Sabbaticals that pay
Swati Rai

More and more companies are increasingly realising the importance of giving employees the option of a sabbatical. With some ground rules for the same in place, this provision turns out to be a win-win situation for both the employee and the employer

Sabbatical literally means leave taken after seven years, though the corporate world is more than kind in giving this time-out much earlier than seven years, to deserving employees for personal, professional or outreach purposes.

But before taking a decision in this regard one should be sure about the return on investment it has in store, like cost of the course versus a year’s loss of seniority and experience and not to forget the expected salary and perks after the course gets completed.

All in all a well-planned and organised sabbaticals can work wonders as these are rejuvenators rather than just a long break that unfortunately makes you get out of touch with the current trend in your sector. “It’s important to be always aware as to what’s in or out in the market even when one is on break, this will perhaps help one in rejoining in a more equipped and enthusiastic manner.”, says Deepak Kaistha, Managing Partner, Planman Consulting.

He advises, “One should be very particular in understanding that an unplanned sabbatical may lead to a pause in the career so it has to be planned smartly. And there should be a genuine reason to go for it”.

And what can be more reassuring and encouraging than the fact the organisation rewards the employee’s association by even saving his job for him when he gets back from the sabbatical.

Why such a provision for such leave permissions and privilege exists is a no brainer, yet how does this play out in the larger schema of corporate culture, is worth exploring. Are some employees indispensable to an organisation's goal? Can companies afford to indulge in such extravagances in the mercurial job market that we inhabit? Lastly where is this trend going in the near future? Industry experts and companies tell like it is!

Policy matter

Ruchika Bhaskar Sethi, Director, People Team, Ernst &Young(E&Y), Global Shared Services(GSS), India says, “The sabbatical policy At Ernst &Young, Global Shared Services, India, is two years old and exists over and above other employee friendly policies such as work from home, flexible and reduced work hours. We have a policy in place for employees to avail unpaid sabbatical in case of pressing personal need or family exigencies. For an employee to avail of this leave he or she should have worked in the organisation for a minimum of three years.”

What is about the sabbatical that attracts employees in the current corporate world now as we see more and more companies jumping on to the sabbatical bandwagon?

Sabbaticals pave the way for significant changes in our lifestyles. It is all about refreshing yourself and expanding your horizons. One can use this time in numerous activities ranging from from social work to writing a book, meditation, and spiritual guidance. For some, sabbaticals can act as a time to strengthen teams and create legacy of leadership and for some others, it can help them accomplish their desire of experience and achievement. “A planned sabbatical is more than just an extended vacation. It should have a purpose,” says Kaistha

If the company has a well-laid out policy in this regard then this acts as the cherry on the cake. Talking about the need for such policies for employees, Sethi adds, “The sabbatical is a benefit that people can avail of when they need to focus on personal issues.

“I don’t think anyone’s indispensable, but, having said that, there are some key performers in the company and having invested time, effort and supporting his or her training financially, it is only fair that the company chooses to retain them.”

Great performance reviews and consistent appraisals are some of the obvious parameters for granting sabbaticals to the employees in most companies.

Break for a cause

Conscious about their social responsibility several companies encourage employee on a sabbatical to work on community development initiatives, thereby catering to employee development as well. Like at Infosys employees can get a sabbaticals for a community outreach programme.

The company’s Community Empathy policy, was launched in 2008 and serves as a platform for employees to be involved in community development projects while receiving monetary support from the company along with the option to come back to normal work schedules after successfully completing the projects in six months / one-year time frame.

Chetna Sood, a Project Manager, at Infosys for the past six years, availed of the company’s sabbatical policy for a few weeks’ community project this year, and was supported by the senior management of her unit as well as Community Empathy team in Infosys. Talking about her experience she says, “I had the freedom to connect with local NGOs and choose the project area that I wanted to participate in. I also connected with YATN volunteers from IISER Mohali, who are closely involved in education and health initiatives for children of migrant labourer communities.”

Talking about the benefits of this policy Chetna says, “In terms of what the employee gets out of this policy is an opportunity to experience the world outside his/her immediate line of work. This kind of an experience adds perspective and provides another lens through which one looks at the world.”

The company believes that business operates in the context of the community and partnership is crucial for long-term sustainability.

In addition to this Infosys provides its employees in India with two other sabbatical options. In the event of a personal exigency or for child or parental care, employees can avail of extended leave without pay up to a year.

There is also an option of a sabbatical for up to two years for those who wish to pursue higher education. Based on the qualifications acquired and the institution, employees have the option to return to the company at a higher role based on internal evaluation, there by recognising the skills that they would have acquired during this period.

Future Course

So whether it is raising cats’ twins, doing a Scuba Diving instructors’ course or going in for a sought after course from the Harvard, the employee has an option of availing it without getting worked about getting work later.

Sethi adds, “This trend is going to become more popular given the changes in the social fabric like a growing number of nuclear families and the concomitant demands of single parents or even those of double-income households where both the parents are working.”

Fostering creativity, securing deserving performers or securing employee loyalty whatever be the reason for a company to invest in the sabbatical policy there is no denying that such policies contribute to the growth of the individual thereby strengthening the organisation also. So whatever is it that you always wanted to do, take a break now!

Career Hotline
How can I get into English (Hons) in DU?
Pervin Malhotra

Pervin Malhotra

Q. I have completed my Class XII with humanities and am very keen to pursue BA (Hons) from Delhi University. I would be very grateful if you could please tell me about the entrance test and how to prepare for it. — Hansa Uberoi

A. The Common Aptitude Test for English (CATE), based on which 21 colleges conduct admissions to the BA English (Hons) course at DU, may be discontinued this year under the four-year-undergraduate degree course pattern. The university plans to conduct admissions to the course on the basis of Class XII marks instead. However, watch this space or the DU website: www.du.ac.in for further updates.

Am I eligible to take NET?

Q. I am pursuing PG in history from IGNOU, so am I eligible to appear for NET? — Jaspreet Chibber

A. As long as you have scored a minimum 55 per cent in your master’s degree (50 per cent for SC/ST) without rounding off, from a university whose distance learning programmes are recognised by the Distance Education Council, you can take a shot at this exam.

Route to healthcare management

Q. I am a doctor and I’ve done my MBBS from Tianjin Medical University, China. I wish to pursue a career related to healthcare management and want to do it from USA or a university affiliated to a US university. Please give me some details of institutes offering this course and what are the requirements of the institutes? — Dr. P Mehra

A. Hospital and healthcare managers have a wide range of responsibilities that cover strategic planning, financial planning and human resource planning and personnel management, maintenance, purchase and control of supplies etc. While a majority of courses are meant for medical graduates with experience in medicine, some institutions offer postgraduate programmes which are open to all graduates.

Being a doctor gives you a definite advantage in this booming sector. Hospital and healthcare managers have a wide range of responsibilities that cover strategic planning, financial planning and human resource planning and personnel management, maintenance of buildings, purchase and control of supplies etc in many medical settings, including hospitals, health insurance companies, and nursing homes. Being a practicing doctor would give you a definite advantage in this booming sector. I would also suggest you look at Public Health as an area of study and operation.

Here are some of the top-ranked health care management schools in the US: University of Michigan— Ann Arbor, MI University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, NC University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), Philadelphia, PA University of Alabama—Birmingham, AL Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Northwestern University (Kellogg), Evanston, IL University of Washington, Seattle, WA Rush University, Chicago, IL St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO Boston University, Boston, MA Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD U.S. Army - Baylor University, Fort Sam Houston, TX Columbia University, New York, NY Cornell University (Sloan), Ithaca, NY Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Is my TOEFL score valid for admission in the UK?

News board
Women’s conference

The Women’s Development Cell, Shivaji College, University of Delhi in collaboration with Women’s Studies and Development Centre, University of Delhi organised the First international Conference on “Empowerment of Women in the Developing World” recently. In the inaugural session the Principal, Dr Shashi Nijhawan, stressed the significance of sensitising men and women to sex-based inequalities, and how this should begin with the involvement of both men and women at the very grass root level. Mamta Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women and Chief Guest of the event. The college has also instituted the Jijabai Women Achievers’ Award. This award is conferred upon women who have worked towards bringing a change in woman’s condition. Keeping in view the need to create equal space for women and men, Shivaji College gives 5 per cent reservation to girl students during admissions.

Tie-up with NZ varsity

The New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA), an autonomous agency of Ministry of Education of the New Zealand government has accredited Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) to offer degrees affiliated to Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS). With this global recognition, the students enrolled in BBA-Global International Business and BSc IT at MRIU will now be entitled for 100 per cent credit transfers if they choose to migrate to AIS, New Zealand, after the completion of any year through lateral entry. The university offers a dual-degree for two programmes namely BBA-Global International Business and BSc Information Technology (IT). The students can now avail the opportunity to procure a foreign as well as an Indian university degree having studied in India.

This accreditation also entitles the MRIU students to get additional academic credentials in the form of Diploma in International Business/IT (Level 5/First Yr), Diploma in International Business/IT (Level 6/Second Yr), by AIS.

New portal launched

National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (erstwhile DOEACC), under the Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India, has launched the new NIELIT Web Portal and has joined hands with Wheebox.Com, an international talent assessment company. Under their tie-up, new web portal will provide an online assessment test on English and cognitive abilities for all candidates pursuing O, A and B Level Courses from NIELIT.

Study abroad: UK
Practical edge
Dharmendra Shadija

UK is known for its quality of education world over. Education in the UK is underpinned by world class research. There are a number of factors that make the UK a good choice for those planning to study abroad. Here are a few plusses of studying in the UK:

• Courses in UK focus on theory and application of theory. The practical nature of the courses makes it really interesting for students to learn new concepts. Students get to apply theoretical concepts using laboratory experiments, case studies and class room discussions.
• Another aspect of education in the UK is focus on learner autonomy. Learners are encouraged to research subject areas using journal papers, present their arguments backed up by research, draw up conclusions based on their own understanding of the area. Autonomous learning is a skill which is valued by employers. This prepares learner for their first job but also helps later on in their career.
• During their courses international students in UK are allowed to work part-time to help them with living expenses but more importantly to get experience of working in a UK environment. They can use this experience in their first job.
• Unlike other countries students studying full-time courses of 12 months or more are covered under the National Health Service (NHS). NHS runs the health care system in the UK and provides comprehensive range of health services.
• Studying in UK is generally cheaper as compared to countries like America. International students like their UK counter parts are offered discounts on a variety of things ranging from travel to apparels.
• Universities in UK provide a range of services designed for international students. University accommodation offices provide help and support to find accommodation for students. University international support teams organise pickups from airport, induction and orientation events, registering with doctors, opening bank accounts to make the transition as smooth as possible. University career guidance team help students look for jobs, offer advice on CV preparation, help students with the whole jobs selection process. University English language centres offer language support to improve their academic English.

Scholarship roundup
Service and Experience Design in Italy

Domus Academy in partnership with Park Hyatt offers ‘My 5-Star Experience Competition’ for scholarships to pursue Master’s in Service and Experience Design. The competition is open to professionals and graduates in business and design-related disciplines, humanities, social sciences, and communication. The candidates will identify new service packages tailored to the desires of specific user targets and clusters visiting Milan for a week or a weekend.

Eligibility: Candidates holding a first-level academic diploma or BA degree, or about to graduate within the academic year 2012/13 and with a knowledge of the English language (IELTS 5.0 academic or equivalent certificate minimum).

Number of awards: Three

Duration: Scholarships are awarded on total tuition fee of master’s programme.

Details: Three international master’s scholarships of 70, 50 and 30 per cent of the total tuition fee of the master’s programme are offered as prizes.

Selection Criteria: Not Known

How to apply: Projects in digital format must be sent by e-mail to competitions-at-domusacademy. it. Paper works must be sent by post. Participants can choose the presentation technique that better express their skills (they can use hand sketches, digital illustrations, 3D renderings, etc): maximum 5 A3 boards in .PDF or .TIFF files.

• Short written description of the project: maximum 1 A4 page.
• Curriculum vitae of the participant: maximum 1 A4 page
• Statement of purpose: maximum 5 lines on an A4 page.
• Domus Academy Application Form

Check out: www.domusacademy.it

JRF in MR Image Computing

DST is funding one Junior Research Fellowship position which is leading to PhD at Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala (IIITM-K). The fellowship is provided to study in MR Image Computing /Signal Processing.

Eligibility: The candidate for this position should have :

• MS/MTech/ME/MSc(Engg) degree in Biomedical Engineering/Electronics & Communication / Electrical / Computer Science; or top 10 rank holders in BTech with specialisation in the above branches a strong background in numerical mathematics, scientific computing and/or algorithm development.
• Excellent implementation skills in C, C++ and/or Matlab
• Prior experience in MR is not mandatory. However, candidates with the above qualifications and prior experience in MR Sequencing / Signal processing will have additional weight age over the other candidates.

Career compass: computer hardware and networking
Wired wizards
Gauri Chhabra

While software professionals deal with the writing of code and developing both server and client side scripts, the hardware professionals are the ones who make it happen. Imagine what you would do if suddenly your printer stops responding, or your machine just hangs and refuses to behave, or you need to magnify the RAM. For answers to all these, you need to deal with various hardware components such as chips, computer systems, motherboard, processor, RAM, circuit boards, modems, external hard disks, printers and keyboards. The hardware and networking professional or database administrator is the one who helps us through the sticky keys of our wired life. A hardware professional coupled with networking skills always adds value to a company in ways more than one.

With a spurt in IT and IT-enabled services over the past decade, the software’s cousin hardware and networking, has also gained popularity. It has become one of the shortest and surest corridors between classroom and workplace

The wide use of computers, laptops, mobiles, desktops and internet in private and government organisations have created huge demand for hardware and networking professionals.

Qualification

Those with PCM combination in Class XII can go in for various diploma and degree courses to be hardware professionals. For networking, you should hold a diploma or degree in computer science, electrical, electronics or telecommunication. In order to be successful in hardware and network industry, you should be inclined towards technical and analytical fields. Besides, you need to be a team player and be ready to take challenges. Hardware professionals are required to look after software components as well as to ensure that computers work faster and efficiently.

Where to study

Institutes that conduct courses in computer hardware teach how to assemble computers besides explaining what task each component like processors, motherboards, random access memory, and the like perform. It, in turn, enhances the efficiency of the computers. On the other hand, networking courses focus on various methods of connecting computers to share data.

Institute watch APTECH Training Institute Sarab Institute of Information Technology, Mohali. AIIT Career Consulting, Chandigarh, offering System Administration A+ Course and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Dev Samaj College for Women, offering Certificate Course in Hardware Maintenance Jetking at Ludhiana, Khanna, Amritsar etc offering Jetking Certified Hardware and Networking (JCHNE) NIIT at Amritsar, Patiala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana offering Microsoft Certified  Application Developer (MCAD) and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Indian School of Networking & Hardware Technology, New Delhi

Course Cursor Network Security JCHNP MNA JCHNE Cisco Security+ Linux Red Hat Certification Diploma In Computer Hardware Diploma in Networking Certification in Hardware and Networking

After diploma or degree in computer hardware, you can pursue a prolific course or certification in computer networking, to acquire adequate knowledge and ample expertise in LAN and WAN.  Centre for Development of Advanced Computing is one of India’s premier centres for research, development and training of computer hardware technologies. Besides, there are several private and government institutes providing hardware and network courses ranging from certificate level to master degree level. Reputed institutes even conduct their own entrance exams for entry to engineering graduate and postgraduate degree programs.

In this globalized economy, large and leading employers prefer certain certifications (for LAN/WAN Administration) of global standard and recognition such as Microsoft’s MCSE; Cisco’s CCNA or CCNP or CCIE; Novell’s CNE; UNIX Admin; LINUX Admin, and so on

Career pathways

Hardware and networking professionals can find a plethora of job opportunities that cut across sectors like education, films, banking, media, animation, product manufacturing and entertainment and software consultancy.

You can be appointed as system integrator, networking professional, PC assembler, PC technician, technical support executive, peripheral engineer, computer manufacturer, computer chip designer, system administrator, electronic data processing managers and system engineers, IT technician, IT administrator, Field service technician and Intranet Specialist. Besides, if you have an entrepreneurial vein, you can even start your own business to develop hardware and network computers to cater to the diverse needs of the target segment you are catering to. You need to be dynamic to keep yourself abreast with the latest trends in technology and the market sifts and shifts.

Big bucks

Hardware and networking jobs can fetch a minimum package of Rs 8000-10,000 per month at the entry level. With certification from reputed and recognised organisations you can get a nearly Rs 20,000-25,000 per month. You can escalate from a trainee to Associate, Professional, Expert and the Architect level.

The Road Ahead

The future of computer hardware and networking professional appears bright and the growth trajectory is fast and smooth.

All companies today are dependent on IT for growth, irrespective of the industry, and it is these hardware and networking professionals who service them. Moreover, looking at the kind of demand for outsourced IT work in India, the job market for professionals will be exponentially on the rise. While recruiting a fresher, the companies prefer a student who has done some course in hardware and networking instead of a plain graduate simply because a course like this provides some industry exposure and working knowledge and bridges the gap between the industry and the academia. Therefore, for those of you who are on the threshold of choosing a career option, this is one of the shortest and the surest way to success.

— The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant

Course cruising

Law courses

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore has invited applications for admission to distance learning courses for the academic year 2013-14. The institute offers academic programmes in distance education mode to enable interested candidates to expand their legal knowledge in a globalised world.

The courses available are:

• Master of Business Laws (P.G. Degree) [2 years programme] — MBL
• One-year Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights Law — PGDHRL
• One year Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Law and Ethics — PGDMLE
• One year Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law — PGDEL
• One year Post Graduate Diploma Intellectual Property Rights Law— PGDIPR
• One year Post Graduate Diploma in Child Rights Law - PGDCRL
• One year Post Graduate Diploma in Consumer Law and Practice — PGDCLP
• One year Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Law & Cyber Forensics — PGDCLCF

http://ded.nls.ac.in/node/7

Management

Diploma for working executives

Working executives wanting to add a degree in management to their portfolio can check out the PG diploma in management course being offered by the FORE School of Management

Eligibility: Minimum of two years of work experience after graduation with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from any recognised institute or university.

How to apply: The prospectus and applications can be obtained online from the institute website.

Selection criteria: The admissions are done on the basis academic record, experience, written tests and personal interview.

Duration: 3 years

Deadline: June 15, 2013

Check out: www.fsm.ac.in

Techno management programme

PICT School of Technology and Management (PICT-STM), Pune has announced admission to its two year full-time PGDM programme for its upcoming batch 2013 – 15. PICTSTM offers a two year full-time PGDM techno-management programme with specialisation in Marketing, Finance and Human Resource Management (HR), for graduates of any stream. It strives

Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% in case of candidate belonging to reserved category) from a recognised university.

• Students waiting for their final year results for degree in 2013 are also eligible to apply.
• Good score in any all India enterance tests like CAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA and proficiency in English is must.
• Relevant work experience will be an added advantage. to provide futuristic management education for the new and the old economy with the integration of information technological skills with business management expertise.

Check out: www.pictstm.edu.in

Engineering courses

DPGITM, Engineering College, Gurgaon, invites application for admission to its BTech courses in civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, electronics and communication branches for 2013-14 session.

Eligibility: Minimum of 1Class XII (Science)/Diploma Holder/BSC can take admission directly in IInd Year (Lateral Entry).

How to Apply: The admission Brochure may be obtained from the institute against payment of Rs 500 or by sending a demand draft of Rs 500 drawn in favour of DPGITM payable at Gurgaon.

Deadline: June 30, 2013

Check out: www.dpgitm.com/

Testing times
Do a NEET job
C. Muthu Kumari

NEET or National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is the medical entrance exam that students need to take to realise their dream of becoming a doctor. NEET replaces the AIPMT from this year and is, therefore, the single-most important exam for medical aspirants. As 2013 is the first time that NEET is being conducted, there is considerable anxiety surrounding the exam. It is only reasonable to expect that competition will be intense and students will have to prepare each subject in depth. It will be an MCQ-based exam that will thoroughly test strengths and weaknesses of students in all three sections — biology, chemistry and physics. While all chapters of XI and XII biology are equally important, students would be better placed if thet focus more on Class XI bio syllabus.

Here are few tips to crack the NEET-UG 2013 exam:

Prepare a schedule for these last few weeks

Prepare a study plan, especially suited for these last few weeks and focus only on topics that you are still not very comfortable in. Focus on consolidating your learning, rather than attempting to learn something completely new at this stage of your preparation.

Get ample practice

The NEET-UG will have multiple choice questions. It is therefore advisable to on every little detail as you revise. Refer to the previous year AIPMT sample papers, test series, text books to get maximum exposure to various types of questions.

Focus on solving papers/ questions for practice. Don’t forget that only going through the chapters will not guarantee a good score, as it is questions that you will need to answer in the exam. So practice, practice and practice till you are perfect.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

Identify your strengths and weaknesses as doing so will help you know what you need to focus on. Also try to turn your weaknesses into strengths if there is time. However, in these last few months, you may choose to ignore certain weak topics if they are not important from the exam point of view, and focus on improving your strong points instead. Familiarise yourself with all that you need to know about NEET -UG Look at the syllabus and compare it with your board syllabus. Identify, if you have accidentally missed out or overlooked any topic. Note the important chapters as per the exam and map the as per your strength/ weakness. Needless to say, keep yourself updated with all notifications pertaining to NEET-UG if any. This will help you feel in control.

Some important chapters

Chemistry

• Inorganic chemistry: p-block elements, d and f-block elements, coordination compounds
• Organic chemistry: IUPAC nomenclature, oxygen and nitrogen containing compounds
• Physical chemistry: Solutions, Electrochemistry, States of Matter, Equilibrium, Chemical Kinetics

Field in focus: construction management
Building future
Sanjiv Marwah

With the growth of real estate in India, the demand for skilled professionals in the industry is also on a fast track. Real Estate is a sunrise sector, accounting only second to agriculture, for the country’s GDP. To be successful in this race, the focus of construction businesses is shifting from being great builders to establishing themselves as business enterprises. In order to meet the challenges of cost, quality, and time, this sector is predominantly depending on the brilliant MBAs. Managers and executives who have embraced the facet of every business are in demand in the real estate sector because of their skills in accounting, finance, marketing and managerial principles.

As the real estate sector is expanding, it has created a scene of widest career selections in the business world today. Helping people buy and sell homes, office buildings, industrial property and corporation farmland, property management, land development, cost managers, facilities managers, planners and finance professionals are all aspects of a career in the real estate. Both small and large commercial or residential projects depend on construction managers to execute their plans.

The work

Construction management is a combination of different aspects of engineering and business; these professionals are commonly known as construction supervisors, general contractors, project engineers, or project managers.

Institute watch Indian School of Business and Finance, New Delhi, info@isbf.edu.in Era Business School, New Delhi, admissions@ebsmail.in Management Institute for Leadership & Excellence, Pune, info@mile.net.in

Course work Several B-schools offer training programmes in construction management or real estate management. MBA programmes in real estate offer a core business curriculum that covers topics such as accounting, marketing, and managerial decision-making. MBA programmes in real estate are more focused towards business.  Basic programme in real estate includes courses that meet the standards established for obtaining real estate broker or salesperson licensure.  These courses cover concepts like economics, appraisal, property management, and real estate office management. While construction may be down in some sectors, the need for construction managers will be great in this decade.  Education, on-the-job training and certification are keys to entering this sector, and once you are in, be prepared to ride the roller coaster of a cyclical industry.

As a construction manager, one needs to plan, coordinate, budget and supervise construction projects from initial development to its completion. Their duties include supervision of employees, overseeing building projects’ construction and interacting with other professionals involved in the project like the architects. They also require managing logistic details, devising cost-effective plans, determining construction schedules and obtaining necessary permits.

Skill set

If you have the right skills, construction management can afford a phenomenally challenging and rewarding career. People who endure in the industry must have the fortitude to see themselves through the famine of down markets.

Those who succeed in real estate sector are generally ambitious, entrepreneurial and able to network from connections, and get things done quickly. Creativity, unconventionality, and social skills, are other important characteristics along-with analytical minds.

Construction managers need to be organised, resourceful, and dexterous, because they often oversee more than one property at the same time and regularly deal with residents, prospective tenants, and maintenance staffs. Virtually all real estate professionals need to know zoning laws and regulations, as property transactions are heavily regulated.

Job responsibility

Students must be aware of the range of possibilities in this sector with real estate developers, construction companies, international construction firms, specialised project management, private equity etc. Unlike other sectors, the real estate industry has been doing reasonably well comparatively.

The day-to-day duty in this industry includes a broad spectrum of activities: leasing or managing property, handling tenant complaints and relations, maintaining building occupancy levels, maintaining desired lease rates, preparing reports for property owners, preparing budgets, hiring service employees, collecting rents, paying bills, negotiating contracts, and maintaining and repairing property.

Most people begin as on-site managers. With experience, on-site managers graduate to property managers. With additional charge over more complex properties. As a corporate real estate manager, one needs to work for large businesses, picking sites that provide maximum visibility and population density.

— The writer is Director, ERA Business School, New Delhi

Smart strategy: surviving a bad job
Make the best of a bad bargain
Ragini Gulati

Each one of us who has spent a few years doing some kind of a job has hated one’s job or workplace at some point of time. It could be the long hours, poor compensation, nasty co-workers or an unfair supervisor. No matter what the reasons are coping with this dislike does become difficult with each passing moment.

Unfortunately, with the slowdown in the economy quitting is not an option. As a consequence the only choice left is to make the best of the given circumstances.

If you are finding the whole scenario unbearable then the best strategy is to start the day with gratitude since being unemployed is worse than being stuck in a miserable job.

Shift your thoughts from the negative aspects to the good things, however small they may be.

Create a meaningful bond with colleagues to make the workplace tolerable. Also request for assignments that are not only challenging but also match your interests.

Most importantly remind yourself that it is temporary situation and will soon be over.

Know your motivation

• When things at workplace get unbearable, remember why you took up the position in the first place. Each individual has a different motivation for getting up in the morning and going to work.
• Whilst most people take up a job for remuneration, it is not true for everyone. The reasons may vary from personal fulfillment, filling in time to accomplishing specific goals. Knowing why you joined the organisation will help to gain a fresh perspective on the situation.
• There is, however, a possibility that the reasons have now become insignificant or are not valid anymore. Revaluate your motivators and repeat them in your mind until you feel a little calmer and a bit more focused.

Focus on the good part

• Like everything else in life we tend to concentrate only on the negative aspects of our job. However no matter how dreadful an assignment is, there has to be something good about it.
• Prepare a list of all the things that you like about your work irrespective of its significance. It could be something as important as health benefits to something as innocuous as a cubicle with a beautiful view.
• Jotting down the good stuff will make you realise that the situation is not entirely bad. In fact, it will transform your mindset and also keep you from feeling trapped in the job. Focus all your time and energy on the positive points to create a healthy work environment.

Challenge yourself

• Surviving a detestable job can be daunting, especially when the nature of work is repetitive and uninspiring. Create a positive and fulfilling work environment by figuring out how to modify your current duties.
• Prepare a comprehensive plan which will contribute towards your growth as well as the company’s. Speak to your reporting manger and request for additional responsibilities.
• Alternatively, explore opportunities to make a lateral move to a new position or department.
• Volunteering for committees involved in formulation of new processes is another option.
• Also take advantage of the training and development programs being offered by the employer.
• More often than not challenging oneself within the same organisation is enough to spruce up a dull job.

Document your ideal job

• Most of us keep dreaming about the ideal job that would change our lives for the better.
• However, being miserable in the current assignment does not necessarily mean that the next one will be perfect.
• As a consequence it is important to understand what you really want professionally. More than often a terrible job helps to know what you are looking for in an ideal one.
• Write down the responsibilities and working style that would suit you best. Once the list is ready, add all those things that you envisioned doing but could not pursue due to lack of opportunity. The whole process will not only create self-awareness but also bring clarity whilst researching potential employers.

Take a break

• One of the best ways to cope with a detestable job is to focus on life outside of the workplace. Introspect to find out what you are really passionate about and take out time to pursue it. Join a book club, start a blog or volunteer, basically anything that keeps your mind off work.
• Make sure to plan ahead for the weekend instead of letting it pass away in a blur.
• Or just grab a cup of coffee or watch a movie with friends in the middle of the week.
• In addition to leisure activities utilise the spare hours to improve your qualification. Obtain certifications through an online course or join evening classes in a college.

Start looking

Lastly, if everything else fails, start planning your escape route without any further delay.

• Most of us keep talking about hating our jobs but don’t try to move on to something better.
• Schedule meetings with industry contacts and reconnect with former colleagues to explore job opportunities.
• Scan employment ads to understand the requirement of the market.
• Dig out recommendation letters and e-mails supporting your accomplishments at work.

Also refrain from sharing with co-workers your intention of making a career move. Actively applying for jobs will lift your spirits and remind you that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Fortune favours the brave

Nothing can keep a hardworking and dedicated person down for long. Sooner or later, even luck will side with him. In 1946, a divine voice commanded Mother Teresa to move out of the “comforts of the convent to the slums”. When she approached Father Van Exem, her guide and adviser, he told her to write to the Archbishop of Calcutta. As Partition was nearing, the Archbishop felt it would be unsafe for Mother to wander around alone in the streets. In August 1948, two years after she heard the call, she was granted permission.

During a Jhool Jhoolni fair in the eighth century, the little Solanki princess of Nagda forgot to bring ropes for the swings. So she asked a band of boys for help. Its leader — the naughty Bappa Rawal — demanded a mock wedding with the princess in exchange. After much deliberation, the princess agreed.

Years later — when it was time for the princess to get married — astrologers told the Solanki King about the mock wedding. A manhunt revealed that Bappa Rawal had by then become the Commander of Raja Mori’s forces. A proposal was sent and the wedding was solemnised. Later, Bappa liberated Ghazni; was crowned Raja Mori’s successor; united all kingdoms in Rajasthan; and brought many neighbouring kingdoms under his rule.

JRD Tata loved to race around Bombay in his Bugatti. One day, the police framed him in an accident. When JRD went to lawyer Jack Vicaji, his eyes fell on Vicaji’s beautiful niece Thelma. JRD not only won the case but also Thelma’s heart. They were married on December 15, 1930.

King Vira Narasimha of Vijayanagara was on his deathbed. As he feared that his brother Krishnadeva would come in the way of his son’s coronation, he ordered minister Thimmarasu to kill him and bring his eyes as proof. Sensing an opportunity — dying Vira, missing Krishnadeva and an infant prince, Bahmani King Mahmood Shah of Gulbarga decided to attack. When Vira regretted his brother’s execution order, Thimmarasu revealed that Krishnadeva was safe and the evidence had been procured from a goat. Krishnadeva Raya was crowned on August 8, 1509.

Shivaji’s son Sambhaji could have missed the throne had it not been for the chance capture of a messenger. While Shivaji died, Sambhaji was in distant Panhala; his stepmother Soyrabai wanted her son Rajaram crowned and had sent a message to the subedar of Panhala to confine Sambhaji in his area.

On seeing 12-year-old Babur as the King of Farghana, his uncles Sultan Ahmed of Samarkhand and prince Mahmud Khan decided to launch an attack. But a narrow bridge on the way broke under the weight of the enemy soldiers, their horses and camels giving Babur an easy victory.

God helps those who help themselves.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

Office mantra
Enhance your EQ
Ritu Mehrotra

Businesses are now structured in a way that almost everyone has some level of decision-making power. Whether the decisions are big or small, these have a direct impact on how successful, efficient and effective individuals are in their job. Till now it was assumed that successful people are basically very smart and hard working. Studies have also found that there is some correlation between IQ and success. But on the other hand it is also true that some people with high IQ has failed in a job, while some with average intelligence have performed exceptionally well.

New studies and research suggest that emotional intelligence, measured by Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) is a better predictor of success than the traditional measures of Intelligence Quotient (IQ).

Emotional intelligence is the foundation of sound decision making, which is at the core of consistently high performance. It is not about being soft, emotional and nice, in fact, it is the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions to facilitate high levels of collaboration and productivity.

Employers treat emotional quotient seriously these days and this is why there is a lot of focus on workplace happiness and congeniality. In the business environment, EQ is important because it helps one to leverage awareness of emotions for effectiveness in the workplace.

People think that being emotional at work can be hazardous. A constant show of emotions may reflect negatively on one’s performance and productivity as well as on the career growth.

Display of emotions in workplace is considered unprofessional, nobody will tolerate outpour of tears at every difficult situation in the office. Anger and agitation also make the situation difficult at the workplace. So, control over emotions is a must at workplace to maintain a healthy work lifestyle.

Here’s how you can handling common negative experiences at work:

Be aware of your emotional triggers

It’s important to be aware of your own emotional response patterns and try to handle these professionally at work.

If someone insults you in a meeting and you feel a lump rising in your throat, then it will be better to excuse yourself to get some water. If you don’t do it in time and cry in front of colleagues, call out on the behaviour that had upset you. You could say: “Clearly what you’ve said disturbed me. Could you tell me why you said that?”

Stop working for a while

Out-of-control anger is perhaps the most destructive emotion that people experience in the workplace. It’s also the emotion that most of us don’t handle very well.

Only you know the danger signs when anger is building up, so learn to recognise these right at the beginning. Controlling your anger in early stages is the key. Remember, you can choose how you react to a situation. Just because your first instinct is to become angry doesn’t mean it’s the correct response. Close your eyes, and take a long breath or start counting. It sounds foolish but it will interrupt your thoughts, and it helps to put you back on a more positive path.

Re-assess frustration

At work, this emotion emerges when you feel that your results aren’t what you had expected, given the amount of work and effort that you’ve expended. You know your goal is achievable, but it continues to stay out of reach.

Your first step here is to re-assess your plan and your behaviour. Is this really the best way to achieve this goal? If not, your frustration is telling you that you need to change the plan and the execution of the plan. If your plan is solid and your behaviour appropriate, it’s time to exercise patience.

Explain misplaced emotional responses

This is also a situation that needs to be checked. If you are in a group and some joke has been cracked, laughter can be a bonding experience or may even diffuse tension. But if you started laughing in the middle an important meeting, it's probably a good idea to call up the boss afterward and explain your about your laughter so that there’s no room to misinterpret it as disrespect.

Bringing a balance in your emotions will be a long process. Do not expect any miracles immediately. Therefore, don’t get impatient and quit midway. Make yourself feel as secure as possible to begin with.

— The writer is Vice-President, Global Talent Management of Bristlecone

Hiring scene
Happy days for job seekers

India Inc seems to be optimistic about their hiring intentions for 2013 as 94 per cent of the businesses are planning to increase their headcount, according to a survey.

The survey conducted by workplace solutions provider Regus among more than 26,000 businesses in nearly 100 nations, including India, revealed that most of the recruitment is expected in sales and marketing segments.

“...94 per cent of Indian businesses are planning to increase or maintain headcount in 2013,” the survey noted.

Globally, 85 per cent of businesses surveyed are planning to increase or maintain their headcount in 2013.

The robust hiring intentions of Indian employers could be attributed to higher revenues and increased profit reported by the Indian companies in the past one year.

The survey noted that nearly two-fifths (39 per cent) of businesses plan to increase headcount by more than five per cent. Interestingly, 67 per cent of respondent are planning to recruit employees in sales and marketing verticals and 49 per cent in operational staff.

“....Companies feel it’s the right time to go out there and sell. These results suggest that sales and marketing professional will be in high demand in the coming months,” Regus Vice President (South Asia) Madhusudan Thakur said.

“Businesses need to consider how to recruit and retain the best in the field, ensuring they can remain competitive in their market,” he added.

The survey said that 63 per cent of Indian businesses has reported rise in revenues and 54 per cent posted increased in profits over the past 12 months.

Cubicle trends
What do working women want?

Striving for a work-life balance has been the primary concern of working women in India and in the hustle and bustle of maintaining this balance, there are lot things that a working woman wishes for. According to a survey conducted by ApnaCircle.com, almost 40 per cent women wanted to continue working even after marriage and childbirth and almost 42 per cent wanted to continue working till the age of 50.

The survey also finds that the working women have profession preferences. Teaching is the favourite of all with 18 per cent women wishing to be one, followed by HR and Admin with 16 per cent and IT and Marketing with 11 per cent. Most of the women today still think that they live in a male-dominated society and 65 per cent of them confirm the fact.

Despite living in a male-dominated society, 66% of them still want to be born as a woman in their next life. Out of all the women working, almost 77 per cent of women are employed and 23 per cent are self-employed or entrepreneurs.

No one wants to discuss salary

When it comes to discussing salaries, most employees still follow the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy, according to a new global study.

Discussing salary is still an office taboo and a majority of workers globally admit they are not only uncomfortable discussing their salary, but also talking about vacation, sick time and bonuses with their co-workers, the study by Monster.com found.

The research was based on the responses of 3,000 persons on the employment website.

Overall, 35 per cent of workers said that they are never comfortable talking about salary with co-workers.

An additional 20 per cent of workers said they are seldom comfortable talking with fellow employees about their pay. Only 18 per cent of workers said they are very comfortable talking about salary, while 14 per cent said they are often comfortable when discussing salary, BusinessNewsDaily reported. — PTI

Fortnightly quiz 437

1. Who was the first woman Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?

2. Which legendary mathematics wizard, dubbed as the world’s fastest human computer and who made complex mental calculations as a child, died recently?

3. Who has been selected for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2012?

4. How many years ago was MiG-21, the first supersonic jet fighter in the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet, inducted into the IAF?

5. Who became the first space tourist in 2001?

6. Name the Poland-born researcher, developer of the first successful oral vaccine for polio, who died recently.

7. Name the diamond, originating from the ancient Golconda mines in Andhra Pradesh, that recently set a record for any jewel sold by the Christie’s.

8. Name the Chancellor of Germany.

9. With which sport is Rahi Sarnobat associated?

10. Which birthday is being celebrated by Sachin Tendulkar today? —Tarun Sharma

Winners of quiz 436: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Arshdeep Singh Bhullar; class 10-A1; Sacred Heart School; Dosanj Road; Moga; Pin Code - 142001

Second: Rajan Jindal; Class - +2 A; Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Sector 69, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Punjab

Pin Code - 160062

Third: Swati; Class X-A; Sanour Road, near Adhwala Peer, Patiala; Pin Code - 147001

Answers to quiz 436: Durban; Pyongyang; Malala Yousufzai; Sunita Williams; Himachal Pradesh; Space science; Ruth Prawer Jhabhwala; Queen Mary 2; Srinagar; Nine

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......................

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