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smart
strategy: surviving incompetence
Key time-wasting activities
How to ace that hotel job interview
Tech docs
FRESH
AVENUES
testing
times: cmat
Learning from chess board
Happiness
@ work
course
cruising
scholarship
roundup
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corporate
law Gauri Chhabra “I had learnt the true practice of law. I had learnt to find the better side of human nature and to enter men’s hearts. I realised the true function of a lawyer was to unite parties riven asunder. The lesson was so indelibly burnt into me, that a large part of my time during the twenty years of my practice as a lawyer was occupied in bringing about private compromises of hundreds of cases. I lost nothing thereby – not even money, certainly not my soul.” So said the greatest lawyer and leader of his times, Mahatma Gandhi. Let us delve deeper into depths of time and bring out fragments of lawyer that the greatest icon of all times had. Do you believe that Gandhi’s being a lawyer helped him in the freedom struggle? What made him metamorphise from a commercial lawyer into a fiery advocate of human rights? The answers to these questions are subtle searches of the soul and one certainty that comes to the forefront is the belief that practising law is an honorable vocation requiring the highest standards of rectitude, integrity and uprightness, and that its practice is in no way inconsistent with the pursuit of truth. With the world becoming flat, to borrow from Thomas Friedman, there is a renaissance of professions, the most common one being that of a lawyer. Today, corporate houses have their off shoots all across the globe. With mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures being the order of the day, legal aspects have become an integral part of every organisation. With it comes an understanding of the legal implications involved in handling a diverse group of people spread across countries and segments. This makes the need for a corporate lawyer all the more acute. Who is a corporate lawyer? Well, it goes without saying that a corporate lawyer is a lawyer who specialises in corporate law. But this field involves a broad spectrum of activities. For example, if a corporate lawyer works for a small corporation, he could be finding himself drafting Wills to some extent, being part of handling a divorce for the employees of that corporation. In a large corporation for example, a corporate lawyer could spend months, if not years, drafting and negotiating a single document or agreement. So, corporate lawyers are involved in all areas of the law; but generally speaking, they do not litigate as much as the trial lawyers. The foothold There is a two-pronged pathway that the students can take up. First, go in for a traditional three-year bachelor’s degree. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, recognised as eligible qualifications for practising law in India, you can go in for an LL.B. The other option is to go in for an integrated five-year — Bachelor of Law (B.A. LL.B) degree course after completing Class XII. To specialise in corporate law, it may be a good idea to pursue a post-graduate law degree or diploma courses in corporate or business-related law. To get into a law school in India, one needs to take an entrance exam called the Common Law Admission Test. This is a centralised test for admission to prominent National Law Universities in India. The test is taken after Class XII for admission to graduation courses in law. The two-hour admission test consists of objective type covering questions on English, GK, basic mathematics, besides legal and logical reasoning. Both the holders of the three-year degree and of the five-year integrated degree are eligible for enrollment with the Bar Council of India upon the fulfillment of eligibility conditions. Skill set To become a corporate lawyer, you must have strong analytical skills, good interpersonal skills and a keen understanding of the business environment. Though corporate law pays well, it also involves long hours. Keep yourself updated on business developments and changes in the legal environment. Since the business environment changes frequently — particularly with the advent of new technologies — as a corporate lawyer you must keep abreast of any changes in corporate law. Prospects Career as a corporate lawyer has immense scope. Amit Sharma, one of the leading corporate lawyers of Punjab says, “With the advent of many large corporate houses, Corporate Law has lucrative career options for young minds who want to get into a scalable and a secure career.” As a corporate lawyer you can always be associated with a conglomerate and a big corporate house to advise them in legal matters. Your career path would again be bi-pronged with inroads in both. You can either work with a corporate law firm or as an in-house counsel. The former is more fast-paced and allows you to work with a comprehensive range of clients and projects. As in-house counsel, you would be working as part of the legal department of a company or organization. For those who are tech savvy, the fields of litigation support, e- discovery and computer forensics open new vistas of opportunities. Your knowledge of legal software and technology applications combined with your insight into the legal process and the needs of clients may make you a good fit for litigation support with a law firm, corporation or legal vendor. You can give your career a jump start by going for an additional qualification, e.g., Company Secretary ship or a degree in Industrial Relations with a working knowledge of labour laws depending on the field you wish to specialise in. Another inroad could be Master’s in Business Laws from NLSIU through distance learning mode after MBA or CS to give it a cutting edge and lethal combination. Institute scape The following is a list of some of the leading law institutes of Law including the National Law Schools that admit students on the basis of CLAT and other institutes that have their own Entrance Exams: National Law School of India University, NLSIU, Bangalore NALSAR, Hyderabad, NLIU, Bhopal, Army Law School, Mohali Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala Jindal Global Law School, Sonepat Symbiosis Law College Pune ILS Law College, Pune, Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University Faculty of Law, DU, Delhi, Government Law College, Mumbai Amity Law School, Delhi, University Law College, Bangalore, University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh Bharati Vidyapeeth’s New Law College, Pune KLE Society’s Law College, Bangalore The road ahead… In the last several years, the legal profession has experienced staggering growth. A steady rise in profits and revenues, expanded headcounts and significant salary increases have provided plenty of job opportunities in a vast spectrum of legal off shoots. The coming few decades would be the decades of Law becoming more and more prominent as the third wing of democracy. With the lines across business and law becoming dimmer, corporate law will rule the roost for this century and maybe the next. — The writer is a Ludhiana based career consultant
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smart
strategy: surviving incompetence Ragini Gulati Almost every professional experiences moments of frustration and stress while dealing with his superior. Although it is human to have a few flaws, some supervisors are truly incompetent. They either lack the right technical capabilities or don't have the requisite people skills. They tend to rely on their subordinates to cover for them and manage to keep their jobs in spite of all their failings. Reporting to such an inept supervisor can be extremely challenging as well as difficult. However, the toughest part is not to allow them to sabotage your chances of moving ahead in your career. While the best way to handle the situation is to work within the parameters created by them, here are a few diplomatic routes that can keep your career carriage out of trouble in spite of being hitched to an erratic engine. Compensate Strange as it may sound, closely observe your supervisor and everything that is going on around them. Always remember that it is rare for someone who has absolutely no skills or ability to be promoted. As a consequence make an effort to understand your supervisor's strengths and weaknesses. Subsequent to recognising his weak points, offer your expertise in those areas. Being a supportive subordinate rather than a patronising one will come in handy whilst climbing the corporate ladder. Moreover, taking up the slack will make you part of a team which will be associated with successful projects. However, it does not mean covering up for his mistake but doing what is best for the organisation. Keep record Document every decision taken by the superior to create written proof of his/her shortcomings. After brainstorming meetings send a confirmation e-mail to all the participants, including the supervisor. Summarise ideas and clearly outline the task assigned to each participant. Seek clarification by asking questions in writing to eliminate any room for misunderstanding. With proper documentation you can have proof of the instructions and what was expected. The paper trails will also serve as evidence to validate your performance. Additionally keep dated copies of all your activities, including roadblocks that you faced. This can be shared with the supervisor's superior or Human Resources should the need arise. Act professionally Work ethics demand courtesy and politeness towards everyone in office. However, there might be a tendency to be rude towards someone who is ineffective in handling work. One may not respect the supervisor's intellect but the fact that he holds authority also cannot be ignored. Remember, no matter how incompetent the person is, he still has the power to fire. As a result show courteousness by listening attentively and responding politely. Keep your tone low and refrain from using profanity or insults since it would only worsen the situation. Don't bad mouth One of the worst mistakes most employees make is talking about their supervisor's incompetence with co-workers. It is not only easy but also very tempting to vent out frustration. However, discussing it with others will not be helpful. It will only add to the negativity. Moreover, there is a strong possibility that it could reach the person concerned's ears sooner or later. As a consequence it is best to keep your opinion to yourself in these situations. Resist whining in front of colleagues and watch what you say. Seek comfort outside the office by turning family and friends into sounding boards. Expand network Networking is an important aspect of work life especially when reporting to an inept supervisor. Take advantage of every possible opportunity to network within the organisation as well as outside. Learn to promote yourself so that everyone can see what kind of a person you are. Most importantly don't shy away from reaching out to those who outrank your supervisor. It will allow them to know who you are and also make your work distinguishable from your superior's. Additionally, explore career options in your field of interest by networking outside the company. Attending industry conferences and using social media sites are effective ways to develop contacts. HR help When everything else fails and you can no longer continue, then speak up. Fix a meeting with the HR to discuss concerns with regard to your immediate superior. Give a comprehensive account along with concrete examples that reveal the ineptitude of your supervisor. However, make sure that your version is supported with well-documented notes and e-mails. Most importantly refrain from frivolous complaints which could put your job in jeopardy. Assess your options by either requesting for a transfer to another department or change of reporting boss. The management may not take immediate action but at least your complaint will be lodged officially.
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Key time-wasting activities
The time lost dealing with software and computer problems came in second at 11 per cent. Only five per cent of the survey participants blamed Facebook, Twitter, or other social media accounts for wasting time at work. The unscientific, opt-in poll sponsored by TrackVia received 300 responses from non-executive employees across the United States. When it comes to peer-to-peer communication, the survey found that one in seven employees spent one to two hours per week addressing a misunderstanding or miscommunication with a colleague. “While some may argue that company policies and procedures can be considered a point of frustration and wasted time with workers, the survey found that only four per cent of respondents considered it their biggest waste of time,” ABC News quoted TrackVia as saying in a statement. “In fact, when asked specifically about company policies, rules or procedures, some 44 per cent said they actually helped increase productivity at least slightly,” it added.
— ANI
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How to ace that hotel job interview
Set your goal The first thing is to be absolutely clear regarding what one wants to be. After doing a course in hotel management there are a plenty of career options open for candidates, for example one can be a chef, bartender, food and beverage manager, front office manager, sommelier, restaurateur, entrepreneur etc. So, be clear about your line of interest and then decide. Always be realistic and apply for jobs that suit your talents, skills and personality the best. Skills to project The second most important thing is to understand the purpose of the interview. Through the interview process an employer decides who is most suitable for the vacancy. He/she will test your communication skills; get information on your background education. You will have to be presentable and confident while giving hotel job interview. It is usually said that interviewers make up their mind about a candidate in the first 90 seconds. And what they actually evaluate in the first 90 seconds is your dress, your body language and your looks. Positive demeanor and uniform are the two most important ingredients for a hotel job. So dress appropriately in order to reflect that. Dress formally whether you are being interviewed for the post of hotel manager, sales manager or front desk manager. Positive attitude The other important factor is to have a positive attitude and always keep a smile on your face. Most of the hotel jobs revolve around customer care and other customer services so your pleasing personality will speak for you. Also while trying for a hotel job you should be much more careful regarding your body language. Try to be natural, never play with your hands and be calm. Slouching is not recommended so stand straight and sit upright. Hotel jobs require punctuality, therefore, be on time. Impressive CV Though the above points are important to appear in an interview but you can be called by the hotel only due to the strength of your CV. Your resume is your first introduction to a potential employer. A well written CV is the key to achieving success in the academic job market. You should highlight your forte clearly in the CV so that it gets noticed immediately. Research well Thoroughly exploring the website of the restaurant/ hotel/hospitality group where you are going for the interview will be of great help. Odds are that at some point the interviewer will ask "what do you know about the group". Being knowledgeable about the company will show that you are proactive and committed about working for them. This will also help you to understand whether that job is right for your personality or not. For each group that you will be interviewing with, write down the specific reason(s) because of which you want to work for them. Questions to test your aptitude In a hotel interview candidates can expect problem-solving questions. These are asked to test a candidate's ability to handle a tricky situation or a guest. For example if you are applying for front office then you may be asked: "the hotel is overbooked and one of your guests refuses to leave as he wishes to stay another day while other guest has arrived for the same room how will you handle the situation?" General basic questions related to your course can also be asked. One should also be aware regarding the current trends in the hospitality sector. Remember that questions are used not only to elicit a direct response, but also to assess your thought processes, work ethics, personality, perception of your self and others. Always try to answer in a positive fashion or with an answer that will indicate a positive solution or outcome. Listen carefully Always maintain your focus during an interview, don't wander off the subject. Listen carefully when the interviewer speaks and take a minute to understand and then answer. When the employer is speaking, you are receiving direct and candid information about the job requirements, the company culture and your qualifications. If you don't pay attention, you may miss the opportunity to clarify a misconception or ask an important question. Make a good impression both by listening attentively and letting the interviewer know that you heard what was said. However if you don't have enough information on a particular topic, don't be afraid to ask politely. Ask questions You may be asked if you want to know something from the employer. This is a great opportunity to not only reaffirm your interest in the company, but also to demonstrate your focus on building a career within it and reiterate how well you match the position. Even if you feel that you already know all that you need to know about the restaurant, hotel, or club, it's still a good idea to ask a few intelligent questions. The best formula for any interview preparation is to prepare only that much that you are confident, but not so much that you are weighed down with data and pre-planned speeches. Always remember that an interview is not a matter of life or death, it just feels that way. Going into an interview a little nervous, but alert, can be helpful. So always believe in yourself and think that you can do it. Good luck!
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Tech docs
Biomedical engineering (BME) is a relatively new discipline that applies engineering principles and techniques to the medical field. It combines the design and problem-solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to help improve patient health care and the quality of life of individuals. Today with the use of a range of sophisticated equipment healthcare has advanced significantly and has enabled medical practitioners in the monitoring and management of diseases in the health care system. Biomedical engineers design prosthetics, artificial organs like kidneys, synthetic blood vessels, pacemakers, sophisticated therapeutic and surgical devices like magnetic resonance imaging machine, automated patient monitoring systems, blood chemistry sensors, laser system for eyes artificial intelligence for clinical decisions and more. Biomedical engineers have to be experts in engineering, biological and medical sciences, as they design new medical instruments and devices, applying engineering principles for understanding and repairing the human body, and for decision making and cost containment using engineering tools. They utilise the new and expanding technologies of electronics, communication, instrumentation, computer engineering and IT to develop biomedical instruments - electronic, pneumatic and mechanical instruments - that assist medical specialists in imparting quick, accurate and reliable diagnosis and therapy for patients. Much of the work in biomedical engineering consists of research and development, and encompasses bio-instrumentation, bio-materials, bio-mechanics, medical imaging, image processing, physiological signal processing, genetic engineering, systems analysis, 3-D modeling, orthopedic surgery, cellular and tissue engineering. Some of the well established specialty areas within the field of biomedical engineering include: Bioinstrumentation:
The application of electronics and measurement principles and techniques to develop devices used in diagnosis and treatment of disease Biomechanics:
Mechanics applied to biological or medical problems. It includes the study of motion, of material deformation, of flow within the body and in devices, and transport of chemical constituents across biological and synthetic media and membranes. Prosthetic organs such as artificial hearts, kidneys, and joints are examples of devices developed by biomechanical engineers. Biomaterials: It describes both living tissue and materials with appropriate properties used for implantation. These may include alloys, ceramics, polymers and composites. Tissue engineering: This involves developing tissue substitutes to restore or improve the functions of diseases or damaged human tissues, particularly in the cases of transplants. Clinical engineering: The application of technology for health care in hospitals. Rehabilitation engineers: They improve the quality of life of individuals with physical impairments. Getting in To become a biomedical engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering (BE/ B. Tech in BME), after Plus II with physics, chemistry and mathematics. Biomedical engineering can also be chosen as a specialisation in post-graduation after a degree in engineering, or MSc. or equivalent in biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, ceramics, chemistry, electronics, ergonomics, material science, mathematics, molecular biology, physics and physiology, or an MBBS degree or graduate degree in occupational psychotherapy or BDS. So if you have majored in a traditional field such as electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering, and are wondering what to do, you can consider a master's specialty in biomedical engineering The study of biomedical engineering integrates physical, chemical, mathematical and computational sciences and engineering principles to study biology, medicine, behaviour and health. Therefore, a flair for research coupled with a working understanding of life science systems and terminology is essential for a career in this field. Good communication skills are also important, because a biomedical engineer provides a link among professionals with medical, technical, and other backgrounds. Job scape Biomedical engineers and technologists can find job openings in a wide range of global industries which may include modern health care, hospitals, medical equipment manufacturing units, industrial firms, educational and medical institutions, pharmaceuticals, government regulatory agencies and so on. In hospitals, they have to work closely with other healthcare professionals like physicians, nurses, therapists and technicians. They develop customised devices and provide advice for selecting, handling and maintaining medical equipment. In industries, biomedical engineers use their understanding of living systems and technology to design and test new products. Government positions often involve product
testing as well as establishing safety standards for devices. Biomedical engineers are required in institutions engaged in medical research. They are also appointed as technical advisors for marketing department of medical equipment companies. The fast growing rehabilitation and orthopedic engineering fields apart from computer-assisted surgery and heavy research in molecular, cellular and tissue engineering also need the service of biomedical engineers. There are growing opportunities for biomedical professionals in the field of research and development (R& D), in carrying out advanced research at universities, research institutes and government agencies in India and other countries. They supervise laboratories and equipment, and participate in, or direct research activities in collaboration with other researchers. Companies like Siemens, GE Healthcare, BPL, Larsen & Toubro, Wipro and several others recruit biomedical engineers into their R&D section or into sales and marketing, depending on their skills and preferences. Pay packages The starting salary in this field depends on the work area, the companies and the institutions and your qualifications. Those who are working in private hospitals and clinics can earn between Rs 15,000 and 25,000 per month. In research and teaching institutions, the pay scale varies between Rs 20,000-40,000 per month, while in medical equipment manufacturing companies, one can earn above Rs 20,000 depending on your level of qualification. The writer is Director Career Smart
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
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FRESH AVENUES
Each B-School will admit 20 students from its country, which would mean 20 students each from India, China and the USA will be selected for this programme. Each B-School would have its own method of selecting students for the course; XLRI would select students based on XAT’s performance, whereas Weatherhead School of Management of Case Western University will bank on GMAT. The 60 students of the three nationalities undergoing this global management programme would be together during the two-year period, spending programme terms at respective institutions in India, China and USA. Graduates from a recognised university with relevant experience are eligible for this programme. Road to better assessment
India’s largest examining board, CBSE, and Pearson Foundation will set up a Centre for Assessment, Evaluation and Research (CAER) — a not-for-profit centre of excellence to contribute to the reform of learning systems. This partnership will develop a world-class research capability and seek to apply global best practices to school-based assessment, teaching techniques and high-stakes examinations for CBSE's 13,000 affiliated schools. The aim will be to improve the quality of student outcomes at a time when "knowledge skills" are central to the aspirations of millions of young people and strategic to the growth of India itself. CBSE schools and its teachers will be significantly impacted by the Centre's work in many ways, primarily by grassroots research and the application of its findings. Initially, this will focus on the impact of recent CBSE innovations such as ‘Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation’ and Life Skills Curriculum. The Centre will draw on relevant international best practice to inform its recommendations for improved teaching practice and approaches to assessment before rolling out an extensive program of professional development of teachers. “Setting up this Centre with Pearson Foundation is a big step towards improving student learning and teaching quality in CBSE schools and we are equally stimulated by the prospect of developing and applying research that is aligned to global best practices,” Vineet Joshi, Chairman, CBSE, said at the launch earlier this week
Add-on programme on Actuarial Sciences
MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (MetLife) and Hindu College, Delhi University, have partnered to start an add-on programme on Actuarial Sciences. This new programme will benefit students to increase their employability in the growing insurance sector in India. The programme will offer an excellent opportunity to students aspiring for a career as actuarial scientists and is specifically designed for the Delhi University graduate students. The teaching faculty has been drawn from the faculty resources of Hindu College and also from the entire teaching community of the University of Delhi as well as the practical managers from MetLife India. Providing details of the collaboration, Dr. Praduman Kumar, Acting Principal, Hindu College said, “The college has been constantly making an effort to impart education to students in the disciplines which will fit in society. This collaboration will give the students an opportunity to have practical experience in this growing sector.” Hindu College will be preparing students for the ACET (Actuarial Common Entrance Test) and starting courses only in the selected papers in CT and CA series (compulsory 12 papers). The students pursuing mathematics/statistics/B.Com/economics/physics Hons at the college can take the courses in addition to their regular degree programme. Students of other institutions of Delhi University are also eligible to join. Weekday classes will be held from 2-4 pm on two days for one paper from Monday-Friday. Weekend classes will be held for 4 hours from 9-11 am and 11:15 am to 1:15 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The classes have been planned for imparting instructions to students to help them prepare for ACET as that is the basis for entry into the profession and then help them pass at least Six papers during their undergraduate stay with college. —
TNS.
Banking training programme
Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE) has signed an MoU with Punjab National Bank to launch a Diploma in Banking. The programme is a customised one-year full-time training programme covering various areas of banking and finance. It is designed to equip students with necessary domain knowledge in banking besides enhancing their competency and skills. The programme will include nine-month intensive campus training and three-month internship at a branch of PNB. The first batch
will commence in September 2012. Students will also undergo intensive grooming and soft skills training. On the successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded a PG Diploma in Banking and Finance, awarded by Manipal University and will be absorbed in JMG Scale-I at the bank. The crux of this industry-academia partnership is to help create an employable workforce with 'First Hour, First Day' productivity. During the course of the programme, students will earn an attractive monthly stipend for the first nine months and suitable remuneration during their three-month internship. Other features include full-fee financing through education loans from Punjab National Bank and loyalty bonuses leading to refund of full course fee on completion of certain number of years with the bank.
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Career
Hotline Pervin Malhotra email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com ..
A. You can check out the following relevant courses: Bharthidasan University, Tiruchirapalli 620024. Course: MSc Animal Biotechnology. Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in zoology/animal sciences/biotechnology/biochemistry/ fisheries science and veterinary science. Kuvempu University, Kuvempu Centenary Building, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta - 577451, Shimoga Dist. (www.kuvempu.ac.in) Course: Postgraduate degree in Wildlife Manmagement Saurashtra University, Kalavad Road, Rajkot 360005. Course: MSc in Wildlife Science Eligibility: BSc (55%); PG Diploma in Forestry. Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (www.amu.ac.in) Course: MSc in Wildlife Science Eligibility: BSc Zoology /Botany (50%) Selection: Written test & interview Guru Ghasidas University, F/o of Natural Resources, P.O. Koni, Bilaspur 495009 (Chhatisgarh) (www.gguniversity.nic.in) Course: MSc Forestry, Wildlife & Ecology Development. Eligibility: BSc with chemistry/botany or forestry as a subject (50%) Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun 248 001 (autonom instt of M/o Environment & Forestry, GoI, affiliated to Saurashtra University) (www.wii.gov.in) Course: MSc. in Wildlife Science (2-year) offered every alternate year. The course which usually starts in July, admits up to a maximum of 10 candidates. Eligibility: BSc (biology), 55% /BVSc / BSc (forestry/agri/environ). Selection: National level entrance test and interview. Postgraduate Diploma Course in Wildlife Management (9-month ) offered to in-service officials (officer trainers): park managers of the protected area at the manager level. Also Certificate in Wildlife and short-term courses. If you're interested in Research work, contact the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History, Kalampalayam P.O., Coimbatore 641001 (http://sacon.org) How can I get into UCLA?
Q. I am extremely keen to get into UCLA in the US, because I have heard so much about it (and my aunt lives there). My Class IX marks were not so great (65%), but I really worked hard to improve my performance in Class X (85%). If I continue to do this through Class XI & XII, will I have a good chance of getting into UCLA? Also, what subjects should I take if I want to study genetics? I am totally lost at this point and need to know if I have a chance of getting in, and what I can do to improve my chances. —
sudheer nayar Undergraduate applicants must possess what is considered a "satisfactory" SAT score as determined by the university. If you are going to be a geneticist, take biology, physics, chemistry as well as maths in Class XI
and XII. Although it's often believed that bio-sciences don't require any mathematical ability, this simply isn't true. Also remember, that most people's career choices change several times before they finally opt for specialisation at the PG level, so keep
an open mind.
Try your hand at dental technology
Q. I have just completed my BDS degree. I want to know about some of the other fields where I can apply as the number of seats for MDS (government) is very less in our country. My father is asking me to go for MBA but I don't know anything about the scope, preparation and the syllabus for this. Kindly advise me about the right path. —
dr. mannu Dental technologists fabricate orthodontic appliances, full dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges based on the dentist's prescription. They also produce specialty items such as surgical splints and sports mouth guards, as well as implant-related restorations. There are some excellent courses on offer. After sufficient work experience under the supervision of a dental technologist or dentist you can open your own dental laboratory or supervise an existing dental lab. You can also work in the marketing divisions of leading dental supply companies. Hospital Management is yet another option you could consider, given the proliferation of large multi-speciality hospitals in our country.
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testing
times: cmat Ramnath S. Kanakadandi The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) conducted by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is seen as the ticket to prestigious B-schools in the country and is being projected as the next most important management entrance exam in the country after CAT. Since AICTE is the body that is responsible for approving B-schools, CMAT is being used by a large number of B-schools. Some of the top colleges in the country that will take CMAT scores are Jamnalal Bajaj, K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management & Research, etc., among over 3000 other B-schools that accept CMAT scores. CMAT will substitute the state-level entrance examinations in seven states and the respective state governments have already accepted CMAT for MBA admissions. These states are: Uttar Pradesh (UPSEE); Kerala; Maharashtra (M-CET); Rajasthan; Chhattisgarh (CSVTU); Nagaland (Nagaland University); and Goa. About the test CMAT is a computer-based test like CAT and NMAT. The test has four sections:
Each section will have 25 questions. The duration of the test is 180 minutes, with no break. So, students can move back and forth between the sections, unlike CAT & NMAT this year. This also means that the sections will not be timed individually, and the onus is on the students to manage time between the sections, while ensuring that they show their competency in all the sections. While the right answer will get four marks, there is negative marking of 1 mark for every wrong answer. A trial test will be available on the CMAT website from August 10 onwards for students to get a flavour of this test. Going by the feedback received from the test takers of the last test held in February 2012, the difficulty level of the exam was more or less consistent across slots during the nine-day test window. General awareness and verbal ability sections were reported to be of relatively higher difficulty level. The writer is Course Director, CAT, T.I.M.E.
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Learning from chess board
Chess has been touted for centuries as a way of educating the mind in preparation for life and has been seen as one of the most powerful educational tools available to strengthen a child's mind. A study on impact of playing chess, was carried out by the Foundation for Learning Research in Chess, which undertakes research and development work in inter-disciplinary field of infusing Chess-centered culture into schools, communities and their work environment. The report titled ‘Developing MindChampions through Chess’ provides an in-depth account of the impact of the MindChampions’ Academy clubs on 11,000 schoolchildren across India. The study report was published in 2010. NIIT MindChampion Academy, a joint initiative with NIIT, is aimed at initiating children across India to the game. Indian chess Grandmaster and the current World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand is an ambassador of this initiative and has been involved in spreading awareness about the game among schoolchildren in the country. In an interaction with J&C he talks about this sport-academic initiative. Excerpts:
How can chess enhance academic performance? I believe that chess helps in improving self-confidence, problem-solving techniques besides enhancing the memory of students. Chess increases strategic thinking skills, stimulates intellectual creativity, and improves problem-solving ability while raising self-esteem. It brings out latent abilities that have not been reached by traditional educational means. Chess promotes logical thinking, improves communication and pattern recognition skills. It teaches the values of hard work, concentration, objectivity, and commitment. The obvious benefits of playing chess in academic performance are: increase in confidence and concentration; better discipline and communication skills; and learning sportsmanship and better analysis and evaluation of problems. You are associated with this unique initiative of using the game to help in the development of young minds, how does this work? It is heartening to know that chess has really caught on well with the youngsters with this initiative. MindChampions' Academy (MCA) is a not-for-profit initiative and its aim is to enable the development of young minds, subsequently helping them to think logically and improve their analytical skills. This academy exposes students in the age group of 7-17 years to chess. Students are given an opportunity to join chess clubs and get
coaching in the nuances of the game in their schools and this leads to a positive impact on their behaviour and academic performance. What has been the response to this chess-in-education initiative? MCA has introduced chess to lakhs of schoolchildren across India. From schools in the Himalayas, to institutions in the southern tip of the country, the MCA has got children playing the game. The academy has fostered over 15,600 chess clubs in India that have more than 1.5 million students as members. The first Chess Master tournament was held in 2004. The success of this initiative has reiterated the fact that chess has been a rewarding experience for students, helping them to approach academic problems in a more tactical and logical manner and in improving their analytical skills. How has this experience helped you personally to take the legacy of this game to young children? This academy has been a significant milestone in my life. I feel privileged to be a part of this movement that has not only enabled schools to use chess as an academic tool but has also made it possible for me, personally, to take the legacy of the game to youngsters in India. It is heartening to note that the results of this effort are already beginning to show, with young players like Karthikeyan M, who is the world champion in the under-12 category, getting a thorough grooming in the game. There are many other young talents like him who will make India proud and I am confident that they will script greater success stories in the years to come. As told to Geetu Vaid.
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Great saints were ready to even sacrificed their lives to save others from suffering. Seeing the forcible conversion of Kashmiri Hindus to Islam, Guru Tegh Bahadur wrote to Aurangzeb: If you succeed in converting me, all Hindus will accept Islam. Despite immense tortures and his supreme sacrifice, the ninth Sikh master didn’t budge from his faith and even sacrificed his life to save others. One day, Shirdi Sai Baba, instead of firewood, put his hand into the sacred fire. Two days later, a letter from a blacksmith arrived thanking Sai Baba. The blacksmith’s child had slipped into the flame at his workshop two days ago, but had escaped unhurt. Teenaged Vardhamana controlled his desire to become a monk till the age of 30. By then, his parents King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala had passed away and his brother Nandivardhana was firmly on the throne. Great leaders, too, have this quality. When the Indian revolutionaries decided to bomb the Central Assembly on April 8, 1929, against the passage of the Trade Dispute Bill and Public Safety Bill, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt volunteered for it. The idea was neither to hurt anybody nor to run away, but to get arrested so that the patriots could express their opinion at a public forum and thereby rouse public opinion. One day, little Rabi was very happy. The cause of his happiness was that his nephew Sathya had won a prize. No wonder that with such an approach, he became renowned as Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Even while the household was steeped in poverty, Lalita Devi found some way to feed the numerous guests who came to her home. After all, she was the wife of the Secretary of the Allahabad District Congress Lal Bahadur Shastri. And a good deed doesn’t go unrewarded. As in Lalita Devi’s case her selfless service made her Muslim neighbour pay for the provisions that were badly needed in her kitchen. During a concert trip to Srinagar, music student Rita Ganguly was stunned when her guru renowned singer Begum Akhtar told her to give a solo performance. Throughout the recital, the guru sat behind her shishya in support. When Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel’s passport and ticket for a barrister’s course in England arrived by the name VJ Patel, his elder brother Vithalbhai — as he had the same initials — expressed the desire to go instead. India’s Iron Man not only made the sacrifice but also sent money for his elder brother’s stay. Thelly, who had suffered a stroke, realised that it was her husband’s time to play golf. When she reminded him about it, JRD Tata said he would rather stay home and read her stories. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
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cruising Northampton Business School at the University of Northampton, UK, is inviting applications for its postgraduate course in International Tourism & Hospitality Management. The course: The one-year MA programme in International Tourism and Hospitality provides grounding in the business of tourism and hospitality and explores its management, development and future direction within a global context, strengthened by the university’s strong links with key players and professional bodies such as the Tourism Management Institute and the Tourism Society. Eligibility: Students having a degree in travel, tourism, hospitality or similar subject can apply for the programme. Schedule: The master’s course would run in January. Deadline: December 2012. Fee structure: £9500 for the MA in International Tourism & Hospitality Management Check out: www.northampton.ac.uk/international Journalism courses
NRAI School of Mass Communication, New Delhi, the associate study centre of Punjab technical university (statutory university under UGC, recognised by Govt. of India), is inviting applications for admission to bachelor's (three-year) and master's (two years) courses in mass communication(Advertisement and Journalism). Eligibility:
Plus II for the bachelor's course and graduation in any stream for the master's course. How to apply:
Prospectus and application form can be obtained on payment of Rs. 250 in cash or via a DD
drawn in favour of the institute, payable at Delhi. Application form can be downloaded from website. Deadline:
August 25, 2012 Check out: www.nraismc.com
Visual merchandising
JD Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, has announced admissions for Diploma in Visual Merchandising. Duration:
3 Months Eligibility: Minimum eligibility is Plus II from a recognised board in any stream. Students appeared in Plus II exam and waiting for the result may also apply. Selection Procedure:
Personal Interview. How to apply: Application forms are available at all the branches of JD Institute of Fashion Technology across India. Application Forms can also be downloaded from their website www.jdinstitute.com Deadline:
August 30, 2012. Check Out: www.jdinstitute.com
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Eligibility: -Scholarship is for financial support to undergraduate students of the AIIMS. Details: The total amount of this annual scholarship would be Rs 10,000. This scholarship would be administered by the AIIMSONIANS and would be based on merit-cum-means. The selection would be done by a sub-committee of the Executive Committee of the AIIMSONIANS. How to apply: By post Email: secretary@aiimsonians.org Turning point
NIIT Limited is offering Turning Point Scholarship 2012 for the new GNIIT programme and Express Diploma programmes. The scholarship is aimed at facilitating meritorious college students and fresh graduates who want to prepare themselves for a successful IT career. Eligibility: Deadline:
August 31, 2012. Check out: www.niit.com/scholarships
Jubilee offer
Monash University offers Jubilee Honours scholarship for international students for different courses offered by the university. This scholarship was introduced to acknowledge the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Monash University. Eligibility:
Australian or New Zealand citizen, holder of an Australian permanent resident visa or permanent humanitarian visa or an International student. -Commencing a separate 48 credit-point honours degree at a Monash campus in Australia. Details:
As many as 20 scholarships will be offered to students based on academic achievement and 30 scholarships will be offered to students based on need in 2013. The scholarship will include a sum of $6,000 for a full-time study load (48 credit points) pad per year until the minimum number of points for degree are completed. How to apply:
Online Deadline: October 31, 2012
PG in Visual arts
The European School of Visual Arts, France, offers postgraduate stipend programme for international students in the field of Document and Contemporary Art. Eligibility:
Applicants should hold a national or international level-1 degree or equivalent (high-school certificate + 5 years of post-secondary study). Following a preliminary selection on the basis of the candidate’s artistic dossier, letter of application and curriculum vitae, applicants will be invited to an interview by a panel. Details:
Launched in October 2010 at the initiative of the European School of Visual Arts, the post-graduate programme, in partnership with the École nationale supérieure d’art de Bourges, is open to art or film students, young curators or art critics seeking to prolong their studies through a year of experimental inquiry at the crossroads of the document and contemporary art, irrespective of media or technique. The post-graduates will have access to the technical facilities of the School and will receive a stipend of 4000 euros. The group will be made up of four young practitioners. How to Apply:
By post Deadline: September 5, 2012
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dealing with his superior. Although it is human to have a few flaws, some supervisors are truly incompetent. They either lack the right technical capabilities or don't have the requisite people skills. They tend to rely on their subordinates to cover for them and manage to keep their jobs in spite of all their failings. Reporting to such an inept supervisor can be extremely challenging as well as difficult. However, the toughest part is not to allow them to sabotage your chances of moving ahead in your career. While the best way to handle the situation is to work within the parameters created by them, here are a few diplomatic routes that can keep your career carriage out of trouble in spite of being hitched to an erratic engine.
machines, pacemakers, asthma inhalers, artificial hearts, MRIs, or prosthetic limbs? If you consider the amazing difference prostheses (or an artificial limb), and the pacemaker and other devices such as, diagnostic tools and imaging equipment such as MRIs and ECGs, have made to the lives of so many patients, you can understand the widespread reach of biomedical engineering.
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The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) conducted by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is seen as the ticket to prestigious B-schools in the country and is being projected as the next most important management entrance exam in the country after CAT. Since AICTE is the body that is responsible for approving B-schools, CMAT is being used by a large number of B-schools. Some of the top colleges in the country that will take CMAT scores are Jamnalal Bajaj, K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management & Research, etc., among over 3000 other B-schools that accept CMAT scores. CMAT will substitute the state-level entrance examinations in seven states and the respective state governments have already accepted CMAT for MBA admissions. These states are: Uttar Pradesh (UPSEE); Kerala; Maharashtra (M-CET); Rajasthan; Chhattisgarh (CSVTU); Nagaland (Nagaland University); and Goa.
Chess has been touted for centuries as a way of educating the mind in preparation for life and has been seen as one of the most powerful educational tools available to strengthen a child's mind. A study on impact of playing chess, was carried out by the Foundation for Learning Research in Chess, which undertakes research and development work in inter-disciplinary field of infusing Chess-centered culture into schools, communities and their work environment.
The most recent trend in the legal profession is the emergence of a number of corporate law firms and LPOs (Legal Profession Outsourcing Companies). Most of these law firms hire bright students in campus placement drives and give them on-job training. Due to the attractive compensation packages, the extraordinary work experience and the work culture/ environment that these law firms offer, a large number of students prefer to join these firms. Another trend that is gaining ground in legal careers is the hiring of Indian law students by foreign law firms. Students from top law schools are being hired directly by foreign firms. These firms prefer to hire Indian law school graduates because of the common law system prevailing in our country besides the fact that the Indian law students are proficient in English and their legal skills are at par with those of their counterparts from other parts of the world.
As many as 14 per cent of office goers have said that talking at length about trivial matters at the water cooler is and was the largest time waster at work, according to a new survey. The new TrackVia survey of 300 persons revealed that it’s not Facebook that reduces productivity at work but the office water-cooler and those annoying software updates and computer glitches that are behind the loss of productivity in the workplace.
Interview for a job in a hotel is not much different from that for any other job. But there are certain specific areas that candidates have to be prepared for. Hemant Kumar Kochar, Director of Madhuban Academy of Hospitality Administration and Research (MAHAR), Dehradun, lists a few preparation tips hat can help those on the threshold of the hospitality industry:
Have you thought how we would have survived were it not for ECG machines, pacemakers, asthma inhalers, artificial hearts, MRIs, or prosthetic limbs? If you consider the amazing difference prostheses (or an artificial limb), and the pacemaker and other devices such as, diagnostic tools and imaging equipment such as MRIs and ECGs, have made to the lives of so many patients, you can understand the widespread reach of biomedical engineering. This is an inter-disciplinary field that bridges life science and engineering and has an important role in prevention, therapy and rehabilitation, as it combines the principles of two dynamic professions, medicine and engineering. It is an apt career for those who have a keen interest in medicine and healthcare.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi www.aiims.ac.in.
XLRI Jamshedpur, has recently launched a global MBA programme in partnerships with Weatherhead School of Management of Case Western University Cleveland, USA and the School of Economics & Management of Tongji University Shanghai, China. This first of its kind initiative involving three leading institutes of three countries will be a full-time two-year residential programme and classes will commence from June 2013. The programme will be held in three parts i.e. one third each in Jamshedpur, India; Shanghai, China and Cleveland, USA respectively, and will be taught by faculty of all these three B Schools.
Q. I am a graduate in zoology. I wish to pursue a career in wildlife. Please give me some details of institutes offering this course. —
A.
The University of California's General Catalogue states the two principles on which entrance requirements are based:
A. How about looking at dental technology as an option? As you must have learnt in the course of your degree, dental technologists make a major contribution to the practice of dentistry. They fabricate the various appliances used by dentists for treating their patients.
Caring about others may seem to be a bad advice in this selfish world, but our scriptures and history are full of instances to the contrary. All great men not only advocated sacrifice and compassion for fellow beings, but had also followed it in their lives.
The course:
This programme aims at making the students realise the power of visual merchandising in today's competitive fashion industry. Students can work exclusively as Visual Merchandiser, Visual Merchandising Assistant, Visual Merchandising Director, and Visual Merchandising Coordinator in shopping malls, boutiques, big hotels etc. They are also welcome in textile industry to organise international textile exhibition. 
The Smt Maya Devi and Shri Kirpa Ram Kohli Educational Trust has offered to ‘The AIIMSONIANS’ a scholarship for financial support to undergraduate students of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. This Merit-cum-Need-Based scholarship is for MBBS and Nursing students at AIIMS.
