For all these, MBA (Fin), MFC, CA, CFA will hold you in good stead. For RBI jobs: www.rbi.org.in Many financial services companies, research labs of multinational companies etc are aggressively hiring Indian mathematicians and the best part is that the pay package is better than that offered to IT professionals. Business Analytics is another hot area which you can get into if you do an MBA. If you love numbers, a career in mathematical research — be it pure or applied, can be a fascinating pursuit. Those specialising in mathematics or statistics can also choose to work as members of research teams in industry, statistical and data collection organisations, meteorology, information technology, aerospace and bioinformatics, econometrics etc. Those who have studied pure mathematics are also in great demand. Of course there is always the teaching and competitive exams option to consider. Well-paying teaching positions are available in plenty, especially in private engineering colleges. Maths and science are the keys to innovation and power in today’s world. And this is the Golden Age for Master's and Ph.D. degree holders in mathematics. The other wonderful thing is that maths can be pursued at any time and any place. Unlike physics and chemistry, you don’t need any lab to learn the subject. You can practice it in your own mind. So it would be a good option to go for BSc in Mathematics/Statistics as the number of possibilities it will open up are immense.
Prospects in Operations Research
A. OR involves developing and applying complex mathematical and/or simulation models to solve problems involving operational systems. The study includes applying judgement and statistical tests, mathematical modelling, optimisation theory and techniques and the principles of resource allocation. As an OR specialist, you will apply scientific methods and mathematical principles to organisational problems. While working on problem areas you will help formulate policies, strategies and the allocation of resources in order to improve the efficiency in the management and production areas of a large organisation. For instance, a large multi-speciality hospital may ask OR specialists to figure out the most effective deployment of nurses or the optimal placement of new beds. As a result, employment opportunities abound in business and industry. You could also branch out into another specialist area like Decision Science - a blend of OR, management science and decision theory.
What’s the scope after B.Ed.?
Q. I have done BSc (PCB) with 52 per cent marks. Now I am a B.Ed student. Is there any further job scope for me. Kindly suggest what I can do further. — rupi jandu
A. Hopefully you’ll start teaching in a school after you complete your B.Ed. However, if
you wish to move onto teaching at the high school level (PGT), you can enrol for MSc which you can pursue through distance learning or evening college. After you've completed your MSc, you will
have the further option to teach at the college level after clearing the UGC / CSIR NET if you wish to carve a career for yourself in academics.
Pervin Malhotra email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com...
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SOAS Charles Wallace India Fellowship
SOAS, University of London offers Charles Wallace India Fellowship for Indian students in the fields of arts or humanities and social sciences for the current academic session. One fellowship is awarded annually by the Centre of South Asian Studies, SOAS and the Charles Wallace India Trust for students who have completed a PhD. Eligibility:
Applicant must be an Indian national and should be residing in India at the time of submitting the application.
Details: The Trust will contribute £500 towards an international fare and pay a living grant at the monthly rate of £1,300. The candidate must make their own travel arrangements. The £500 contribution will be paid to fellow on arrival in the UK by the Trust and the living grant will be paid through SOAS. How to apply:
By post Deadline: August 31, 2012 Check out: centres@soas.ac.uk
Opportunity for soil scientists
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) offers Postdoctoral Fellowship in Soil Scientist/Nutrient Management Specialist, India and Bangladesh, 2012 Eligibility:
Details: IRRI is seeking a dynamic, creative young soil scientist or agronomist to conduct research on nutrient management principles for intensively managed cereal-based cropping systems in South Asia, with particular emphasis on conservation agriculture technologies. He/she will work with a team of scientists of different disciplines at CSISA Experimental Research Platforms and other locations in India and Bangladesh, which aim to develop crop and resource management practices for future cereal-based cropping systems. His/her research outputs will allow developing and verifying new principles and guidelines for site-specific nutrient management toward developing web and mobile phone applications for professionals, extension agents, and farmers. As a member of an interdisciplinary team that includes scientists from IRRI, CIMMYT, and national partners, he/she will also be involved in coordinating research and conducting integrated data analysis. How to apply:
Online Deadline: August 20, 2012
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Happiness @ work In life where there are no sure answers, it — more often than not — pays to go with one’s hunch. Once King Lalitaditya of Kashmir in the seventh century AD saw two maidens dancing next to a mound in a forest. They said that it was a family tradition to dance at that spot. Following his intuition, the king ordered that the mound be dug up. An ancient temple was unearthed from under the soil. After renovating the shrine, worship was resumed there. Despite Bezonji Dadabhai Mehta, a goods superintendent on the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, not having any experience of running a mill, Jamsetji Tata gave him charge of his Empress Mill in Nagpur. In recognition of his efficiency, Bezonji was knighted by King George V at the Nagpur railway station in 1911. King Indradyumna of Utkal (ancient Orissa) sent his men in all directions to look for an idol of Nilamadhav (Krishna) in a cave on Nilachala hill. But nobody seemed to have heard either of Nilamadhav or Nilachala. One of the men on the hunt was Vidyapati. Something told him that success lay beyond the jungle. Fighting hunger and thirst, he crossed the jungle and then, met Lalita, daughter of Savara chieftain Vishvavasu. He stayed with the tribe for a while, fell in love with Lalita and married her — all the while keeping his mission to himself. Then one day, he made Lalita spill the beans about her father’s daily visits to an unknown destination — and it turned out to be the Nilamadhav he was looking for all this while! King Indradyumna later got the world-famous Jagannath Temple made at Puri. To his relatives, little Albert appeared to be mentally retarded, but his mother Pauline believed that he would become a professor one day. When, in 1905, the University of Zurich offered him a job as an assistant professor, he wrote to his mother: “Your dumbhead son has at last become a professor”. In 1922, Albert Einstein bagged the Nobel Prize for physics. Having lost to the Delhi Sultan’s forces in Warangal, Kampili and Hoysala, brothers Hakka and Bukka encountered a holy man. For no reason, they decided to seek his blessings. The sage was none other than Vidyaranya who guided the brothers to found the Vijayanagara Empire. When news about a woman going towards the mountains reached King Harsha of Thaneshwar, he immediately set out to rescue her. As luck would have it, Harsha called out to her just as she was about to jump off a cliff. She turned out to be his sister Queen Rajyashri of Kannauj who had escaped from the prison of King Devgupta of Malwa. Back your instincts, my man. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
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Smart strategy: hr practices in
slowdown
Though retention of employees during recession is much easier than that during stable condition as employees do not prefer taking the risk of switching jobs, recession creates financial problems for organisations as in most cases there is a need for pay restraint as budgets become lean. In response to this most of the organisations announce recruitment freeze, job losses and various ways of cost-cutting are incorporated throwing the ball in the court of the HR professionals to keep the employees motivated. Keeping the talent motivated can be challenging in any economy, but is even more so during an economic downturn. In a sluggish economy, company leaders have to do more with less - reduced capital, less cash flow, and often fewer employees. But achieving optimal productivity with fewer resources is only possible if employees are on-board and this poses a challenge for HR leaders. To attract and retain talent is of supreme importance for HR as some talents can't be lost as they form the skeleton of an organisation. In more and more companies HR is using strategies to bridge the gap between managers and employees. Here's a look at some of the more prevalent strategies being used:
Keeping the workforce engaged
As it is important to remain upfront with all employees at all levels, regular contact has to be maintained to keep the workforce across the board motivated. It is important to keep reminding them of the organisational and personal goals. By making employees a part of a team, business managers instill a sense of confidence in them. Transparency is also important, as it ensures a higher level of employee trust and belief. Discussing issues candidly can do wonders. Rakesh Arora, VP-HR, TPG Software Pvt. Ltd. explains, "Effective communication during turbulent times has more to do with HR's listening skills of its employees. When employees are passing through a phase of anxiety leading to high stress and depression, the HR's ear with patient listening skills can smoothen and purify people's minds towards the organisation. Hence we lay stress on establishing a mechanism whereby employees can express their feelings."
Maintaining focus
It is important to work with a goal and motivate employees accordingly. It is imperative to make employees feel they are part of a team in all circumstances and imparting the meaning of "united we stand, divided we fall" can make the employees stay focused to their job. They should be trained and coached but should be allowed to think individually and should also be given a platform to voice their ideas and feelings.
Setting measurable goals
Aggressive, realistic, and reachable goals that can be clearly measured should be maintained. This list should be timely checked and new goals should be added. This would allow employees to stay focused and be rewarded properly. It is also vital to communicate these goals to all employees. Organisations should prepare for the upturn rather than focusing on organisational cuts and spreading the gloominess of recession on the employees, they should build resource strength which in turn will increase competitive advantage. "Executives should analyse the core areas where there is more requirement of investment as well as the more concerned area where individuals are perhaps not doing well. Showing your employees that you value their input and giving them a chance to make a difference in the company's future will help to motivate them even when the company is experiencing hardship", says Snehal Shah, Chairperson, HR Leadership Programme, School Of Inspired Leadership.
Feedback
Regular and honest feedback is a must. For this to happen properly, business managers must be proactive and specific. Also, they must be able to develop a progress and development plan and should be able to link an employee's performance with the set organisational goals. Listening to employees becomes the need of the hour in testing times as it is the time to forge into new relationship that can be effective in yielding better productivity. A wide variety of communication mechanisms such as town hall meetings, CEO and senior management addresses, staff consultation forums, focus groups, regular email briefings, face-to-face communications and communications with unions are being used increasingly to keep feedback channels functional. As Arora puts it, "Since not everyone will like to approach HR, create discussions board on intranet for employees to chat with each other and start a thread for discussions on topics of their interest. This will be a barometer for HR to read people's pulse and mind to craft proactive corrective-preventive action plan."
Professional development
It is important to make an investment in the training and development budgets of organisations. Regular coaching and courses for personal and technical development of the employees should be developed to bring out the best. As Shah points out,"Since during times of economic slowdown employers are not in a position to give monetary benefits or appraisals to their employees, they provide them with career opportunities like giving them projects/assignments abroad or letting them go on a sabbatical so that they can pursue higher education."
Rewards and recognition
Another important aspect of retaining talent is recognising effort. It is important to reward employees by both intrinsic means and extrinsic recognition. Money is not the only form of recognition as just a card or template saying "Thank You", or an occasional pat on the back matter a lot.
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Bag the CAT
A.R.K.S Srinivas The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive exams in the country. It is a prerequisite for entry into the prestigious IIMs and host of other top B Schools in the country, including FMS, MDI, SP Jain, IITs and the like. Since it is an entrance exam to MBA institutes, it tests the aptitude of the candidate in areas of Quantitative Ability, Logical and Analytical Ability, Data Interpretation and Verbal Ability. These are some of the basic ingredients of a would-be manager. In addition, CAT tests the ability of the student to use the twin resources of knowledge and time to ace the test by handling the performance pressure.
CAT 2011 had two sections. The first section was of Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation and the second section was on Verbal Ability and Analytical Ability. Each section consisted of 30 questions and with a time limit of 70 minutes. A student can take only one section in the prescribed time. A student cannot switch between sections. Given infinite time and no pressure, any above average student can get a score good enough to get a 99 percentile. The fact that the exam is time-bound and there is infinite pressure to perform (a la world-cup final), only the best finally make to the grade! While the exam is easy, the fact that more than 200,000 write it for the coveted 4000 odd seats is what makes this exam the toughest around in the world. Hence, to ensure that you come up trumps, you need a comprehensive strategy for preparation and for test-taking. Diagnostic test
The ideal way to start the preparation for any exam is by taking a diagnostic test. This diagnostic test should ideally be of similar type as the previous CAT exam. Many a student falters in preparation because he lacks the overall view of the CAT exam and hence may waste precious time trying to do things that may not be necessary. All good coaching institutes provide a diagnostic test at the beginning of the classes.
Assessing strengths and weaknesses
Use the scores of the diagnostic test to assess your strong and weak areas and work on these accordingly. In each of the areas, one should thoroughly identify the gaps in the level of knowledge. This will ensure that there is a clear cut understanding on where one is going to spend the next few weeks/months of preparation before taking the exam.
Making a study plan
Remember that any plan that tries to capture the work for more than a month is going to fall flat. So while you can make a broad plan for the next three months, the detailed plan should be made for only a week. The week plan could be as simple as completing two chapters of quantitative ability and one chapter of DI. But, make sure that you stick to this plan once you have made it. Never try to pack too many things in a week and find it impossible to achieve the targets. The idea is to gain confidence as you go along and start accomplishing tasks so that you are closer to your goal.
Preparing for the exam
There are three levels of preparation that are required to crack the CAT.
Knowledge
CAT tests aptitude of a student in the following areas
Each of these areas has to be thoroughly prepared. Since students from all backgrounds (viz., BBA, BCom, B Sc, BE, B Tech, MBBS etc) write this exam, it can be safely assumed that the aptitude required would be that of the Class X exam at least in terms of the areas that appear in the exam. However, the difference would be in the levels of knowledge and practice in solving these areas and hence a thorough study plan (even going to a coaching institute) is warranted.
Exam strategy
Before writing the real CAT, it may be extremely useful to write some mock exams. The Mock CAT will give you a real feel of the paper as well as help you to strategise the way you will attempt the paper. Writing Mock tests at regular intervals will also help in two areas a) Hone your test- taking skills; and b) Identify your weak areas and help you concentrate on those.
Confidence
As many as 2,00,000 students write the CAT and many have the ability to crack this exam. Incidentally, since the aptitude is of school level, many students can actually make it to the IIMs, too. Knowledge and test taking skills can be learnt/developed by practice. However, what is of utmost importance is the confidence one has in oneself. CAT is as much a mental game as it is a knowledge and skills game. — The writer is CEO, VistaMind
Education Pvt Ltd
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Career compass: cosmetic dentist Mukta Bali The scope of dental procedures has broadened tremendously over the past few years with corrective techniques becoming very popular. This has opened up new career avenues for dentists in the form of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry involves procedures performed to improve the facial appeal, smile and beauty of the denture of a person. Cosmetic dentists provide solutions to all the problems that are certainly not treatable by conventional methods of dentistry. It has also proven to be the most effective way to enhance one’s smile. The field
In aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry, the focus is on merging functionality and beauty with individual needs of the patient. The ultimate objective is to create a beautiful smile, not just beautiful teeth but teeth of pleasing inherent proportions to one another and in harmony with the face in order to make one look better, younger and attractive.
The work
As a cosmetic dentist your main focus will be on altering the existing dental arrangement and features of a patient to increase their aesthetic appeal. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways, for example with cosmetic implants, tooth whitening or porcelain veneers. In a day’s work you may have to fix veneers on the front side of a tooth to “repair” crooked, discoloured or chipped teeth or to bridge the gaps between teeth. Apart from this other procedures like teeth whitening, bonding, enamel shaping, and fixing crowns and implants will also have to be performed. There are various methods by which smile can be enhanced. Cosmetic contouring refers to shaping, texturing and polishing the outer surface of teeth to make the smile more pleasing. The work involves extreme precision and patience and long hours of standing and bending. The nature of work in this field is client based. One needs to work and create goodwill among clients to ensure that they bring in more clients.
Course cursor
While the basic BDS degree is essential, those interested in this field can go in for short-term courses after BDS or MDS from various institutes. ENCODE (Enhanced Continuing Dental Education), Mumbai offers a 24-day course that is divided into 3 modules of 8 days each spread over a period of three months. Private practioners registered with DCI are eligible for this course. On completion of the programme, the students get a certificate from ENCODE. On completion of this programme, the centre can make special arrangements for further studies in Manipal College of Dental Sciences for a period of one year. However, to get into this course you must have a minimum of three years’ general practice experience after BDS. Admissions are based on merit and experience of the candidate in the relevant area. Other institutes that offer courses in this field are Indian Dental Academy and Smile Care. Once the course is complete, candidates are required to acquire licenses from their respective states to be able to start practice. To gain the license, candidates must write a written exam conducted by the national board of dental education and clinical exam conducted by the licensing board.
Where can one work?
After pursuing the specialised courses one can get attached to a private hospital or practitioner. In metros and big cities people are becoming increasingly conscious about their appearance and smile so the scope of this field is very bright.
Remuneration
The remuneration depends on the experience and reputation of a practitioner. Each procedure can cost from a few thousands to upto a lakh or more depending on individual requirements. The writer is a Punjab-based
practising dentist
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Field in focus: urban practice The 21st Century can easily be classified as an “urban century”. India’s own urban transition will add 300 million more urban residents by 2050. This is a critical challenge as well as an opportunity. This challenge can only be met by a new generation of urban practitioners armed with the right tools, perspective and knowledge. The McKinsey Global Institute report “Urban World: Cities and the rise of the consuming class” states that 28 Indian cities figure in the list of 440 emerging cities all over the world and these will contribute close to half (47 per cent) of the expected global GDP growth between 2010 and 2025. Scope
Creating a sustainable built environment, through design, construction and management, enables all people to live well in a sustainable manner. Our built environment should inspire and make us feel proud of our local areas and diverse heritage. It should reduce whole life carbon and materials costs through efficient use of resources like energy, waste, water etc. It should provide an environment that contributes to our physical and mental health and enhances creativity and productivity. Our built environment also needs to be flexible and adaptable to future use, and be able to cope with local effects of the climate change. Cities and towns must respond to the changing needs of their populations. New schools, better parks and recreation centres, water infrastructures and improved highway and travel thruways are all integral aspects of a functioning society. With the development and implementation of each of these projects, there are concerns which must be considered in advance. Climate change and population growth are placing ever-increasing pressure on city and state officials who are responsible for ensuring the safety of their citizens, while the needs of the population are addressed. Environmental matters must also be considered. Almost 30 per cent population living in India’s cities today produces about 60 per cent of the country’s GDP. By 2030, India will have about 70 million plus cities and urban India will contribute about 70 per cent of the GDP. Thus, needless to say that the India growth story depends on how we manage our urbanisation in the top 300 -400 cities.
Qualifications
The urban practice field requires individuals with knowledge in a vast number of subject areas: mathematics, earth sciences, life sciences, sociology, law, architecture, planning, geography and policy studies are just a few of these. An urban practitioner is expected to specialise in a field or two but has to have the sensibility to create inclusive solutions for all stakeholders. They need to be system integrators and have to have a high level of agency. An inter-disciplinary approach to education is essential for an urban practitioner. The need for inter-disciplinarily programmes is recognised by academics across the world. In a recent post on the blog of the Harvard Business Review, Vikram Mansharamani of Yale said “the age of the ‘Hedgehog-like’ Specialist is waning and the world is slowly changing to give way to the rise of the ‘Fox-like’ Generalist”. The generalist education that is fundamental to create a well-trained and competent urban practitioner is available at a handful of institutes; Center for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT); School of Planning and Architechture ( SPA); Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS); The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) University and the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (a prospective National Innovation University). Most institutes named here have a very strong fieldwork component combined with classroom learning in their programme that allows learners to better understand the on-ground situation and gives them an opportunity to develop their area of interest while giving them a strong theoretical base.
Pay package
Starting salaries vary according to sector and role and can range from about Rs 2 lakh per annum to Rs 3.6 lakh per annum. Senior professionals/consultants draw salaries in the range of Rs 9 to Rs 12 lakh per annum. Urban practitioners can choose to set up their own social/commercial businesses that provide products and services to the growing demands of the city. — With inputs from Rajat Kumar and Sathish Selvakumar from the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, Bangalore
Jobscape
Graduates in the field of urban practice have a wide range of careers open to them. Policy and governance, economic development, human development, land and housing, risk mitigation and climate change are just few of the fields which they can choose to pursue. Urban practitioners are problem solvers and innovators with a diverse set of entrepreneurial skills who would help to change the face of urbanisation. They can find employment in: Private Sector Enterprises such as housing, construction, infrastructure, utility, real estate, finance and advisory services, consultancies. Companies such as Siemens, Panasonic, IBM and Cisco have ‘City’ as a focus area. Public Sector Enterprises such as municipalities and urban local bodies, state (most state governments are considering setting up a Municipal Cadre) and national governments, regulators, public utilities and enterprises; Civil Society Organisations such as organisations working on community issues, mobilising collective action, enabling the common good and social inclusion; Multi-lateral and Bi-lateral Funding agencies such as the World Bank, DFID, ADB, GIZ etc. They employ urban experts in their Technical Assistance programmes for states and cities; and Universities and Knowledge Enterprises such as institutions creating South Asia-centric and globally relevant knowledge on human settlements, governance, technology and the environmental and social sciences.
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Science of nature and nurture
Monica Gulati
Punjab has been the ‘grain bowl’ of India for long and it is unimaginable to separate the state from agriculture/horticulture. Centres of academic distinction with reference to plant life such as Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana and the ushering of Green Revolution in 1960s have given a boost to the study of plant life in the state. Skill set
The students should possess skills such as a scientific aptitude, sharp observation, keen interest in plants, willingness to work in fields and laboratory.
Scope
With the emergence of technology, science has developed a number of specialties. Botany itself encompasses a number of specialties which include phytochemistry, bio-physics, cytology, genetics, morphology, paleobotany, systematics, agronomy, food science and technology, forestry, horticulture, plant pathology, etc. A student can step out in the professional world after completing a graduation in botany or opt for a career in teaching /research work, etc. after a post-graduate degree.
Eligibility
Botany is studied as one of the components of biology after matriculation by all the medical students. For admission in a bachelor's degree programme, a student must complete higher secondary education or Plus II with biology, chemistry and physics as the main subjects. To take admission in a master's degree programme, a student must complete a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject. The eligibility for enrolling into a Master degree program varies from one University to another, but generally a Bachelor's degree with first division is considered as essential. For Ph.D. programme, the acumen of the student with respect to the subject is judged on the basis of his performance in the entrance test, followed by an interview to assess his understanding of the subject.
Job prospects
A career in botany is rewarding in terms of remuneration offered, job profile as well as tremendous opportunities of professional growth. The major professions followed by students of botany are with following genre of organisations:
With renewed interest in agricultural sciences, ayurvedic sciences, emergence of a sunrise biotech sector and the mounting growth of food processing industries, botany students have numerous options for a rewarding career.
Salary
As the science manifests itself in a number of specialties, the remuneration offered also varies. The pay packages are not fixed as per the job profile, but vary from organisation to organisation. Botanists hired by pharma companies, agricultural research organisations and academic centres of repute pay hefty pay packages, running up to an annual sum of around Rs 10 lakh. In general, an average student of botany lands up with a starting salary of Rs 15,000-20,000 per month. — The writer is Dean, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar
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Course
cruising TKWs Institute of Banking and Finance affiliated to Gulbarga University invites applications for its full-time BCom in Banking and Finance with Integrated CS and MBA in Banking, Finance and Marketing with Integrated CFA programme . Eligibility: (1) BCom in Banking & Finance with Integrated CS (3 Years) Eligibility: 10+2 with 50% marks in science or commerce discipline (2). Master's degree in Banking & Finance with integrated CFA (2 years, including project works & Internship) Eligibility: Graduate or Equivalent with 50% marks Selection Procedure: Banking Aptitude Test & Interview How to apply: The application forms can be downloaded from http:// www.tkwsibf.org. Address: R551, Shankar Road, New Rajender Nagar, New Delhi-110060. Ph: 64522127, 45155533, Emails at: banking@tkws.co.in Deadline: August 10, 2012. Check out: www.tkwsibf.org Executive MBA The School of Management, ITM University, Gurgaon, has launched a three-year full time executive MBA programme. This programme is meant for executives with at least two years of work experience. Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in English medium, with at least 50% marks in aggregate or an equivalent CGPA and minimum 2 years of work experience. Selection criteria: Personal interview. Check out: www.itmindia.edu Senior Management Programme NIIT Imperia in collaboration with Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIMC), invites application for one year Senior Management Programme. The programme has been designed to equip the senior level executives with tools and perspectives to make well considered strategic decisions. Eligibility: Working professionals/ self-employed Graduate (10+2+3) in any discipline with minimum 50% marks recognised by UGC/ AICTE/ DEC/AIU Having minimum 10 years of work experience post completion of graduation as on August 01, 2012 Selection process: Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their performance in the Programme Aptitude Test (PAT) to be conducted by NIIT Imperia, together with the assessment of background and motivation (Statement of Purpose-Annexure I of the Application Form) based on the application form submitted. Selected applicants need to resubmit the latest proof of current employment at the time of Registration. How to Apply: Visit www.niitimperia.com <http://www.niitimperia.com to fill the application form online. n Application forms can be obtained from local NIIT Imperia Centres or downloaded from www.niitimperia.com <http://www.niitimperia.com> Deadline: August 22, 2012 Course begins: October, 2012 Check out: www.niitimperia.com <http://www.niitimperia.com Supply chain management Gurgaon-based International School of Business & Media invites applications for its two-year PG programme in Supply Chain & Operations Management. The course has been especially designed for engineering graduates and blends the knowledge of engineering with management skills related to supply chain and operations management. Duration: Two years Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with minimum 50% marks in aggregate. Candidates appearing for final year examinations can also apply, provided they complete all degree requirements by September 30, 2012. Scores of entrance test of CAT / XAT / MAT / ATMA / JET will be considered. How to apply: Forms for the courses can be procured both from college campus or downloaded from the website .For more details visit website. Fees: Rs 5 lakh Checkout: http://www.isbmmedia.edu.in Precious designs Admissions are on for JD Institute of Fashion Technology's Diploma in Jewellery Design programme. The course: This programme offers the students an in-depth understanding of designing jewellery and understanding the material used. The course is 6-month full-time programme. Selection procedure: Personal interview. Eligibility: Plus II from a recognised board in any discipline. Deadline: August 14, 2012. Check Out: www.jdinstitute.com
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Placement time
The Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) has successfully placed 3,491 students so far in 1,299 (800+ unique companies) domestic and international companies that visited the various IIPM campuses this year. The recruitment process that kicked off in September 2011 had an overwhelming participation from different industries viz. FMCG, Banking, IT/ITES, Telecommunication, Real Estate, Automotive and many more. Although, the batch size was more than the previous batches, this season witnessed a surge in participation of companies by over 75 per cent. Overall, the average package offered this year increased by 20 per cent as compared to that last year. The average package that was offered to the students of IIPM's flagship programme was Rs 6.25 lakh while it was Rs 4.5 lakh for non-flagship ISBE programme. The international average package that was offered this year stood at Rs 12 lakh. The highest package at domestic level offered was Rs 16 lakh by Kapston Facility Mgt. Pvt. Ltd for IIPM students and Rs 7 lakh for ISBE students. The highest international package this year was Rs 18 lakh offered by Al Mashriq LLC, Dubai. This year companies like Citibank, Standard Chartered, HDFC Bank, Colgate and Palmolive, Canon India, HSBC Investments, Ernst & Young, Indiabulls Investments, ICICI Group, Mahindra and Mahindra Group, Aditya Birla Group, Vodafone, Airfone China, Reliance ADAG Group, TAJ Group of Hotels, IGate Technologies, HP, Zee Enterprises, UB Group, Jet Airways, Copal Partners, DLF Group, American Express and RR Donelley, to name a few, visited various IIPM campuses, beside other regular recruiters. A large number of international companies like First Gulf Bank, Jumbo Electronics Dubai, LandMark Retail, Al Abbas Group Dubai also visited the campuses and recruited more than 75 students from various campuses. — TNS
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Fortnightly quiz 418
2. Name this year’s Ramon Magsaysay award winner from India who helped thousands of rural women break poverty cycle with his pioneering initiatives in Tamil Nadu. 3. Name the latest Batman film. 4. Name the three indigenous stealth frigates inducted by the Navy so far? 5. To which Indian theoretical physicist does the ‘Boson’ in the Higgs Boson particle owe its name? 6. Which endangered animal’s core areas in 39 reserves have been banned for tourists by the Supreme Court of India? 7. Name the Microsoft’s next-generation operating system, tailored for a world shifting from personal computers to smartphones and tablets, which is to be launched in October. 8. Name the author of the film “Beyond the Lines – An Autobiography”. 9. Where are the Victoria Falls, having the largest sheet of falling water in the world, situated? 10. What are the mascots of London Olympics? — Tarun Sharma Winners of quiz 417: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Mohammad Anas, class IX-C, DAV Centenary Senior Secondary Public School, Malerkotla, district Sangrur, Pin Code - 148023 Name……………….………….............................................
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Imagine if there were no language. The world would be a meaningless mess. Language pervades each aspect of our lives and is the breath of our beings. Those of you, who dive into the depths of language, might wonder why ‘go’ is pronounced differently from its cousin ‘do’. This methodical and systematic study of human languages is Linguistics. Professionals with a degree in linguistics have a comprehensive understanding of the language theory, are capable of language analysis, and are skilled in analysing phonetics.
Thinkstock photos/getty images
Q.
I am a student of Class XII (PCM). I belong to a middle-class family and am good in studies especially maths. However, I neither want to go in for engineering nor for law. Please tell me something that I can do besides a regular BSc to improve my career prospects and also tell me from where I can pursue such courses. — harminder parmar
The 21st Century can easily be classified as an “urban century”. India’s own urban transition will add 300 million more urban residents by 2050. This is a critical challenge as well as an opportunity. This challenge can only be met by a new generation of urban practitioners armed with the right tools, perspective and knowledge. The McKinsey Global Institute report “Urban World: Cities and the rise of the consuming class” states that 28 Indian cities figure in the list of 440 emerging cities all over the world and these will contribute close to half (47 per cent) of the expected global GDP growth between 2010 and 2025.
There is no dearth of lovers of nature and there seems to be an endless list of those who are enthusiastic about the word “Green”". But not many know that their love for plants holds a grand opportunity to weave a wonderful career full of possibilities of seamless growth and rewarding remuneration. Botany is one subject that can pave a cushy career path for those with “green” leanings. In simple terms botany is the science of plant life.
Photo: Pradeep Tiwari
Imagine if there were no language. The world would be a meaningless mess. Language pervades each aspect of our lives and is the breath of our beings. Those of you, who dive into the depths of language, might wonder why ‘go’ is pronounced differently from its cousin ‘do’. This methodical and systematic study of human languages is Linguistics. Professionals with a degree in linguistics have a comprehensive understanding of the language theory, are capable of language analysis, and are skilled in analysing phonetics. Experienced linguists can differentiate grammatical patterns and application without actually knowing the actual language they hear.
Q. I am a maths graduate and am considering whether I should opt for a master’s in Operations Research. Could you please tell me about the career prospects in this field. —
suresh govil
Uncertain economic times tend to play hard on employee morale amid mounting concerns over the overall health of the company as well as the stability of their own jobs. Insecurity creeps in the life of employees and bosses become over demanding and rude at times thereby making it necessary for the HR to intervene and ensure a smooth run. After all the real challenge lies in bringing out your employees from the state of stagnation and such action tells a great deal about the quality of an employer.
There is no dearth of lovers of nature and there seems to be an endless list of those who are enthusiastic about the word “Green”". But not many know that their love for plants holds a grand opportunity to weave a wonderful career full of possibilities of seamless growth and rewarding remuneration. Botany is one subject that can pave a cushy career path for those with “green” leanings. In simple terms botany is the science of plant life. Fondness for plants is something which is heard and expressed with fervor by many. Botany can, in fact, open doors to various professional avenues.
1. Name the Bollywood’s first superstar who gave 15 hits in a row and was the highest paid actor from 1970 to 1979?