|
|
|
|
|
|
Solar Energy
Career Hotline Prospects for PhD in social psychology Degree in medicine from abroad Can I do master’s after graduation from IGNOU?
The Add On edge
in conversation
Homing from work
Happiness @ work
|
|
A sunshine sector
Preetinder Kaur The solar energy sector can contribute significantly to plugging the country's energy gap. As a result this sector is rising as a potential job generating sector as a large number of vacancies are likely to open up over the next few years. The government, too, has initiated steps to give a boost to this sector. I t had launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010. In the first phase the target was to set up 1000-2000 MW of grid based solar power in the country. In the next phase that kicks in from 2013, the target is setting up of 9000 MW of solar power by 2017. Both sides of the business — equipment manufacturing and power generation — will require workforce to cash in on the growth in the solar industry. Even now, there is tremendous dearth of experienced hands as well as entry-level resources in this sector. Solar energy companies are poaching talent from top conventional power companies in the public and private sectors. Experienced professionals are hopping from one company to another every six months for better compensation packages. Solar PV systems involve the use of semiconductor technology. Hence the sector will need electronics, mechanical and electrical engineers. According to experts the solar energy industry will require 60-65 per cent electrical engineers, 20-25 per cent mechanical engineers, 10 per cent electronics engineers and remaining civil engineers in areas where technical expertise is required. Given that the industry is expanding fast, career opportunities are only going to grow. Job profiles
The most common jobs for electronics engineers are in fabrication, testing and wiring of solar cells and modules. In India, most of the solar energy industry is based on crystalline or polycrystalline silicon solar cells and amorphous silicon solar cells. Though R&D and production are the most suitable for electronics engineers in this industry, they would find a suitable position in instrumentation, installation, operation and monitoring, financing and project development related works as well. Installation and operation of large-scale PV systems is slowly and steadily gaining momentum, creating many job opportunities. In the instrumentation sector, there are various positions available with the inverter, charge controller and power conditioner manufacturers like Siemens, ABB, Schneider, Focus, Optimal Power Solutions and Bonfiglioli. You can work in the solar energy sector as a solar PV design engineer, process engineer, R&D professional, sales and marketing engineer, production manager, project manager, PV fabrication and testing technician, and so on. Solar system engineers and managers create system solutions around charge controllers and inverters for grid-tied and off-grid solar applications. They work with customers for technical presentations, perform testing and qualification for internal R&D, and marketing.
Skill set
The ideal academic qualification is an BTech or MTech, and basic knowledge of solar systems, PV panels, inverter systems, DC cabling and SCADA systems. Besides this the aspirants should be highly analytic and capable of handling the test equipment, including logic analysers and remote monitoring. Knowledge of financial aspects of project report preparation, cost estimation and proposal preparation is required. Also, you must possess excellent communication skills, negotiation skills and analytical skills. Process engineers are required to have experience in solar photovoltaic cell/module or semiconductor device manufacturing. If you are interested in R&D, you should either have a Ph.D in solidstate physics, BE/BTech in electronics and communication engineering, or MSc. in electronics or solidstate physics. For a senior position, some experience in electronics R&D, and technology management and product development processes is required. To get into quality assurance, you should be a BE or BTech in electronics and communication engineering or in electronics and electrical engineering with experience in the field of quality management in either a manufacturing, electronics, light engineering or semiconductor industry. BE in electronics with MBA and two-three years of experience in industrial marketing in the solar/renewable energy field will qualify you for the position of sales and marketing engineer. You should be willing to travel to different places. For equipment maintenance, you should be a BE or B.Tech in electronics and electrical engineering with experience in equipment maintenance in a manufacturing industry. You should have worked with programmable logic control based equipment. If aiming for production management, you should be a BE or B.Tech in electronics/instrumentation/mechatronics or M.Sc. in physics/electronics with experience in a manufacturing environment-preferably in the electronics or light engineering industry. Candidates with experience in semiconductor devices, solar photovoltaic cells or modules manufacturing are preferred. For project management, you should have experience in turn-key project management in a manufacturing industry. Prior experience in handling major projects under challenging conditions is desirable.
Career progression
Entry-level positions start from trainee engineers in manufacturing, system and project design, installation, operation and maintenance, procurement, etc. You can progress from the level of assistant manager to manager and general manager level both in production and R&D. A fresher or trainee engineer can earn Rs 20,000-25,000 a month. However, if you have graduated from a reputed engineering college or have a master's degree, you can earn anywhere between Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000 a month depending on your individual skills.
Where to study
Most of the courses in renewable energy are available at the master's level. Some of the institutes and universities offering these courses are: Department of Energy Science & Engineering, IIT Mumbai; Center of Energy Studies, IIT, New Delhi; School of Energy Studies, Jadavpur Univeristy, Kolkata; Department of School of Energy Studies, University of Pune; TERI University, New Delhi; University of Lucknow; and Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Outside India, University of Dundee in Scottland and University of Nottingham in England also offer this course. Also, there are centres of energy studies where specialisation in renewable energy or solar PV can be pursued. Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University has a School of Solar Energy which offers courses in solar technology. Many universities offer alternative energy sources as an elective for final year of the four-year graduate-level programme. IIT-Bombay, SEMI Group and KPTCL conduct introductory or short-term courses for a week or two. These courses are not specific to power electronics but cover system design, integration, etc. To bridge the short-term resource gap, SEMI India has launched a solar skill development programme in collaboration with the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) based at IIT-Bombay. These are short-term technical training courses, three days in duration, conducted by faculty drawn from IIT-Bombay and solar industry. SEMI India is also holds short-term courses on off-grid solar PV components and systems in New Delhi.
|
|
Career Hotline
— Kapil Mehwal A.Hats off to you and your determination to pursue your academics against all odds! Sure if you complete your education from a recognised Open School / University like IGNOU you can apply for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC’s) Civil Services Exams provided you possess the prescribed educational qualifications and are otherwise eligible. Moreover, even if you have done your graduation without passing Class X and XII, you are still eligible for the Civil Service Exam. And if this holds for the UPSC, it should, I guess hold for other State Public Service Commission as well. However, to be doubly sure, do check out details regarding eligibility etc on the UGC website: www.upsc.gov.in as well as that of your State’s Public Service Commission www.uppsc.org.in/
Prospects for PhD in social psychology
Q.I am 31 years old, with a PhD in social psychology of education. I am currently pursuing post-doctoral research and am looking for a decent placement either in Industry or in a research institution. Unfortunately, I am not getting a breakthrough. Do guide me about the future course of action. —
Freny Bilimoria
A.I am sure you know far more about the highly specialised field of research you are into than anyone else. The logical avenues for scholars with your specialisation are research and teaching. Alas, such openings in most social sciences are generally limited to vacancies arising out of retirement of incumbents; there aren’t that many new positions being created. I hope you are monitoring such opportunities as do arise carefully and regularly. An idea that comes to mind — possibly, a long shot — is to actively seek out opportunities arising out of the expanding role of private sector in education. I don’t think there would be many research-oriented opportunities but given that some high-quality educational institutions are coming up — both at school and college levels, the progressive ones may have administrative-cum-teaching positions for someone with your knowledge profile. What you may have to do is to, in effect, “create” such a position for yourself by convincing them of the contribution you could make. Admittedly, it may be a long shot but there is nothing to lose, is there? Secondly, it would be worthwhile to explore possibilities in UNESCO, NCERT or NUEPA (www.nuepa.org). To begin with, you could even look at working as a Project Officer /Leader in leading NGOs that operate in the education sector.
Degree in medicine from abroad
Q.Apart from the NEET and some of the state-level entrance exams, do any of the foreign medical colleges conduct their entrance exams in India? —
Pervez Momin
A lot of Indian students go to Russia, CIS countries like Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, other European countries and even China. Beware: language can be real problem at several of these universities, despite their claim of teaching in English! Make sure you check the credibility of these courses. The onus of finding out if the course and institute you’ve picked is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the regulatory body of the given country is entirely yours. Apart from the shortage of good medical seats in the country, what makes these foreign medical courses popular is the cost factor. Tuition and living costs combined at some of the places can be half of those charged by private medical colleges in India. However, the Medical Council of India does not recognise any medical course offered by foreign universities as a matter of policy. So, if you want to get a foreign medical degree and practice in India, you need to clear two hurdles: First, get an eligibility certificate from the MCI. This will also ensure that you are not going for a fake medical programme, because MCI wouldn’t give a certificate for such programmes. Then, upon returning to India you have to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam or Screening Test conducted by the National Board of Examinations (under the M/o Health & Family Welfare). The screening test will enable you to register with the MCl or any State Medical Council to practice in India. The exam is an objective type test (300 multiple-choice-questions) conducted in March and September in Delhi every year.
Can I do master’s after graduation from IGNOU?
A.It’s never too late to resume or continue your studies. Doing your BA (Eco) from IGNOU is a good idea. And IGNOU being a fully recognised Open University (besides having made it to the Guiness Book of World Records for having the largest number of enrolments in the world), you should have no problem whatsoever in pursuing your Master’s in Journalism & Mass Communication or in any other subject for that matter. As is evident from the marks you have scored in Class XII, you are a bright and capable student, so please go ahead and continue your education without any hesitation.
|
|
The inside out of campus placement
Zubin Malhotra All large and prestigious institutions including some premier colleges have a placement cell to help students find jobs after their graduation in a particular field. Companies are invited to come and recruit candidates at the campus itself. Sometimes companies approach college authorities and fix up a date for recruitment. This process usually starts six to eight months prior to the final examination. Besides B-schools and engineering colleges, a number of leading corporates, hotel chains, television production houses, MNCs and international consultancy and accountancy firms regularly visit university campuses for recruiting the bright sparks as management trainees and apprentices. Here’s how you can make the most of campus placement drives and bag selection letters: What you should do As the academic year of most colleges and institutions concludes around March-April, make sure to keep an eye on your college notice board. If you are not familiar with the notice boards that display this type of information, check with the college office. It may not be a bad idea to scan the notice boards of some other well-known colleges as well for similar information. If you are asked to submit your resume to the Placement Cell or Personnel Department, please do so well in time. If you have spotted a notice in another college, you could call up the company and check if you could be allowed to attend the presentation in that college. If not, chances are they would have kept an open date for similar recruitment in the company’s own premises. After reading the notice, find out a little more about the company and the job if it interests you. Even if it doesn’t grab you vastly, you may still decide to attend the presentation to gather more information and experience. What you shouldn’t do Don’t be over eager to know how much you will be paid. The job content and profile is more important. Your first job should be treated as a valuable learning experience. If you are paid decently for it, that’s an added bonus. Similarly, don’t ask about the perks and leave/travel benefits right at the outset. These are not important. Instead show your enthusiasm to learn and contribute to the organisation. If you have done your home work well you will be prepared to tackle most of the questions. On the D-day On the day of the presentation, make sure you are well-dressed and appropriately groomed. Carry with you your credential file, copies of certificates, two passport-sized photographs, copy of your latest resume, a few blank sheets and a pen. Be attentive during the presentation. Jot down relevant information on a piece of paper so that when the question-answer session begins, you can ask whatever questions you may have regarding the job and the organisation. Be of help to the recruiting team — they may not be familiar with your college layout, its rules and regulations, etc. Pitching in with making arrangements for the presentation, helping form groups for the discussion, collecting resumes, etc. shows your enthusiasm. Just because the companies are coming to your doorstep, don’t take campus recruitment lightly. Pay as much attention as you would to the selection process at an employer’s premises. It’ll save you all the bother of chasing placement agencies, and responding to the numerous appointment ads and waiting endlessly for a call. Also, for those who are not absolutely clear about what PG course to pursue, working in the industry may provide valuable insights, besides giving you the necessary work experience. — The writer is Career Coach, CARING, New Delhi
|
|
The Add On edge
With admission season on a large number of students are busy selecting the right course and college for bachelor’s degree programmes in different fields. One way to add an extra edge to your degree course is to opt for an add on course. Globalisation of education and economy has led the University Grants Commission (UGC) to reorient and reshape its policies and programmes to make the current Indian higher education system more relevant and career-oriented with focus on quality and excellence.
Now you can actually take admission for BSc (Hons) Physics and also study communication skills or, study computer-based accounting while pursuing your bachelor’s in commerce. The initiative, envisaging that professionally qualified graduates with a sound knowledge of their core disciplines and expertise in a particular skill will have more openings in service, industry and self-employment sectors, has been welcomed by colleges all over. With the world becoming a flat ball, the demand for such professionally-trained graduates is going to rise exponentially in the future. Genesis The programme is not new. It owes its genesis to the X Plan when the UGC decided to recast the vocationalisation programme at undergraduate level under a modified scheme of career -oriented programmes. This is a flexible system of certificate/diploma/advanced diploma programmes, which runs parallel to the conventional BA, BCom. and BSc. degrees. The scheme has been launched with the objective of bridging the gap between the Industry and the academia by introducing career and market-oriented, skill enhancing add-on courses that have utility for job, self-employment and empowerment of the students. students opting for these courses get a certificate/diploma/advanced diploma at the end of three- year a conventional degree course in science/arts/commerce. Some of the indicative courses for Science stream are Information and Computer technology, Refrigeration, Biotechnology, Waste Disposal Management and Sericulture etc. For the Social Sciences and Humanities streams, the courses are of inter-disciplinary nature viz. Applied Sociology, Applied Psychology, Tourism, Fashion Designing, Translation Proficiency, Television and Video Production. For the Commerce stream, courses are Insurance, Banking, e-Commerce World Trade, Foreign Exchange Trade, Retailing etc. However, there are no watertight compartments and students have the freedom to diversify into various fields not necessarily related with their core discipline. With globalisation and privatisation being the latest mantra one can opt for courses in French, Spanish and Russian to bridge language skills and have a better understanding of diverse cultures. Courses that foster a better understanding of the society are also gaining popularity. These courses are interdisciplinary and can be opted by students from various streams and by students of few other colleges too. Since these are certificate courses, students have a great chance to update and enhance their skills and employability quotient. Course Weightage The course is of 20 credits. Each credit has 15 hours of workload out of which 8 credits are to be assigned to field work/project work. The proof of this is to be submitted during examination e.g. work experience certificate/dissertation/report etc. duly issued and signed by the concerned institutional authority/coordinator/faculty. Diploma Course The course carries 40 credits (20 credits earned during Certificate Course. Each credit has 15 hours of workload out of this 8 credits are to be assigned to field work/project work/training. The proof of this has to be submitted during the examination. Advanced Diploma Course The course carries 60 credits (40 credits earned together during Certificate and Diploma Courses, respectively). Again, each credit has 15 hours of workload. Out of this 8 credits are to be assigned to field work/project work/training. The proof of this (field work/project work/training is to be submitted during the examination. Who can get in Students are eligible to join these courses along with BA/ BCom/BSc/BCA I, II, and III depending on the availability of seats in the colleges offering these courses. Students should regularly check the notice board of their college regarding the admission dates. Students from all streams and classes, i.e. BA I, II, III, BSc I, II, III, B.Com I, II, III & BCA I, II, III, PGDCA, MA, MSc are eligible for admission to add on certificate courses. Students who have passed certificate course will be eligible for admission in respective diploma course. Choices are given to the students at the beginning of the year. Things are finalised after the applications are received. Increasing employability The ‘add on’ courses are going to give the students an edge when it comes to placements. it would make them more employable and holistic in their approach. It would also truncate the training time that the corporates spend on the student. Thus the colleges are in a position to produce degree holders who not only have a cognitive edge but also have the practical know how and skills. The programme orchestrates the Just in Time (JIT) philosophy that had taken the Japanese companies to a new plane altogether by saving out on time and financial resources. — The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant
Course Cursor
A look at the various short-term add-on courses being offered by some of the colleges:
Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Sector 11, Chandigarh U.G.C sponsored Add-on courses Web Designing & Multimedia (Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Course) Guidance and Counseling (Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Course) Disaster Management (Certificate and Diploma Course) Floriculture and Landscaping * Mass Media and Video Production * Office Management (Chandigarh Administration's Initiative for Women Empowerment) (Certificate Course-3 months) Postgraduate Govt. College, Sector 11, Chandigarh Event Management (Certificate course) Certificate Course in Office Management for Girls (3-month self-financing course) Postgraduate Government College for Girls, Sector- 42, Chandigarh Tourism and Travel Management (Certificate, Diploma & Advance Course) Bioinformatics (Certificate, Diploma & Advance Course) Environmental Auditing (Certificate, Diploma & Advance Course) Event Management (Certificate, Diploma & Advance Course) Animation and Graphics (Certificate & Diploma Course ) Web Designing (Certificate & Diploma Course ) Disaster Management (Certificate & Diploma Course ) Entrepreneurship (Certificate & Diploma Course) Mass Comm. & Video Production (Certificate & Diploma Course) Cosmetology* (Certificate Course ) Certificate Course in Office Management (3 Month Self Financing Course) Vocational Training Programme (VTP) Pre School Child Support Associate Computer Fundamentals, MS Office, Internet Soft Skills for baseline staff in service Lady Sri Ram College for Women Women & the Political Process Legal Literacy for Women Entrepreneurship Sports Journalism & Commentary Gargi College Education for Special Children Introduction to Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Vedic Mathematics Banking & Financial Services Advertising & Marketing Communication Counseling Skills Mass Communication Ramjas College Forensic Science Conflict
Resolution Biotechnology
Course cruising
KU media courses
The Institute of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Kurukshetra University is inviting applications for admissions to the following courses: Five-year integrated course in B.Sc. (Multi media) and M.Sc. Multimedia Five year Integrated course in B.Sc. (Graphics & Animation) & M.Sc. (Graphics & Animation) 5 Yr. Eligibility: Plus II with 50 per cent marks (minimum pass marks for SC/ST) Admission will be made on the basis of the merit of qualifying examination plus weightage as per university rules. How to apply: Prospectus Media Courses 2013-14 (Code No. Mass 13) containing Application Form, and admission guidelines can be obtained from Manager (P&P), KUK on cash payment of Rs 400 (Rs 100 for SC/BC/blind candidates of Haryana). Prospectus can also be downloaded from www.kuk.ac.in such Form must be accompanied with DD of the price. Deadline: July 7, 2013 Check out: www.kuk.ac.in MBA in healthcare Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) is inviting applications for MBA in healthcare in association with Fortis Hospitals. It is a two-year full-time programme with six months of on job training for students The course: The course includes hospital attachment for one day per week in first three semesters and six months full hospital attachment in the fourth semester to impart real life skills required by hospitals. Eligibility: Graduation/postgraduation or have passed the final examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India/Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India/Institute of Company Secretaries of India/any other course which is government recognised course with minimum 50 per cent marks. Mode of admission: First preference will be given to merit in MR-NAT and second preference to merit in the qualifying examination (Plus II). Fees: Rs 2,48,500 per annum, including refundable caution money of Rs 5,000. Seats: 30 Deadline: June 22, 2013 Check out: www.mriu.edu.in PG diploma programmes The Indian School of Business and Finance (ISBF) invites applications for PG diploma programmes from the University of London with academic direction from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), for the academic session 2013-14. Students can take up diplomas in economics, finance, banking and management as weekday/weekend programmes. The curriculum will be managed by LSE as the lead college. Students are required to appear for their final exams at The British Council. The final diplomas are awarded by the University of London. These diplomas can be a basis for progression o one-year master's programme at leading UK universities, or other foreign universities. Eligibility: Three-year (full-time) bachelor's degree with minimum 50 per cent in graduation. Mathematics in class XII. Seats: 30 seats in each diploma programme. Selection procedure: Admissions are based on good prior academic record and performance at the personal interview conducted by the ISBF admissions committee. to secure their admission. How to apply: Students can fill application form online at www.applytoisbf.com . or can download the application form from www.isbf.edu.in Complete and courier the application form along with the necessary documents at the address mentioned below: Address: ISBF Campus, 15A, Ring Road Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi 110 024. (Next to Moolchand Metro Station) Checkout: www.isbf.edu.in/
|
|
in conversation
Growth in the aviation sector coupled with commercialisation of space technologies has increased the demand for skilled manpower to meet not just the managerial requirements of the rapidly growing airports, airlines and aerospace and telecommunications sectors but also the legal complications that arise from the high value transactions. There is an acute shortage of aerospace legal professionals around the world. In order to fill this gap the Center for Air and Space Law (CASL), NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad has launched new and innovative programmes in aviation, space, telecommunications, GIS and Remote Sensing Laws, in June, 2013.
These courses are unique value added qualifications which would help the aspirants acquire global placements in the aero-space and telecom industry. These courses are being introduced with support from organisations such as Ministry of Civil Aviation, ISRO and Surveyor General of India and representatives of the Telecommunications industry and private sector. NALSAR's initiative crystallises an academic-industry partnership in the domain of Air Transport Management, Aviation, Space and Telecom Laws which makes the programme first of its kind not only in India but also in this part of the world. Prof (Dr) V. Balakista Reddy, Head of Centre for Air and Space Law, NALSAR gives details about these new programmes in an interview with J&C. Excerpts: Which are the new courses that NALSAR is planning to launch from this session? The Centre for Air and Space Law (CASL), NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, India, is introducing the following courses: Master’s Degree in Aviation Law and Air Transport Management and Master’s Degree in Space Technology and Telecommunications Laws. It is also launching one year Post Graduate Diplomas in: Aviation Law and Air Transport Management and
Given the global economic slowdown do you think, it is the right time to launch such programmes and how do you think it will benefit the aviation, space and telecom industries in India and abroad? In spite of the temporary economic meltdown and closing down of Kingfisher Airlines, the Indian aviation sector has been on a fast track and it is bouncing back. Many airports are getting privatised and new airports are also coming up. There is no doubt that the aviation sector in India has an ever-increasing demand for hundreds of aviation lawyers, management professionals and Aeronautical Engineers. Airlines themselves are seeking to enter new markets which can be seen through the recent tie-up between Tata Sons and Air Asia. Even in the middle-east Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways continue to grow at a formidable rate and developing extensive networks with equally matchless infrastructure. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other airports are being upgraded and developed to cope up with the on-going traffic growth. Besides, several aerospace enterprises are here to support the aviation sector. The increasing opportunities require specialised and well-trained professionals to man the modern aviation industry. The need of the hour is to help aviation enthusiasts and working executives to acquire higher qualifications to provide the much needed value-addition to their existing qualifications. This programme would help aerospace industry to get the right professionals at the right time. What
will be the course content of these courses and how will these be different
from the existing courses? Aviation management programmes conducted in other universities offer exposure to law through only one subject in the entire course curriculum. But this programme, on the other hand, being an integrated course, ensures the students become aviation law experts, certified by a leading law University and also gives a rare opportunity for lawyers to get a specialisation in air and space laws while becoming an air transport management expert. The courses are blended versions of onsite and online sessions lasting two years including four semesters covering various subjects like introduction to aviation law, principles of management and aerospace technology. On the core legal side, the course will also cover subjects like International and Domestic Air Law, Space Law and Telecommunications Laws. In the III Semester, students will build on the fundamentals that they learnt to study more specialized and advanced courses such as Advanced Airport, Airline Management, and Corporate Aviation Law and so on. Lastly, the students will be offered industry exposure and will be expected to submit a dissertation on a selected topic. Sessions will be conducted through case study and project assignments and e-learning through web platform during the online sessions. Attendance at onsite sessions will be compulsory. What job opportunities will the students have after completing the course? Aerospace and telecom sectors being truly international in nature do not confine themselves to Indian borders. Hence, students pursuing this degree will be able to enter the open global market and boost their career profiles. The online component of this course and the fact that classes are offered in different centers ensure that the participants acquire additional qualification while continuing with their current pursuits. Thus these courses provide flexibility and a rare opportunity to earn a double qualification simultaneously, in short, ensuring multi-skill competence. What will be the course evaluation and course update procedure for these specialised courses? These courses are dynamic in nature which requires for constant updating and evaluation. To evaluate these courses, NALSAR University has constituted a high powered Committee consisting of Judges, Experts from Aerospace Industry, Defence, ISRO, Telecommunications etc. In fact, the course on GIS and Remote Sensing was reviewed by Dr. Swarna Subba Rao, Surveyor General of India, who found it highly relevant. — TNS
Classes will commence in June/July 2013 at several centers across India such as Bengaluru, Guwahati, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. It is a unique programme as 'law' is combined with technology and management which is a rare combination in itself. It is often said, 'if you know the rules of the game, you are bound to do well'. All these are unique super competency courses and only few universities in the world are imparting such specialisations as of now. CASL, NALSAR has taken an initiative to bring these specialised courses to the subcontinent to benefit the students, working executives, scientists and so on by developing a competitive edge so that they are able to enter the global market and boost their career profile. Our effort is to provide world class aerospace education with a global perspective, at an affordable cost.
|
|
smart strategy: asking for a salary hike Ragini Gulati One of the most nerve-wracking moments in any professional’s career is asking for a salary hike. Although a daunting task, waiting for a raise to happen just because you deserve it is no longer practical. Prior to taking the plunge prepare a background on your contribution to the organisation. Support the claim with documents and evidence for making the case stronger. Also familiarise yourself with the employer’s pay practices and criteria for giving a raise. Eventually schedule a meeting with the supervisor to take up the matter in a professional manner. Subsequent to putting across your request allow them time to respond and ask questions. Be prepared for objections that may come up during the course of discussion. Ask for more vacation days, flexible hours or special perks, if monetary raise is refused. Close the negotiations with a better understanding of how to make it to the next level. Here are some more points which you should keep in mind while putting up your case for a raise: Research the market Aspiring for a raise in salary or believing you deserve one is not enough. Prior to approaching the employer, research the job market to know your true value. Find out what others in your field and geographic area are getting paid. Speak to colleagues in comparable positions within the organisation to determine salary competitiveness. However, make sure to take into consideration your work experience and education since these factors have a bearing on salary. Also check with recruiters whether you are underpaid or overpaid for what you do. Another option is to scour the internet for a general estimate on the industry standards. Subsequent to the research collate the data to build a strong case for a raise. List your accomplishments A negotiation for pay hike is based on performance more than anything else. Since roles keep changing, supervisor may not know exactly what you are doing. Make a list of your accomplishments and contributions to the organisation. Write a brief synopsis on projects that you have successfully completed. Focus on key initiatives and proactive decisions taken during course of work to improve business. Support the claim with documents like performance reviews, appreciation letters and e-mails. Recent achievements are more likely to impress the employer. Also highlight any additional qualifications or trainings you may have received. Emphasising how you have performed beyond your call of duty, will make a compelling reason for pay increase. Pick the right time Like everything else in life, timing is important while asking for a salary hike. Although reviews are assumed to be an appropriate time, it’s often not the case. Choose the right moment to carry out salary negotiations with the supervisor. The best time would be on completion of a project or getting more duties. However take into account the organisation’s finances before making the move. Look out for signs which would indicate how things are faring. Another aspect to be considered is the supervisor’s state of mind. Refrain from bringing up the subject before a board meeting or at the end of a hectic day. Moreover, make sure that you have been with the organisation for at least one or two years before you ask for a salray hike. Schedule a meeting Subsequent to picking the right time, schedule a meeting with the supervisor. A subject as delicate as compensation warrants their uninterrupted attention. Besides, springing the conversation without warning is unprofessional and disrespectful. Take the boss aside and politely seek some time to meet privately. Avoid putting them in a spot by asking in front of other employees. Let the supervisor know that you wish to discuss your performance and career plans. Giving a heads-up will allow them to review your performance beforehand. Moreover, they may be more inclined to say ‘no’ if they feel a decision has to be taken right away. Scheduling a face-to-face interaction will also give you sufficient time to prepare your case. No ultimatums While asking for a raise is acceptable, demanding one can backfire. No matter how badly the negotiations are progressing steer clear of ultimatums. Resist the urge to threaten even though your decision to stay on is subject to getting the raise. Threatening to quit if you don’t receive a salary increase can do more damage than help. It will make the supervisor feel that his authority is being undermined. They may also become defensive, which will only worsen the situation. In fact, there are chances that the employer might call your bluff and take you up on the offer. Most importantly, claiming to walk out if you are turned down will demonstrate your lack of commitment to the organisation. Be prepared for refusal Despite best efforts, request for pay raise may be refused. The rejection could either be on account of poor performance or internal issues. Be prepared to accept the employer's decision irrespective of the reason. Respectfully ask the supervisor why you got turned down and listen carefully to their explanation. Maintain composure and a dignified demeanor throughout the conversation. Refrain from overreacting or saying things which you might regret later. Make a note of the specific goals and responsibilities to be undertaken in order to get a raise. Also thank the supervisor for their support in providing career development opportunities. Lastly don’t walk out before arriving on a mutually agreed upon timeline for the next review.
|
|
Homing from work
Employees are not only working from home, they are also ‘homing from work’, with 93 per cent of workers taking care of personal errands and family needs during office hours, a new study in North America has found. Nearly half of those surveyed left their office during the day to take care of personal errands, including going to the bank, picking up a gift, shipping a package, getting a manicure or pedicure and picking or dropping off dry cleaning, the study by digital media firm Captivate Network revealed.
Nearly 70 per cent employees use their work computers for personal online activities, including taking care of banking and insurance needs, scheduling vacations, shopping, finding a new recipe and searching for a new job. The study was based on surveys of 4,000 white-collar workers across North America, Business News Daily reported. In the last two years, the number of employees in US who are running errands during the day has increased by 31 per cent, according to the study. — PTI
|
|
Scholarship roundup
The Foundation of Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) is offering scholarships for undergraduate students in India. These scholarships are sponsored by BHEL and others. Study Subject(s): Scholarships are provided in the field of arts/commerce/science/medical/engineering and other technical and professional discipline at any university/institution/college of students’ choice anywhere in India. Eligibility: Students should have passed Class XII from a recognised board in India and first year undergraduate students. Students belong to BPL Category; SC/ST community students who have passed Class XII from a recognised board in India First year under-graduate students Duration: Scholarships may be for up to a maximum of five years. Details: FAEA scholarships provide financial aid for completion of undergraduate courses which includes tuition fee, maintenance allowance or hostel/mess charges and other allowances to cover travel, clothing and book purchase. Selection criteria: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews across India in the metropolitan city closest to student’s domicile. How to apply: Online. Deadline: June 30, 2013. Check out: http://www.faeaindia.org/newApps/proceed.asp University of Adelaide offers one scholarship for Indians for one year. This scholarship has been established by Professor Ashok Khurana to support the postgraduate education of a practising, tertiary qualified, school teacher working within the Indian education system for pursuing Master of Education programme on a full-time basis at the University of Adelaide. The scholarship will be awarded on academic merit, work experience and supporting information. Eligibility: Applicants must be Indian nationals. This scholarship is open to a tertiary qualified teacher with a recognized undergraduate degree and at least five years teaching experience in India. The scholarship is only available for international students with Indian citizenship who are commencing a Master of Education. Students who have already commenced their studies at the University of Adelaide are ineligible to apply. Applicants must have already applied for admission to the Master of Education programme at the University of Adelaide prior to applying for this scholarship. This scholarship is open to a tertiary qualified teacher with a recognised undergraduate degree and at least five years teaching experience in India. Details: The scholarship is valued at $25,000 for one year, payable towards the recipient’s airfares, living expenses and tuition fees. The successful applicant will also receive a 50% discount on the tuition fees for one year of the Master of Education program. How to apply: Online. Deadline: June 28, 2013. Check out: www.adelaide.edu.au/study/international/scholarships/
|
|
|
Newsboard
MRIU team enters Shell Eco Marathon
A team of eight students of Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) —Synchromesh— will represent India in ‘Shell Eco Marathon 2013’ to be held in Malaysia next month. As many as 15 teams of India’s best young minds will be representing the country this year in the competition to identify the ‘Most Energy Efficient vehicle’. ‘MRV 2’, the formula 1 racing car developed by Synchromesh is an eco-friendly vehicle with unique features like a mileage of 120km/l of fuel, lightweight, and is made by using a single cylinder diesel engine etc. This year ‘Shell Eco Marathon’ is expecting participation from 16 countries . MoU signed Galgotias University (GU) and University of Maryland have signed an MoU. The agreement would enable students of both institutes to spend a semester of study in the partner institute. The second specific agreement with the Smith school of Business at UMD is for MBA students wherein the students would complete the first year of their MBA programme in India, then go to the Smith School for one year to receive their MSB — Masters in Supply Chain Management, and finally finish the second year of their MBA programme back in India. This MOU also involves faculty exchange and exchange in research areas.
|
|
|
Happiness @ work
An employee can work efficiently only for a limited time during the day. So it is vital that companies put the talents of their staff to proper use by fitting them at places where their talents can find full expression.
Kuttan Menon of Ernakulam was surprised to get a long letter from Swami Sivananda asking permission to initiate his son Balan in sanyaas. He gladly said yes as “Balan is doing what I never had the courage to do”. After three dips in the Ganga, Balan emerged as Chinmayananda Saraswati. King Rajashekhara invited eight-year-old Shankara to be his court poet. But the lad refused as more pressing tasks awaited him. He left home and united the country as Adi Shankaracharya. “Why don’t you write a poem in my praise like other poets in my court?” King Bhoja of Dhara asked Kalidas. “You are a great and noble King, but the praise of mortals is not the aim of poetry,” Kalidas replied. Jayaprakash Narayan’s mother had died and his father was suffering from paralysis. Their ancestral land had been mortgaged to send Jayaprakash to the US for studies. So Gandhiji arranged a job for JP as industrialist GD Birla’s secretary. Finding the job “meaningless”, JP left it after six months and began writing the history of the Civil Disobedience Movement on Jawaharlal Nehru’s request. The authorities of Presidency College, Calcutta, didn’t like their physics professor — biophysicist Jagadis Chandra Bose — wasting time on his experiments. Decades later, JC Bose — on his 59th birthday — established a research institute on November 30, 1917 with himself as founder-director. On seeing that Dhanurdasa, the King’s guard, loved his wife so much as to make a public exhibition of it, 11th century saint Ramanujacharya initiated him into Lord Vishnu’s divine love. “Persons with so much love are rarely found,” Ramanuja reasoned. When visionary Jamsetji Tata saw that goods superintendent on the Great Indian Peninsular Railway Bezonji Dadabhai Mehta did his job well, he made gave him the charge of his Empress Mill in Nagpur. For his efficiency, Bezonji was knighted by King George V at the Nagpur railway station in 1911. Neither firm nor employee gains by under-employment of staff. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
|
The solar energy sector can contribute significantly to plugging the country's energy gap. As a result this sector is rising as a potential job generating sector as a large number of vacancies are likely to open up over the next few years. The government, too, has initiated steps to give a boost to this sector. I t had launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010.
With admission season on a large number of students are busy selecting the right course and college for bachelor’s degree programmes in different fields. One way to add an extra edge to your degree course is to opt for an add on course. Globalisation of education and economy has led the University Grants Commission (UGC) to reorient and reshape its policies and programmes to make the current Indian higher education system more relevant and career-oriented with focus on quality and excellence.
Growth in the aviation sector coupled with commercialisation of space technologies has increased the demand for skilled manpower to meet not just the managerial requirements of the rapidly growing airports, airlines and aerospace and telecommunications sectors but also the legal complications that arise from the high value transactions.
smart strategy: asking for a salary hike
The solar PV industry is in a very nascent stage and the infrastructure not completely built in India. However, with the rapid development of this industry, there will be requirement of fresh graduates and postgraduates who can be trained in the respective areas.
Q.Due to family reasons, I could not pass my high school or intermediate. However, after doing a bridge course I completed my BA from IGNOU I. I am very passionate about my studies. After that, I did my BEd from Agra University obtaining a position in the merit list. I keep taking other exams and clearing most of them. But as I do not have a High School or Inter mark sheet all my efforts go in vain. I wish to appear for the UPSC PCS exam. I am already preparing for it. Please tell me if I will be allowed to take this exam as a graduate (but without having done Inter or High School)?
A.Admission to foreign medical colleges is dependant on your achieving the minimum qualification requirements.
Q.I passed Class XII in 2008 with 80 per cent marks, but couldn’t continue my further studies due to a terrible accident. Currently I am working in a printing press. I now want to do my graduation (BA Economics) from IGNOU. Please tell me, can I do MJMC as a regular student after BA from IGNOU. —
Geeta Swamanathan
FAEA scholarships
When Ram Shastri, Chief Justice under the Peshwas of Maharashtra, saw that the Peshwa’s soldiers were forcing farmers to work as labourers during harvest time, he approached Peshwa Madhav Rao. “Famine will strike if peasants are engaged for other purposes,” he pleaded. The Peshwa agreed and banned forced labour in the state. 