Jobs  & Careers



Statistics
The world of Data gurus
Statistics is among the exciting career options that cut across all sectors and touch a diverse set of problems. Statistics deals with just about everything, from agriculture to zoology. Borrowing from John Tukey, “The best thing about being a statistician is that you get to play in everyone’s backyard.” Statisticians have been called data detectives and gatekeepers of the scientific method. Problems are rarely clear-cut, and often a part of the challenge is to define the real problem.

smart strategy: coping with demotion
Graceful climbdown
Being asked to move down the corporate ladder is one of the worst nightmares for any professional. Traditionally used to penalise bad performers it is increasingly becoming a trend in the workplace.

Career Hotline
Scope in occupational therapy

Field of research

What does it take to be a PSO?

testing times: national entrance examination for design
Get set for the design dream
Getting admission to a premiere educational institution is the stuff that students’ dreams are made of. Turning that dream into reality, however, requires you to compete with the brightest and the most talented students from across the country (and abroad!). Needless to say, the seats are limited and competition is intense. This is what makes these tests acquire an iconic status.

Tips to prevent ‘square eyes’
Don’t let extended use of computer play havoc with your eyesight Save your eyes from tech stress
Looking at a computer, tablet or smartphone screen for longer hours may ruin your eyesight, says experts who have also suggested five tips to prevent it. A recent research by body+soul and OPSM has found nearly 60 per cent of Australians spend up to eight hours a day looking at a screen, News.com.au reported. If you spend a lot of time using a computer, dim lighting can help minimise eyestrain.

Don’t let extended use of computer play havoc with your eyesight

different strokes: offshore drilling
Experience the drilling thrill
The demand for crude oil and natural gas is increasing globally on an unprecedented scale. Due to the finite nature of the resource the importance of exploration and, crucially, offshore drilling technology in enabling the discovery and exploitation of new sources of oil cannot be ignored and consequently qualified and experience personnel within these areas are continually being sought.


CareerCature
sANDEEP jOSHI

Our employee benevolence initiative entitles you to 0.05 per cent hike in salary for putting in 500 extra hours this year.
Our employee benevolence initiative entitles you to 0.05 per cent hike in salary for putting in 500 extra hours this year.

field in focus: advertising
Test of skills to sell
Advertising encompasses many facets and activities like creative designing, account management, media planning and research. A career in advertising can take you in several different directions. There are a storehouse of career opportunities for those wanting to enter this field.

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Benefits of being together
One reason for evil having an upper hand over good is that while the evil ones join forces, the good ones stay aloof from one another.

Course cruising

Scholarship roundup

News: Board

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Statistics
The world of Data gurus
If you are forward thinking, IT-savvy, interested in finding practical solutions to problems and enjoy working with numbers and people, this can be the perfect field for you
Gauri Nagpal

Statistics is among the exciting career options that cut across all sectors and touch a diverse set of problems. Statistics deals with just about everything, from agriculture to zoology. Borrowing from John Tukey, “The best thing about being a statistician is that you get to play in everyone’s backyard.” Statisticians have been called data detectives and gatekeepers of the scientific method. Problems are rarely clear-cut, and often a part of the challenge is to define the real problem. This field provides ample opportunity to be imaginative.

Scope

Being a mathematical science, statistics is concerned with the accumulation, analysis, reading and presentation of data. It takes within its fold a broad spectrum of academic disciplines ranging from physical and social sciences to humanities.

The study of statistics encompasses both Applied Statistics and Mathematical Statistics. There are two major subdivisions under the category of Applied Statistics — Descriptive Statistics and Inferential Statistics.

Descriptive Statistics deals with summing up the end results of data analysis, while Inferential Statistics involves the study of probability and randomness pertaining to different features of data handling. Today, statistics has come a long way from being descriptive to inferential. The measurement of population of a country, for example, is performed with statistical devices.

Foothold

Statistics Honors is the first degree that provides students with rigorous classroom-based theoretical as well as computational training to deal with the statistical analysis of data.

A student pursuing BSc Honors in statistics may have to cover a number of papers like probability theory, statistical methodology, stochastic processes, and statistical inference, or operational research, bio-statistics, besides a set of conventional papers in mathematics.

Skill set

The skills required are a strong foundation in ‘mathematical statistics’, the ability to interact with persons from diverse fields to understand a problem, logical thinking and the ability to comprehend key facts leading to the formulation of the solution process, versatility in solving problems and a strong background in statistical computing besides the ability to stay updated on recent literature and statistical software. Besides, it is always advisable to beef up strong communication skills.

The road ahead

With the augmentation of analysis and research in almost every sector, statistics seems to cut across sectors and disciplines. From the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) to banking and research, statistics occupies the maximum area of influence that opens doors for out-of-the-box thinking. With the world shrinking there are opportunities in the global arena too.

And only a statistician, when told that a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush, might respond with, “That depends upon the probability that you can capture both birds and your risk function. What, for example, if the proverbial birds are actually your pair of shoes?”

So gear up for diving into the sea of probability and out-of-the-box thinking and script your own success story through statistics.

The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant

 

Institute scape

Many reputed universities and institutes in India are offering various courses in statistics at UG, PG and Post-Doctoral levels. Some these are:

  • Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata
  • Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), New Delhi (offers M. Stat. programme and a number of Junior Research Fellowships programmes in Statistics.
  • Punjabi University, Patiala. Panjab University, Chandigarh (also offers diploma courses in statistics.)
  • Kurukshetra University, (offers two master’s programmes in statistics.)
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur (offers post graduate and post-doctoral programmes in statistics. The post-doctoral programmes are offered separately under engineering and general sciences streams.)
  • University of Rajasthan (offers MA, M. Phil. and M. Sc. in statistics.)
  • University of Mysore (offers full-time bachelor’s and master’s programmes. The successful completion of these two courses will fetch you a B. Sc. degree and an M. Sc. degree respectively.)
  • Rajiv Academy for Technology & Management, Uttar Pradesh (offers BSc. programme in CS and PCM incorporates of statistics, chemistry, physics and one foundation course.)
  • Pondicherry University (offers a well-structured five-year programme, and a three-year master’s in statistics.)
  • Sambalpur University, Orissa offers PG (Regular and self-financing) and M. Phil courses.)
  • Narsee Monjee Institute of Management and Higher Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai (offers a full-time MSc programme.)
  • North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Meghalaya (offers an MSc. Course in statistics and a PhD. programme.)
  • Garden City College, Bangalore (offers two BSc. programmes in statistics.)

Options
BSc (Honors) in statistics as the first degree qualifies a person for the usual career options available for general/science graduates viz., armed forces, civil services with statistics as subject, banks, including the Reserve Bank of India.

Academics

Though career options for students with a BSc Honors degree in statistics are available in the private sector, the academia recommends a postgraduate degree in statistics. This is because, the typical job profile in ‘analytics’ in the industry demands a very strong foundation in academics. It is indeed thought-provoking that for those looking beyond the horizon, while a bachelor’s or a master’s degree should be reasonable, a PhD in a relevant field is the mantra for never looking back in life.

Insurance

The insurance industry has provided impetus to quality as well as quantity of employment for students of statistics. The profession is known to be among the highest paid in the industry. Students’ enrollment to the Institute of Actuaries of India’s actuarial science programme has increased manifold in recent years.

It involves risk analysis, including actuarial evaluation. However, a meticulous planning in the approach has to prevail upon the euphoria of writing the exam itself. For the furtherance of this very profession, BSc Honors in statistics as a subject choice is “most preferred”, as it is the closest to the curriculum of the professional examinations. You can also take up the job of an underwriter that requires an undergraduate level knowledge of the subject. It may require planning, execution, and analysis of surveys. Knowledge of statistical software is a prerequisite.

Management

An MBA will open a plethora of opportunities before you both in a managerial role and in the field of research.

Apart from these, career opportunities exist in a wide variety of fields such as management science, information technology, bio-informatics, and biostatistics, data mining and data warehousing, finance and the like.

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smart strategy: coping with demotion
Graceful climbdown
Ragini Gulati

Being asked to move down the corporate ladder is one of the worst nightmares for any professional. Traditionally used to penalise bad performers it is increasingly becoming a trend in the workplace. A devastating experience, demotion is a step backwards in more ways than one. It may be accompanied with reduction in salary, a smaller role, reporting to a subordinate or all of these. As a consequence job demotion is not only a professional but personal setback also. Since it is a fairly public event, getting demoted is embarrassing as well as humiliating. The best way to cope with demotion is to have a positive thinking and perception. It should not be seen as failure but an opportunity to improve and learn.

Managing emotions

The foremost step towards coping with demotion is handling the grief in an appropriate manner. Moving down the corporate ladder often triggers a flood of painful and conflicting emotions. It is natural to feel humiliated and shocked irrespective of the reason behind the demotion.

Rather than repressing these emotions accept them to deal with the situation in a healthy manner. Take time to calm down and start focusing on rebuilding your self-esteem. Avoid making rash or disparaging comments about the employer that can later be used against you. Also refrain from being overly concerned with your co-workers’ perception. A demotion does not define who you are or what you are capable of.

Find the reason

Subsequent to controlling your emotions, find out what prompted the organisation to take the decision. Talk to your boss immediately to get a clear idea of what might have gone wrong. Let the supervisor know that you are interested in focusing on the problems and fixing them. However, it may not be necessary that the demotion is a penalty for poor performance or lack of skills.

There may be an industry downturn or the business may not have grown as quickly as projected. It could also be the result of departmental restructuring which was unavoidable. On the basis of the information received evaluate the situation and figure out if the decision taken was fair.

Ignore speculation

Getting demoted is a huge blow to the ego especially when one continues working for the same organisation. There are bound to be rumours and all sorts of speculations on why it happened. Some people will put the blame on you whilst others will criticise the management. Avoid getting paranoid that everyone is feeling sorry or looking down on you. Additionally, keep your temper under control so as not to worsen the situation. Anger is natural but watch your words in the presence of colleagues as well as seniors. Most importantly take a few days off to work through your emotions.

Get support

Maintaining a healthy balance between work and life is the best way to normalise after a demotion.

Rather than hiding the unpleasant news, immediately inform family and close friends. Talk to them about how you are feeling to get the anger, embarrassment and grief out of your system. A sensitive matter like demotion should only be deliberated outside the office. Freely discuss with friends since they have nothing to do with your work environment. Not only will it give comfort but there won't be any temptation to share with colleagues.

Also seek advice from acquaintances since they can offer insights into your personality. A strong support system can significantly help to get past this difficult phase in life.

Positive outlook

Although easier said than done, swallow your pride and accept the demotion in a positive manner. The experience may leave one angry and bitter but it is not the time to indulge in negativity. Instead figure out how to add value to the organization even from the lower rung in the corporate ladder. View the situation as a new beginning and a way to prove that you are an asset to the employer. Demonstrate diligence and renewed interest by putting in your best efforts. The new duties may not be as challenging as before but perform beyond expectations. With the right perspective not only can one learn from mistakes but also improve.

Move on

More than often a downward movement is an indication that the organization is trying to get rid of the employee. When demotion is accompanied with salary cut and a smaller role, quitting may be the best option. However make sure that the decision is in your best interest and not a hasty reaction. Look for another job if the demotion sets you back several years or the reduced salary is inadequate. Refrain from disclosing your plans to the employers or co-workers. Most importantly stick to the current job until you find a new one. The demotion could be the perfect excuse to make a career change or apply to a different company.

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Career Hotline
Scope in occupational therapy
Pervin Malhotra

Q. I have passed Class XII in medical stream. Kindly tell me about the scope in Occupational Therapy? sonali gupta

A. Occupational therapists help the disabled to develop, learn or recover skills necessary for day-to-day living. They specifically help patients with emotional, physical or developmental disorders live an independent, productive and satisfying life.

Tracking the client’s activities and progress and maintaining accurate records is a key part of an OT’s job. Most importantly, you need to be patient and possess strong interpersonal skills to inspire your client’s trust. Being innovative in adapting activities to the client’s needs is an asset.

OT has undergone rapid changes globally. It now plays an important role in every aspect of the person’s life from self-care to home and workplace ergonomics.

Like all other medical and paramedical professionals, you will work in hospitals, orthopaedic departments, rehabilitation centres for the handicapped, schools for physically disabled children, healthcare centers and defense medical establishments.

To become a qualified occupational therapist, a bachelor's degree (BPT/BOT) or a diploma in the subject is essential. The typical eligibility is Class XII (PCB).

The requirement for occupational therapists (and physiotherapists) in India and abroad, especially in countries like USA, UK, Canada and Australia is immense. However, they usually ask for at least two years of post-registration experience abroad.

In India, the starting salaries are relatively modest, but improve with experience. You can also set up your own practice down the line.

The work can be emotionally and physically demanding, but helping enrich the quality of patients’ lives and achieve self-sufficiency can be a rewarding experience.

Field of research

Q. I have completed my post graduation in physics, with specialisation in electronics. Now I want to do PhD. Please tell me about the possible area of research. manish bagga

A. The fields are truly diverse ranging from fibre optics communication, microwaves, IC technology, lasers, digital electronics, experimental electronics, optoelectronics, power electronics to medical electronics and nano electronics… I can go on and on…

However, since you have already completed your MSc, I think your professors will be better able to guide you about the cutting-edge areas in physics so that you can choose one related to your interests etc. Also doing your MPhil will give you greater insights into the different areas you could look at.

Do scan the websites of the IITs and the Indian Institute of Science, as well as the IISERs for areas in which research facilities are offered.

Moreover, the Association of Indian Universities (www.aiuweb.org) regularly publishes a list of thesis submitted by research students every month (just click on the “Research” link). Scanning through the list will give you a fair idea of what research is being undertaken in your field. Similarly, log onto the website of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR): www.csir.res.in for a wealth of info.

What does it take to be a PSO?

Q. I have failed in my BCom exam thrice but I am good at wrestling and running. Will I be able to get job as a private bodyguard for VIPs? How much can I hope to earn in this field? vikram singh

A. What does it take to be a Personal Security Officer (PSO)? Well, absence of clearly defined policies means any civilian with a licensed weapon can for all practical purposes can today become a private PSO.

However, most private PSOs are ex-armymen or from other forces, including Special Commando units.

Government PSOs are drawn from the security wing of the Police and imparted commando or specialised training depending on the category of security the individual is provided: Z-plus, Z, X or Y.

As for the salary, it depends on the PSO’s background, fitness, age and the weapon he carries. Board and lodging and travel expenses are borne by the hirer.

A private PSO gets between Rs 15,000-70,000 p.m. Private PSOs with an army background command between Rs 30,000-40,000 pm. Those from NSG/SPG/ paramilitary commando units are paid higher.

Govt PSOs draw the salary they’re entitled to. The hirer is supposed to pay the state for availing private security.

While the army of private PSOs is growing fast, their deployment has now come under scrutiny after the recent killing of liquor baron Ponty Chadha and his brother Hardeep (both of whom were protected by Punjab police PSOs). Like the two brothers, a host of private citizens enjoy protection from PSOs (private as well as those provided by the government).

In fact, just about anyone (even an ordinary individual) with a threat perception can hire one as long as he can afford the fee.

The Ministry of Home Affairs plans to review the entire deployment process of PSOs and lay down standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing it.

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

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testing times: national entrance examination for design
Get set for the design dream
Zubin Malhotra

Getting admission to a premiere educational institution is the stuff that students’ dreams are made of. Turning that dream into reality, however, requires you to compete with the brightest and the most talented students from across the country (and abroad!). Needless to say, the seats are limited and competition is intense. This is what makes these tests acquire an iconic status.

Engineering hopefuls need to crack the JEE, budding lawyers have to ace the CLAT; while future corporate honchos and managers need to bell the CAT before they can dream of entering an IIM. So, too, is the case with Design. The Mecca of design schools is the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (NID) and the pilgrimage that aspiring designers need to undertake is the National Entrance Examination for Design or NEED.

NEED is a qualifying examination for admission to several undergraduate programmes in design. The National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (NID) is the nodal institute that conducts the NEED for admission to not only its own undergraduate design course but also for admission to undergraduate programmes at consortium partner institutes.

The NEED seeks to test your design aptitude, mental ability, creativity, sketching, communication skills and world view. This written examination is usually followed by a Personal Interview and/or Studio Test, depending on the institution.

Eligibility

All those who have passed or will be appearing for the Higher Secondary (10+2) or equivalent examinations (AISSCE/ IB/ ICSE, etc) are eligible to appear for NEED. The age limit is 20 years on June 1, of the year of admission. This is relaxable by three years for reserved category candidates.

How to apply

Simply download the application form from NID's website (http://admissions.nid.edu) and submit the completed form by post or courier.

Pattern

The objective of NEED is to assess the aptitude, perception and creativity essential for a career in design. NEED is a three-hour exam comprising questions that seeks to test your overall creativity, not limited to drawing and sketching alone, but creativity in expression and communication as well. It does this through questions that stretch and test your imagination, keenness of observation, sketching and drawing skills, manipulation of colours, shapes and forms, etc.

There is no specified syllabus or set pattern for the exam. The exam expects candidates to be comfortable in various aspects of design —creativity, composition, general mental ability, and sensitivity to the environment. It would be most helpful to review previous year question papers available on NID’s website to get an idea of the kind of questions asked.

The written exam is followed by a studio test which evaluates a candidate’s ability to think on their feet, dexterity in handling materials using your hands. All these skills are put to the test as you have to follow the instruction to create something based on a given situation using a given set of materials.

The final stage is the personal interview where your personality traits, general awareness and suitability for a career in design are assessed. It is at the interview stage that your portfolio of work will also be reviewed.

To apply for NID

Based on NEED score candidates are shortlisted and called directly for the next phase of admission — Studio Tests and PIs — for final selection. You don’t need to apply to NID again for the second and third stages.

To apply for partner institutes

Based on your NEED scores you must apply separately to each partner institute for admission. You may have to fulfill the specific requirements for admission to that institute in the next phase.

The writer is Career Coach, Careers Smart, New Delhi

 

Schedule for NID admissions

  • Date of availability of forms: First week of October
  • Last date for receipt of completed application form: Last week of November
  • Date of Examination: First week of January.
  • Date of Studio tests/Interview: Last week of April

Coveted colleges

  • The following institutions use NEED scores:
  • National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
  • DJ Academy of Design, Coimbatore
  • IILM School of Design, Gurgaon

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Tips to prevent ‘square eyes’
Save your eyes from tech stress

Looking at a computer, tablet or smartphone screen for longer hours may ruin your eyesight, says experts who have also suggested five tips to prevent it. A recent research by body+soul and OPSM has found nearly 60 per cent of Australians spend up to eight hours a day looking at a screen, News.com.au reported.

If you spend a lot of time using a computer, dim lighting can help minimise eyestrain. To protect from this experts have suggested to use dimmer bulbs and to position your screen so that you do not have direct window light in front or behind it.

A study from the SUNY State College of Optometry in New York found that smartphone users hold their devices closer to their face than they would hold a book, forcing the eyes to work harder.

As a solution to this problem, smartphone users are advised to minimise the strain by using a font that’s easy to read, such as Verdana 12-point, on all devices.

Spending more than two hours a day on a tablet may also put pressure on your neck, shoulders, arms and hands, so experts have suggested using a desktop for longer jobs.

Low contrast text and backgrounds tire the eyes while reading dark text on a light background is easiest.

The bright lights and sharp movements in video games force your eyes to focus and refocus constantly, which causes eyestrain.

Look away for 10 seconds every 10 minutes, use an anti-glare screen, blink often and position your screen below eye level to avoid this, experts added. — ANI

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different strokes: offshore drilling
Experience the drilling thrill
Preetinder Kaur

The demand for crude oil and natural gas is increasing globally on an unprecedented scale. Due to the finite nature of the resource the importance of exploration and, crucially, offshore drilling technology in enabling the discovery and exploitation of new sources of oil cannot be ignored and consequently qualified and experience personnel within these areas are continually being sought.

With over 3,000 oil drilling rigs across the world, oil and gas drilling jobs are on the increase creating a wide range of career opportunities. The different types of oil drilling rigs are designed to work in a number of global locations and within different environments. Types of oil drilling rigs include Jack-ups, Platforms, and Semi-submersibles drilling units (Floaters). Each requires personnel with different set of skills.

There are a large number of entry-level drilling jobs in the sector, and if you are physically fit, hard working and able to work as part of a team, the drilling job opportunities are endless. More technical drilling jobs may require applicants to have an undergraduate degree. Both onshore and offshore oil and gas drilling rigs are operated 24x7 and usually require teams of drilling crews to work in 8-12 hour shift patterns.

India now has a strong offshore drilling industry and has one of the three largest Jack Up deployments in the world (27 rigs including ONGC owned) on par with Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

The work

As a derrickman you would work 20-25 metres above the rig floor on a platform attached to the derrick (the mast that supports the drilling equipment). You would work under the supervision of the driller and assistant driller, and your duties would include:

  • Handling and stacking sections of the drill pipe
  • Maintaining the derrick
  • Operating the lifting and hoisting machinery to position the drill
  • Controlling and maintaining mud pumps, and supervising mud pump operators.

As a driller, you would supervise the drilling team and control the rate of drilling. Your work in this highly skilled role would include:

  • Controlling operations on the drill floor
  • Overseeing assembly of the drilling tools, and connecting sections of the drill pipe
  • Operating and controlling the machinery that raises and lowers the drill
  • Keeping records of the drilling process

As an assistant driller it would be your job to coordinate the activities on the drill floor, for example by passing on instructions and information from the driller to the rest of the drilling team.

Timelines

You would typically live and work on a rig or platform for two or three weeks, followed by two or three weeks’ rest period on shore. You would work up to 12 hours a day on a 24-hour shift.

You could work on a fixed production platform with up to 100 workers, or on a smaller mobile rig in a team of around 20 people. Facilities can include living accommodation, canteens and recreation areas.

The job can be physically demanding, working in all types of weather conditions and at heights. You would need to wear protective clothing, including a harness, ear defenders and thermal boiler suit.

Pay packages

India’s public sector Oil and Natural Gas Corporation is the country’s highest profit churner. Pay scale in this industry is very good, with offshore oil drilling career being the highest earner. Entry-level worker, Apprentices, can expect salaries in the Rs 3,50,000 to Rs. 4,00,000 with additional perks and packages of Rs 12,000 to those numbers. Apprentices can earn between Rs 3,50,000 to Rs 4,00,000 per month. Derrick men can earn between Rs 4,00,000 and Rs 4,50,000, depending on experience. Drillers and assistant drillers can earn Rs 5,00, 000 to Rs 6,00,000 a month.

There are opportunities to work on oil drilling rigs all across the world including Asia, USA, Canada, Africa, Europe. One of the main advantages of an oil and gas drilling job, is the ability to travel the world. While this can involve periods of time away from home, generally the sleeping and living conditions are excellent and the financial rewards are very high.

 

Institute watch

Colleges that are offering various courses in Offshore Drilling in India

  • Indian school of Mines, Dhanbad offers master’s of philosophy in Drilling Engineering.
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Ocean Engineering
  • Madras University, Madras
  • Central University, Hyderabad.

Companies in India offering opportunities

  • ONGC, INDIA
  • Bharat Petroleum, India
  • Cairn, India
  • Essar Oil, India
  • Indian Oil Corporation
  • Reliance Industries Ltd
  • United Drilling Tools Ltd.

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field in focus: advertising
Test of skills to sell
A career in advertising can take you in several different directions
Gunmala Suri

Advertising encompasses many facets and activities like creative designing, account management, media planning and research. A career in advertising can take you in several different directions. There are a storehouse of career opportunities for those wanting to enter this field.

Advertising is an important determinant of consumer behaviour; it has been shown to have an influence on a product preference and purchase requests. Advertising can be divided into planning, production, creative concepts, media, market research, account services and financial management.

  • The creative department conceives a campaign, develops graphics, writes copy and works with production to produce an ad or commercial.
  • The media department develops a marketing strategy for the targeted audience, negotiates and buys airtime, print space and outdoor space.
  • The market research department studies consumer perceptions and preferences, and account executives communicate with the client and make client presentations.
  • The financial management team handles billing, adjusting the budget, systems and general office management.

In advertising one works with all aspects of marketing from strategy to concept to the execution of the strategy. Students can gain valuable credentials by working for a campus newspaper, television or radio station or through an internship with a market research firm, telemarketer or ad agency. Some colleges promote internships with ad agency members in their city. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, WLC College, Delhi are among the top notch institutes in India that offer degree programmes and various courses in advertising.

In order to help students, the teaching and training environment is resourceful to polish their skills and train them to be efficient creators in the innovative field of advertising.

Students can get into advertising agencies, media organisations, advertising departments in business firms, non-profit organisations, and marketing research firms.

The main qualification required in this field is a bachelor's degree in advertising. Students who have done their graduation in management or mass communication can also apply for jobs in this field. Along with the educational qualification creative skills, language proficiency and ability to handle design software tools is also necessary to sustain in this industry. More important than the qualifications to enter the field are the qualities needed to be successful. Hiring professionals look for candidates not only with pro-efficient skills but also with the ability to stay calm, to weather panic and creative outbursts, and to meet deadlines. This is a definite asset.

Presentation, writing and editing skills, data analysis and spreadsheet experience is highly valued in the world of advertising. Communications skills are vital here. The main stock in trade of advertising agency people are their creativity and technical expertise.

It is all about bringing innovative and interesting ideas on the floor to create an advertisement that catches the eye of the consumer. Students must aim on creativity and innovation; invent vivid graphics, catchy slogans and jingles in tune with their product. The advertisement should connect with its target audience.

Starting salaries tend to be higher at larger agencies. Smaller agencies provide, however, the best opportunities for exposure to all aspects of advertisement. Advertising is regarded as a glamour business characterised by expense accounts, celebrity endorsements and high fashion spreads. International opportunities abound as marketing goes global. Skills acquired in this industry are applicable anywhere in the world. of many facets and activities like creative designing, account management, media planning and research.

— The writer is faculty member in UBS, Panjab University ,Chandigarh

 

Institute watch

Courses in advertising and mass communication

  • Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU New Campus, New Delhi
  • Mass communications Research Centre, Jamia Milia Islamia, Jamianagar, New Delhi
  • Mudra Institute of Communications, Shela, Ahmedabad
  • Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai
  • Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Powai, Mumbai
  • Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication - Dwarka, New Delhi

Specialised Advertising and Communications Management Programme is offered by

  • MCA, Ahmedabad
  • NMIMS, Mumbai
  • Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune

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Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Benefits of being together

One reason for evil having an upper hand over good is that while the evil ones join forces, the good ones stay aloof from one another.

On the 13th day of the Mahabharata war, Dronacharya, the Kuru commander, succeeded in dividing the Pandava forces. Arjuna and Krishna were busy fighting the Samshaptakas, Abhimanyu was alone inside the ‘chakravyuha’ and the rest of the Pandava army was battling Sindhu King Jayadratha. On finding Abhimanyu too hot to handle, six Kuru warriors — Drona, Kripa, Ashwathama, Karna, Kritvarma and Brihatbala — attacked the 16-year-old. Then, Dushashan’s son dealt the fatal blow on Abhimanyu’s head when he was just about to regain consciousness. Don’t forget that even our scriptures advocate satsang (gathering of the good).

Kalkeyas, a group of Asuras led by Vritra, had the three worlds at their mercy. So the gods sought Brahma’s advice. “Tell Twashtri to make a thunderbolt with sage Dadhichi’s bones to kill Vritra,” said Brahma. Using a portion of Lord Vishnu’s might, Indra, the chief of gods, killed Vritra using the thunderbolt. Seeing their leader dead, the Kalkeyas hid under the ocean. So sage Agastya was summoned to drink up the ocean. Seeing the demons without cover, the gods attacked and killed them.

In the 18th century, Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand was under fire from the Bangas of Allahabad. On receiving an SOS from him, Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I defeated the Bangas. For his timely help, Chhatrasal not only gave him wealth and vast territories, but also declared him his third son and gave him the hand of his adopted daughter Mastani in marriage.

On finding that his student Lal Bahadur Shastri was leading a life of extreme poverty, teacher Mishraji took him home, ‘adopted’ him as his fourth son and became his guide in school and for life. Tulsidas had the good luck of being with Soordas, the singing mahatma of Govardhan, for a few days. When it was time to part, Tulsidas promised to sing about Krishna, Soor’s favourite, and Soordas, in turn, vowed to sing about Rama, Tulsi’s favourite. On the arrest of M Srinivasan, Editor of ‘India’ weekly, assistant editor and patriot Subramania Bharati was forced to flee to Pondicherry. He — as Editor — continued to write from there till the British forced the closure of ‘India’ on March 12, 1910. As Bharati was exiled and without his contact with the masses, Sri Aurobindo came to his aid. Under Aurobindo’s influence, Bharati’s writing acquired a spiritual dimension. Polish scientist Marie Curie’s desire was to have a radium institute in Warsaw. So a countrywide drive was launched using posters and postcards. People responded enthusiastically and in 1925, Marie was invited to lay its cornerstone. United we stand, divided we fall.

Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

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Course cruising

Fellow Programme in Management (FPM)

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode invites applications for its Fellow Programme in Management. The applications are invited for the following areas of specialisation:

  • Economics
  • Finance Accounting & Control
  • Information Technology and Systems
  • Marketing
  • Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources
  • Quantitative Methods and Operations Management
  • Strategic Management.

Eligibility: One of the following qualifications is required as basic eligibility:

Post-Graduate degree or equivalent in any discipline (including M.A, M.Sc., M.Com, MBA, MCA, M.Tech., etc) with at least 55 per cent marks or equivalent CGPA.

Professional qualifications of CA, ICWA and CS with at least 50 per cent marks or equivalent.

Professional qualifications such as MBBS and LLB with at least 55 per cent marks or equivalent CGPA

Engineering degrees, viz., B.Tech., BE, etc. with at least 60 per cent marks or equivalent CGPA

Those appearing for the final exams can also apply; but, their final selection will be subject to successful completion of the requirement by June 30, 2013. Their admission will be provisional till they produce the required certificates of qualification before December 2013.

How to apply: Candidates are required to apply online. They can apply to a maximum of two areas of specialisation. In addition, they will have to download a form for referee recommendation. These forms will have to be completed by two referees and attached with the print out of the completed application form.

An application fee of Rs 500 is required. Please note that details of the demand draft are required to be entered in the online form. Hence, the demand draft needs to be procured before the online form can be submitted.

Deadline: For online application — January 15, 2013

Check out: http://www.iimk.ac.in/fpm/fpm_admissionprocess.php

Hospitality training programme

Manovikas Institute of Higher Education invites application for admission to Certified Credit Course in Hospitality Training Programme for Persons with Intellectual and other Developmental Disabilities. Manovikas Institute of Higher Education, the first college in the country for the persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities for sustainable employment, has announced the admission for Certified Credit Course in Hospitality Training Programme for the January 2013 sessions. This innovative programme from Manovikas Institute of Higher Education recognised IGNOU and NIOS is a first of its kind in the learning system. It is the most comprehensive where students can acquire specific competencies, college credit with resources to achieve desired goals.

Manovikas Institute of Higher Education strives toward a future where education is accessible and convenient for the persons with Developmental Disabilities and they can lead a respectful life with a dignified career. The programme provides learners with specific courses on social communication, understanding customer behaviour, and food and beverage management.

Programme duration: 1 to 4 years. Completion of this programme will benefit the successful candidates to apply jobs in different tourism industries like hotels, restaurants etc.

Eligibility: The candidates should be 17 years or older, borderline to mid-level developmental disability such as autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, learning disabilities, hearing impairment etc. Above average results on the Multiple Intelligence Disabilities test in the areas of linguistic, interpersonal, and body skills.

How to apply: The forms for admission are available on the website manovikas.co.in and can write to Manovikas Institute of Higher Education, A-267, Surajmal Vihar, Delhi-110092.

Deadline: December 15, 2012

Check out: manovikas.co.in

Artificial Intelligence course

The Department of Computer Science at Loughborough University invites applications for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence course. As graduates in this field are in demand across an increasingly diverse range of industries, this course will enable students to learn about the latest developments in established and emerging areas.

The course: This three-year full-time BSc (Hons) course is a computing degree that allows students to specialise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) through their project work and a number of specialist AI modules. The course provides broad coverage of Artificial Intelligence, including robotics, intelligent agents and image processing. This course is specifically designed for students to develop and apply AI solutions, and related techniques, to real-world problems.

The course is also available as a 4-year work placement (sandwich) programme wherein students will have the opportunity to get industrial or professional work experience incorporated between periods of academic study at the University. With this, the students will be awarded with Diploma in Professional Studies for successful completion of the course along with their degrees.

Eligibility: Students with an overall score of 80 per cent in Class XII, including 75 per cent in maths, or IB (International Baccalaureate) 32-34 points with 5 in HL maths are eligible for the programme.

Details: The programme commences in September 2013

Fee: £16,750.

How to apply: Students should submit their application online through the Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS- http://www.ucas.com/). Exceptional students will be considered for the Department of Computer Sciences' 25% tuition fee scholarship.

Deadline: January 15, 2013.

Check out: international-office@lboro.ac.uk.

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Scholarship roundup

Chevening programme

The British Government is offering Chevening South Asia Journalism Programme in the field of journalism at the University of Westminster for students from South Asian countries . This scholarship is available for pursuing short courses at degree level. The programme is an exclusive new scholarship programme for high-flying, mid-career journalists. In its second year scholarships are being offered for 14 mid-career journalists. Entitled ‘Good governance in a changing world: challenges to the media, politics and accountability’, the course is organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Westminster, and will take place in London over eight weeks in April and May 2013. The programme will enable candidates from India, Pakistan, Bhutan and Nepal to be a part of an intensive learning experience.

Eligibility:

  • There is no age limit for Chevening scholars.
  • Successful applicants should be mid-career, high-flyers.
  • Should have the ‘Chevening’ qualities of drive, leadership potential, a commitment to change, talent for innovation and creativity, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.

Details: Each scholarship covers the following:

  • Full programme fees
  • Living expenses for the duration of the scholarship
  • Return airfare
  • UK visa

As part of the course, the scholars will also undergo a two-week internship with leading British media organisations.

Selection criteria: Chevening scholarships are for high-caliber graduates with the personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership. You will need to demonstrate that you:

  • have the personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership
  • are motivated to develop your career in order to establish a position of leadership in India within 10 years of your scholarship
  • have a clear post-scholarship plan, outlining your career objectives and how you plan to achieve them
  • are committed to networking to find global solutions
  • are committed to networking within the Chevening community, via online engagement and attending Chevening events in the UK and engaging with the Alumni network in your home country
  • are able to use your studies and experience in the UK to benefit yourself, India and the UK
  • are capable of successfully undertaking and completing your proposed course of study in the UK

How to Apply: Online.

Deadline: December 7, 2012

Distance learning opportunity

The University of Edinburgh offers scholarships for distance learning master’s programmes in UK 2013. The university will offer six scholarships for eligible distance learning master’s programmes offered by the university. Scholarships will be available for students pursuing courses offered by College of Humanities and Social Science, College of Science and Engineering, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

Eligibility:

  • The scholarships will be awarded to students who are accepted for admission onto the above eligible distance learning master’s programmes at the University of Edinburgh.
  • Applicants should already have been offered a place at the University of Edinburgh and should have firmly accepted that offer or be intending to do so.

Details: Each scholarship will have a total value of £5,000 which will be deducted from the tuition fee for the entire part-time programme of study.

Selection criteria: The scholarship will be awarded broadly on the basis of academic merit. Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a UK first class or 2:1 Honours degree at undergraduate level or the international equivalent.

How to apply: Eligible applicants should complete an online scholarship application.

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News: Board

‘Double millionaire’ competition for Indian teachers and schools

TSL Education, publishers of TES Magazine and host to the world’s largest network of teachers, recently launched TES India, a website (http://www.tesindia.com/) for Indian teachers and schools. The first 100,000 teachers to register will be entered into a draw to win Rs 1 million for themselves and Rs 1 million for their school. There are also five runners-up prizes of Rs 20, 000 each.

The website, which is completely free to join and use, has been designed by teachers for teachers. It is home to more than 5, 00, 000 resources and lesson plans that have been mapped to the Indian K-12 education system by grade and by subject. Besides resources for Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary, TES India also offers learning materials for Whole School and Special Needs such as cognitive impairment and dyslexia.

Conference

The YES organisation, will be organising a one-day conference — TEDxYouth@Chanakyapuri — on December 1 at the American Embassy School. Students in the13-18 year age group from Delhi’s various schools will get an opportunity to hear the views of eminent speakers from different walks of life.

IIT JEE courses

Online learning portal, Meritnation.com, has launched IIT JEE courses tailored to meet the needs of all students. Students can choose from either the one or two year course depending on their individual preference and need. These online courses offer the benefits of a streamlined, exclusive, power-packed course for a thorough preparation.

The courses include high quality; flash based multimedia tutorials explaining concepts. Students can get access to solved IIT JEE question papers, model test papers, unlimited practice questions, free NCERT solutions and regular online tests that predict their All India Rank.

MBA for school principals

Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU) in collaboration with SelaQui Institute of Management will offer India’s first and only Educational Management and Leadership Programme for school principals leading to an MBA degree awarded by UTU.

The new course was launched by Minister of State for HRD Mr. Shashi Tharoor at the two-day national conference of school principals held in Delhi recently.

More than 500 educationists, Principals, Vice-Principals, school managements, school and state-level administrators from across the country along with Government representatives and policy makers participated in India’s first, ‘National Conference of School Principals 2012’.

Organised by TeacherSITY in collaboration with Educomp Foundation, the conference explored critical issues confronting schools and school principals at a practice and policy level.

Besides the MBA in Educational Management and Leadership, Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU) will also offer diploma and certificate variants of the programme in convenient mode to suit working teachers and principals.

The programme is designed to prepare principals for 21st century schools. It is designed to address the four major areas of school management and leadership such as Personal Effectiveness, Instructional Leadership, Institutional Management and Strategic Leadership. Candidates successfully completing this program can look forward to advancing their careers towards school principal-ship.

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