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forestry
Career Hotline Is choreography a good long-term career option? Where can I go for part-time MTech? Which is the right specialisation after CS course?
Success courts the confident
Harness the power of observation
field in focus: computers and it
first person
smart strategy: negotiating job contract
Finding right talent a challenge for India Inc
HR strategies to retain talent
Happiness @ work
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Of woods and trees
Much doth my heart grieve to think
What man has made of Man? The need of the hour is to rejuvenate forest-related programmes and hence a career in this field is fast gaining popularity. Forestry aims at establishing a communion between nature and man on the basis of the knowledge of forests, demand of the society for forest functions as well as scientific achievements and experience in solving the related problems. Forestry as a profession has now changed its face from local to global. What used to be considered as a responsibility of the local villagers has turned into a field of global concern where the top brains of the world get together and discuss environmental concerns. In case you are interested in being a part of this marathon that aims at making a living in the jungles and also making a LIFE out of it, then forestry is the right career option for you. You can be a part of this exercise of mammoth magnitude that is making efforts to conserve energy, make proper utilisation of wastelands and production of goods and services. Getting in
Forestry can be taken up for academic study in the form of a bachelor’s degree programme — BSc. Forestry or BSc. Wildlife — which is normally of three-year duration. The minimum qualification required to join it is a pass in Plus II or an equivalent examination with science or agriculture as elective subjects. It can be followed by a two-year MSc. in Forestry and students can opt for specialisation in subjects like forest management, commercial forestry, forest economics, wood science and technology, wildlife science, veterinary science to name a few. The Indian Institute of Forest Management, IIFM, Bhopal, also offers a study programme in Forest Management. There are also opportunities for doing Ph.D in Forestry at the recognised centres. Besides, you can also team your managerial skills with knowledge of forestry by opting for PGDFM.
Career cursor
Foresters can take up work either in offices, laboratories or outdoors depending on their field of specialisation. Employment opportunities exist with governmental, non-governmental organisations interested in preservation of forest resources and industries that utilise forest resources employ industrial and agricultural consultants. Besides, the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and its affiliated forestry research institutes such as Forest Research Institute, Dehradun; Institute of Social Forestry and Eco-rehabilitation, Allahabad.
Roles
The roles that you can take up are: As a forester, you would be solely responsible for protecting and regenerating forests, protecting wildlife habitats, checking for and fighting wild fires, and managing the beautiful landscape. You can also become a forest range officer and take care of public forests, sanctuaries, botanical gardens and the like. You would have a team of conservators, loggers and other junior personnel working with you. If the field of research interests you, you can become an endrologist whose primary task is to research about the history, life span, measuring, grading, classifying the varieties of trees, and studying ways and means of tree improvement through afforestation and the like. You can also study and analyse the evolution, behaviour, biological functions of an organism in its natural environment and be an ethnologist. Ethnologists design healthy habitats for animals in zoos, aquariums, and laboratories and also study animal behaviour The linear progression from an ethnologist is that of a zoo curator. As a zoo curator, you would be responsible for animal welfare in the zoos and also undertake conservation programmes. Coupled with a management degree you can also take care of the smooth functioning of the zoo and animal welfare. Apart from this, you can also foray into foreign lands like Kampuchea, Vietnam, South Africa, and other such countries as wildlife consultants for esteemed organisations the most important of these being the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). There is a very bright future in this niche field. You can be in the lap of nature as well as make a living that keeps you far from the madding crowds of the city. So for those of you who are in for an exciting and offbeat career option Forestry is the career for you as, to borrow from Robert Frost, somewhere hence, you would be telling this with a sigh… Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less travelled by… And that has made all the difference… The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant
Indian Forest Service
The Indian Forest Service offers a highly challenging and rewarding career. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Indian Forest Service Exam every year in the month of July for recruiting officers for the Indian Forest Service. Being an All-India Service, the members are recruited by the Centre but their services are put under the various state cadres, with the privilege of serving both under the state and under the Centre. In order to be eligible for the test, you must be a citizen of India and must be 21 years old as on July 1, and must not be over 30 years of age on the said date. However, the upper age limit can be relaxed by three years in case of OBC candidates and five years in the case of SC and ST candidates. Candidates must also be physically fit. You will have to take a preliminary test on General Knowledge and General English. Like in other Civil Services exam you also need to choose any two optional subjects from agriculture, botany, chemistry, civil engineering, geology, agricultural engineering, chemical engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, zoology, statistics, forestry, animal husbandry and veterinary science . After clearing the preliminary exam, you will be required to take another exam in the month of October where you will be required to appear for Indian language, English, General Studies, essay and another optional paper just like the Civil Services exam. The written examination is followed by a personality test in the form of personal interview. The interviews are held by the UPSC soon after the result of written test is declared. The marks obtained in the interview are added to the marks obtained by a candidate in the written test to draw up the final merit list. The selected candidates are sent for foundation training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration at Mussourie, which is followed by specialised orientation for the Forest Service at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun. After training, they would be posted as assistant conservator, district conservator, chief conservator, principal conservator, and the inspector general of forests. The highest point of elevation is that of the Environment Secretary in the Union Government.
Institute Watch
Some of the institutions offering BSc in Forestry are: College Of Agricultural Engineering, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana College Of Agricultural Engineering And Technology, Ch. Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. College Of Forestry, Srinagar. College of Horticulture And Forestry, Solan. Agricultural College And Research Institute, Coimbatore Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi University Of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur
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Career Hotline Q. I love dancing. Is choreography a good long-term career option?— Tisha Jain A.Be it a school recital or a professional performance, dancers follow a carefully orchestrated sequence of moves. The artists who create those sequences are called choreographers. Typically, choreographers are experienced dancers themselves. Some may have even gone to university to earn a degree in performing arts (BMus / BDance) or a Diploma in Choreography.
Whether through education or years of practical experience, it’s important to have a good knowledge of musical theory and techniques. Even with formal training, writing down a dance sequence is a tough process. Which is why, many choreographers prefer to demonstrate the steps themselves. Rehearsals can be gruelling — demanding coordination, flexibility and stamina. Not to mention time and patience. However, not all choreographers, especially as they get older, are physically capable of fully performing the sequences they design. Therefore, they need to be able to express their ideas to other dancers so that they can properly execute the choreography. Part of the job involves auditioning dancers for contests and popular dance shows on stage and TV (e.g. Nach Baliye, or Dance India Dance or Chhote Ustaad, Little Champs etc). You'll be expected to make decisions, even if it means disappointing hopeful candidates. Choreographers find work in dance companies and studios. They’re also hired for the theatre, movies, music videos and school programmes. While these positions are steadily available, competition is fairly keen. But if you have the passion and talent, then as a choreographer you can help infuse poetry into the motion of dance. And if you become a big time choreographer like Farah Khan, Vaibhavi Merchant, Bosco-Caesar, Shyamak Davar or Ashley Lobo, then you can make pots of money choreographing the next “Munni badnam hui” or “Sheila ki jawani” or “Chammak challo” mega box-office hit for Bollywood and be invited as celebrity judge at reality dance shows and talent hunts. Wedding choreography is yet another booming (and well paying) business where you train the bride/groom’s family to put up dance performance or gyrate to the tunes of popular numbers as part of the pre-wedding (sangeet) and wedding celebrations.
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Where can I go for part-time
MTech?
Q. I had completed my B.Tech from Punjab Technical University this year in Information Technology. Currently I am working as a software developer in a company. I am very interested in further studies in this field but due to some reasons I can’t go for a full-time course. So I have decided to go for part-time M.Tech from Panjab University or a Deemed University. Do these universities provide part time M.Tech courses? Please tell me which way I should go? —
Amarjit Kaur
A.You haven’t mentioned your exact location so I can give you a general answer. You could also check out BITS, Pilani’s off campus - Work Integrated Learning Programmes (www.bits-pilani.ac.in/admissions)
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Which is the right specialisation after CS course?
Q. I am pursuing Company Secretary course. Which field should I specialise in MBA to boost my career? —
Ravinder Malhan
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 are 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 professional 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, choose a specialisation based on your comfort and interest in a particular area rather than follow a given ‘formula’.
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Self-confidence is a key determinant of workplace success, say researchers. Drawing upon more than 100 interviews with professional staff in large corporations in Melbourne, New York and Toronto, the pilot study by University of Melbourne researchers found a strong correlation between confidence and occupational success. Participants were asked to describe their level of confidence at primary school, high school, university, and present day. Those who self-reported higher levels of confidence earlier in school earned better wages, and were promoted more quickly. Lead author Dr Reza Hasmath, from the University’s School of Social and Political Sciences, said the research demonstrates a crucial ingredient of workplace advancement. “The implications are tremendous in terms of the personality employers should look for when it comes to hiring or promoting staff,” Dr Hasmath said.
“We now know it’s actually higher confidence levels — which may be a byproduct of attractiveness and height — which make all the difference,” Dr Hasmath said. “The findings imply that we should stress confidence-building activities at an early age. Such activities should be strongly encouraged both in formal schooling and within the family unit,” Hasmath said. The study further suggests that workers who described themselves as ‘extroverted’, ‘neurotic’, ‘open to experiences’ or ‘agreeable’ were also found to be more motivated, and doing well professionally in terms of wages and career advancement. “Interestingly, members of visible ethnic minorities reported lower rates of confidence, but similar levels of conscientiousness,” Dr Hasmath said. “This may partially explain why their wages and rates of advancement are consistently lower than members of a non-visible ethnic minority,” Hasmath added.
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Harness the power of observation
Jonathan Swift discovered that observation is the art of seeing things that are ‘invisible’ to others. Recent psychological research also confirms that employees who possess a keen power of observation reach the top rung of their career ladder very fast.
A keen sense of observation can make a considerable difference in one’s career growth. The power of observation improves the ability to perform one’s daily tasks and social interaction. It is unfortunate that most of us are in the habit of not looking, not hearing and not even noticing things intelligently. And as a result of this many important opportunities slip out of our hands. Most of the employees just envy those who are highly observant. This way they degrade their own powers of observation. They fail to realise that these skills can be developed and honed with simple efforts and keen practice. Observation is a mental faculty that can be sharpened with a little practice. Just try to use your senses to the fullest capacity and pay close attention to details that you used to ignore earlier.
Cultivate focus
It is surprisingly easy to build observation skills. It just takes a little focus to sharpen your observation skills. But you must be willing to practice it. To begin with, just learn to focus on one kind of events or on one person. It even proves useful while accepting challenges to enhance workplace output. In future, while attending meetings, just observe the behaviour and reactions of different people. Observe how different people communicate with a colleague or senior who makes you uncomfortable, this way you will be able to learn ways to handle someone who tried to intimidate you earlier.
Clear you mind
First of all, learn to clear your mind. Just pay attention to the present moment. Observe the world around you minutely. At the same time keep your attention focused on your breath. Day by day you will learn to hone your attention and to focus your mind. Research has confirmed that the grey matter housing attention, focus and sensory processing thickens and actually grows in size, making one more attentive and observant day by day. Brain’s activity levels are like shifting a car into a higher gear. Even while you go to bed, take a few minutes to build your observation skills and try to recall the day’s events. This will give a suitable exercise to your long-term memory, working memory, reasoning and analysing skills. These are the four skills that are used when you observe on a daily basis. A bit of this practice at bedtime, on a regular basis, shall help you a lot in developing your power of observation. This will help enhance the functionality of your frontal lobes. Thinking about things in such a way helps you to be able to extract more knowledge from your past experiences. You can thus gain a more mature and rational perspective on the past events. The same skills can help you to stay alert about what is happening in your life. This practice may even give you an idea of how events will take shape in future.
Experience new things
After developing this keen sense of observation, learn to experience new things. This will sharpen your power of engaging your attention. Consciously remember to pay attention to the details of the environment. Learn to experience it. It will help to enrich your knowledge about the things that surround you. Your workplace skills will improve considerably with this and your output and efficiency will be much better. Along with this always look back to figure out what you observe. If you consistently forget to pay attention, learn to focus on whatever comes to your mind. This will train your mind for the better. With the passage of time your power of observation will become automatic. In case you want to get the best out of your enhanced power of observation, keep a journal on daily basis. It consolidates the things that you’ve learnt during the day. As you go practicing the above mentioned simple exercises, your power of observation will be a major asset. The writer is a psychologist and a career expert
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Czech offer
A limited number of scholarships are offered to students for bachelor/master/doctoral programmes in the field of economics, informatics and agriculture in Czech Republic The students will have to their applications with the respective National UNESCO Commissions. Eligibility: In bachelor/master/doctoral study programmes plus one-year preparatory course of the Czech language (which is combined with other field-specific training). Government scholarships of this category are awarded to graduates from upper secondary schools, or bachelor’s/master’s degree courses, as applicable, who can enrol only in study programmes in which instruction is given in the Czech language. Details: For the academic year 2013-2014, the scholarship amounts to CZK 9,000 per month for those who do not hold a master’s degree or equivalent and CZK 9,500 per month for holders of a master’s degree or equivalent. Scholarship-holders are exempted from tuition fees. How to apply: The mode of applying is by online. Application can be downloaded from http://registr.dzs.cz/registr.nsf Deadline:
December 31, 2012. Check out: www.unesco.org/ Research Associate’s position Applications are invited for one post of Research Associate (RA) in a DBT funded project “Creation of Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facility (BIF for the promotion of Biology Teaching through Bioinformatics (BTBI) Scheme of BTISet)” at Ch. Charan Singh University, Merrut. Eligibility: Candidate should have a PhD degree in bioinformatics/biotechnology/genetics and plant breeding with adequate experience in the area of bioinformatics. If a suitable candidate for the post of RA is not available, a JRF/SRF may be appointed. Candidate for the post of JRF/SRF should have master’s degree in a relevant subject with adequate experience in the area of bioinformatics. NET/DBT-BINC qualified candidates will be preferred. Number of Awards:
One How to apply: By post. Deadline: November 30, 2012.
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News board
New courses at Kashmir University
Kashmir University has launched a master’s programme in travel and hospitality to train professionals for the tourism industry. The course has been in the pipeline for the past three years. The university has also launched master’s in Craft Management and Entrepreneurship programme, which will be the first-of-its-kind course in India. Financial literacy initiative by Canara Bank Canara Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) Sangathan to offer financial literacy classes to students of Class X and above. There are more than 1,000 central schools under Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. The classes would be held in three parts. The first part would be theory which will cover the banking structure in India, the movement of funds between the banks and various schemes offered by the bank. The programme will also include practical sessions wherein the students would be taught to fill in a paying in challan and a cheque book, and withdraw money from the ATM. They would also be taught about the procedure to open a new account. The students will also be informed about the educational loan facility available in the bank. Appointment SOIL (School of Inspired Leadership), a unit of Grow Talent Co. Ltd., has appointed former bureaucrat Prof Hardayal Singh as Interim Dean of the institute. A member of SOIL faculty since 2010, Hardayal Singh teaches Economics and Public Policy. With rich experience in direct taxation, Prof. Singh administered the law, researched and formulated policies and practiced it as departmental counsel. He also taught it to the officers of the Indian Revenue Service and also to MBA students at the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management,
Mumbai.
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field in focus: computers and it Usha Albuquerque There are so many students who would love to have a career in IT, but believe that they have lost the bus if they are unable to make it to an engineering course or take up science in Plus II. The fact, however, is that some of those who have made successful careers in the IT industry have done so without a background in engineering or even science. Computers and IT is a confusing world which is changing very fast. New developments, new skills come up every day and picking up the right skills and keeping pace with change is as important as having a formal qualification. Virtually any job today requires some computer handling skills. Computers applications are vast and varied, ranging from space exploration to banking, from communications to entertainment. Whether keying in cash entries at a bank, or programming information for a TV reality show, preparing computer-aided fashion designs, handling airline reservations or an online test for the MBA exam, the growing usage and versatility of computer and the ever-expanding reach of the Internet has opened a wide variety of career options for those with an interest in and aptitude for computers. While most careers in IT require a degree in some computer related field, there are many professionals who enter with diplomas and certifications. There are many jobs in computers such as system analysts, system administrators, database administrators, web developers, cyber security and so on for which training can be through formal degree courses such as BE, B Tech, Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) or BSc. ( Computer Science) or any number of diploma and certification programmes. Some of the jobs you could be doing include: Systems analysts are responsible for identifying the requirements and for producing a design which meets those requirements. They are also responsible for final testing and advising clients on purchase and installation of appropriate computer systems. Work is with software houses, consultancy firms or large computer users. Systems programmers write and develop systems software, which direct the computer and its functions. Work is mainly with computer manufacturers, software houses and R&D institutes. Systems administrators are responsible for managing the operation of a multi-user computer system or network so that it runs reliably and meets user’s needs; updates and configures software and hardware; provides assistance to users and managers. Analyst programmers handle user requirements, programming, testing, and installation of software. Jobs are usually with small computer centres or if very experienced in user organisations with large computer networks. Database administrators work with database management software and determine ways to store, organise, analyse, use, and present data. They identify user needs and set up new computer databases. Because many databases are connected to the Internet, database administrators also must plan and coordinate security measures with network administrators. Hardware and Networking is another aspect of computers which offers increasing career scope. Working on computer hardware means computer systems, computer chips, circuit board, modems, printers keyboards etc. Networking in computers basically involves joining two or more computers together to share and exchange information. Network administration involves configuring and managing LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks) and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). You will be responsible for analysing, installing and configuring the company’s network even from a remote location. Foothold As training requirements vary, you can enter the industry with many different levels of formal education, computer related degrees or equivalent courses, but relevant computer skills are always needed. Certification may improve your chances for employment and can help you maintain adequate skill levels throughout your career For system analyst and database administrator positions, a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field generally is required, but for many positions, related experience and certification may be adequate. Training ground Most jobseekers enhance their employment opportunities by earning certifications, which are offered through product vendors, computer associations, and other training institutions. Many employers regard these certifications as the industry standard, and some require their employees to be certified. In some cases, applicants without formal education may use certification and experience to qualify for some positions. There are a number of authorised computer institutes like NIIT, Aptech, Tata Unisys, that offer diploma and certification courses in all aspects of computer usage. The courses include those in computer software and hardware, Java, .Net developers, Web 2.0., desktop Publishing, Systems & Networking, VB Net etc. They also offer some industry certified programmes by global InfoTech majors, including Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, IBM etc that are recognised world wide. Most of the programmes are practical and career oriented and designed to make students ready for jobs in the industry so placements are not difficult. The duration of these programmes vary from three months to two years, and as the curriculum is regularly updated, such courses prepare students with the necessary skills to perform effectively in the contemporary work environment. There are also vocational and technical institutes that offer computer hardware courses. Institutes such as Jetking deal with hardware and networking. Students with little or no computer background can take advantage of starter courses in Hardware and Networking which builds a solid foundation in computers. Soft skills To succeed in this field one must have strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. Because they often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail also is important. A quick way to assess one’s aptitude is to see whether one can make flow charts and write small computer programmes. You also need to have skills in numeracy, imagination, patience and persistence and the ability to sit for long hours at a computer terminal. Although you may work independently, frequently you will be required to work in teams on large projects. As a result, you must be able to communicate effectively with other computer professionals, such as programmers and managers, as well as with users or other staff who may have no computer background. Scope The scope in the field of computers is immense. Opportunities for work exist within a wide range of computer companies as well user organisations. These could include banks, insurance and telecommunication firms to small consultancies and software companies. As the quality of Indian computer professionals is being recognised the world over, a large number are also getting assignments abroad. From designing programmes, to software applications, hardware and multi-media, it is the skills that most employers look for. Remuneration Diploma holders may start on salaries of Rs 7,000-10,000 with programming jobs earning Rs 5000 - 20,000, but can expect to double this within a few years of relevant experience. Additional skill training and certifications can put you on the fast track. Entry level salaries for those with relevant vendor certifications like CCNA, etc can be as high as Rs 20,000-25,000, going up to Rs 50,000 - 1,00,000 with experience and depending on your computer skills and expertise. The recruitment and growth in this industry is among the highest. It is believed that around 65 per cent of the world’s software is produced in India, and some Indian IT companies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS, NIIT, Zenith computers, Satyam Computers, and others are expanding both in the domestic arena as well as internationally. While the number of professionals in this industry is believed to have crossed the 2 lakh mark, there is still a huge gap between demand and supply leaving a large space to be filled by those with the aptitude and willingness to work hard.
Fields You can venture into
Programming
The DOEACC courses offered by most computer institutes provides you with the basic computer skills and training which you can improve upon according to your fluency with computer languages and technologies like C, C++, Java, Cobol, UNIX, Visual Basic and many others. To increase your career prospects in this field, you can learn any number of new programmes, languages and technologies according to your interest and capability. Each level of fluency makes you competent enough to move into a higher and more sophisticated technology. The ‘A’ and ‘B’ level DOEACC programmes can prepare you to deal with development of applications for different operating systems, and enable you to take up jobs such as that of systems analyst, systems programmers, analyst programmers, database management, networking, coders and so on. The 'B' level course of DOEACC Scheme has been recognised by government as professionally equivalent to an MCA Degree course.
Networking
Hardware
Knowledge of computer hardware is the foundation for a career in computer networking. A good course will familiarise you with the basics of operating systems, microprocessors, peripheral devices, computer architecture, assembly and disassembly, installing various software, configuring PCs, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting. Such courses are being offered by many computer institutes. The writer is Director Careers Smart Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
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Keeping pace with time
Varinder Singh DAV — one of the largest and the oldest educational organisations in the country — is all set for a makeover while retaining its age-old philosophy of providing quality and modern education laden with morality. As an organisation DAV has been serving people of the country since 1885 — when the first DAV school was set-up in Lahore in 1885. The DAV Management Committee, which controls as many as 770 educational institutions across the country, is coming up with a couple of new projects and a host of ideas in an endeavour to tap the potential of education. A university in Yamunanagar in Haryana is on the anvil and the organisation has already purchased 60 acres for the purpose. The youngest President of the management committee, Punam Suri, talks to The Tribune about the upcoming projects and plans. Excerpts from an interview: DAV is setting up a university in Yamunanagar, does that mean that Haryana is your main focus in the region? It’s not that we are concentrating only on Yamunanagar or Haryana. Actually, DAV University in Jalandhar is almost ready. The sprawling campus of the university in Jalandhar on the Jalandhar-Pathankot road is ready and we have all the mandatory clearances for it. We will be starting admissions for different courses as soon possible in the new campus. Dr. R.C. Sobti is going to take over as the first VC. As for the project in Yamunanagar, this belt in Haryana was in dire need of a good educational institute so we have planned a university there. In Yamunanagar, DAV is also coming up with a sports school on a 20-acre plot already owned by the committee. How is the organisation coping up with the new-age technology-oriented education needs? We are well aware of the changing educational needs of students. That is why we are not only focusing our attention on the traditional education and values but are also making a foray in the relatively contemporary and emerging fields like IT and management in a big way. Now our priority is to link education with the needs of Industry. A fusion of education and employment avenues has to be achieved to contain unemployment in the country. As a step in this direction, the committee has planned to set-up an international level management institute at Pune in Maharashtra with the help of Indo-Rama, an Indonesia-based business house. What is the DAV committee doing to ensure more placements for students particularly in view of the current economic slowdown? We are focussing our attention on the manpower requirements of the Industry. We are in touch with the top-of-the-line industry in order to develop and shape courses in such a way that students are absorbed in Industry immediately after completing their education. The current recessionary phase, however, is a temporary phase as people will need more services in a developing country like India. Is there any shift in the policies of the DAV Management Committee regarding running of so many of its institutes? Our priority is to make all institutes self-reliant and self-sustainable. The fact is that no organisation, howsoever big or small, can run if it continues to be in loss for a long time. But, at the same time, we are not shunning our age-old values and social responsibilities for which DAV is well known. What steps have been taken to spruce up the education system at DAV? We have come out with a unique ‘Academic Audit’ system for DAV Public Schools. Under this scheme, the buildings of our schools will have the same colour scheme and design-patterns and even the uniform of students all over the country will be the same. The employees will be subjected to periodic assessment. The assessment would be further scrutinised by one of four teams that have been formed at national level to guide teachers and to assess their work. If we find that some teacher is lacking somewhere, we would make him/ her undergo training. The four teams are headed by retired and experienced teachers who know inside out of the education system and its flaws. What is objective of these changes? The objective is to ensure that our students are not lacking on any front. They should be fully prepared to clear prestigious exams and seek placement in the biggest companies of the world.
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DU courses
The Faculty of Commerce and Business Delhi School of Economics, DU, invites applications for admission to the full-time two-year (four semesters) professional degree programmes —Master of International Business (MIB) and Master of Human Resource and Organisational Development (MHROD) for the 2013 session. Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree examination of the University of Delhi or an examination recognised as equivalent in any discipline, with minimum 50 per cent marks in aggregate or equivalent thereto in the grading system. Candidates appearing for the final year degree examination may also apply provided they are able to produce their marksheets before August 31, 2013. Passed Common Admission Test (CAT), 2012 conducted by Indian Institute of Managements with a minimum percentile of 80 per cent. How to apply:
The Prospectus and Application form Can be obtained in person against a Bank Draft of Rs 2,000 for General Category/CW/OBC and Rs 1,300 for SC/ST/PH Category, drawn in favour of the Registrar, University of Delhi, from any Nationalised Bank, payable at Delhi. It can also be downloaded from www.commercedu.com and http://www.du.ac.in and submitted, by post or by hand, by paying the fees as mentioned above It can be obtained by post from The Section Officer, Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi-1 10007 by adding Rs l00 to the fees mentioned above Students can also apply online through http://docdse.admissionhelp.com by adding Rs l50 as convenience charges to the application fees. Selection procedure: CAT Percentile, Group Discussion and Personal Interview for admission to both the programmes. Seats: 73 (62+11) each. Deadline:
December 12, 2012 Check out: www.commercedu.com or www.du.ac.in Management courses at Mata Vaishno Devi varsity The College of Management of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, that runs two-year MBA and MBA (Business Economics) courses would take admission in the programmes through CAT 2012. Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline, with at least 50 per cent marks or equivalent CGPA (45 per cent in case of the candidates belonging to SC, ST and Differently Abled categories). Candidates appearing for the final year of bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting result can also apply. How to apply: The aspiring candidates have to take the CAT 2012 examination. The candidates seeking admission in the MBA programme will have to apply separately, in College of Management, SMVDU along with CAT. The Application form/prospectus for admission in College of Management, SMVD University can be downloaded from the website www.smvdu.net.in. Deadline: November 30, 2012 Check out: www.smvdu.net.in
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smart strategy: negotiating job contract How did the manager in the cabin next to you manage to get an extra car, a better house, etc? Competence is not always the answer. Here are some winning tactics while negotiating a job contract Zubin Malhotra There’s a surfeit of advice (both solicited and unsolicited) on how to impress your boss-to-be and make it through the interview, but there’s little said or written on how to get that ‘extra’ bit out of negotiations. Here are a few thumb rules that will help you through the process. Do a background check First of all, never approach the negotiation table assuming that your qualifications will automatically guarantee you a good deal. At the end of the day, it’s what you bring to the table that really matters. You need to do a whole lot of background work before the actual negotiation process commences. Gather information about your prospective employer. Read up on the company, its competitor’s position, its financials, and other relevant stuff. What is the value the company intends to deliver? In the age of the Internet, this is the easier bit. At the same time, be aware of yourself. And it won’t hurt to be ready for questions on previous assignments and your key achievements. Also choosing the right words is equivalent to pushing the right buttons. Enthusiasm is infectious. Your passion for the job must come across. Remember, negotiation is not a competition. It would be better not to put yourself and the employer on opposite sides of the bargaining table. Instead, cultivate the impression that you are on the same side. That will help you both come out winners. Don’t exaggerate Avoid the temptation to exaggerate. Stick to the truth as far as possible. When negotiating, it is important to convince the employer how hiring you will improve the company’s bottom-line. Highlight the skills you posses that will save the company money. But at the same time, don’t go overboard selling yourself. A lot of people talk themselves out of the job. Be logical In the final analysis, it’s your ability to reason and make sense of things that really counts. Negotiations in real-time, however, involve an element of chance. The negotiator may have trouble understanding your position and may need a number of things explained. Be flexible Negotiations, however, are not always between ‘smart’ people who know exactly what they want and how far they are willing to go. They mostly take place between people whose goals are flexible and may change according to their perception of the person across the table. In such cases, understanding the other person's expectations may well be the deciding factor. Opening the interview with a question on the compensation package is not such a hot idea. You may end up pricing yourself out of a job before the employer is convinced of your work. If pressed by the interviewer, say you are flexible and would be happy to discuss the salary after you learn more about the job. Better still, waiting until you are offered the job gives you the leverage you need to negotiate a higher salary. Keep in mind the fact that the compensation that you are likely to be offered is directly proportionate to the perception of your caliber. But when the salary issue is finally discussed, it should be done upfront in terms of the total value expected. If this remains ambiguous, both you and your potential employer are wasting your time. An executive-level job search is a complex sale where YOU are the product. Negotiating your compensation package wraps up the process — but if you don’t approach it like a sales negotiation, you’ll leave thousands of bucks and perks on the table. Time is a critical factor. Haggling has been known to continue for a year in some cases. But the best solution is to wrap it up as soon as possible. Try to wrap up the entire process within a couple of weeks. After all, any delay leaves the door open for other candidates and companies. Ultimately, a company will hire you because you will either help them make money or help them save it. It's finally a cost-benefit analysis. If they believe that you can do one or both, you stand an excellent chance of being hired. Simple! So, happy negotiating...! — The writer is Career Coach, Career Guidance India (CARING)
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Finding right talent a challenge for India Inc
Indian employers have trouble finding the right candidate for the right job and this trend is likely to intensify in the next three years, says HR service provider Randstad.
According to Randstad India’s global Workmonitor Survey 2012, Indian employers have trouble finding highly qualified people and this trend is set to continue for the next three years, as the economy is showing signs of reforms. “Corporate India is facing challenges to find the right talent and there is no denial about it. With the economy showing signs of growth, coupled with proactive reforms, the situation will accentuate further,” Randstad India Managing Director and CEO E Balaji said recently. The quarterly review that tracks jobseekers’ confidence and provides a comprehensive understanding of job market, shows that 65 per cent respondents predict a challenge to find highly qualified people in their respective organisations, much higher than the world average of 48 per cent. In addition, amongst all the countries surveyed, India has the highest employee mobility index of 142. This is in line with the findings that emerged in all the previous nine quarterly surveys conducted since first quarter of 2010. “If businesses have to shape their world of work with the right talent, they have to strengthen their training and development function. It is a good development to note that Indian businesses are working on this aspect as our survey shows,” Balaji added. As per the survey, about 75 per cent of the respondents agreed that their organisation invests additionally for their training/ education. Moreover, about 77 per cent of the surveyed respondents said their organisation offers sufficient career opportunities. The survey further said in India, more than half of employees (55 per cent) are overqualified and one-third are under-qualified for their current jobs. — PTI
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HR strategies to retain talent
1 Identifying the right talent: Companies often find themselves in a bind while trying to fill a position that has becomes vacant suddenly. While there is a need to fill that position as soon as possible, it is important to spend some time identifying the right candidate for it.
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Identifying KRAs: The most important way of keeping a high performing employee is to chart out a clear role for him in the organisation. Each person in the organisation should know what is expected of him. If a person remains confused about what he or she has to do, then it can have negative consequences. 3
Meet often: Top level executives maintain a personal rapport with each employee, and take constant feedback on what’s going on. 4
Set collective goals: Building consensus on what has to be achieved is very necessary. Employees often feel that targets are set without taking them into confidence. They feel they can't be expected to deliver something they never promised in the first place. Companies are now allowing employees to know the whole picture, instead of just their section. Once someone sees the larger picture, they know where they fit in, and are able to see their contribution as meaningful and effective. 5
Support: No target is ever achieved in totality. There are always shortfalls. It is imperative to support the employees when they fail to deliver fully and encourage them to perform better. No one likes to compromise on self-respect. 6
Provide change: If high potential employees are seen slipping on targets then it may mean that they are feeling stagnated. So a change of role will go a long way in keeping the employee motivated and satisfied. — With inputs from Rohit Pathak, Managing Director, SelaQui International School
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Happiness @ work Warnings are the stepping stones to disasters. Never ignore these. As Albert Einstein never expected any country to actually use a nuclear weapon, he was shocked after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, respectively. Taking this development seriously, he became a crusader for a world government.
In contrast, tragedy awaits those who miss the wake-up call. Queen Shantala of the Hoysala kingdom was a Jaina by upbringing while her husband King Vishnu Vardhana Hoysala was a brilliant soldier and statesman. As Vishnu wanted to break away from the overlordship of Chalukya Emperor Vikramaditya VI, he waged a series of wars against him. The conflict between war and peace disrupted the marital harmony of the royal couple. Despite Shantala indicating so on many occasions, Vishnu could do nothing about it. Ultimately, Shantala committed suicide by jumping off a cliff. Even when it was prophesised at prince Ajatashatru’s birth that he would kill his father, King Bimbisara overlooked it. As a youth, Ajatashatru even made a bid on his father’s life. Instead of punishing the boy, Bimbisara gave him the throne. But Ajatashatru first put Bimbisara under house arrest, then in a prison cell and finally got him executed. Demon Mareech had tasted the valour of Lord Rama at the Dandaka forest. So he advised his nephew King Ravana twice not to take on the prince of Ayodhya. But Ravana, in his arrogance, ignored the warning and got nearly all his relatives killed and lost his life in the war against Rama. At Hastinapur court, sage Maitreya warned prince Duryodhana that a tussle between the cousins would only lead to misery. Instead of heeding to the advice, Duryodhana laughed and slapped his thighs in derision. So Maitreya cursed him saying, “You will meet your death in battlefield when Bhima will break your thighs with his mace.” Avoid the harm by acting on the alarm. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
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Jonathan Swift discovered that observation is the art of seeing things that are ‘invisible’ to others. Recent psychological research also confirms that employees who possess a keen power of observation reach the top rung of their career ladder very fast.
A keen sense of observation can make a considerable difference in one’s career growth. The power of observation improves the ability to perform one’s daily tasks and social interaction.
There are so many students who would love to have a career in IT, but believe that they have lost the bus if they are unable to make it to an engineering course or take up science in Plus II. The fact, however, is that some of those who have made successful careers in the IT industry have done so without a background in engineering or even science. Computers and IT is a confusing world which is changing very fast. New developments, new skills come up every day and picking up the right skills and keeping pace with change is as important as having a formal qualification.
DAV — one of the largest and the oldest educational organisations in the country — is all set for a makeover while retaining its age-old philosophy of providing quality and modern education laden with morality. As an organisation DAV has been serving people of the country since 1885 — when the first DAV school was set-up in Lahore in 1885.
trend is likely to intensify in the next three years, says HR service provider
Randstad. According to Randstad India’s global Workmonitor Survey 2012, Indian employers have trouble finding highly qualified people and this trend is set to continue for the next three years, as the economy is showing signs of reforms. “Corporate India is facing challenges to find the right talent and there is no denial about it. With the economy showing signs of growth, coupled with proactive reforms, the situation will accentuate further,” Randstad India Managing Director and CEO E Balaji said recently.
While Panjab University offers only a limited number of MTech courses in the part-time mode, several other institutions like Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala (Deemed Univ) (www.tiet.acin), PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh (www.pec.ac.in/), Punjabi University, Patiala, NIT Kurukshetra, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar NIT, Jalandhar (www.nitj.ac.in/), PTU, LPU etc offer part-time M.Tech programmes either on their own campus or through institutions affiliated with them.
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.
The findings also shed new light on previous studies that argued the existence of ‘erotic capital’, meaning better looking people are more likely to get ahead in the workplace, or studies which indicate taller people earn higher salaries.
The Government of the Czech Republic offers scholarships within the framework of its Foreign Development Assistance in support of the study of foreign nationals from developing countries at public institutions of higher education in the Czech Republic.
The basic qualification for getting into networking is preferably a degree/diploma in computer science/electrical/electronics/telecommunication followed by a course in computer hardware. People with non-engineering background who possess good knowledge of computer fundamentals can also enter this field. Moreover, most companies prefer to recruit those with global certifications. Some of the popular International Certifications like Microsoft's MCSE or Cisco's CCNA or CCNP or CCIE or Novel's CNE or Sun Microsystem's Sun Solaris Administrator are useful for this job.
To find peace of mind, Emperor Akbar summoned many religious leaders, but he saw them fighting amongst themselves. Tired of the faiths that divide mankind, he started work on a religion that united all men. His quest found expression in Din-e-Ilahi.