Jobs  & Careers





defence research & development organisation
Unleash your scientific temper
Being a defence scientist can make one a part of India’s missile development programme The DRDO is India's premier research organisation. It offers excellent career opportunities for technical and scientific professionals with a range and diversity of experience that is difficult to match elsewhere

On April 19, this year India conducted a successful test-fire of its indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-V ballistic missile with a strike range of over 5,000 km. It was a momentous occasion for the 800 scientists, staff and support personnel of 20 laboratories of the DRDO that had been working on the 5,000-km range ICBM with reach up to the northern parts of China.

SOARING HIGH: Being a defence scientist can make one a part of India’s missile development programme.

Career Hotline
Which specialisation is best for CS?
Q. I am currently pursuing company secretaryship after B.Com. Which field should I specialise in MBA to boost my career? — Vamini Seth
A. A qualified Company Secretary (CS) can look for opportunities in the private and public sectors, financial institutions, banks, stock exchanges and even the Central Company Law Service.

  • How can I get into corporate law?
  • What’s the role of a concierge?
  • Job profile of a SAP consultant
CareerCature
SANDEEP jOSHI
This latest “steam valve” technology to bust stress seems to be working well with you
This latest “steam valve” technology to bust stress seems to be working well with you.

news board
Parents’ workshop
Manovikas IGNOU Community College (MCC) will be holding a special parents’ workshop in New Delhi on August 11 to address the barriers in job opportunities that children with developmental disabilities come across. The workshop will put a spotlight on exploring the choice, dignity and need of independent living for person with developmental disabilities. 

career compass: robotics engineer
The men behind Magnificent Machines
Robot, the ultimate fantasy of the human brain, is fast becoming a reality of the present day life. Though the sci fi variety of mass-manufactured humanoids still remains a distant dream, yet the presence of robotic machines in our day-to-day life has increased dramatically over the past few years. Be it space exploration, putting together swish four-wheelers or performing complicated surgeries, a robotic hand is omnipresent.

study abroad: management courses
The French connection
US, UK and Australia have historically been the top three choices for students looking for a global degree. However, more and more students are now discovering that the European front also offers great options in a variety of subject areas, and France has emerged as a leader in this respect. International standard institutions, a beautiful, multicultural locale and quality education have made France one of the most desired destinations for overseas education, particularly for an MBA. Here's what aspiring MBA students need to know to apply to this European hot-spot:

different strokes: massage therapist
The magic of touch
In the ever hectic lifestyles people hardly have any breathing space or a moment to call their own. Hence a large number of them are turning to specialised ways of relaxation to revitalise themselves. This has opened new career avenues like Massage and Spa Therapy.

office mantra: difficult co-workers
Surviving Porcupines & Posers
During one of my counseling sessions, one of the persons who had come to me shared an agonising problem thus: "For the past few years I have had to work fairly extensively with a colleague who is just impossible to work with. He is arrogant, stubborn, sometimes abusive, and acts like he is right about almost everything. At first I tried to ignore it, but it just gotten worse. Things are so bad now that I feel like hitting this person and all I can think about is how miserable this person is. How do I deal with this situation?"

Ills of arrogance
Arrogant bosses are typically poor performers who can drain the bottom line by slighting subordinates to mask their own insecurities and creating organisational dysfunction.

smart strategy: channelling jealousy
Subdue the green-eyed monster
Envy and jealousy are the demons that each one of us has faced at one time or another. These are an inevitable part of our professional as well as personal lives. Jealousy is generally found among equals or near equals like acquaintances and colleagues. We rarely feel jealous of someone who is either too highly placed or distantly connected to us.

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defence research & development organisation
Unleash your scientific temper
The DRDO is India's premier research organisation. It offers excellent career opportunities for technical and scientific professionals with a range and diversity of experience that is difficult to match elsewhere
Usha Albuquerque

On April 19, this year India conducted a successful test-fire of its indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-V ballistic missile with a strike range of over 5,000 km. It was a momentous occasion for the 800 scientists, staff and support personnel of 20 laboratories of the DRDO that had been working on the 5,000-km range ICBM with reach up to the northern parts of China.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been responsible for the development of technology for use by the military, since its inception in 1958. The DRDO was set up with the objective of handling the design and development leading to the production of sophisticated weapon systems and equipment in accordance with the needs and the qualitative specifications laid down by the Army, Navy and Air Force. Its mission is to:

* Design, develop and production of state-of-the-art sensors, weapon systems, platforms and allied equipment for the defence services.

* Provide technological solutions to the armed forces to optimise combat effectiveness and to promote the well-being of troops.

* Develop infrastructure and committed quality manpower and build strong indigenous technology base.
As part of the country’s premier research organisation one can steer away from the conventional run-of-the-mill jobs and move in the fast lane of technology and innovation
BE ON THE WINNING TEAM: As part of the country’s premier research organisation one can steer away from the conventional run-of-the-mill jobs and move in the fast lane of technology and innovation

Getting In

Given the scope and specialised nature of the work undertaken, DRDO recruits engineers, scientists and administrative personnel to its three cadres — Defence Research & Development Services (DRDS), Defence Research Technical Cadre (DRTC), and Admin & Allied Cadre.

Defence Research & Development Services (DRDS)

The recruitment of scientists and technologists to the DRDS is done by the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) through direct entry through a scientist entry test (SET), campus selection in educational research institutions and registration of students with scholastic aptitude (ROSSA) for fresh Ph.D scholars. The basic eligibility criteria to attend DRDO recruitment programme is that the candidate should be an engineering graduate or a post graduate in science with a minimum of 60 per cent score.

Direct entry for recruitment and selection of scientists and engineers is conducted through an annual competitive examination at national level called Scientist Entry Test (SET). DRDO SET is an all-India entrance exam which is conducted every year on the first Sunday of September. One can apply for the test in June.

In addition to this, a talent search is conducted through campus interviews. Campus selection committees visit IITs, IISc, NITs, central universities and other select institutions for selection of candidates and on the spot selection letters are issued to meritorious candidates.

There is also a scholarship scheme through Aeronautics Research & Development Board (ARDB) for fresh Ph.D scholars and those who have passed the engineering/ medical examination at graduate level or science/ psychology/mathematics at PG level in first division under ROSSA scheme.

Defence Research Technical Cadre (DRTC)

The members of this cadre form strong skilled manpower base to assist scientists and engineers engaged in research and development work.

Admin & Allied Cadre

The members of Admin and Allied cadre provide administrative/establishment support. Personnel for officer post are recruited through UPSC and non-gazetted personnel are recruited by the laboratories/establishments as per the notified recruitment rules.

Positions are also offered as scientists on an ad-hoc basis for non-resident Indians, lateral entry scheme and direct recruitment through advertising for the openings as and when they arise, and through fellowships

The selection of candidates for direct recruitment to all Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ posts in DRDO is through the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM). All the laboratories/establishments under DRDO report the vacancies, together with the relevant details to CEPTAM. The selection of the candidates is organised by CEPTAM through written test at its four centres i.e. Delhi, Banglore, Hyderabad and Pune.

Training terrain

DRDO has a dynamic training and development policy which is executed through the Continuing Educational Programmes (CEP) for all cadre personnel viz DRDS, DRTC, Admin & Allied.

At the entry level in DRDS, the newly recruited scientists undergo a 16-week Induction Course at Institute of Armament Technology (IAT), Pune. Under the Research and Training (R&T) scheme the scientists are sponsored for ME/M Tech programmes at IITs/IISc and reputed universities. The fees are also reimbursed by the DRDO where scientists undergo Ph.D programme. In addition to this, the organisation, through its two premier institutes namely Institute of Technology Management (ITM) and Institute of Armament Technology (IAT) offers courses for scientists and armed forces personnel in the area of Technology Management, R&D Management and Armament. Recently, a training centre at Jodhpur has been established to meet the training needs for Admin & Allied cadre.

In order to attract futuristic talent, DRDO has Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and Research Associate (RA) schemes for young  and dynamic personnel and those interested in defence research and development.

Remuneration

The pay band for scientists ranges from Rs 15,600-39,100 (plus grade pay) rising to a maximum of Rs 75,500-80,000 for distinguished scientists. In addition DRDO scientists are entitled to get allowances such as house rent, dearness, and transport allowances as for other central government employees. They are also entitled to perquisites like leave travel concession, medical facilities, advances for personal computers/conveyance/ house building and so on.

The DRDO is India’s premier research organisation and offers excellent career opportunities for technical and scientific professionals with a range and diversity of experience that is difficult to match elsewhere. Working on a missile or weapon system, testing electronic radar and surveillance gadgetry, or developing specialised nutritious food substances for soldiers in high altitude areas, are not the conventional run-of-the-mill jobs and require singular talent, dedication and commitment.

If the work of such scientists inspires you to join the DRDO you would do well to get more information about the organisation and apply for a Student Training/ Internship programme. The DRDO comprises different laboratories spread across the country, each laboratory has a different field of research and development and area of core competence and you can select the type of work you are most interested in. The detailed addresses of each are available in DRDO website, and you through your college or institute can contact the Director of the lab concerned and apply for the training.

— The writer is Director, Careers Smart Pvt Ltd., New Delhi

work profile
* Having developed several advanced defence systems, DRDO has acquired expertise in a wide spectrum of defence technologies. In addition to the successful missile programme some of the major achievements of the DRDO have been in the area of aeronautics, armaments, building of a range of weapon systems and ammunitions, combat armoured vehicles and highly sophisticated electronic warfare systems. With the development of the Light Combat Aircraft for the IAF, DRDO’s avionics programme has taken off with computers, radar warning receivers, high accuracy direction finding pods, airborne jammers and flight instrumentation in use across a wide variety of IAF aircraft. The DRDO has also developed two unmanned aerial vehicles required by the three services for their gunnery target training requirements.

* The DRDO has played a vital role in the development of a range of weapon systems, rockets, guns and explosives. It has also worked with the three services in developing sophisticated electronic warfare systems, including radar warning receivers for the Air Force’s MIG fighter aircraft. DRDO has also worked extensively on high speed computing given its ramifications for most of its defence projects. These include supercomputers for computational flow dynamics, and dedicated microprocessor designs manufactured in India for flight controllers and the like.

* The DRDO is also working on a slew of directed energy weapons along with space security, cyber-security and hypersonic vehicles as focus areas in the next 15 years. The aim being to develop laser-based weapons, deployed on airborne as well as seaborne platforms, which can intercept missiles soon after they are launched towards India. Other thrust areas include development of life support technologies to enhance health and well-being of the soldiers even in extremes of environmental and operational conditions and the development of novel food technologies (fresh and processed ) to provide appropriate military nutrition.

The DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi is the nucleus of the country’s defence research strategy
Hallowed portals: The DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi is the nucleus of the country’s defence research strategy

Landmarks
The activities of DRDO are primarily focused on making India self-reliant in defence systems. Today DRDO has a network of more than 52 laboratories with over 5,000 scientists and about 25,000 other scientific, technical and supporting personnel engaged in developing defence technologies covering various disciplines, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing and simulation, special materials, naval systems, life sciences, training, information systems and agriculture. Each laboratory has a different field of research, development and core competence like armaments, materials, electronics, heavy vehicles, missiles, life sciences etc.

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Career Hotline
Which specialisation is best for CS?
Pervin Malhotra email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com ...

Q. I am currently pursuing company secretaryship after B.Com. Which field should I specialise in MBA to boost my career? — yamini seth

A. A qualified Company Secretary (CS) can look for opportunities in the private and public sectors, financial institutions, banks, stock exchanges and even the Central Company Law Service.

Company Secretaries are recognised by the government for appointment to superior posts. It is one of the essential qualifications for recruitment to Grade I to IV in the Accounts Branch of the Company Law Service of the Department of Company Affairs.

A CS is trained to double up as an in-house legal expert as well as a business manager capable of performing multiple functions, including taxation, finance, accounts, HRD, corporate law, commercial and general administration. In the present corporate environment, a CS also functions as a corporate development planner involved in identifying expansion opportunities, arranging collaborations, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.

If you’re interested in working in the banking sector, finance, accounts, law and merchant banking are the portfolios you can target.

MBA and law are two most popular higher study options chosen by CS professionals to bolster their credentials.

The first-year curriculum of an MBA programme covers the basic functional areas of finance and accounting, marketing, personnel and operations management. You will also learn the basic principles of economics, behavioural sciences, information technology and quantitative methods in the context of business management. This will lay the foundation for choosing your specialisation. Given the role and ambit within which a CS functions in a corporate organisation, specialisations such as General Management and Finance would be better options. However, it's always advisable to choose a specialisation based on your comfort level and interest in a particular area rather than follow a given ‘formula’.

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How can I get into corporate law?

Q. I am a lawyer practising in the Sessions Court for the past three years. I want to go in for corporate or international law. Do I need any further qualifications? What should I do in this situation? Manoj kumar

A. If you wish to move to Corporate Law, you don’t necessarily need any additional qualification, though enrolling for a course in corporate/business law won’t hurt. You can straightaway start working for a law firm /lawyer that specialises in corporate law or join as part of the legal department of large organisations.

As for International Law, I think a diploma in this branch of law would show seriousness of intent. Plenty of courses are available through distance /part-time learning mode, including Master of Business Laws degree (2-year, distance learning mode) being offered by the National Law School of India University, Bangalore. Since you are already in the field, do speak to your colleagues and other lawyers practising in these fields to get their inputs and suggestions. Perhaps they would also help you with useful contacts.

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What’s the role of a concierge?

Q. Could you please explain the role of a Concierge in the hotel industry? I have seen a few recruitment ads for this position issued by some hotels? — jaspreet singh gill

A. Although a somewhat late entrant in the front office department of the hospitality industry, especially in India, the role of the Concierge which was sidelined due to lack of awareness, is now beginning to be valued.

A simple definition of a concierge would be that of a caretaker, a person who makes it his profession and duty to serve guests.

The concierge, often termed as ‘Mr Can Do’, offers assistance in the form of travel information and arrangements, city tips, hard to find items or materials, errand services, medical help etc.

It is an interesting job where you will interact with people from various walks of life, countries and temperaments, which in turn, will sharpen your PR skills.

Internationally, this is a lucrative and respected position, at times even higher paid than the General Manager.

The Concierge Association of India is doing its bit to popularise this profession through its four regional chapters.

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Job profile of a SAP consultant

Q. After completing MBA I've been working as a sales manager for the past three years. I am interested in doing the SAP SD module. I want to understand the job description and average CTC offered to SAP consultants. Also, what is your take on doing SAP in today’s market scenario with my kind of sales and marketing experience? — Kapil Mahta

A. There are broadly two kinds of SAP training or certifications that you can undertake. The ‘technical’ consultants or developers are experts in programming, configuration of an SAP implementation and designing interfaces and customisations. Typically an IT/programming background is required if you want to be a Technical SAP consultant in any module.

‘Functional’ consultants are non-technical business-process experts, who help design a SAP implementation. They combine their knowledge of SAP modules and map it to the requirements of a particular business. They asses the impact of the implementation on the business processes and suggest changes where necessary. As a SAP 'Functional' consultant you will essentially perform requirement gathering and translate it into functional specifications used by the technical team to do the necessary programming and configuration in SAP ERP.

Given your background, it is the ‘functional’ training that you can consider. Ideally you should possess at least three years of experience in a related business function before you look to do a certification in any module of SAP. This training can be in any of the modules e.g. Financial Accounting (FI), Controlling (CO), Sales and Distribution (SD), Materials Management (MM), Production/Manufacturing Planning (PP), etc. This training is also referred to as ‘Application Training’.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding salary packages and job descriptions just browse through the job postings on any of the prominent job portals like timesjobs.com etc. Remuneration, of course will vary greatly from company to company and is also based on an individual’s qualifications 
and experience.

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news board
Parents’ workshop

Manovikas IGNOU Community College (MCC) will be holding a special parents’ workshop in New Delhi on August 11 to address the barriers in job opportunities that children with developmental disabilities come across. The workshop will put a spotlight on exploring the choice, dignity and need of independent living for person with developmental disabilities. 

The main purpose of the workshop is to create awareness about the need of transition from special school to college. Moving ahead from the concept of ABC ( A-Agarbati, B-Broom, C- Candle), to give opportunity to of higher education and work opportunities in mainstream employment sectors. In India, approximately 1 per cent of the population is affected by autism, learning disability, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities. 

The eminent personalities who will spread the importance of transition from special school to college are Ms Poonam Natrajan, Chairperson of National Trust, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, GoI, she has extensive experience in disability sector, Prof P.R. Ramanujan, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, Vikram Dutt, Senior Rehabilitation Expert and Chairman, MCC. 

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career compass: robotics engineer
The men behind Magnificent Machines

obot, the ultimate fantasy of the human brain, is fast becoming a reality of the present day life. Though the sci fi variety of mass-manufactured humanoids still remains a distant dream, yet the presence of robotic machines in our day-to-day life has increased dramatically over the past few years. Be it space exploration, putting together swish four-wheelers or performing complicated surgeries, a robotic hand is omnipresent.

The use of robots has expedited the manufacturing processes in several industries as these machines are fast replacing humans where conditions are hazardous, tedious and manipulative. Robots have replaced humans in many operations such as welding, painting, surveillance, pick-and-place assembly, handling ammunition, for transporting explosives and operating in radioactive environments. And this has made robotics engineering a fascinating as well as a lucrative career option. This branch is actually a heady cocktail of different branches of engineering. A student venturing into this plane has to be good at mechanical and electronics engineering besides being a good control engineer.

The work

Robotics engineers design and build robots by using different applications and programmes. The work may involve inspecting the electronic or electrical components involved in the manufacturing of robots and assembling and installing the Bots and even extending guidelines to the users.

Trouble-shooting and rectifying malfunctions in robotic programme is also the responsibility of a robotic engineer. They have to have a thorough knowledge of mechanics, pneumatics, circuit analysis, electronics, microprocessors and programming controls.

Jobscape

A degree in robotics engineering opens job avenues in a wide variety of fields ranging from the defence research, medicine, mining, IT and auto industries. Laboratories, manufacting plants, mines are just a few of the likely workplaces for graduates armed with a degree in robotics.

An M.Tech in robotics and automation can pave the way for a job in space research organisations like ISRO and even NASA. One can work as a robotics technician, robotics test engineer, automation system enginner or a robotics specialist in any of the above mentioned industries.

Teaching in engineering institutes is another avenue which professionals can explore.

Pay package

Pay packages offered by employers are promising for freshers who can expect anything from Rs 4 to 6 lakh per annum depending on the organisation. Engineers with two to three years of experience can get a package of in the range of Rs 12 to 14 lakh.

With inputs from Gurcharan Singh, MD, Gulzar Group of Institutes, Ludhiana.
Students of Robotics and Automation Engineering branch with a robotic model at GIET, Ludhiana
Students of Robotics and Automation Engineering branch with a robotic model at GIET, Ludhiana

Institute Watch

* IITs in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur

* Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

* National Institute of Technology

* University of Hyderabad

* Jadavpur University, Kolkata

* Birla Institute of Technology and Science

* Chandigarh College of Engineering & Technology (CCET), Chandigarh (BTech in Robotics & Automation Engineering)

* Gulzar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana (BTech in Robotics & Automation Engineering)

* AKG Engineering College (AKGEC), Ghaziabad (M.Tech in Automation & Robotics)

* Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT), Panipat (BE in Mechatronics)

* Bhai Maha Singh College of Engineering (BMSCE), Muktsar (M.Tech in Mechatrocins & Robotics)

* Institute of Technology and Management, Gurgaon (M.Tech in Robotics & Automation)

Course cursor

Those interested in this subject can get admission to any of the following courses:

Diploma in Robotics

BE Advanced Robotics; Robotics and Automation Engineering; Robotics Engineering

B.Tech Technology in Robotics; Mechatronics Engineering

ME Automation and Robotics; Robotics Engineering

M.Tech Robotics Engineering; Automation and Robotics

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 study abroad: management courses
The French connection
Ishani Nandi

US, UK and Australia have historically been the top three choices for students looking for a global degree. However, more and more students are now discovering that the European front also offers great options in a variety of subject areas, and France has emerged as a leader in this respect. International standard institutions, a beautiful, multicultural locale and quality education have made France one of the most desired destinations for overseas education, particularly for an MBA. Here's what aspiring MBA students need to know to apply to this European hot-spot:

Why France?

France’s institutes of business administration (IAE) are university-based schools of management. Programmes cover all areas of business and management, including marketing, finance, and human resources. At the undergraduate level they offer the three-year licence professionnelle in many different specialities, as well as other licence degrees. Master’s and doctoral degrees are also offered.

As many as 230 private, independent or affiliated with a chamber of commerce and industry B-schools train thousands of students in business topics that are relevant to the changing economic environment and the latest management practices. Internships, advanced technology, industry connections and exchange programmes make French business schools a perfect place to learn about the global markets. B-school degrees are national diplomas regulated by the French Government in accordance to the highest international standards.

Fee structure

Annual tuition fee at most schools is between €3,000 and €10,000. Academic background and entrance exams determine international student admissions.

Duration

Most programmes require three years of study for a specialised advanced degree or a specialised master's degree. Some schools have recruitment programmes aimed specifically at international students. A number of scholarships are offered by regional councils, the French Ministry as well as academic institutions. An important aspect to remember is that master’s in management courses and MBAs differ in that undergraduates can join a master's programme directly after graduating whereas an MBA will need at least three years' work experience. Six of the top 10 master's in management programmes come from French business schools, according to the Financial Times rankings. These are HEC School of Management, ESCP-EAP School of Management, Grenoble Graduate school of Business, Essec School of Business, EM Lyon, École de management Strasbourg, INSEAD, Euromed Management - School of Management and Business to name a few.

Language skills

The biggest impediment faced by students in their bid for higher education abroad is the language barrier. However, with more and more hopefuls lining up for a chance to learn from some of the Europe's best institutions, a large number of MBA schools are now offering courses in English. Still for the enthusiastic learning French will be of great help in daily conversation, assimilation into the culture and in strengthening the resume.

International students can earn some extra dough by working part time during semesters both outside and in the university. Students can work 964 hours in a given year, which corresponds to 60 per cent of full-time employment for the year. The minimum wage is € 9.40 gross per hour (worked since July 1, 2012). In universities, students can work in assisting incoming students; helping disabled students; providing tutoring; providing IT support and assistance; coordinating and staffing cultural, athletic, and social events; working in the career center; and supporting their institution's promotional efforts.

Institute Watch

* École Normale Supérieure

* Université Pierre et Marie Curie

* École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

* Université Paris Diderot - Paris 7

* University of Strasbourg 

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different strokes: massage therapist
The magic of touch
Preetinder Kaur

In the ever hectic lifestyles people hardly have any breathing space or a moment to call their own. Hence a large number of them are turning to specialised ways of relaxation to revitalise themselves. This has opened new career avenues like Massage and Spa Therapy.

Nature of work

Not long ago, spas and saloons were frequented only by the elite. They were the people who had enough means to indulge in such luxuries. Today, however, the rules are changing and people from all sections of the society are inclined towards this. Demand for trained massage and spa therapists has been on the rise over the years, as many clubs and hotels prefer to include massage and spa therapy in their itinerary for the ultimate customer satisfaction.

Personality traits

One needs to believe in the healing power of the human touch to enter this field with an open mind, ready hands and a desire to help others. A massage therapist's main role is to reduce stress, relieve muscle aches and pains and lull the clients into a state of blissful relaxation.

Massage is a physically demanding task and those who practice it must be in good shape. Masseurs must be ready for any personality or body type to walk into the treatment room. Having a thick skin will also come in handy as clients can be critical and unforgiving at times.

Moreover, good interpersonal and conversational skills could take a professional a long way.

Professional courses

Professional courses have gained popularity with the increase in demand. Courses and programmes intended to teach different forms of therapies help students to learn about the basic physiology and anatomy of the human body. These also enable a better understanding of different types of body forms and for identifying the imperfections. Students learn about the various forms of massage and spa therapy and also about the conditions that can be rectified or healed through massaging.

Students also are taught to treat cellulite and to administer heat therapy, body wraps, mud wraps, body polishes and salt exfoliations besides getting information about the trigger movements, pettissage, effleurage, tapping and sensory. Aromatherapy, muscle stimulation, sanitation etc. Courses also cover hydro and stone therapy, Swedish massage techniques, remedial exercises and different techniques of massage theory.

Massage and spa therapy career also offers great deal of financial security and has tremendous potential for further growths in future.

Training

There are several institutes in India that offer courses in massage and spa therapy:

The Body Tree Training Centre for Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Medicine, Massage, and Traditional Indian Practices usually work with persons who are from socially and economically backward communities. Particularly tribal communities, refugees and displaced persons are part of this institute.

Abhyanga massage training is offered at Goa in India in combination with Shirodhara.

Kerela in India also has several schools that offer training in massage and spa therapy.

Shahnaz Hussain runs a chain of institutes that offer courses in this field.

Career prospects

There’s no thing as such promotions in a massage and spa therapist's career. The progress is gradual and additional courses are an advantage to attain newer heights. This increases the therapist's ability and efficiency, apart from increasing the number of clientele and fees. It takes at least a period of six months to a year, along with constant effort and perseverance, to earn a reputation and name. Income automatically witnesses a positive rise with the increase in the number of clients attended on a day to day basis.

Jobscape

One can work as self-employed practitioner, independent contractor, salaried or commissioned employee in spas and hotels and in private or group offices.

Massage and spa therapists, who want to start their own business venture can open their own clinics, while those willing to team up with other health professionals, can opt for the multidisciplinary clinics. In several metros massage therapy complements traditional medicine and chiropractic medicine in the clinics of chiropractors and doctors. For healing purposes too, massage has proved to very efficient. Due to that vast employment opportunities are available for massage therapists at the rehabilitation centres.

For the elderly and the sick, massage is the ideal therapy and some of the therapists specialise in these areas. For that reason, practicing massage in nursing homes or hospitals is like getting past the reticence of people, who never had any such experience before. Even in health clubs and hospitals, the opportunities are vast.

If one can manage to get a break in one of the sports team or sports medicine clinics, it can prove to be a huge break. Sports teams or sports medicine clinics usually can afford to have huge budgets and can easily accommodate a therapist on full time basis or on retainer. If big bucks are what you are looking for, this is the place for you. But if they have big bucks to offer they also expect the best from you in terms of professionalism. Very much in the same league are the sports medicine clinics. This can be rewarding not only in terms of job satisfaction, but also in terms of money.

Remuneration

The charges depend on the complexities and the features offered. Practitioners, who work on hourly wage basis earn less, but they do not have to cover overhead expenditures. Location, level of experience, type of practice, skills and different techniques, modalities used can largely affect a massage therapist’s income. Massage therapists, having their own facilities usually earn well. Independent contractors, who work in clinic settings, usually spilt their fees on a percentage basis, that covers the services provided.

The writer is Principal, Satluj Public School, Ropar

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office mantra: difficult co-workers
Surviving Porcupines & Posers
Gauri Chhabra

During one of my counseling sessions, one of the persons who had come to me shared an agonising problem thus: "For the past few years I have had to work fairly extensively with a colleague who is just impossible to work with. He is arrogant, stubborn, sometimes abusive, and acts like he is right about almost everything. At first I tried to ignore it, but it just gotten worse. Things are so bad now that I feel like hitting this person and all I can think about is how miserable this person is. How do I deal with this situation?"

My take: These situations tend to occur over time. Small annoying behaviours left unattended tend to assume alarming proportions. You indicate that you tried to ignore these things in the beginning, and that probably contributed to the problem. Consider these basic principles:

In any relationship, both people influence the other's behaviour. In almost every conflict situation, both parties bear some responsibility for the deterioration in relations.

However, focusing on blame will just drive you crazy. The key to these situations is to focus on what you can do to make things better. It doesn't matter who is at fault, if your concern is to make things better. You have little control over the personality, and even behaviour of another person. Your best bet is to focus on your own behaviour and change it. Ask yourself: What am I doing that contributes to this unpleasant situation, and what can I do to change what I am doing?

Difficult people do exist at work. They come in every variety and no workplace is without them. How difficult a person is for you to deal with depends on your self-esteem, self-confidence and your professional courage.

Dealing with difficult people is easier when the person is just generally obnoxious or when the behaviour affects more than one person. But it is much tougher when someone is attacking you only or is undermining your professional contribution.

Some co-workers attempt to undermine you and you constantly feel as if you are being watched. Your boss plays favourites and the favoured party lords over you; people form cliques and leave you out. Difficult people and situations exist in every workplace. They all have one thing in common. You must address them. No matter the type of difficult situation you find yourself in, dealing with difficult people or situations is a must.

They come in every conceivable variety. Some talk incessantly and never listen. Others must always have the last word. Some co-workers fail to keep commitments. Others criticise anything that they did not create. Difficult co-workers compete with you for power, privilege and the spotlight; some go way too far in courting the boss's positive opinion - to your diminishment.

Here are some varieties of difficult people that you may encounter in workplace. Know them to deal with them effectively:

Porcupines

These people seem to have a chip on their shoulder. Anything that you do or say will offend them. No matter what the situation, they are quick enough to personalise it as offensive to their sensibilities. They are prickly. Trying to get close to them is like trying to hug a porcupine. If you identify any such person in the office, keep him at an arm's length and whenever you engage with him, keep it objective and simple.

Posers

Posers might as well be mannequins in a store display. They act in the most superficial manner imaginable. They behave as if stupidity were a virtue and superficiality divine. Their goal is to look better than you and make sure that you know it. They spend most of their time striking poses and using phony self-criticisms to elicit compliments. Trying to satisfy a poser is like filling a bottomless pit. Don't ever try to win a poser over with reality. He doesn't want to see it. Therefore, the best way is to show him reality that is quoted in euphemism.

Gossipers

Gossipers are always looking over their shoulders and whispering to you some gripping truth that they alone know and will share it with you only. They are untrustworthy busy bodies. Recognise that if they tell it to you, they will tell about you. Treat them in a guarded fashion, be aware of what you discuss with them. They will make you fall in their trap with a false bond of intimacy.

Worse Case Scenario: If he happens to be none of the above

In case your tormentor or irritating "friend" happens to be none of the above, and you don't seem to get along with him, here are a few ideas:

At a time when both you and the other person are relatively calm, ask if you can talk to them. Approach the situation in a non-accusatory manner. Follow this up with proper listening, so that the other party knows that you are truly concerned and interested.

When possible find things to agree on, and offer something.

Since you are clearly frustrated, it is likely that you are doing things that convey your frustration to the other person. You don't have to take abuse and smile, but neither should you be attacking or reacting in kind. It is important that you deal with things firmly, but nicely. No eye-rolling, no heavy sighing, no guerilla activities. If the other person is rude or nasty to you, you can respond with quiet dignity and set limits regarding the specific behaviours, but if you react angrily, you will almost always make the situation worse.

Immediately stop making the situation one for public discussion or discussion with other staff members. This is disruptive to the organisation, but worse, it will make it more difficult to fix the situation. When you gossip about someone else, you tend to focus on the worst parts, and paint that person in a negative way. That affects your thinking and actually shortens your patience, particularly when you get covert support from others. Do you want to win or do you want to fix the problem?

The time to have dealt with this situation was early on, with a combination of politeness, firmness, and limit setting. In some situations, the conflict becomes so polarised that you may need help in dealing with it, both practically, and personally, to change your way of looking at it. One possibility is to talk to your manager and explain the situation as objectively as possible. Please don't go in trying to convince the "boss" how bad the other person is...it just makes you look like the problem. Request help or suggestions, and focus on fixing the problem, and taking some responsibility for it. The outcome may be that the manager may bring you both together to talk about the situation and work out a plan, or even that you and the other person might get involved in mediation, or some other form of intervention.

The writer is Ludhiana-based career consultant

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Ills of arrogance

Arrogant bosses are typically poor performers who can drain the bottom line by slighting subordinates to mask their own insecurities and creating organisational dysfunction.

A new measure of arrogance, called the Workplace Arrogance Scale (WARS), developed by researchers of University of Akron and Michigan State University, can help organisations identify arrogant managers before they damage them.

Arrogance is characterised by a pattern of behaviour that demeans others in an attempt to prove competence and superiority.

Stanley Silverman, professor of industrial and organisational psychology at Akron’s Summit College, says this behaviour is correlated with lower intelligence scores and lower self-esteem when compared to managers who are not arrogant.

Silverman and his colleagues Russell Johnson, assistant professor of management at the Michigan State, and Nicole McConnell and Alison Carr, both doctoral students at Akron’s Industrial and Organisational Psychology programme, conducted the research.

Left unchecked, arrogant leaders can be a destructive force within an organisation, notes Silverman. With power over their employees’ work assignments, promotion opportunities and performance reviews, arrogant bosses put subordinates in a helpless position. They do not mentor junior colleagues nor do they motivate a team to benefit the organisation. — IANS

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smart strategy: channelling jealousy
Subdue the green-eyed monster
Ragini Gulati

Envy and jealousy are the demons that each one of us has faced at one time or another. These are an inevitable part of our professional as well as personal lives. Jealousy is generally found among equals or near equals like acquaintances and colleagues. We rarely feel jealous of someone who is either too highly placed or distantly connected to us. At workplace these negative feelings could stem from a co-worker's promotion or boss favouring a particular employee. Eventually this becomes jealousy and productivity plummets as all our energy goes into being angry and bitter all the time. The best way to combat these emotions is to look inward rather than at others. More than often we ourselves are responsible for triggering the unhappiness.

Discover reason

The first step to get over jealousy involves trying to understand its root cause. There may be plenty of reasons why one might experience feeling of envy at workplace. It could be low self-esteem, lack of consideration from supervisor or being unjustly passed over for a promotion. Getting to the bottom of these feelings can be central to eliminating the negative emotions of jealousy. However, resist the temptation to blame your feelings on others since it may not be justified all the time. More than often jealousy is a result of our own insecurity rather than that of others' actions. Spend some time alone to introspect and dig deep within yourself for the answers.

Stop comparing

One of the main reasons of jealousy is when we compare ourselves with others and what they have. Although comparison is a way of self-improvement, more than often we equate it with competitiveness. We wish we had the same things as another person without really knowing what their lives are like. Some people may seem to have it all, but no one really leads a problem-free life. As a consequence comparing yourself with others is futile, leading not only to envy but also to frustration. Accept the fact that every individual is unique and making comparisons is useless. Live a fuller and happier life by dropping the comparing attitude, focusing on self instead of others.

Build self-confidence

Jealousy is usually a by-product of insecurity and low self-esteem. Sometimes it is a deep-rooted fear of not being 'good enough'. However, try to understand that other people's behaviour and lives are not a reflection on you. Don't ever let the thought that everyone else is better creep into your mind. Hold your head high and believe in your own self. Take time to work on building self-confidence by discovering your strength and abilities. Get rid of insecurities by determining which one's you can change and how you're going to change them. Knowing for certain that you are worthy can be enough to eliminate any feelings of jealousy.

Positive channels

Although an annoying emotion, jealousy can be turned into a positive force. Procrastinating about a co-worker's promotion or prestigious assignment is detrimental as well as futile. Rather than letting envy destroy you, think what can be done about it. Channel your jealousy into motivation by looking at it in a constructive and positive light. Let it push you to redouble your efforts toward success and improve as a professional. Divert energy into your current project or sharpen skills that will help get ahead at workplace. Channeling jealousy into something that can motivate you to grow is one of the best ways to gain control over it.

Count your blessings

When we look at someone's success, we often forget about our own accomplishments. Rather than feeling sad or negative about it count your blessings and appreciate what you have. Irrespective of the situation you will have gifts and abilities that many people don't. Make a list of things that you have done over the course of your life both professional and personal. It could be as general as getting an education or specific like the successful completion of a project. Along with creating a sense of gratification, it will help realise that you have a lot more than you thought. Refer to the list whenever negative feelings of jealousy arise, reminding yourself what you are capable of.

Talk to someone

Being an internal emotion, jealousy can easily lead into a downward spiral. Without any sense of perspective or rationality, you will not be able to see the real picture. A third person's assessment can really put some light on the situation and help overcome jealousy. Seek an outside opinion by talking to a close friend or family member. Tell them what is bothering you in detail, revealing as much as possible. Stress the need for total honesty and outline your reasons for being jealous Often, you will find just talking about things makes you realise how irrational you are being. 

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Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom

The crooked ways of envy

Fearing that a good worker may get ahead of them, most idlers at the workplace try to malign the image of efficient workers. Jealousy often makes them stoop to cheap tactics to badmouth a competent person. They don’t realise that a good worker only has himself for competition. Buddha’s wicked cousin Devadatta desired to become the head of monks to get royal patronage. So he conspired with prince Ajatashatru of Magadha to kill his own father King Bimbisara. On Devadatta instructions, Ajatashatru made several bids to kill the Buddha — by crushing him under a boulder, trampling him by an elephant — but did not succeed.

Out of the 101 sons that King Bindusara had, Asoka was the most talented. He had crushed rebellions in Taxila and Ujjaini. His brothers were so jealous of him that they became unhappy when Asoka was sent on important missions and became unhappier when he was called back to the capital Pataliputra. Knowing that his sons Ruknuddin and Ghiasuddin were stuck in sensory pleasures, Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish proclaimed his daughter Razia as his successor. She had proven to be an excellent administrator in the Sultan’s absence. Despite the fact that Razia allowed her stepbrother Ruknuddin to assume the throne, her stepmother Shah Turkan plotted to kill Razia. When the plot was unravelled, angry citizens made Razia Sultana take over the reins from Ruknuddin. When the efficient tehsildar Velu Thampi of Travancore was made the Diwan, the corrupt planter Tarakan knew he had to do something fast. He schemed with British Resident Col . Macaulay to increase the levy on the state. When that failed, he made the Resident order Velu’s dismissal. Finally, he made the Brits attack Travancore. The British won and Velu killed himself to avoid getting caught. The Maharaja of Jodhpur was in the company of Nanhijan, a nautch girl, when Swami Dayananda paid him a visit. When the king made the nautch girl leave the room, her pride was hurt. On the instigation of the British spies — who suspected Dayananda’s hand in Indian nationalism — she made cook Jagannath add powdered glass to the swami’s milk. As a result, Dayananda passed away on October 30, 1883. The jealous should remember that nothing can keep a good man down for long. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

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Course Cruising
Courses in film studies

The University of Southampton’s Faculty of Humanities is inviting applications for its Film Studies undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses for September 2013 entry. Film Studies is an exciting and challenging subject that provides a critical understanding of film as popular entertainment, theoretical discipline, industry and art form. The programme aims to teach students the latest developments in film by world-class researchers and eminent published experts, in areas ranging from early film to contemporary Hollywood blockbusters.

Courses: Film is offered as a single honours degree and as a combined honours degree with English, history, philosophy or modern languages (French, German or Spanish). The courses include:

MA in Film Studies (1 year full time or 2 years part-time): This course addresses a wide variety of film cultures, from Hollywood to European and non-Western modes of film-making.

MA in Film and Cultural Management (1 year full time or 2 years part-time): This programme provides a deeper understanding of the film industry in the UK and globally and is designed for students who wish to combine study of film at postgraduate level with a knowledge of cultural management.

Apart from the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the university also offers a PhD by distance learning, and a four-year integrated PhD.

How to apply: Candidates can apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Check out: www.ucas.com and www.southampton.ac.uk/film

PGDM programme

GNIT College of Management approved by AICTE invites applications for its two- year full-time PGDM dual programme specializations in HR, Marketing, Finance, IT and International Business.

Eligibility: Minimum of 3-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline recognised by UGC. Candidate should have a valid CAT/MAT/XAT score.

How to Apply: The admission brochure may be obtained from the institute against payment of Rs 1000 or by sending a demand draft of Rs 1000 drawn in favor of GNITCM payable at Noida/New Delhi. The application form can also be downloaded from: http://www.gnitcm.net/

Selection procedure: GD/PI

Deadline: August 31, 2012

Check out: www.gnitcm.net/

Fire safety courses

Admission to fire safety 
courses being offered by the Delhi Institute of Fire Engineering is on. The institute is running three courses namely Diploma in Health and Safety Programme (HSE) (18 months); Certificate Course for Fire Technology and Industrial Safety Management (1 year); Certificate Course for Fire Fighting and Rescue (6 months).

Eligibility: Students should have passed Plus II examination.

dead line: August 25, 2012

How to apply: Prospectus and application form can be obtained from “Delhi Institute of Fire Engineering” and any centre of ITI, New Delhi payment of Rs 50.

Selection procedure: Common entrance test conducted by ITI Pusa at New Delhi.

Check out: www.dife.in

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Scholarship Roundup
NCERT offer

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is offering scholarships to high school students.

Eligibility: All students of Class X studying in recognised schools are eligible to appear for the Stage -I examination, conducted by the States/UTs, in which the schools are located.

Details: The National Talent Search Scheme was started in 1963 to identify talented students and nurture them. On the basis of the National Talent Search Examination, 1,000 scholarships will be awarded. The amount of scholarship will be Rs 500 per month.

How to Apply: By post

Deadline: August 31, 2012

Check out: www.ncert.nic.in

Commonwealth distance learning

Eligible candidates can apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning master’s scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries to study in UK universities for the year 2013-14. The scholarships are being provided by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).

Eligibility: The candidates should:

* Be citizens of a developing Commonwealth country.

* Hold a first degree of upper second-class standard, or higher qualification. In certain cases, a lower qualification and sufficient relevant experience may also be considered.

Details: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships cover overseas tuition fees at master’s degree-level. This scholarship provides an opportunity to individuals to study for a UK master’s degree while living and working in their home country.

How to apply: All ‘Expressions of Interest’ should be completed with reference to the 2013 Commonwealth Distance Learning prospectus.

The CSC expects all Expressions of Interest to be submitted with the approval of the institution and, therefore, they should be submitted through an appointed person in the first instance. These should be submitted via Electronic Application System (EAS).

Deadline: October 15, 2012

Check out: www.dfid.gov.uk/cscuk

Opportunity for Sanskrit students

Students of Sanskrit can check out the scholarships being offered by Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan to study at any recognised traditional pathshala/modern institution/secondary/senior secondary school.

Course Level: Secondary/Senior Secondary/Graduation/PG.

Eligibility: The candidates must have passed the previous examination of the respective class with a minimum of 60% marks and also with 60% in Sanskrit/Pali/Prakrit. The minimum percentage of marks for the candidates belonging to the categories mentioned below under eligibility criteria shall be as under: SC/ST — 50%, OBC — 55%, Physically Handicapped — 50%

Details: The scholarships will be teneable for one academic year (period of 10 months). On being selected the students of Class IX and X will get a sum of Rs 250 per month and students of Class XI and XII will get Rs 300 per month.

How to apply: By post.

Deadline: August 13, 2012.

Check out: www.sanskrit.nic.in

In Swiss lane

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies offers fellowship for Global South Scholar-In-Residence Programme for young professors from developing and emerging countries in Switzerland.

Study subjects: International and Development studies (anthropology, history, law, politics and political science, and economics)

Course Level: Research

Eligibility:

* Candidates must hold a Ph.D and have a full-time tenure-track or tenured position in an academic institution.

* Special consideration will be given to individuals with an interest in international governance and/or research on international organisations in Geneva to join the Institute’s Programme for the Study of International Governance.

Details: Scholars will be provided a contribution towards living expenses. The scholarship also covers round trip travel to and accommodation in Geneva. The selection will be based on the quality of research.

How to apply: Electronically at in-residence@graduateinstitute.ch

Deadline: October 1, 2012 (for Spring Semester 2013); March 1, 2013 (for Fall Semester 2013).

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