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Grow in letter and spirit
Career Hotline Cool Counsel
news board
scholarship roundup
field in focus: chemical engineering
career
compass: digital marketing
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board(s)
Winning first moves
Companies ready to increase hiring
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Grow in letter and spirit
With the advent of the courier service and the ubiquitous email that has overtaken all communication it is a wonder that we still have a postal service. It may surprise many to know that not only do we have a well-functioning postal service in the country, but that it caters to the largest network of post offices in the world. As of March 2011, there are 154,866 post offices in India, out of which 89 per cent are in rural areas and 11 per cent in urban areas. It is further interesting to note that the highest post office in the world is in Hikkim, in Himachal Pradesh, at a height of 15,500 ft (4,700 m).
Vast range The portfolio of services offered by the Indian Postal service is huge. The most prominent one being that of transportation of mail for which it coordinates with government agencies such as the railways and the airlines. Apart from regular mails and telegrams, the Indian postal service handles international registered post, speed post, parcels, business post, media post etc. Logistics post is another service that helps people send across parcels which include logistical infrastructure, distribution through Indian Railways, roadways or airways, storage and warehousing. Because of its far-flung reach and its presence in remote areas, with almost 1, 40,000 post offices in rural areas, the postal service also provides the management of small-savings and banking and financial services like postal life insurance, e-payment, money orders, international money transfer and other financial services in coordination with the Department of Finance. Another major area of work involves interaction with law and order agencies to ensure safety and security of cash and valuables in post offices, and transmission of cash and police assistance in times of unrest. Getting in The Indian postal services recruits candidates at all levels. The Indian postal services officers, a Central Group ‘A’ Service, are recruited through the Civil Service Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission. Candidates are required to have a basic graduation degree from a recognised university to be eligible to sit for the civil services examination held each year. A basic graduation degree and in some cases specialised knowledge of computers are requirements for other posts in the postal service with some clerical posts open to school leavers who have completed Plus II. Currently the Department of Posts is on a recruitment spree and had announced a ‘bumper recruitment’ in 2012 for most of the Postal Circles in the country. The department had announced vacancies in the Clerical Cadre for posts advertised being that of Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant and Postal Assistant (Saving Bank Control Organisation) for Postal circles in J &K, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharshtra, Tamilnadu, Uttarakhand, Patna, Rajasthan and UP. The current recruitment is open to graduates and school leavers and any one who is an Indian citizen with a minimum of 60 per cent marks in Class XII and within the age group of 18-27 years. Candidates must have the knowledge of the local language of the state for which they are applying, or must have studied Hindi as a subject up to matriculation. The selection procedure consists of an Aptitude Test followed by a typing and computer test. The postal service being a central government department means that those working in the service can be posted to different parts of the country providing a variety of work experiences and opportunities to interact with the public of diverse regions. Good managerial and administrative abilities and networking skills are required to be successful in this job while special logistics and computer expertise can help build greater efficiencies in the job. Salaries With the pay increase after the Sixth Pay Commission, salary levels in the postal department also make it an attractive option. New entrants who join at the level of a postal assistant after clearing a written examination can start with a salary of around Rs 23,000 which could rise to around Rs 45,000 in five years. Their benefits include 100 per cent medical cover, an educational allowance and 18-month childcare leave for women. An increase in dearness allowance twice a year sees a 10 per cent jump in salary every year. Moreover, career growth is good, say employees. With its vast network and outreach to remote parts of the country the postal department is poised to upgrade its services with the induction of new technology, computerisation of facilities and upgrading of the knowledge and skills and capabilities of employees through training. Efforts are also on to improve strategic collaborations with leading service providers in banking and insurance sectors, so as to provide more and more cost effective and viable services to customers around the country. One of the new schemes of India post is the introduction of the franchise scheme through which the counter services are to be franchised, while delivery and transmission will be continued through the Department. The franchisee will help manage and market a range of postal products such as stamps, stationery, handle booking of registered articles, speed post and so on and retail services like bill/tax/fine collection and payment services. — The writer is Director, Careers Smart Pvt Ltd., New Delhi
Fact file
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Do I need to clear the bridge programme?
Pervin Malhotra ...
A.You do need to clear the International Optometry Bridging Programme (IOBP) to be eligible to practice as an Optometrist in Canada.
The Optometric Assistant / Technician / Ophthalmic Tech wage can vary: $15 - 20 per hour. There’s a certification called Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COMT) that requires a course of study but you should be able to pass it. The same applies for Optometric Technician. You may get paid more if you have the certificate as opposed to just working with your current credentials. The IOBP requires skills in clinical, refraction and dispensing. They also focus on patient counselling and communication. To get your licence, you’ll have to take an assessment of skills test and practicum on clinical skills that will determine how much additional training you’ll need in Canada as a foreign graduate before taking the CSAO exam. You can get information about this and the International bridging programme (IOBP) on the Canadian Association of Optometrists website: www.opto.ca Also check out: www.nait.ca/program_home_32109.htm. Best of luck!
What are the prospects in population studies?
Q.I am in my final year of geography (Honours) course. I would like to do a postgraduate degree or diploma level course in population studies. Could you please tell me about the courses and prospects of this field? —
Garima singh
You could do your master’s in Population Studies at the following universities: International Institute of Population Sciences, Govandi Station Road, Deonar, Mumbai 400088. The only institute of its kind in the world, IIPS is a Deemed University that is solely focussed on the study of demography. Courses: Master’s in Population Studies (MA/MSc), also available through distance learning (2-4 yrs). Eligibility: Master’s in statistics, maths, economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology or geography. Annamalai University, P O Annamalainagar, (TN). Bharathiar University, Maruthamalai Road, Coimbatore (TN). Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Chittoor (AP). If you wish to pursue further studies in the subject, you can opt for some other courses offered by IIPS or an MPhil in Population Science from JNU. Eligibility for the programme is an MA in geography. The course covers fields like Human Settlement, Methodology, Morality, Urbanisation, Census and Vital Statistics etc. Several other universities also offer a PG diploma course after graduation: Panjab University, Maharshi Dayanand University, University of Madras, University of Burdwan, University of Rajasthan (post-MA diploma).
What are fourth-Gen BPOs?
Q. Could you please help me understand what fourth generation BPOs’ are? —
Geet rathi
A. Like every business, BPOs have also evolved over the last 15-20 years. First-Gen was when some pieces of entire work streams were outsourced to third party providers. Second-Gen was more about transferring work to alternate low cost locations. Third-Gen started process transactions on behalf of customers while continuing to drive the efficiency of Gen 1 & 2. Fourth-Gen BPOs are more transformational in nature. They are an extension of the client's strategy i.e. their focus shifts from mere transactional efficiency to business outcomes. It’s all about understanding the domain and competence with a huge play of technology as underlying layer... these are more end to end services. Fourth-Gen BPO jobs are more skill oriented rather than qualification-oriented — a play of specific and niche skills. We’ve already begun to see areas of super specialisations emerging. These will be based on global certifications. An understanding of domain and technology will be an added advantage. However, some of the skills of Gen 1-3 will continue to be critical as well.
I want to do summer training at DRDO
Q. I am doing MSc biotechnology. I want to do my summer training at DRDO. Please tell me how to apply for this. —
Gopal Mendiratta
However, DRDO comprises a large number of laboratories spread across the country, each specialising in a specific field of research, development and core competence i.e. armaments, materials, electronics, heavy vehicles, missiles, life sciences etc. These clusters of labs operate under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence, with each having different training policies based on their security restrictions. As the Director of the lab concerned is the only approving authority for industrial training, I would, therefore, suggest you directly contact him for summer training through the HoD of your college. Check out t nine institutions listed under ‘Life Science’: http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=techclus.jsp. Then send in your CV along with a formal request letter through the training and placement cell of your college with an NOC (no objection certificate), signed by the principal. Log onto DRDO’s official website www.drdo.org
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Anything vs Everything
D. s. cheema
You can’t become the first astronaut, first man on moon or the first person on Mount Everest, although they are ‘workable /doable’, they are not ‘available’, as these positions have already been filled before you by someone else. However, there has been no human being on Mars; so you can have it since it is ‘available’ as well as ‘workable/doable’. You can have anything by following these simple rules:
Fill the gap between Knowing and Doing i.e do what is required to be done. Knowledge, if not used, is useless and action alone can get you what you want. You would have realised by now that having ‘Anything’ is not all that simple as it appears to be. Wanting ‘Eveything’, is greed and is impossible. Even if someone tells you that it is within you to be able to have ‘Everything’, don’t believe him. Where is the time to have ‘Everything’? Human beings may become very powerful but they can never overcome the limitations of time and space. So, forget about Everything and concentrate on ‘workable/doable’ ‘Anything’.
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ISB’s Young Leaders Programme
The Indian School of Business (ISB) invites undergraduates to apply for its Young Leaders Programme (YLP). The YLP is a foundation programme for outstanding undergraduates from diverse disciplines to get a great head-start to their careers, by giving them an opportunity to seek pre-admission to the ISB’s one-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). The ISB conducts information sessions at leading undergraduate colleges across the country such as IITs, BITS Pilani and Hyderabad, NIT Warangal, St. Xaviers and NMIMS, Mumbai and Lady Sriram College of Commerce, Delhi. The objective is to reach out to the best of talent from across the country. About 132 candidates have been selected for the YLP programme over the last two years. Admissions for this year are open and can apply by logging onto http://ylpapp.isb.edu/user/ The deadline for application Stage-1 is March 15, 2013. The application Deadline for stage 2 is August 7, 2013. To be eligible for admission into YLP, the candidate must be in his/ her pre-final year of graduation in any discipline. The selection process is a 3-stage one which consists of profile evaluation, analysis of academic and analytical skills, GMAT score, written essays, video presentation and personal interviews. Excellence at every stage is a must to make the cut. The best of the best are the ones who get chosen for YLP. Candidates selected into the YLP are required to complete one year and nine months of work experience before joining the ISB’s PGP. During this period, students will attend contact programmes at the ISB campus at the end of every six months, where they will be mentored by senior management members at the ISB .
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scholarship roundup
The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and Indo-US Science & Technology Forum (IUSSTF) announce Indo-US Research Fellowship Programme for Indian Researchers. These awards will provide an opportunity to young Indian scientists and technologists of all disciplines. These awards will provide an excellent opportunity to young Indian scientists and technologists of all disciplines, under the age of 40 years to interact with the American scientific community and get first hand information of the developments taking place at the international level.
Study subject(s): The fellowship is offered in the areas of Atmospheric and Earth Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Mathematical and Computational Sciences and Physical Sciences (Promising applications in areas other than the above areas may also be considered). Eligibility: PhD in Science, Engineering, Technology or Medicine. Applicants must provide proof of independent research work in internationally recognised academic journals. Age: Up to 40 years as on December 31, 2012. Duration of award(s): Up to 12 months. Details: The IUSSTF Fellow will be entitled to fellowship amount of $ 3000 per month. The selected candidates will also be entitled to a personal contingency grant of up to a maximum of Rs 50,000 to cover for visa, airport transfer, medical insurance etc. Medical insurance expenses, visa fee, airport transfer charges will be met by the fellow from out of this personal contingency grant. IUSSTF Fellow will also be permitted to travel within USA to attend conferences or visit other institutes of interest with the approval of the advisor at the host institute. The Fellow will be entitled to avail one of the following grants for this purpose.
Air-tickets for all the selected IUSSTF Fellow would be provided directly by the IUSSTF travel desk by economy class and shortest route from their place of work in India to the place of the American host institute and back. How to apply: 1. The application should be submitted in the prescribed format
Complete Application should be submitted electronically to: Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) Email: fellowship@indousstf.org and fellowshipindous@gmail.com Deadline: March 8, 2013 Check out: indousstf.org/fellowship.htm Opportunity in France The Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan (ENS Cachan), France offers scholarships for international students for pursuing master and PhD degree. The scholarships are offered for master (for a period of 10 months) and doctoral studies (for a period of 6 to 12 months). Study subject(s): All ENS Cachan master programmes are concerned, except the design and the management master programmes. All ENS Cachan research laboratories are concerned. Eligibility:
Number of awards: 15 to 30 foreign students at M2 level or PhD. Details: The grant amounts to 1000 euros/month. Selection criteria:
How to apply: Candidates are required to send the complete application file both by email and by post. Deadline: March 25, 2013. Check out: www.ens-cachan.fr
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field in focus: chemical engineering Gauri Chhabra Chemical Engineering, to put it simply, is the discipline that combines knowledge of chemistry and engineering for the production of chemicals and related by-products. This branch of engineering covers areas from biotechnology and nanotechnology to mineral processing. It covers various fields of chemical technology in mineral based industries, petrochemical plants, pharmaceuticals, synthetic fibers, petroleum refining plants and the like. Chemical engineers design and operate chemical plants and improve methods of production. However, Chemical Engineering is different from chemical technology. Whereas the former is concerned with the designing, supervision, construction, installation and operation of plants and equipment for manufacturing chemical products and developing new methods of production, the latter deals with the actual production of substances with new properties that require new methods of production in the fields of petroleum refining, fertilizer technology, processing of food and agricultural products, paints and dyes; recycling metals, glass and plastics; cosmetics, mineral based industries and prevention and control of environmental hazards. Career pathways
As it is a broad field, you could specialise in a particular chemical process and find your way in the following professions: Biochemical Engineering: Food companies hire chemical engineers to improve crop yields by developing safer pest control products for farmers and distributors. Utility companies could employ you to examine ways to dispose of waste more efficiently while delivering supplies of clean drinking water to challenging locations. Process Engineering: A unit operation is a physical step in an individual chemical engineering process. Unit operations such as crystallisation, drying and evaporation are used to prepare reactants, purifying and separating its products, recycling unspent reactants, and controlling energy transfer in reactors. On the other hand, a unit process is the chemical equivalent of a unit operation. Along with unit operations, unit processes constitute a process operation. Unit processes involve the conversion of material by biochemical, thermochemical and other means. Chemical engineers responsible for these are called process engineers. As a Process Engineer, you can seek jobs in areas such as processing, operations or manufacturing, research and development, and the like. Marketing: Those with acumen for management may also pursue a management degree after B.Tech and take on marketing jobs. Private industry jobs are in bountiful after a management degree. In process industries they could work in positions such as a supervisor or manager, technical specialist, or a project manager. Food Engineering: In this world of ever increasing numbers, where everyone is becoming conscious of the quality of life, researchers are also looking for newer and better ways to improve the quality and extend the life of food products. As a Food Chemical Engineer your job would be to make crops more disease-resistant and safer to eat. Petroleum and Petro-Chemical Engineering: Petroleum is a finite resource, so Chemical Engineers constantly seek better ways to find and extract oil and natural gas. Oil companies deploy teams of chemical engineers to existing plants and refineries to improve production that yields from dwindling fossil fuel deposits. Chemical Engineers also travel to new drilling locations to help team of scientists develop better ways to tap previously overlooked sources of oil and gas. At the same time, Chemical Engineers also search for safer and more efficient methods of developing oil-based products. By integrating smart production methods at the site of the drilling or during the refining process, chemical engineers have discovered ways to create useful products by recycling waste elements. Pharmaceutical sector: In conjunction with medical researchers, as a Chemical Engineer you can help design and operate the equipment that produces life-enhancing drugs specialising in taking the concept of new drugs from the lab to the factory floor by discovering ways to scale these new inventions. Over time, these efforts produce medicine that costs less for consumers and can be made more efficiently in facilities around the world. Production: Some companies use chemical engineers to maintain production levels or to advise in the purchase and layout of the equipment. They may be involved in designing and constructing plants as a project engineer. In this field, the chemical engineer uses their knowledge in selecting plant equipment and the optimum method of production to minimize costs and increase profitability. After its construction, you may help in upgrading its equipment and streamlining its daily operations. Public Sector: In the government sector, you may be employed to solve environmental problems such as waste and water treatment, on energy sector such as energy conservation and research on alternate energy sources and health-related research projects, defense establishments and atomic power plants. They are also employed in service industries such as scientific research and development services, particularly in energy and the developing fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology. Other work areas include coal preparation and mineral processing, explosives manufacturing, chemical process industries such as fertiliser industry, including pesticides and herbicides, caustic soda, glass and specialty chemicals, dyes and dyestuff, paint, lubricants, steel and aluminum production. You may be employed in a variety of manufacturing industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as those producing electronics, photographic equipment, clothing, pulp and paper and even in the development of aircraft. The road ahead The scope for chemical engineers is expected to grow in future due to industrial expansion and the related scarcity of resources needed. They may be in demand as they work to create synthetic replacements for those natural materials and resources that are in short supply. Overall chemical engineers could make a significant contribution for the improvement and maintenance of the quality of life. For those of you who are wondering about the future, one thing is for sure, that the road ahead is both long and broad. You can get employment in almost all the sectors — Pharmaceuticals , Energy , Water , Food & Drink , Oil and Gas , Process Plants & Equipment , Biotechnology, Materials, Chemicals , Consultancy and the like. Thus, climb up the ladder by opting for Chemical Engineering and a steep learning curve awaits you… — The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant
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career
compass: digital marketing Seerat Toor Grewal Digital marketing as a career option has significantly left behind other fields in terms of rate of progress and potential. The field has shown unparalleled dependence of marketing plans and efforts of companies across industries. Companies can no longer afford to ignore and lose out on the online aspect of marketing as the stakes are very high and every dawn is witnessing an increase in the number of companies going digital. The increase in the number of techniques to gather and analyse data has spelt a boom in this area. More and more companies are now placing all decisions and budgets on data trends thus generated. The field is thus loaded with opportunities. As a digital marketer, you can be involved in various roles depending upon your expertise and interest the major ones being:
Not every genre can be your forte, though you can choose to multi-task and can be a consultant or end-solution expert. Each of the roles mentioned above calls for expertise and a specific skill-set to be developed. Some of these are technical in nature and require a proper training before being picked up. Creativity is the buzzword which underlies all these aspects and anybody who can think out of the box and has a sharp foresight to come up with unique formulas and structure them into puissant and well-integrated marketing campaigns, can gain immensely from this. Skills and certificates Though digital marketing is defining new horizons and scaling greater heights, it is firmly grounded in our traditional marketing approaches. Thus anybody who has done an MBA in marketing makes a strong contender for this field. The choice of role will purely depend on personal inclinations and the ‘creativity quotient’, one is naturally endowed with. There are some who are internet freaks and in spite of no formal degree in software can scoop-out the most technical information or analyse data with ease. There are some who have a natural flair for designing and just need some short training to channelise and refine their talents whereas others have strong writing skills which need to be enhanced to suit the marketing campaign strategy. There are short training courses available at both national and international levels. These stretch up to 6-12 months. These train students in various aspects of digital marketing. Many companies impart the same viz. NIIT, Edukart, under the aegis of IAMAI-Internet and Mobile Association of India, International Digital Marketing Institute etc. The courses are:
Challenges Like any other career, digital marketing is no hot-ginger tea in cold weather and is full of challenges for the firms as well as individuals. The very pace at which internet users and marketing are growing presents a tough call to the professionals as it comes along with more and more usage and preference patterns waiting to be tapped. Thus, the phenomenal amount of data generated and it analysis is the foremost challenge the businesses encounter. The proliferation of tools to go about the digital-way serves another daunting task of where to start from. There are various consultancies that have sprung up to answer those questions for businesses. For start ups and new entrepreneurs who don't have a large budget to hire big names getting the right talent who can dish-out a perfect digital strategy for them is the biggest challenge.
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on
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Scoring above 90 per cent can be mind boggling as well as extremely satisfying. But it all depends on the amount of dedication and effort you have put in. Here are some last minute tips, which will prove to be useful in dealing with Physics paper: 1NCERT textbooks are a must: Make sure that you go through each chapter as you will find most of the relevant topics of your syllabus in the NCERT textbook. Carefully solve questions, whether direct or indirect basing it on your knowledge and concepts. 2Practice using sample test papers: Solving sample papers gives you an idea of the format and marking scheme along with the frequently asked questions. Don’t use any short-cut methods/formula in answering subjective type questions. 3Solve numericals: Make sure that your concepts are very clear while solving the numericals. Otherwise it will be useless until and unless you know how the solution has been derived. 4Formulas and graphs at your finger tips: The best way to remember formulas and graphs is to have these in front of you most of the time. So, prepare a chart and put it next to your bed, as, seeing it often will set a picture in your mind. And according to experts visuals are not easily forgotten. 5Ask your experts: Always revise the formulas for solving numericals and look for solutions to your doubts. Don’t hesitate in asking about them from your teachers, experts and guides who can offer a simpler approach towards your queries. 6Comprehension is necessary: Cramming never helps where concepts and formulas are involved. Understanding the derivation of formulas and their concepts is also very essential. The technique of translating graphs and mathematical expressions into ‘word-interpretations’ and vice-versa, helps in comprehending difficult problems. This will also help you to grasp information with intricacies and finer details of the subject. 7Additional information acts as a savior: Supplement your existing knowledge by reading and accessing additional books and other relevant sources of information. It’s always good to extend your boundary of awareness and grasping new things like different kinds of calculations. This helps you answer miscellaneous questions relating to your subject.Students following the above-mentioned tips would surely be able to relax and attempt the Physics board examination paper with full preparation and confidence. — With inputs from Aakash Chaudhary, Aakash Institute
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Course cruising
Law
The International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR), an Institution working under the aegis of Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India in collaboration with NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad have together structured a course to train mediators for resolution of all kinds of family matters avoiding litigation. This course covers the entire law on family matters and one paper on psychology which includes the skills of counselling. There are also Simulation Exercises for imparting practical training. The ICADR has successfully conducted four batches and the 5th batch is about to commence. Eligibility: The minimum eligibility for admission to the diploma course is Graduation. Duration: Six months. How to apply: Interested candidates may obtain the Prospectus-cum-Application Form containing full details of the course from The Secretary, ICADR, Regional Centre, 10th Floor, Gaganvihar Building, Opp. Gandhi Bhavan, M.J.Road, Hyderabad-500 001 by remitting Rs.250/- in cash or Bankers Cheque/Demand Draft in favour of ICADR payable at Hyderabad. The application form can also be downloaded from http://icadr.ap.nic.in. Deadline: March 20, 2013. Check out: http://icadr.ap.nic.in/pg_diploma_in_fdr_2013 Engineering UG courses JB Knowledge Park, an integrated campus approved by AICTE has issued the forms for B Tech, BBA, MBA and BCA. All courses are under affiliation of MDU, Rohtak. B Tech is offered in following branches: Electronics & Communications, Computer, Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical. Eligibility: B Tech: Class XII science pass with minimum 50%/ Diploma holders can take admission directly in IInd year (Lateral Entry). BBA & BCA: 12th pass with 50%.MBA: Graduate with 50% How to apply: 1. The admission Brochure may be obtained from the institute against payment of Rs. 500/- or by sending a demand draft of Rs.500/- drawn in favour of JB Knowledge Park,Faridabad 2. Online: For online purchase and payment of the form log on to www.JBCollege.in Deadline: April 30, 2013 Check out: www.jbcollege.in Entrance National Banking Entrance Test NIIT Institute of Finance, Banking & Insurance Training Ltd. (IFBI) will be holding the 3rd National Banking Entrance Test (NBET) for their Post Graduate programmes from February 15 to 28, 2013. NBET would be an online examination in the areas of Verbal, Numerical, Logical and Basic Checking. Candidates who qualify in NBET would need to appear for a personal interview and shortlisted candidates would need to enroll for the PG Programs in order to accomplish a secured banking career with top recruiters like –ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank etc. Successful candidates will be eligible for direct admission to the industry-linked diploma programs- Post Graduate Diploma in Banking Operations (PGDBO) and BankVantage Career programs. Top 2,600 candidates in the merit list will be offered pre-course placement offers from leading private sector banks in India. Eligibility: Graduates/Post graduates with 50% or above marks in graduation, Class XII & Class X, and final year graduation students, are eligible to apply for the National Banking Entrance Test. Candidates should be born on or after 1st July, 1988 to be eligible for applying for the test. How to apply: The applicants can either visit IFBI centre or can apply online by submitting application form at http://www.ifbi.com/nbet.aspx
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smart strategy: overcoming the fear of public speaking
The mere mention of the words ‘public speaking’ strikes terror in the heart of many professionals. Unfortunately, public speaking is an essential skill for each one of us irrespective of our age or profession. From making presentations to sharing ideas, we need to address people on regular basis. Moreover, being able to speak publicly can have huge payoffs in terms of one’s career growth. Conquer the fear of public speaking by going ahead and doing it. However, confidence alone is not enough to become a pro at speaking in public. Effective communication skills come from knowing the subject matter, preparing the material and practicing delivery.
Take the plunge The most effective way to overcome any fear, much less of public speaking, is by going ahead and doing it. The longer we wait to do something, the more intense our apprehensions become. As a consequence look for and embrace opportunities to address any audience that is willing to listen. Deliver a speech, make presentations or debate to face the demons of stress and anxiety. However, refrain from making your debut in front of a large group of people. Start with small non-work related openings and slowly work your way up to more important, high pressured ones. Additionally enroll yourself with public speaking groups or organizations to learn the basic techniques. Focus on material Whilst technicalities are relevant, an important aspect of speaking in public is the content of the speech. Choose a subject that you are passionate about and know well to feel confident from inside. The better the understanding of a topic, less chances there are of making a mistake or going off track. Start writing the speech with a clear and definite purpose in mind. Stick to one main message and support it with three or four points which the audience can recall. Make sure to include anecdotes and quotations to make the speech as interesting as possible. Also spend some time to anticipate the questions which may be asked and prepare responses accordingly. Rehearse Nothing helps ease the fear of public speaking than rehearsing the whole speech several times. Practice may not make one perfect but it certainly gives the confidence to address an audience. Stand in front of a full length mirror and recite the speech from beginning to end. It will not only allow you to observe your body language but also eliminate distractive actions if any. Using a tape recorder or video camera is another option to assess your own performance. Eventually invite family and friends to listen to your speech and ask them for their honest feedback. Most importantly make sure to practice well in advance rather than just before the big moment. Know
the audience The primary reason behind the fear of speaking in public is the dread of looking foolish in the presence of other people. As a result make an effort to know the type of audience that you will be talking in front of. Reach the venue early to introduce yourself to a few members of the audience. Focus on these individuals whilst speaking by looking them in the eye and smiling. Finding friendly faces will not only ease your nerves but would also improve your connection with them. Moreover, it will give a feeling that those in the audience are not aliens but people just like you. Additionally ask questions and encourage interaction to keep everyone’s interest level high. Be yourself Mastering the art of public speaking comes not from perfection but passion and belief in oneself. Spend some time on your appearance. Before beginning the speech, relax for a few minutes by doing deep breathing and visualisation exercises. Establish a connection with the audience right away by opening with a humorous story. Stick to conversational style rather than memorising the content word for word. Speaking from the heart will make your personality come across as sincere and likeable. Most importantly don’t attempt to hide your nervousness from the audience. Acknowledge your fears openly and take a few moments to collect yourself. Feedback The essence of delivering a speech or making presentation is to give something of value to the audience. Feedback is the only way to know whether everyone has fully understood what you are trying to convey. Close the session by asking the group questions on the format, content and style of delivery. Well-drafted and concise feedback forms can also be handed out simultaneously. Since it is not possible to please each member of the audience prepare yourself for negative feedback. Accept criticism graciously and use it as a tool to strengthen your public speaking. In fact, feedback should be considered as an opportunity to learn and not a reason to quit.
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1Be
optimistic: First day at work is all about getting acquainted with the people, the culture of the new place and much more. Approach this change with a positive outlook and be confident, no matter the nature of your job. 2Communicate: Being new to an office, you may need help in adjusting to the new environment.
Talk to your colleagues, the HR department for clarifications, if any. This will help you build a cordial relationship with the people you are going to see each day. 3Learn the Company
Culture: If you are seeking long-term employment benefits with your new organization, make an effort to learn the corporate values that your company abides by. Follow the rules and work towards the motto of the company. In the long-run, this will prove to be fruitful in taking your career to heights. 4Take
initiative and help others: If you have been recruited at a higher position, ensure that your new team is comfortable with you. Talk to them about the ongoing projects, ask them about their interests and a little about the places around. Your juniors are your core strength and a strong rapport with them will establish you as a successful leader. 5Get to know the place
well: Your new office is where you will be spending a lot of time. Enrich your journey by exploring the area around and start with restaurants and eateries. Going out with your colleagues will make up for a great time and an opportunity to make friends. 6Focus on
work: While it’s great to have friends at workplace, the purpose you serve at an office is work. The more of your quality contribution, the higher you will be placed on the growth ladder. Let your work speak for itself and in no time you can expect a lucrative promotion. —
With inputs from Deepak Kaistha, Managing Partner, Planman Consulting.
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Companies ready to increase hiring
According to new research from Ernst & Young titled ‘Global Jobs Creation’, 74 per cent have raised headcount during 2012 and 54 per cent of entrepreneurs are likely to increase their workforce in 2013. “Clearly entrepreneurs are not taking a wait-and-see attitude to growing their businesses, but moving right ahead,” Ernst & Young Global Vice-Chair, Strategic Growth Markets Maria Pinelli said. “It’s fascinating to see this type of success across the board at a time when just about every leading global economic indicator reports modest or no growth,” Pinelli added. Entrepreneurs said they are in desperate need of attracting individuals with the right skills and talent to fill their needs shows the survey that covered over 600 major entrepreneurs across the world. Specific skills that are in great demand include industry knowledge (57 per cent), sales and marketing (25 per cent), and management/leadership (22 per cent). Pinelli further said given youth unemployment problems in the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Southern Europe, there is a huge gap between what rapidly-expanding emerging growth companies need and the skills of the current worker pool. “The business world is crying out for specific talent. Technical expertise is essential, but what really matters is the capacity of the candidate to transform ideas into actions that will keep their industry well ahead of the pace of market change,” Pinelli said. — PTI
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Happiness
@ work
The tussle between good and evil is constant, say the scriptures. For the sake of order, the good ones must not only join hands, but also help goodness grow by spreading the word and returning the favour.
In his seventh incarnation, Vishnu was born as Rama and Sheshnag as Lakshman. To repay the service Lakshman had done — as younger brother — to Rama, Vishnu allowed Sheshnag to be reborn as elder brother Balarama while he himself took rebirth as Krishna. Dacoits were on the rampage in Malwa. Ruler Ahilyabai Holkar offered her daughter Muktabai’s hand in marriage to the one who could round up the miscreants — breaking the tradition in which princesses only married princes. A young man, Yashwantrao Phanse, succeeded and married Muktabai. To defeat the Rakshasha trio of Surapadman, Simhamukha and Tarakasur, an illustrious son of Shiva was needed. When Shiva produced the six sparks, Vayu and Agni took these to the Ganga. The river transported these to the goddess of the forest where these turned into babies whom nymphs called Krittikas comforted. So Shiva, acknowledging everyone’s contribution, named the child Skanda for Parvati’s help, Sharavana for the forest goddess’ aid, Kartikeya after the Krittikas, Kumara for Ganga’s hand, Mahasena for Agni’s role and Guha for his part in the process. For winning the impregnable Kondana fort — guarded by Udayabhanu Rathod and his sons; Arab, Afghan, Pathan and Rajput soldiers; and killer elephant Chandravelly — Shivaji turned to his right-hand man Tanaji Malusare. He won the fort, but lost his life in the process. To keep the memory of this lion (simha)-hearted warrior alive, the fort was renamed Simhagad and the monument at the spot where Tanaji breathed his last became renowned as Virasana. Like happiness, goodness doubles when spread. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at
svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com |
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With the advent of the courier service and the ubiquitous email that has overtaken all communication it is a wonder that we still have a postal service. It may surprise many to know that not only do we have a well-functioning postal service in the country, but that it caters to the largest network of post offices in the world. As of March 2011, there are 154,866 post offices in India, out of which 89 per cent are in rural areas and 11 per cent in urban areas. It is further interesting to note that the highest post office in the world is in Hikkim, in Himachal Pradesh, at a height of 15,500 ft (4,700 m).
Chemical Engineering, to put it
simply, is the discipline that combines knowledge of chemistry and engineering for the production of chemicals and related by-products. This branch of engineering covers areas from biotechnology and nanotechnology to mineral processing. It covers various fields of chemical technology in mineral based industries, petrochemical plants, pharmaceuticals, synthetic fibers, petroleum refining plants and the like. Chemical engineers design and operate chemical plants and improve methods of production.
Q. I am
an optometrist from India who has completed a four-and-a-half years Optometry
course (B.S. Optometry). I have been in clinical optometry practice for the
past four years now. I am very keen to work as an optometrist in Canada. Is it
mandatory to undergo a bridging programme to work there or can I practice
without this? — Adhiraj saini
However, you can work as an assistant Optometrist in some provinces while attending the Bridging Programme and it may also be required of you for the programme. 
A.With global population growth having reached dangerous levels, population studies has gained increasing significance. Specialisation in this field offers opportunities to work with international aid agencies like USAID, Population Council, Ford Foundation, UNFPA, Care, etc on their various surveys and research projects. Central Government offices like the Census Office, Registrar General and Census Commission and Ministry of Family Welfare also employ specialists in Population Studies as do some NGOs and professional bodies such as the Indian Association of Population Studies.
A. DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization) receives numerous requests for summer internship / industrial training / project work in the organisation.
All human beings have their special needs, wants and desires. Who doesn’t want a better quality of life; better job, bigger house, bigger personal transport and so on? While making efforts to get what we want, we forget that we are only mortals and have certain limitations imposed by nature. Basically, these are:
As chemical engineering occupies a broad spectrum, the job prospects and career options of a chemical engineer are also vast and varied. Chemical engineers play a key role in industries, mostly in the manufacturing field. Their work area varies from petroleum and petrochemicals to food, materials, specialty chemicals, plastics, power production, environmental control, waste management and biotechnology. 
Content
marketing
The experience of sitting for Physics Plus II board exam can be the toughest for students in comparison with other subjects. Year after year students come up with requests and complaints to modify the pattern and marking of the question papers.
PG Diploma in family dispute resolution
A new job is often an indicator of a major shift in a person’s lifestyle, change in personal as well as social life. Some professionals look for stability while others aim to explore their skills at their new office. Here are some tips on how to get adjusted to a new job, be passionate at it and ultimately be successful at it.
Notwithstanding the uncertain global economic environment, over 50 per cent of entrepreneurs across the world are planning to increase their workforce this year, a survey by Ernst & Young shows.
When the Moplah merchant ships were attacked by Portuguese ships off the coast of Ullal in Karnataka, Rani Abbakka’s navy helped them anchor safely in Ullal. At the time of the Portuguese attack on Ullal, the Moplah sailors had not left for Kozhikode. So they decided to help Abbakka take on the Portuguese. Led by the queen, her army and Moplah sailors stormed the Mangalore fort. Many Portuguese soldiers surrendered and their Commander Ribero fled. To feed Vishnu who was meditating on the Seshachalam hills in Tirupati, Shiva — taking the form of a cow — gave him his milk. But when his cowherd realised this, he threw his axe at the cow. Vishnu intervened and the axe hit him on his head, leaving a hairless patch on his beautiful face. So a Gandharva princess Neela Devi gave him her beautiful hair. Seeing this selfless act, Vishnu decreed that his devotees who come to Tirupati should sacrifice their hair to her.