Luxury Brand Management
Courting LUXURY
Usha Albuquerque

No longer do we have to go abroad for shopping. Our shopping malls are filled with stores of all the latest brands sporting names such as Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Fendi, Feregamo, Louis Vitton… You name it and you can get it right here.

The Indian fashion industry is moving up the fashion value chain and is witnessing an explosion of global fashion brands. While stores in the West are facing a shopper crunch, in India people are waking up to a new dawn of purchasing power not only for clothes, perfumes or watches, but also for luxury cars, bikes, exotic holidays and a range of luxury products and services.

With the conspicuous rise of the urban elite and an increasing number of billionaires able and willing to spend on high end luxury items, a larger number of international luxury giants are looking to woo the Indian customer.

Not surprising that international luxury brands are focusing on countries like India where consumer spending is expected to grow four times in the next few years.

Scope

The last five years have seen an increasing brand awareness and changing consumer spending patterns covering the luxury market not only in the metros but also in Tier II & III cities, despite the global economic slowdown. In fact, according to an Assocham-Yes Bank study the luxury market in India is pegged to grow at 25 per cent annually and the number of millionaires is expected to multiply three times in another five years.

As the perception of luxury evolves there is a huge opportunity for those interested in working in this market segment. With the growth in the luxury business, there is a need for individuals who can manage this upswing in the demand as well the clientele who generate it, creating a number of new careers in luxury brand management.

The work

Those entering this field need to work on building and maintaining a luxury brand in a competitive global environment handling luxury buying and merchandising as well as an understanding of consumer psychology in a strongly localised cultural market. The Indian high net worth individual may not fit into the same mould as the international multi-millionaire, and so his/her needs and aspirations have to be built into a culture specific localised marketing strategy.

Getting in

Those entering this field can have any sort of academic background. Ideally, some knowledge and training in business management, commerce, and marketing is useful but not essential.

There are now dedicated institutes offering courses at undergraduate as well as post-graduate level in luxury brand management. Moreover, those with work experience in marketing and retail particularly from the fashion, hospitality, jewellery and media fields can upgrade their career to luxury brand management with training in this field.

Several business schools today are also including specialisations in luxury brand management.

The study programmes include dedicated sessions on marketing and PR, buying and merchandising, operations management and visual merchandising specific to the luxury industry.

Students are exposed to insights of the global luxury market, luxury shopper behaviour, sophisticated marketing skills to handle elite customers, organising luxury events and so on.

By developing an advanced awareness of consumer behaviour and consumer relationship management skills, students learn to apply effective strategic marketing techniques to luxury brands in a fiercely competitive market.

Some of the good courses also provide students internship opportunities with international brands, and exposure to design studios and fashion events.

As much of luxury is about aesthetics and styling, the courses aim at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of visual and applied skills in the design process, and expose them to compositions and colour, and characteristics of fashion and styling as well.

A strong aesthetic sense and flair for design and styling along with some business management background coupled is essential to be successful in this industry. Since luxury brand management involves a high level of customer interaction, those with a natural flair for networking, especially with corporate and affluent customers, and the ability to build up a rapport with key decision makers, will do well for themselves in this industry.

With the rapid expansion of the industry, there is growing scope and numerous job opportunities within the industry.

Training in luxury brand management can lead to a variety of jobs in this sector, including roles like of luxury brand manager, luxury store managers, luxury shopping consultants, publicity and luxury PR specialist, business development consultants, fashion strategist, etc.

Some institutes offering courses include:

• Pearl Academy has started a four year undergraduate programme as well as a one-year professional Diploma in Luxury Brands designed and delivered in collaboration with NABA, Milan, a top-rank fashion institute. The programme includes a one-month study programme at NABA Milan and the opportunity to visit Luxury industries in Europe and interact with brands like Gucci, Prada, Roberto Cavalli etc.
• Luxury Connect conducts several short and long-term programmes in luxury brand management in collaboration with SDA Bocconi School of Management. These include luxury operations management, luxury visual merchandising and luxury buying management.
• The Lifestyle and Luxury management institute Chandigarh in collaboration with International Fashion Academy ( IFA) Paris, offers a two-year MBA in luxury brand management and a one year diploma in luxury and lifestyle management. The MBA programme is open to those holding a bachelor's degree, preferably in marketing, business administration, media and communication or design, or at least five years of relevant working experience. The diploma course is open to all students who have passed Plus II.
• IIM, Ahemdabad has also launched a Global Management programme in luxury jointly with ESSEC Business School Paris ideal for business professionals with some executive level experience. Participants of the programme will get trained at ESSEC Paris where they get to interact with faculty, alumni, touring international fashion houses and luxury business houses followed by intensive training at the IIM A campus. There are many more courses on offer in Europe, the home to some of the best names in luxury merchandise, particularly in France, Italy, Spain and the UK. With growing consumer awareness the Indian luxury market is poised to expand exponentially. International brands of custom-made cars, high fashion, wines, chocolates, spa services, jewellery, cosmetics, watches, are eyeing the Indian market and will be in need of experienced brand managers.

Job scape

You can start off as an executive and move up the ranks to handle exclusive brand showrooms. With experience you will be assigned responsibilities such as handling the brands' regional business expansion plans, organising prestigious events to market the brand, developing promotional campaigns and headhunting for a popular brand ambassador amongst others.

Remuneration

This is the field which breathes, spells and exudes luxury and so compensation is commensurate with expectations. While a fresher can expect a starting salary between Rs 6 to 8 lakh per annum in Luxury Brand Management, those who excel can look forward to sales perks like cash/ gift incentives, company paid travel, vacations, meals at five-star venues and networking with high profile individuals. Depending on the sales targets and the subsequent performance assessment, the incentives can range from getting a luxury car as a gift from the company to an international vacation for your family.

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

What it takes

Luxury brand management can best be described as an interdisciplinary subject that applies time-tested management practices to businesses that offer premium services. The primary role of a luxury brand manager is to understand the background and tradition of the brand and to associate its values with a potential set of clients. The luxury brand manager has to keep the brand popular while retaining its exclusivity, ensuring that the brand remains a popular and favoured choice amongst both - the masses in terms of desire and the elite in terms of purchase.

Smooth ride to right referrals
Pamela Eyring

Attention job seekers! One of the best ways to get your foot in the door for a job interview is to get a job referral, or two. And it doesn’t stop there: according to StartWire.com, one of the web’s top sites for job searching, “Referrals are the #1 source of hires in corporate America today. And, recent research shows that ‘referral’ hires not only stay in their jobs longer but that they perform better over the long term.” If you’re new at asking for a referral, or if you’re unsure if you’re using the correct approach, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Use your mouse

A good place to start looking is by going online and using LinkedIn. Search by company name, then click on the company you’re interested in. You’ll see a list of contacts in your network who may be able to help. Try a soft touch. If your current employer knows you’re job hunting, ask and ask early but don’t come on like gangbusters. A gentle approach is often the best and you don’t have to wait for your next in-person meeting. The important thing is to ask, so feel free to get started by sending an email or bringing it up during a phone call.

Think outside the box

The best type of referral is an employee referral. However, clients, vendors, and other people connected with the company may be able to assist, as well. And don’t laugh, but it’s OK to ask friends and family to vouch for your integrity and work ethic, especially if they are well-known or work in your industry.

Ask in writing, or not

It’s better to ask in writing because it gives the potential referrer time to think over if and how they can refer you for a job. That said, it’s perfectly acceptable to call, send an email or use a social networking site like LinkedIn or Facebook to make the request.

Be diplomatic

Never ask someone, “can you refer me?” Instead, ask “do you feel you know my work well enough to refer me for a job at your company?” or “do you feel you could give me a referral?” That way the person has an “out” if they’re uncomfortable giving you a referral and you can feel assured those who say “yes” will write a positive letter and give you a strong endorsement.

Be specific

Don’t be afraid to ask people to highlight specific skills. People are often unsure how much or how little information to include and are happy to emphasise the skills and experience most relevant to the position you’re pursuing.

Be current

If you don’t know the person you’re asking very well or if they’re unfamiliar with your current work history, provide an updated copy of your resume and any pertinent information about your skills and experiences so they have the most current information with which to work.

Acknowledge the effort

Be sure to thank everyone who has helped you and taken the time to write a referral. A hand-written note is always the best. This simple effort speaks volumes about how appreciative you are and will stand out in a sea of e-mails. Remember, the person providing your referral isn’t just doing you a favour, they’re putting their reputation on the line. Before you ask for a referral, make sure you’re qualified for the job.

— The writer is the president of The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW)

work station
Fight Monday blues
Khushwant S. Gill

It’s Sunday evening and the dreaded Monday blues are upon us. Where did the weekend go? We're more tired today than we were on Friday evening. Back to work, back to school, back to the grind — the cycle goes on. This universal malaise seems to have no end and like the common cold, no apparent cure.

But hold on a second, maybe we rush ahead of ourselves here. Mondays don't necessarily have to be so dreadful. Maybe we're looking at things from too narrow a perspective. A certain amount of trepidation is natural when we move out of our comfort circle of friends and family and into a more formal social or professional setting. But there are factors which are more in your control and which you can change. Let's group them under the following heads:

n Personal outlook and worldview. Many a time, small irritants hide larger issues. Have you examined your life holistically lately? Have you matched your aspirations and goals with your current situation? A periodic review is necessary if one wants to avoid feeling existentially adrift, especially on a Monday morning!

n Closely allied with this is our personal life — health, relationships, finances. In this context the concept of compartmentalisation is very relevant. Every aspect of your life needs to be put away into its own mental compartment, without locking the compartments. This enables an uncluttered, yet flexible mind. As any practitioner of meditation will tell you, it’s not always necessary to put blinkers on and concentrate solely on one thing, or on nothing at all. Following your mental train of thought and being able to retrace to the original thought is as helpful. So, when at work, work. The mind wanders, let it wander, but track back to the point of branching out from your main thought process and within no time you'll be back to the job at hand. And maybe even enriched with a new idea or two.

n Interpersonal factors. We live in a social world and in dealing with it's ups and downs, a sense of perspective is important. This car salesman I once knew had a unique way of looking at things: ‘Man, I just don't get personal. I concentrate on the eyes and also hear very carefully what my customer means’. Means not says. Great advice because it prevents you from getting bogged down by perceived negativity, or insults and enables you to get on with the job at hand.

Ignore the small stuff, but address a larger interpersonal issue before it gets out of hand.

• Work Environment. It's Monday, so do something fresh. Redecorate your desk, put out some new photos, dress differently. And smile a lot. You need it and so does everybody else. Once you have the basics right, there are these small factors which make a huge difference:
• Keep Monday a light day. Don't overload your schedule. Prepare for it on Friday.
• Sleep well the previous night.
• Be on time, or early. There's nothing worse than stumbling and bumbling into office on a Monday, hair dishevelled, dragging your bag, avoiding people and making a beeline for your desk.
• Look forward to doing or completing some enjoyable or important projects the coming week. A sense of purpose focuses the mind wonderfully.

The brighter side of workplace change
Those who adapt to change willingly and happily are the ones who grow in their careers as well in personal life
D. C. Sharma

Psychological research indicates that any change at workplace, even when it is for the betterment of employees, is usually resisted. Though the employees realise that the announced change will make their job and career better, yet their emotional reaction is that of annoyance.

Thus the act of introducing change at any workplace requires a thorough analysis. The timely efforts made in this direction never go waste. “They must often change who like to be constant in happiness,” said Confucius. Even Francis Bacon confirms that “Nothing is pleasant that is not spiced with variety.”

To introduce changes at workplace from time to time is a part of effective management. But the way a change is introduced makes a world of difference between success and failure.

Only those employees who change with the changing times progress. And those who continue labouring hard in the same old rut lose the chance to ascend the career ladder. The old adage ‘when in Rome do as the Romans do’ carries weight. But the very act of adapting to change requires a lot of courage. If one adapts at the right time and in the right spirit then the change is sure to sharpens one’s learning as well as earning skills.

Chance to assess

Self assessment helps a lot in incorporating change. That’s why leading companies conduct an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) about their employees. It enables the seniors to know where their employees need to improve. Thus, they incorporate the change as required. Such an exercise made in the right earnest enables the employees to find a better place to fit in.

Change does not prick when one knows that it is necessary. Just remember the days when we were children. How we thought, acted and spoke! And when we become adults don’t we wonder how odd those acts and actions of childhood appear! Also how different one feels when one is at one’s office table! Doesn’t it look odd if one still thinks, acts, and behaves like a child? That’s how change is necessary to go higher and higher at the career ladder.

Different faces of change

Change at workplace come in three ways. The most inevitable change comes with the advancement in science and technology. Though all companies get their employees well trained as per technical advancement, yet some employees feel comfortable with their old way of working. The earlier such employees come out of their comfort zone and enjoy the favour of the latest change, the better they would equip themselves with more competence.

The second type of change is the one which the boss implements of his own. To complain and grumble, without going into the details of such a change is not good. The subordinate who habitually finds faults with one’s boss in secret, develops a grudge against the latter. This attitude blurs one’s vision to see the bright side. The change advised by one’s boss, must be considered with an optimistic bent of mind.

The third type of change is the one carried out by a person himself. Change is the law of nature. Employees often get fed up at the end of the day. They need to inculcate change in their way of working. Making even minor changes at the workstation, the setting of the chair, the way of handling the computer, learning to sit erect and relaxed, all can make one again active and fresh. That even improves one’s output and productivity.

Getting a transfer is also a kind of change. Transfer is not a punishment! Having learnt from the first hand experience, almost every leading company transfers its best employees inter departmentally, as also from one place to another. This change gives them the chance to gain expertise and experience. Working at the same place and in the same department can make bright employees complacent.

Communicate effectively

For introducing change communication plays a great role. Lack of communication produces a negative impact. Employees who would be affected by change, need to be explained how change would benefit them. The fear of change involves dealing with the unknown. Changes can be introduced effectively only by having a heart-to-heart talk with the employees concerned.

Employees also need to develop an attitude of flexibility to inculcate change. One needs to analyse what old skills can be suitably utilised in the new situation. That will reveal the similarities rather than the differences in the new system. Such an analysis enables one to remove the weak points of both the systems and benefit from the plus points of both.

— The writer is a career consultant

career compass: sports management
Sporting spirit
Gauri Chhabra

With the much-talked about Indian Premier League (IPL) just around the corner, sports is hogging the headlines everywhere. Sports is one industry that has all the hype, publicity and money and thus it attracts youngsters as a magnet.

However, making a career in this field doesn’t require one to be an active sportsperson, as there are number of operations related to sports and sportspersons that need effective management by professionals. As the entire sports industry undergoes a paradigm shift, the requirement for professionals in this field has increased manifold. For those of you wanting to bask in the glory of sports without its edginess, Sports Management is a good option.

The work

Sports management involves planning, supervising, and organising and managing different sporting activities. Sports managers strike a tangential chord everywhere; at college sports, recreational sports, sports marketing, front office in professional sports, facility management, sports finance, event management, sports economics, and sports information. On the face of it, the profession seems glamorous where one gets to interact with icons, but slip into the role of an executive and the realisation will soon dawn that it is more sweat and toil than glitz and glamour.

Getting in

Sports management offers a broad spectrum that encompasses sports and finance, social and ethical relevance of sports management, sponsorship and broadcasting, communication with the media and press, knowledge about sports law on contracts and drug use, and sports ethics and organisation of sporting events. With this broad spectrum providing both lucre and limelight, more and more people are making a beeline for this field.

While donning the cap of a sports manager can happen naturally for players once they hang-up their boots, non-sportspersons can also get into this profession after getting proper training.

Getting into this field requires no specific course or discipline of study. However, undergraduate and graduate degree programmes are available in sports and fitness management.

These programmes offer training in personal health, nutrition, sports psychology and wellness. Students can acquire leadership skills, learn about athletics training and study legal issues in health and fitness.

Interested students can enter by taking a management degree after graduation or a PGDM. Though a candidate from any stream can take up a course in sports management, graduates in physical education are preferred.

Career pathways

Dr Manu Sood, Head, Department of Physical Education, DAV College, Jalandhar, says, “The whole gamut of sports has witnessed a paradigm shift. Today, sports hogs the limelight as people have graduated from just focusing on eating and living healthy to being fitness conscious. This has made more students opt for courses in sports and physical education. The institutes are offering short-term courses in yoga, swimming and other sports. Infrastructure and resource crunch, however, still remains a cause of concern.”

“With offshoots like Sports Journalism, the discipline has seen a significant facelift. To start off with, one can work as a coach in gymnasium, sports and fitness center, sports club, schools, and colleges. With adequate experience, you can explore various other opportunities in sports management, such as athletic director, trainer, recruiter and scout,” adds Dr Sood.

Being a diversified field, some other productive and suitable jobs to look for in sports management include compliance director, sports information director, agent, and sports marketer. Organisations like the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are always in search of professionals with sponsorship leveraging, evaluation, media planning, merchandising, finance, corporate event sponsorship management, and infrastructure management.

Sports and Fitness Managers

Sports and fitness managers are trained in the operation, marketing and instruction of enterprises such as health, fitness and rehabilitation centers; college, recreational and professional sports teams; and corporate fitness and health programmes. Knowledgeable trainers, coaches and managers oversee skill development and injury prevention in increasingly competitive sports such as football, baseball and basketball. You may also market and sell retail and specialised sports and fitness equipment, products and services and get training in public relations and health and safety standards.

Whether you operate as an independent sports manager or are employed as an executive in a sports management firm, the role involves a five-fold function: business development which means signing up with sportspersons, sponsors and generating revenues for the company. Client servicing, planning, strategizing and execution of events are the other two roles. Promotion and research form the final components.

The road ahead

While the West has lineage and legacy as far as sports and sports management is concerned, India is still in its nascent stage. But with the increased thrust on various sports and with our sportspersons winning laurels in the international arena, the future of sports management appears bright and lucrative.

— The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant

Skill set

Good knowledge of various types of sports, networking skills, innovativeness, convincing power and leadership skills are some of the must-haves in a manager. Certain situations warrant quick decisions. There could be a situation when promised deliveries by vendors fail to happen, celebrity doesn't make a timely appearance, rain creates havoc and so on. In such cases a professional is expected to take timely decisions to avoid a crisis. Sports managers should learn to be mentally strong. A sports manager should know how to handle failure. Multi-skilling can come in handy. There are multiple role-plays for a sports professional, ranging from raising professional bills to instructing the banner people on layouts to organising extra police force for events and even taking traffic permissions.

Institute watch

There are only a handful of institutes dedicated to teaching games management as a subject. The turf is usually the bastion of professionals or former players. The students trained formally very rarely manage to break into the big league unless they are enterprising enough to crack it through hard work and work their way up. Some leading institutions offering courses in this area are:

• Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports Science, New Delhi
• Amity School of Physical Studies and Sports Sciences, Noida
• Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala
• Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education, Gwalior.
• Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu
• Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata
• International Institute of Sports Management, Mumbai

new avenues: pharmaco-vigilance
The secure pill
Fazle Ghufran

Pharmaco-vigilance, offers new career options to students interested in getting into pharma courses. This area deals with the good and adverse effects of medicines and is an important and integral part of clinical research.

It can be “defined as the pharmacological science relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects, particularly long and short-term adverse effects of medicines. Healthcare Industry needs skilled professionals who have sound knowledge in pharmaco-vigilance.

Nature of work

Today, a lot many pharmaceutical companies are making medicines and all the medicines have to clear various tests before being launched in the market. Thus a pharmaceutical company or agency must understand and teach patients about the good and bad effects of medicines and the proper usage of it. The medicines, which are very strong and harmful for the patients are blocked or restricted by the suggestions of pharmaco-vigilance professionals.

Who can succeed?

Professionals who have already made bright career in this field suggest upcoming students that “this profession is perfect for the students who are experts in finding the side effects of medicines. For this, they should always be in touch with patients, doctors, medicine sellers, Medicine Control Board etc. Apart from it, you (as a professional) should always be proactive for this. The profession requires an updated knowledge where all medicines related problems like availability, reach, distribution, and usage should be dwindled.”

Getting in

Students can go in for certificate and diploma courses in pharmaco-vigilance that are being offered by various institutes. The duration of the pharmaco-vigilance course and pharmacolipidology course can be around four months. For those wanting to enroll for a Post Graduate Diploma, the course duration is of one year. These short-term courses are being offered by the Institute of Clinical Research. Graduates and postgraduates in botany, geology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, and biotech etc. can apply for these courses. Minimum of 50 per cent marks in graduation and postgraduation are required to get admission in these courses. Students with bachelor's and master's degree in chemistry, pharmacy and medicine can also apply for these courses.

Employment opportunities

Qualified individuals can get jobs in pharmaceutical company, biotech company, KPO agencies, medical colleges etc.

Salary package

In this profession, students in the initial stage can earn Rs 15,000 to Rs 20, 000 per month. It keeps on increasing with the years of experience.

Institute watch

• The Institute of Clinical Research, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad.

Cool Counsel
Get others to like you
D. S. Cheema

It is well known that the feeling of not being liked or wanted by others is one of the worst reactions of human beings. Those who are not liked don’t get the help and support of others. You live and operate in a world where you need the help and support of others because you cannot do everything by yourself. That is why your success doesn’t depend on you alone; it depends, to a large extent, on others as well.

Securing co-operation from other people is as difficult as it is to get anything done from others, which, perhaps, is the most difficult thing in the world. Do other people like you and are they ready to willingly support you?

If others don’t like you and don’t want to support you willingly, what can you do to get them like you? Because, in any case, you cannot achieve your goals without the help of other people; they may be your colleagues at your place of work or your family members or even friends.

Here are a few tips to get support from others, so that you can succeed:

• Others liking you is directly proportional to you liking others. You must learn to like others. It is a fact that some people are more likeable than others, but there can be no man whom you can't like if you make sincere effort. There is a curious quirk in human nature, because of which some people may not like you even when you do your best to like them.
• Every thing you do, do it sincerely and genuinely. No one can ever buy genuine friendship by just giving parties and giving gifts. Many people believe in this and end up wasting money and perhaps, creating contempt in others minds. No one likes fakes, in currency or in life.
• Never try to get even with others. Forget and forgive is the best philosophy. If you get in to the race of taking revenge, you will end up losing
• Never think that you know everything that is to be known. Give others the credit where it is due. And remember, "The more you know, the more you realize, how little you know". In words of the great Steve Jobs, you must "Stay hungry, stay foolish"
• Be the first to make friends. Don't keep waiting for others to take the most important first step. Move a step and you will get rewarded with the gift of friendship. Introduce yourself to others confidently. People like such imitative.
• Always say pleasant things to strangers. They will remember you as a good person and would like to make you friends. Some people have acid tongue and spread venom at anything and everything. It is not good for any one.
• Make use of 'social- lubricants' liberally. Use of four wonder words, ‘Please’, ‘Thank you’, ‘Excuse me’ and ‘Sorry’ in daily life can help you become a highly likeable person. In a civilised society, people expect you to behave in a reasonable, fair and courteous manner. Your position, authority, physical looks, money and social standing etc should not come in the way of liberal use of these magic words.
• Positive thinkers are liked by others. You are responsible for the way you look at life. Victor Frankl, survivor of a prison camp in Nazi Germany has this to say, “The last of the human freedom is to choose one’s attitude in any set of circumstances” Negative thinking blows every thing out of proportion; whereas, positive attitude puts everything in right perspective. Never generate negative emotions about your relatives, friends, colleagues, seniors or juniors. With that kind of attitude, you will attract, people who matter in your life, like a good magnet.
• Never forget that basic etiquettes and manners are essential in any society or place of work. No one likes to shake a sweaty or dirty hand; people avoid those who cough and spit anywhere or push others to move ahead and project a shabby unkempt look. Make special effort to appear neat and clean and an organised person.
• Spread as many smiles as possible. Greet others with a smile; one may be senior, colleague, junior, or even an acquaintance. A smile is contagious like negative attitude is. No soon you will create an environment where every one smiles. Remember, no one is interested in your sob stories; others like to meet people who smile.

Help others to help yourself

No good deed ever goes waste. We always try to find someone who can give us something; money, or physical and psychological support in one way or the other. But one must remember that lasting relationship is not possible if the very purpose of entering into a relationship is only to take and not give. The principle of ‘power of compounding’ tells us that a bit of giving each day can turn into such a huge spiral in due course that one may be amazed at the powerful influence it can have on others’ lives and on one’s own life.

scholarship roundup

Birbal Sahni Research Scholars

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany announces Research Scholarships. The scholarship is for research training under experienced researchers/investigators of repute in the field of Palaeobotany/Palynology and such aspects of Botany and Geology which have a direct bearing on palaeobotanical research.

Eligibility: MSc or recognised equivalent qualification with a first division in biosciences/geology/physics/chemistry or an allied relevant discipline in earth sciences. Preference will be given to CSIR/UGC/NET qualified candidates.

Age Limit: 28 years as on April 01, 2013.

Details: The Research Scholar shall be entitled to a scholarship amount of Rs.16,000 per month during the first and second year. After two years, the progress report of the Research Scholar will be assessed along with publications/accepted research papers, research reports, etc. by a Committee constituted by the Director. If found satisfactory, the Research Scholar may be allowed to continue for the third year with an increased scholarship amount of Rs 18,000 per month.

Number of awards: 7

Duration: Two years.

How to apply: Application on plain paper from the candidate together with the copies of marksheets,certificates, degrees, testimonials, etc. should reach the Registrar, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow 226 007, UP

Deadline: April 5, 2013

Scholarship test

MIB School of Management of Trieste, Italy, has announced a scholarship competition for young talented entrepreneur applicants to the XXIV Edition of the MBA in International Business. The scholarship will cover 50 per cent of the tuition fees. MIB School of Management will award scholarships on the basis of educational qualifications, professional skills and motivation shown during the entrance interview.

Eligibility: Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Academic degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline.
• Not more than 35 years old on August 30, 2013.
• Be an entrepreneur (founder of its own company/business, contractor, consultant, freelancer)
• Good working knowledge of English (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE certificate is recommended).
• Minimum 3 years of work experience.

Deadline: May 1, 2013.

Computing science

The School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow is offering 5 CS Kilburn scholarships for the following postgraduate programmes commencing in September 2013:

• MSc & MRes Computing Science
• MSc & MRes Search Engine Technologies
• MSc & MRes Mobile Design and Engineering MSc & MRes Software Engineering MSc & MRes Information Security

course cruising

PG Diploma in economics

The Indian School Of Business and Finance (ISBF) is inviting applications for admission to the one-year PG Diploma in Economics from the University of London – London School of Economics. ISBF is an Affiliate centre of the University of London (UoL) with academic direction from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE).

Eligibility: Three-year full time graduation degree. Students appearing for their final year exams in 2013 may also apply. All applicants must have demonstrable proficiency in English and mathematics.

Selection procedure: Admissions are based on academic record and performance in the personal interview conducted by the ISBF Admissions Committee.

How to apply: Online

To apply offline: Download Application form. Visit www.isbf.edu.in Print the Post Graduate Diploma for Graduates application form. Complete the form, attach documents and courier it toour campus address : ISBF, 15A, Ring Road Lajpat Nagar- IV, New Delhi -110024.

Deadline: April 5, 2013

Check out: www.applytoisbf.com

PG in Communication

The Delhi School of Communication (DSC) has announced the admission open for its XIXth two-year Post Graduate Programme in Communication (PGDPC). The DSC programme is a broad based course covering Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing, and Event Management. Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing specialized programmes provide in-depth knowledge to its students about the areas. The programme is a dual qualification programme awarding both the PGDPC by the DSC and MMC (Masters in Mass Communication) from Guru Jambheshwar University (UGC and AICTE approved).

Eligibility: Graduates or those completing graduation in 2013 in any stream can apply for the programme. Application forms may be downloaded or submitted online itself at www.dsc.edu.in.

For admission to DSC, students have to either clear the MAT/CAT/XAT examination or sit for the DSC internal Admission exam. The DSC Admission test is for one-and-a-half hour and tests an individual on basic reasoning, logic and creative writing skills. Basic knowledge on Advertising and Media is also tested. Thereafter they need to sit for a half hour Psychological Test, testing candidates’ creative writing skills and emotional quotient. Both the Internal Exam and Psychological Test are available online this year. This is followed by a Personality Interview, the third and final step towards obtaining admission to DSC.

Eligibility: Graduates or those completing graduation in 2013 in any stream can apply for the programme. Selection will be done through MAT/CAT/XAT examination score or through the DSC internal admission exam followed by a personal interview.

How to apply: Aspirants can visit www.dsc.edu.in for application form and more details.

Deadline: April 15, 2013

Check out: www.dsc.edu.in

Diploma programmes

IIMC, an Internationally-known centre for training and research in Mass Communication, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt of India, invites applications for the following courses.

nPost-graduate Diploma Course in Radio & Television Journalism, New Delhi

nPost-graduate Diploma Course in Advertising and Public Relations, New Delhi

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline. Those who have appeared/are appearing in final degree examinations are also eligible to apply.

How to apply: Application forms can be purchased in person or by post on payment of Rs. 1200 for general category and Rs 1100 for SC/ST/OBC/PH category through a demand draft only, drawn on any scheduled bank payable to Registrar IIMC at New Delhi, from IIMC New Delhi or IIMC Dhenkanal (Orissa). Request for application forms should be accompanied by a Demand Draft & a self-addressed stamped (Rs. 70/-) envelope (27x17 cm).

On-line Application process: The application form can be filled after downloading from www.iimc.gov.in. Each application form must be accompanied by a Demand Draft of Rs 1200 for General & Rs 1100 for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Handicapped categories drawn in favour of Registrar, IIMC New Delhi.

Deadline: April 22, 2013.

Check out: www.iimc.gov.in

VIVO Healthcare Institute, Gurgaon, is inviting applications for its short-term course in Emergency Medical Technician (Basic).

Eligibility: EMT Basic (2 months): Nursing GNM, B. Pharma and B.Sc. Life Science

EMT Basic(4 months):10+2 (Science Background preferred)

Selection Process: Interview & skill assessment

How to apply: Can collect application form VIVO Healthcare, Admission Office-Gurgaon. Call +91 8860004734 or email:enquiry@vivohealthcare.com

Deadline: April 20, 2013

Check out: http://www.vivohealthcare.com/institute

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Online courses for IIT-JEE preparation

Students preparing for the JEE(Mains) exam can check out a number of online preparation options. Online education company Meritnation.com has designed online preparation courses for aspirants to help them crack the JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams.

The course includes Multimedia Tutorials, Practice Questions, Interactive Activities, NCERT Solutions and Revision Notes along with Model Tests and Solved JEE and Board Papers, based on the current JEE and Class XII pattern.

Starting from 4th April 2013, these tests will give students an All India Rank to help them prepare for the IIT JEE Advanced Exam scheduled on the 2nd of June 2013. Another company, MPower Learning Solutions has developed the Videos2learn application where the concept is explained to students and the problem is solved to explain them in a short, concise visual way which creates a far better impact than text book knowledge.

Videos2learn is a five-minute learning video series designed to prepare aspirants to appear for the upcoming IIT Jee Mains. The company programmes offers JEE programme (Math/Phy/Chem) at Rs 99 each for a month. This is a very intensive programe has about 750 videos

Students can visit http://www.videos2learn.in/ to get more information.

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Avoid fun at another’s cost

April 1 gives everyone a license to play a prank. But remember that careless joke can be very dangerous so one should be extra careful while playing a prank. A prank by two Australian radio presenters led to the death of Indian-origin nurse Jacintha Saldanha on December 7, 2012. Huna King Mihirakula’s forces were on their way to Gandhara.

From the narrow mountain path, an elephant — shrieking and grunting — slipped and fell into the gorge below. The Huna leader found this amusing and pushed many more jumbos down to their death just for his pleasure.

For not accepting his supremacy, King Jaichand of Kannauj decided to humiliate King Prithviraj Chauhan of Delhi by placing his statue — as a doorman — during the marriage of Samyogita, Jaichand’s daughter. This forced lovers Prithviraj and Samyogita to elope from the marriage venue.

A rich businessman in Madras promised to help Mother Teresa, but kept her waiting for an hour in the sun. Finally, when he emerged, betel juice from his mouth spoilt the Mother’s white sari. Despite the humiliation, Mother Teresa stood her ground and the trader had to donate generously to the Mother’s cause. The trader’s grandchildren donate to the Missionaries of Charity even to this day.

For his fun, King Kansa of Mathura would tie the beards of the sages together and make them run.

In the Ramayana, Kumbhakarna would frighten the sages with his burly form and demonic antics. The Vindhya mountain range in central India started growing in size when it noticed that the sun went around mount Meru. “Go around me as well,” Vindhya demanded. Chaos and a showdown were prevented as a result of the intervention of sage Agastya who said, “Friend Vindhya, I wish to crossover to south India. Please help this old man cross by assuming your original size and hold on to that size till my return.” Just as planned, Agastya never returned.

For his honeymoon, Amar Singh Rathor, a Commander in the Mughal army, took seven days leave. This was the opportunity Salavat, Shah Jahan’s brother-in-law, was waiting for to poison the Emperor’s ears. As Rathor didn’t return even after 14 days, Salavat had him summoned to court and imposed a huge fine on Rathor. Rathor rebelled, killed Salavat and was himself killed treacherously by his brother-in-law. Finally, Shah Jahan realised his mistake, sought forgiveness from Rathor’s wife and appointed Rathor’s nephew Ram Singh in his place.

On being denied access to his father’s lap, five-year-old prince Dhruv went to a jungle infested with all sorts of beasts. His stepmother Queen Suruchi had prevented him from sitting on his father King Uttanpada’s lap as “he was not born to her”. Under Lord Vishnu’s protection and sage Narada’s guidance, the lad achieved his objective. A tongue that utters bitter words is no less than a sword.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com 

Career Hotline
Pervin Malhotra email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com 

What can I do to make my life meaningful?

Q. I dropped out of school in 2007 and apart from doing a few odd jobs, I have done nothing worthwhile since then. I’ve become negative and cynical about everything and have no friends.

I tend to overeat and have put on a lot of weight I have been seeing a psychologist for the past two years, but I’m still clueless about what I should do. Please acknowledge this letter. It will boost my morale and help me carry on. I’m desperately looking for answers. — G T

A. I’m no psychiatrist, but here are some tried and tested practical tips that might help. Give them a try them – you have nothing to lose.

• Make sure you eat enough. Eat plenty of protein; it will make you feel better.
• Exercise daily for 1/2 hour — whether you feel like it or not (jog, skip, do yoga, whatever).
• Every day, do one thing to make your life better and more meaningful. This is important. You must make an effort.
• You can’t control what comes into your head, but you can certainly control whether or not you keep thinking of it all the time. Whenever you find yourself thinking a negative thought, change the subject. Refuse to let yourself think negative thoughts for any longer than it takes you to recognise them.

Remember: Life is what you make of it. Have fun, and make yours count!

Which course should I opt for?

Q. I am doing my BA and I want to study abroad. Which course should I opt for and in which country? — rajbeer singh

A. Unless you are not absolutely clear about your purpose or motivation to study abroad, you can end up choosing the wrong course at the wrong college — an expensive mistake in terms of time, money and opportunity.

So first of all, please answer the following questions honestly:

Begin with why exactly you wish to study abroad? Is it for:

• better career prospects
• to enter the international job market
• for immigration purposes
• just for the ‘foreign educated’ tag,
• you have relatives/friends studying/living there,
• a combination of all of these, or
• for some other reason (e.g. ‘others are doing so’)

Check out the official website of the institution/s you’re interested in to get a ‘feel’ of the place and ascertain their admission requirements. You can even get in touch with their international students’ section. Moreover, fortunately, the embassies/high commissions of all major countries and their education divisions are located in Delhi as well as in some of the major metro cities. Now regarding agents, please take care to choose one carefully. If you have shortlisted colleges or universities, do visit their websites to check if they have India representatives and offices (if they do, the contact details will be usually mentioned there). Consult only authorised agents/agencies for admissions and other related formalities.

How much experience should I have before joining MBA?

Q. I am a 22-year-old working as an executive in an event management company. This is my first job. I want to pursue an MBA from a good B-school. Should I work for a few years and then apply to B-schools. Will my work experience be considered at all? — hriday bhattacharya

A. It isn’t clear from your query how long you’ve been working as a junior AE in the agency. But if you look at the typical class composition of top B-schools, you’ll find that students have an average of 2-4 years of work-experience. If you have less than two years of work experience, it will hardly get any weightage in MBA selection or in placement. You’ll be treated on par with fresh graduates.