Working with nature and wildlife
Call of the wild
Usha Albuquerque

Choosing to work in wildlife and environment conservation ensures an exciting and satisfying career

The wanton felling of trees, the plunder of the forests, and the indiscriminate killing of wild animals, and destruction of their habitats has already created great damage to our world. There are many opportunities for you to take up the challenge. There is a huge need for dedicated young wildlife and forest professionals to protect nature and what is left of the environment that we are misusing.

A large number of dedicated organisations, government agencies and NGOs are involved in wildlife conservation, working to retain the country’s amazing wide variety of wildlife. They work at various levels on a variety of programmes — some handle tiger monitoring and anti-poaching operations, others, rehabilitation work and education of those living around tiger reserves . Many spend tireless years conducting research, or take up advocacy and lobbying for a cause, write articles or become film-makers.

Institute watch Institutes offering M Sc in Wildlife Science and conservation: Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun  National Centre for Biological Research, Bangalore  Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh) Chaudhary Charan Singh (C.C.S.) Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar Haryana - College of Agriculture, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand College of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan Himachal Pradesh Forestry Research Institute, Dehra Dun Indian Institute of Forest Management, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal. Madras University, Chennai TERI University, New Delhi

But the Indian conservation and scientific community needs to be strengthened and offers exciting career opportunities for those with a passion for nature. There is a great demand for specially trained professionals who can work in forest and wild life conservation, from foresters, forest range officers and zoo curators to biologists, zoologists, entomologists and environment conservationists.

The work as a wildlife conservationist covers the preservation and protection of all species of flora and fauna in sanctuaries, nature parks and protected areas. Your training will prepare you to conduct field work in the forests, research studies or management and communications assignments.

Getting In

If you have an interest in science and in particular, biology then you can consider a career as a wildlife biologist, veterinarian, wildlife manager, zoo curator or environment specialist.

Students with non-science background wanting to work in the area of wildlife conservation, can try their hand at becoming wildlife communications specialist, handle awareness programmes, advocacy and wildlife policy analysis and management issues.

Those with a background in science can take up a bachelor’s degree in any of the life sciences, forestry science, veterinary science, environment science or wildlife science and specialise at the master’s level for a career as a wildlife specialist, biologist, zoologist and in environment conservation. There are also various courses available in forestry at the graduate and post-graduate level.

Most universities offer B Sc in botany, biology, zoology, and applied life sciences. Agriculture colleges offer B.Sc programmes in forestry , for which Plus II with PCB is the minimum requirement. Some also offer MSc and PhD courses. After graduation a master’s in environment science, wildlife sciences, and other specialisations is the perfect way to enter this field.

Courses

• Punjab University, Chandigarh offers Msc Environment Science for graduates of science, while Guru Nanak Dev University offers specialisations in Environment Science as well as zoology and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana offers degree programmes in zoology.
  
  

Most universities have veterinary colleges and admission is on the basis of an entrance test.

• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is a premier institute that offers master’s level programmes in wildlife conservation. Besides this universities like Aligarh Muslim University and Madras University also have courses in this stream.
• At National Centre of Biological Sciences (NCBS), an MSc in Wildlife Biology and Conservation Programme is offered in collaboration with Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), Bangalore and a degree is awarded by Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.
• There is also a specialised course in Ornithology and Natural History at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON).

Eligibility: The admission requirement for the Wildlife Institute of India is a B.Sc with biological science as a major subject or bachelor’s in veterinary, forestry, agriculture and environmental sciences with a minimum aggregate of 55 per cent marks.

However, a graduate in any subject with an aggregate of at least 50 per cent marks is eligible to apply for the master’s programme at NCBS.

Selection is through a national-level written test and interview, and students from a wide range of academic backgrounds with the right attitude and commitment towards conservation are preferred. NCBS also offers a monthly scholarship of Rs 10,000 and hostel accommodation.

• The Energy Research Institute ( TERI University) at New Delhi also conducts programmes in environmental studies including M.Sc in Environmental Studies and Natural Resources Management intended to educate students to become natural resource/environmental managers, scientists, researchers, and policy-makers through courses in natural sciences, economics, and public policy.

Job prospects

Nature and Wildlife studies is the ideal career for those who love nature, especially wild animals and have a commitment to conservation. There are job opportunities in governmental/non-government organisations, with the Indian Forest Services, or with forest and wildlife research and natural resource management organisations, as well as with game sanctuaries and zoological parks.

NGOs and international environment conservation organisations such as World Wilidlife Fund, Greenpeace, Wildlife Conservation Society of India, and other such organisations are also hiring wildlife specialists for promoting awareness, educating the people living near forests, and as consultants for taking up projects such as Project Tiger, Save the Lion and other such programmes. Some international organisations are also hiring Indian personnel for working in other countries of Africa and south-east Asia.

However, it is a tough job requiring physical and mental alertness, a spirit of adventure, a scientific temperament, curiosity, practicality and patience.

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

Career Hotline
Who should not do MBA
Pervin Malhotra

Q. I’m in the second year of English (Hons). Everyone I speak to is rushing to begin preparations for the CAT, AMCAT, etc. With every other person opting for an MBA, is there a category of people who should not go for an MBA? — Piyoli Roy

A. Even in this economic climate, a good MBA/PGDBM affords far better career and economic prospects than most other post graduate programmes. However, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Before plunging in head-first into CAT/XAT/MAT preparations, it is wise to ask yourself this question – Is an MBA what I really want to do? There a few examples I can think of who don’t necessarily need to pursue management studies

• For those with strong entrepreneurial aspirations, the opportunity cost of going to B-school can be too great to justify taking two years away from work. Those with a great idea might blow the chance to be first to market with that idea; those already in entrepreneurial work can lose the opportunity to grow a business in the real world.
• On the other hand, there are some good reasons for entrepreneurs to consider going to B-school. You’ll get exposure to a wide range of business issues that should make you more equipped to run a business. You’ll learn about better ways of managing people. And if you’ve got a great idea but no capital with which to make your entrepreneurial dream a reality, business school can plug you into a network that can help you find funding.
• Similarly, those who don’t have a deep desire for a business/corporate career, e.g. artists, writers, craftspeople, scientists — these and others like them rarely have reason to get an MBA.

Of course, there are exceptions: for instance, the graphic designer who wants to start a business, the scientist who wants to work on the management side for a biotech company, the business journalist, and so on.

Options after MA in political science

Q. I am in MA, final year (Political Science). I am also an active member of the natak academy in my city. I want to know the options available for me after completing MA. — Raman Jauhar

A. After doing your master’s in political science you will have the following options:

• You could either opt for teaching political science or International Relations at the college or university level (upon qualifying the National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted by the UGC for central/state universities or the State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) for state universities).
• The Civil Services in general, and the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in particular, is another popular option for students of ‘Pol Sc’ as the subject is popularly called. The General Studies paper requires considerable knowledge of Indian polity and current affairs.
• If you have a flair for writing, you can also become a political analyst for a newspaper, news-related website or TV.
• Among others, you can take up research jobs in organisations such as:

Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, Teenmurti House.

How I can join the Indian Army?

Q. I am a third year student of BA (general) programme, with English, political science and history as my subjects. For the past two-three months I have been seriously considering a career in the Army. Please tell me how I can join the Indian Army? — Rahul Asthana

A. The Indian armed forces are in desperate need of bright, motivated youngsters to join their ranks – what with the increased demands on them in the light of prevailing security climate.

For someone with your academic background and subject combination, the entry route into the Indian Army is the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE). The UPSC conducts this CDSE twice a year — in February and August — to admit cadets to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, and the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. CDSE also admits cadets to the Navy or Air Force — for which you require either a BSc (physics/maths) or a BE/BTech.

The eligibility criteria and the pattern of the exam is as follows:

• For IMA: Unmarried males with bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
• For OTA (SSC course): Married or unmarried males with bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

Personal Interview, Outdoor / Group task, officer’s test and psychological tests. These are conducted at designated army, navy and air force selection centres. For details, log on to: www.upsc.gov.in

Email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com

Scholarship roundup
Commonwealth Scholarship in Mauritius

Mauritius is offering one Commonwealth Scholarship for master's study at the University of Mauritius in 2013, supported by the CSFP endowment fund. The scholarship is provided to study in agriculture, engineering, law and management, science, social studies and humanities, lifelong learning cluster board.

Eligibility: Applicants should:

• Be citizens of any Commonwealth country except Mauritius
• Hold a first degree of upper second class Honours standard (or above) in a discipline relevant to that in which study is proposed

Check out: www.csfp-online.org

IELTS scholarships

The British Council offers IELTS scholarships for Indian students to study abroad. The scholarship is tenable at any university in any country outside India that recognises IELTS for the purposes of postgraduate admission requirements. IELTS scholarship is for pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degree level.

Eligibility: The applicants must:

• Hold a valid Indian passport and be a resident of India
• Begin full-time postgraduate study outside India in 2013
• Attend an education institution that accepts IELTS as part of its admission requirements
• Have a valid IELTS score, with a minimum band score average 6.0
• Have taken their most recent IELTS test with the British Council, with test date being not earlier than 01 August 2011 and the test centre being a venue in India.
• Be able to provide an acceptance letter from the attending institution by July 15, 2013.

Check out: www.shu.ac.uk/international/scholarships-bursaries or mail at ias@shu.ac.uk

Opportunity for Indian students

James Cook University Singapore, an offshore campus of the Australian university, is offering incentives and scholarships to Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. The varsity will be conducting a series of scholarship tests in four Indian cities — New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai — in April. In Delhi, the scholarship test will be held on April 21 at the IIT Campus from 11 am to 1 pm.

The scholarship ranges up to 50 per cent of the master's degree course fee — around $ 16,050, approximately Rs 6 lakh.

• For master’s degree in Business/IT/Tourism Subjects and up to 50 per cent of the bachelor’s degree course fee -- around $ 23,883, approximately Rs 10 lakh.
• For bachelor’s degree in Business/IT/Psychology.

News board
Two from India among 2013 Yale World Fellows

Two of the sixteen 2013 Yale World Fellows are from India, bringing the total number of fellows from India to 13 since the programme started in 2002. India has had more fellows in the programme than any of the 81 countries represented since 2002. Yale World Fellows Programme is the University’s signature global leadership development initiative.

The 2013 fellows from India are — Prodyut Bora, State Secretary General, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam and Abhik Sen, Managing Editor, The Economist Group

From August to December, the 2013 World Fellows will participate in specially designed seminars in leadership, management, and global affairs taught by leading Yale faculty; audit any of the 3,000 courses offered at the University; engage in discussion and debate with a wide range of distinguished guest speakers; receive individualised professional development training; and deliver public talks on their work, their countries, and the issues about which they are passionate.

16-year-old wins ‘Global Youth’ award in Germany

Emaad Muzaffar, a Class X student of Manav Rachna International School, Gurgaon, was recently conferred with "The Global Youth" Award at the 15th World Lakes & River Summit in Frankfurt, Germany. This competition was held between 400 delegates from Asia and Pacific regions. Emaad was representing India in the global competition. The national championship of the World Lakes and River Summit took place in January this year in Mumbai. Emaad was ranked as number 1 amongst more than 350 participants from all over the country. Here students went through a screening through four competitions like debate, presentations, ideations etc. Emaad lead the Indian delegation of final 12 students to the finals of the summit in Frankfurt.

Thapar University INSPIREs Young Talent

Thapar University in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology organised a 5-day Internship Programme — INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) to attract young talent to science. Through this workshop, which began on March 29, talented youth were motivated to take up research projects and inspire them through interactions with global icons of science. More than 200 students currently studying in Class XII and the students who have passed Class XI, from nearly 20 schools of Patiala and neighbouring towns attended the camp.

Tagore Centre for Global Thought opens

The Tagore Centre for Global Thought was officially inaugurated at King’s College London, recently.

The Centre, housed in the prestigious King’s India Institute, has been established to engage audiences with India’s intellectual traditions whilst addressing a number of contemporary global questions and dilemmas. The Centre was founded in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India as part of celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Tagore’s birth, taking inspiration from his work to enhance academic, intellectual and philosophical work globally.

The newly inaugurated agore Centre for Global Thought will provide two PhD scholarships for students from India over the next three years. It will host a series of public lectures, discussions and film screenings based on Tagore’s writing and a number of high-profile Tagore Fellows, the first of which is Gopalkrishna Gandhi – former Governor of West Bengal and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.

Career compass: sound engineers
Sound tracks
Pervin Malhotra

Resul Pookutty’s Oscar award for Best Sound Mixing last year has thrust the otherwise ignored and unheralded field of sound mixing/engineering into the spotlight.

Sound engineers make high quality recordings of music, speech and sound effects in recording studios and “on location”. They use complex electronic equipment to record sound for: commercial music recordings, radio, TV, film and commercials, corporate videos, websites, computer, video and mobile games.

The work

As a sound engineer your work would involve:

• Planning recording sessions with producers and artists
• Setting up microphones and equipment in the studio
• Setting the right sound levels and dynamics
• Operating equipment for recording, mixing, mastering, sequencing and sampling
• Recording each instrument or item onto a separate track
• Monitoring and balancing sound levels
• Mixing tracks to produce a final ‘master’ track
• Logging tapes and other details of the session in the studio archive.

With experience, you might become a studio manager.

What it takes

To become a studio sound engineer, you need a good knowledge of music and recording technology, and you will also find it useful to understand physics and electronics.

You could also start as an assistant in a recording studio where you will do basic routine jobs, but at the same time, you would also get the chance to learn how to use studio equipment and assist on recording sessions.

When looking for your first job, you will find it helpful to have practical experience of using studio equipment. Taking a music technology course can help with this, and you could also build up your experience through activities like: Local music programmes or DJ projects, FM or community radio, Mixing and recording music in a home studio.

Job quotient

You may increase your chances of finding work by taking a course such as: Certificate/Diploma in Sound Technology or a degree in sound engineering.

• You will usually develop your skills on the job once you are working in a studio.
• Make sure you keep up to date with changes in audio technology and equipment throughout your career.
• You may opt for specialised courses in technical skills such as sequencing, mastering, editing and recording.
• With experience, you could also choose to take further qualifications such as Professional Diplomas in Audio Recording or Sound Studio Management abroad.
• If you want to move into sound for television and film, you can also take short courses to develop your skills in this area.
• You could work full-time for a recording studio, or be self-employed and work on short-term freelance contracts.
• Most of the major studios are based in and around Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad etc. There are smaller studios throughout the country, where most of the work may involve recording ‘demos’ for local bands, creating commercials for local radio stations and copying CDs.
• There is strong competition for work. Jobs are not often advertised, so you will need to be persistent and show initiative to get into the recording industry. People often start off by working for free to make contacts and ‘get their foot in the door’.

Course cruising
Ergonomics course

The Design School at UK's Loughborough University is inviting applications for its postgraduate programmes in Ergonomics (MSc/Diploma/PG certificate). The four programmes under the course, namely Ergonomics (Human Factors), Ergonomics in Health and Community Care, Human Factors in Transport and Human Factors for Inclusive Design, provide necessary knowledge and skills to address ergonomics issues in the design of products, jobs, workplaces and systems. All programmes are carried out in two semesters whereas the Ergonomics (Human Factors) comes with optional modules to choose from Driver and Vehicle Ergonomics, Disability, Ageing and Inclusive Design. The programmes equip students with ergonomics and human factors knowledge as well as competencies adequate to become professional practitioners.

Eligibility: Students with a good degree or professional qualification in a relevant discipline like anatomy, engineering (some branches), industrial design, health sciences, human physiology, kinesiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology are eligible for the programme. Other qualifications may be recognised and relevant experience is also taken into account.

How to apply: Students should submit their application online through the Postgraduate Taught Admissions Office (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/postgraduate/).

Timelines: The programme commences in September 2013 and the last date to apply is May 15, 2013.

Check out: www.lboro.ac.uk/international/finance/index.htm.

Short-term courses

National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, invites application for short-term training programmes for the months of April and May, 2013. NIFTEM skill Development Division is conducting these training programmes in pursuit of its strategic goals of capacity building and human resource development in food processing sector.

Courses: Food packaging material, post harvest management of fresh produce; food quality control; food analysis etc.

Eligibility: Entrepreneurs, self-help groups, agricultural officers, consultants, micro and medium entrepreneurs, students, policy makers, supervisors, managers, representatives of SME’s in food processing sector and associated stakeholders industry representatives and academicians can apply for these courses.

Number of seats: Only 25 participants will be admitted to each course on first-cum-first-serve basis.

How to apply: The participants are requested to register for the desired course with course coordinator, by submitting an inclusive fees in the form of a demand draft in favour of “NIFTEM” payable at Kundli Branch, Sonepat (Haryana) on or before the last date. The hard copies can be forwarded to Sh Anirudh Singh, DGM NIFTEM on the address.

Check out: niftem.ac.in

From the fields: bee-keeping
Sweet gains
Varishti Devika Sangwan

Honey has been important in human diet since ancient times. It is a rich source of protein, minerals and has great medicinal value also. Bees conserve biodiversity and strengthen gene pool of flora. As a profession of global importance bee keeping has created opportunity for self-employment. It can provide extra income to farmers without the need to acquire additional land. The technique involved in rearing of honey bees is relatively easy and a large number of rural women are taking to this profession.

According to a recent survey Rajasthan and Haryana, especially the districts of Hisar, Sirsa, Rohtak, Sonepat and Jhunjhunu, have immense scope for bee-keeping.

Profitable venture: A farmer in Sirsa district started bee- keeping six months back with just 10 boxes and now his production has increased to 70 boxes and 70 colonies with the sale of honey worth Rs 65,000 and an increase in net worth of colonies by Rs 10,60,000. Another bee keeper started with 3-11 units with 32,110 colonies. The colonies increased by 15-55. Honey produced from 60-335 kg had value of worth Rs 5,400-30,150 with the additional value of bee colonies.

Production: The best time to start the bee-rearing business is between October and November. The first extraction of honey can be obtained after 45 days with 5-6 kg of honey per box. The second extraction is in February-March giving an output of 8-10 kg. The survey revealed that the farmers who keep on rotating the boxes near flora have got the production of 30-32 kg per box. The labour required in rotation of boxes with proper care and handling is just three persons for 100 boxes.

Availability of bees: The government has earmarked bee-breeders at district level from whom the bees can be obtained. Further details can be sought from District Horticulture Officer.

Training: The interested farmers can obtain 3-5 days training at nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Horticulture Training Institute, Uchani Karnal, NDRI Karnal and Haryana Agro Industries corporation, Murthal , Sonepat etc.

Government support: The government gives 50 per cent subsidy up to investment of maximum RS 1,00,000. The State Department of Horticulture provides subsidy to those having a certificate of bee-keeping training provided through District Horticulture Officer (DHO) under National Horticulture Mission (NHM).

Investment: The cost of a box with 4-5 frames made of good quality kellwood is Rs 1000-1500, whereas low quality wood box is available for approximately Rs 400 per box. The cost of bees per frame is approximately Rs 250. Thus the total cost involved (bees+box) will be Rs 2,000-2,750.

Marketing and sale of honey: There are many companies like Dabur, Zandu and others who buy honey at the rate of Rs 85-90 per kg.

Career compass: script writer
Script of success
Gauri Chhabra

With movies like Barfi and Paan Singh Tomar winning awards at the award ceremonies, it is not only the director and the actors who are enjoying the glamour of success, the scriptwriters who penned powerful scripts of these runaway hits are also in the limelight. Strong scripts are an important element of the success of a movie or a serial and this specialised field of writing is gaining popularity now.

It brings about a marriage of mind and media. Script is the very first step in the making of a classic. It is one of the primary things an actor would like to hear before signing a contract. Scriptwriters often specialise in a specific genre which can be comedy, drama or sci-fi etc.

To become a successful Scriptwriter, it is not necessary to attend a high-end film school or spend years gaining experience. It starts with the basic love for writing.

Getting in

With a boom in the entertainment industry the demand for good scriptwriters has also increased and this has lead to a number of courses in this field being offered by various media and film schools.

Though there are no specific criteria to get into these courses, candidates are supposed to take written tests for getting admission into these institutes.

All these institutes run certificate courses in scriptwriting whose duration ranges from three months to a year. A student after passing from such an institute has the choice to either get into feature films or television serials.

Skill set

A scriptwriter’s job in the film industry is tough. It is full of all those who are craving for a break but are not ready for a break through. Only breakthroughs lead to breaks. Creativity cannot be suppressed for long. So if you have something unique to offer, your script will find a producer.

When you start out as a scriptwriter, chances are no one would even notice you. You should be mentally prepared for such a rejection.

n Script writing depends on your perception of life. As a screenwriter you will tend to base your plots and characters on real events and experiences. So one of the important skills is to be observant and having the ability to turn your life experiences into stories that other people can relate to.

n Success in this field requires not only hardwork but also a lot of patience. One has to be self-motivated and committed. Do not rush your stories; let the story unfold gradually because that way the end would be more fulfilling and meaningful.

Another great advice that scriptwriters should always keep in mind is that you should never write solely for the money.

Films vs TV

Once you chose script writing as your career option the next dilemma is whether to write for films or television. Both are lucrative career options. There is a dearth of talent in television as well as in feature films.

With corporates like UTV, Mukta Arts, Percept, and the like venturing into filmmaking, professionalism is finally being practiced. Today, one need not run after producers or actors for a chance. These corporates look at the script that you have written and not at your experience as a scriptwriter.

If you are into television, a production house would hire you as a full-time scriptwriter. You could have a steady income or get paid per script.

If you are different and creative, you can script success. Every time you put your pen on paper, you must weave a different magic. Your success depends upon the uniqueness you can offer.

So don your thinking cap and script the unique hue within you.

Institute Scape

There are several organisations in the country as well as abroad that offer scriptwriting courses that can help develop your talents and abilities.
" Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
" Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata
" Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
" Digital Academy, Mumbai
" Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
" Asian Academy of Film & TV, Noida

Summer lessons

Summer school programmes are the flavour of the season as institutes gear up to offer a variety of courses to students this year. We take a look at two such courses that 16 to 18 years olds can try out this year:

Symbiosis Summer School

Symbiosis University has launched summer learning courses in different fields for students this year. The programme will offer short summer courses that challenge students to explore new areas of interest.

Duration: 24 days at Lavale, Pune. From May 7 to 31.

Courses offered: Course choices include a general liberal arts programme as also courses in Photography, Film making, Creative Writing, Performing Arts (Theatre, Music and Dance), Art & Design and Climate Change.

Each course will engage students in an 8 credit — 120-hour programme.

Eligibility: Students above 18 years of age OR having appeared for XIIth examination

Selection: An online application form and essay

Deadline: April 24

Indian summer offer

King’s College London recently launched 2013 international Summer Schools Programme in Mumbai. King’s offers a range of popular short courses in India for students who want to experience an international education closer to home. King’s Mumbai Summer School 2013 is being co-hosted by HR College and Jai Hind College. The programme is being facilitated by local partner Think Education.

This year the undergraduate modules will cover a wide range of subjects, including arts and humanities, international relations, business, management and science. Scholarships will be available on each course for the best students to study at King’s College London Summer School in July and August.

This year the summer school programme will include pre-university as well as undergraduate level modules, with courses offered in Delhi and Mumbai.

King’s will run its first Summer School in Delhi in June, hosted at Miranda House College.

Smart strategy: sharing workspace
Space sutra
Swati Rai

Sharing office space can be an enjoyable or a dreadful experience depending on your attitude as it does come with its own set of challenges.

Space sharing at work is a breeding ground for altercations, run-ins and irritable moods. The situation can take a nasty turn if not handled patiently and delicately.

It is most important that while allocating offices to employees together, a proper briefing is done and the basis of slotting people together is made clear. The strength of any organisation is its people and it is only fair that their space issues, if any, are resolved at the earliest for a harmonious office co-habitation.

Here is a ready reckoner of handy tips for making sharing an office room a pleasant and productive experience:

Communicate

The first rule of great working environment is communicating candidly with office mates who are sharing the space. Not the sweet talking, sneaky way but a genuinely honest manner. This will help in cementing future collaboration and avoid altercations and misunderstanding. Being the generous one sometime in deciding desk allocation or space dynamics is not only civil but also professional.

Claim your workspace

Co-habiting professional space shouldn't hamper your work dynamics, so even if you have the smallest area of operation, make it your own. Do it up the way you like and add a personal touch to it. This will give you a sense of belonging and further motivate you in delivering the goods. Avoiding fights for desk space and computer access.

Compromise

Working from the same office space can sometimes be stressful and demanding but under the given circumstances understand that there is a good chance to make it work. Compromise is the key word deciding its success. If you like music at work but your office mates don’t, keep the volume low. Requesting others to respect your wishes can come as a polite request.

Co-habit

You will be required to adapt the work habits of your co-workers. There is a difference between adopting and adapting though. Make sure the others respect your work hours and habits just as you honour their professional commitments. Offer help in organising your office mates’ desk if otherwise or seek help in your weak areas. Criticising, complaining or grumbling is not going to serve the purpose.

Connect personally

Get to know each other at a personal level but don’t intrude on the privacy of the individual. Allow her to take a personal phone call when urgent, in peace, take a stroll down the hallway or just walk out for some time. Knowing about a person’s background and family can work wonders for building a sound inter-personal relationship.

Since it is not a cubicle that you share, where there is a physical barrier, so obviously it requires more adjustment. Being mindful of the other person’s presence and respecting her privacy and professional ability is a must. You are after all up, close and personal with the other person most hours of the day and the sooner you make peace with the situation the better it is for the organisation.

Co-operate

Focus on the advantage of sharing work space such as, sharing ideas, working on a project and instant feedback. If you share work space with people in the same department, even better. Hiding things, back biting, showing the other person in a bad light and worse, sneaking into other's files in his or her absence will only worsen conditions. Sharing space can also work in your favour as it makes professional collaboration easier and accessible and therefore making your workload lighter.

Cubicle trends
Facebook popularity may land you a job

Your popularity on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn may help you bag a job as companies are increasingly looking for well-connected and influential people, experts say.

Digital experts say social media and recruitment now largely go hand in hand.

While at the most basic level, companies check up on prospective employees to see if they make unsavoury postings online, they are also using LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to find new employees — both by listing opportunities and by increasing the chatter between recruiters and the people looking for jobs, website stuff.co.nz reported.

“Social media has become an essential part of any organisation’s recruitment strategy. It is easier to generate talent through social media. A lot easier than it was four or five years ago,” said Hays Recruitment New Zealand MD Jason Walker.

Walker said in a recent survey of 270 employers across New Zealand the company found that 64 per cent of employers used LinkedIn to find new employees, 50 per cent used Facebook and 10 per cent used Twitter.

Tom Bates, the social influence director for digital strategists Contagion, said employers would look at a prospective employee’s social media presence to validate what the candidate was saying about their online profile. “If someone says that they are influential and they are not even on Twitter, or don’t use social media well, then they are not being honest,” he said.

“When I am recruiting I look first and foremost on LinkedIn. I look at the experience people have, their connections, because it gives a really open, transparent, easy way to source relevant people,” Bates added.

“I also look at all their other social media identities to get more of a sense of who they are, outside of the one-hour interview I may have with them. I look at their Facebook and Twitter and potentially Instagram to make sure there is a good cultural fit.”

More women open to challenging jobs

An increasing number of women employees in India are taking up high-pressure jobs, including those involving long working hours and frequent travelling, a survey has said.

According to the survey conducted by recruitment consultancy firm, CareerBuilder.com, two-third of women employees in India are now open to travelling as part of their job and another 33 per cent actually prefer a ‘high pressure-high rewards’ work environment.

The study further found that 82 per cent of women employees agreed that their families were supportive of their career ambitions, while 60 per cent felt that marriage would not come in the way of their career progression.

Citing example of the IT industry where job is demanding and require long working hours, cloud services provider Knowlarity’s CEO Amabarish Gupta said, “Women are able to manage both office and home with great ease and comfort. A lot of credit for this kind of a scenario can be attributed to the families and their indispensable support.”

HR firm Unison International Consulting Managing Director Udit Mittal said modernisation and globalisation of the economy have led to creation of new industries that allow a lot of new opportunities for women employees.

“In many companies, women are considered more apt for the job than their male counterparts. Today families are open to letting their women of the house go out and work and not to be merely sitting at home. Therefore, they are being educated and motivated to take up challenging careers,” he said.

HR consultancy firm Executive Access’ MD Ronesh Puri said many organisations are striving to correct their gender diversity, thus generating lot more opportunities for women today, than there have been in the past.

“Women are also moving to non-traditional avenues and are excelling in them. Today women are ambitious and more to open to relocate as career growth has become more important to them than anything else,” Puri said.

HR expert and Nino Bambino’s Creative Director and Partner Shikha Kumar said women need extensive family support to take up jobs requiring long working hours.

“When it comes to own organisation, you need lot more family support than usual. ” she added.

Make plans click
D. C. Sharma

With the dawn of a new financial year on April 1, new plans will be implemented enthusiastically in various organisations. However, implementing new plans is not a cakewalk. Some management leaders take their planning system casually and non-seriously and this leads to costly failures for the company as well as the manager. Making annual plans to iron out the earlier flaws is not only a pressing need but a must for an organisation to survive. Here are some tips to ensure that good beginnings are ultimately taken to fine fruition:

• New plans are meant to bring fresh solutions not only to the problems at hand but also to the old problems. Before implementing a fresh plan, the management must reconsider whether all mosquito bites of the plans that have failed earlier have been treated. However, considering past failures does not mean that the management should become a part of those problems. It means that the old problems must not be allowed to adversely affect the plans being implemented afresh. When plans are thus analysed and well refined and defined, chances are that they would fructify adding to the overall improved output and productivity.
• Before implementing fresh plans, the management must see to it that these are not cooked half heartedly. Such plans must involve all the stakeholders
• Extra care should be taken to ensure that the plans are practically sound and viable. There is generally a trend to talk big and make impressive castles in the air and in most cases such “big” plans fare poorly in the real world. A plan must be financially, legally, socially, morally, and ethically sound. It must not aim at undue over work or less payments and perks to the really deserving ones.
• The time factor always plays an important role in implementing a new plan. For example if a company plans a charity contribution plan to improve its image in the market and such a plan is proposed to be implemented at a bumper tax instalment-paying period or when the employees are already hard pressed due to other social pressures, the plan would find unfavourable acceptance from the employees. However, if it is to be implemented when the employees have got some arrears released, then it would be more effective and generate a good response.
• New plan should, thus, be crafted in a manner that it motivates all concerned to be a part of it as they all stand to gain something from its success. The new -age employees are sharp enough to sniff such motivational perks and leave no stone unturned to make such plans work.

— The writer is a psychologist and a career expert

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Boss, act before a showdown

It generally takes a disaster to shake authorities out of their slumber. Bosses, who put off decisions till the last moment, don’t realise the harm that the delay is causing.

Blind to his son Duryodhana’s misdeeds, King Dhritrashtra of Hastinapur allowed atrocity after atrocity to be committed on the Pandavas. All this resulted in the Mahabharata war where 100 sons of the blind king were killed.

During the First War of Indian Independence in 1857, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi met Rao Saheb at Kalpi. Rao Saheb gave a deaf ear to Lakshmibai’s suggestions on disciplining the forces and having a strong rearguard. The Brits took over Kalpi on May 24, 1858. The defeated forces took shelter in Gwalior. Again, Rao Saheb didn’t pay any attention to the army. When the British hit Gwalior, the brave queen of Jhansi was martyred.

Then, there are some who do make some efforts. In front of Pilate, the Roman Governor, stood Jesus, charged with “preaching revolution to the crowds”. He tried to evade meting out any punishment to Jesus by asking the crowd to release either the innocent Jesus or a notorious criminal Barabbas. The partisan crowd agreed to release Barabbas. Then, Pilate washed his hands off the crucifixion saying, “Don’t blame me for shedding this innocent man’s blood.” But the Pharisees were relentless. They not only had Jesus crucified but also made Pilate position guards in front of the tomb so that the Son of God couldn’t rise again as promised.

When Chhatrapati Shivaji realised that his second wife Soyrabai and Sambhaji, his son from his first marriage didn’t see eye to eye, he sent Sambhaji away from the capital.

Inside Emperor Akbar’s palace, romance was blooming between prince Salim and Mehrunnisa, daughter of official Ghiyas Beg. Not wanting Mehrunnisa to come between Salim and the empire, Akbar sent Salim on an expedition to the Deccan. Then, he got Mehrunnisa married to army officer Sher Afghan from Burdwan. Only after Akbar and Sher Afghan’s deaths did the lovers unite as Jahangir and Noor Jahan.

Finally, there are some who take decisive action. The Brahmins of Varanasi were furious when they heard that Tulsidas had written the story of Rama in a language other than Sanskrit. So they decided to steal “Ramcharitmanas” from Tulsidas’ hut and drown it in the Ganga. But when the thieves reached the hut, they saw Lord Rama and Lakshman standing guard.

To prevent a division of India on caste lines due to the Communal Award of 1932, which conceded a separate electorate to the Scheduled Castes, Gandhiji embarked on a fast. Conceding to Gandhiji’s wishes, Dr BR Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact.

Nothing wrong in nipping the problem in the bud, boss.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

Fortnightly quiz 436

1. Where was the BRICS summit held recently?

2. What is the capital of North Korea?

3. Name the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot in the head by the Taliban for advocating girls' education in her country.

4. Who holds the record for the longest spacewalk by a woman astronaut?

5. Which state is the largest producer of kiwi fruit in India?

6. With which field is Prof UR Rao, who was recently inducted into the highly coveted "Satellite Hall of Fame", Washington, associated?

7. Who was the author of the novel "Heat and Dust"?

8. Name the world's largest ocean liner.

9. Where is the largest tulip garden situated in Asia?

10. How many teams are participating in the IPL-6? — Tarun Sharma

Winners of quiz 435: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Arindam Kalra; class IX-A, Roll No. 26; OP Jindal Modern School, O P Jindal Marg, Hisar; Pin Code - 125005

Second: Sushrut Sharma; Class IX-C; Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 16; Chandigarh; Pin Code - 160016

Third: Fatehvir Singh Bhogal; Class V; Alpine Public, near NM College, Mansa; Pin Code - 151505

Answers to quiz 435: Argentina; Five; Sonia Gandhi; India; Imran Khan; March 21; Port Stanley; South Africa and India; Brendon Kuruppu of Sri Lanka; Shikhar Dhawan

Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address.

Note: Kindly mention the pincode of your place on the letter/postcard to facilitate the delivery of the prize money.

Answers can also be sent at quiz@tribunemail.com

Name...

Class...

School address...