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| JOBS & CAREERS |
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smart strategy: the art of getting work done
career compass: blood bank technologist
Senior execs seek greener pastures
COURSE CRUISING
SCHOLARSHIP ROUNDUP
Happiness @ work CareerCature
NEWSBOARD
Can I do postgraduation with a graduation course
What is the eligibility for getting into a course in speech therapy?
What is the scope in astrophysics?
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GEOINFORMATICS
What makes this information available to us is the science of Geoinformatics, also called Geographical Information Systems. Geo-information and GIS uses digital spatial data acquired from remotely sensed images, analysed by geographic information systems (GIS), distributed through complex infrastructures, and visualised on the computer screen or on paper by an ever-increasing variety of users. Though a relatively new field, there is growing awareness of GIS as a critical tool — never brought home more starkly as in the management of the devastating cyclone that pounded the east coast of India a couple of days ago. Increasingly, professionals across various disciplines are learning the applications of GIS. Geoinformatics is a field which incorporates the use of computer-based systems to handle spatial geographical information and with the use of computer programming and graphics, apply it for a variety of uses such as spatial maps, weather forecasts, identifying physical resources like coal and oil, for government planning like urban and rural planning, collating and comparing census data, building of roads, monitoring and exploring agricultural inputs, conducting demography studies, public health and so on. It is used by many disciplines, including hydrology, agriculture, forestry, climatology, land use planning, geology, demography, sociology, economics, business, etc. With its widespread usage in many different disciplines, there is a variety in the areas of work for a geoinformatics specialist: Remote sensing: Processing satellite images and aerial photographs by computer to enhance specific features of interest and assess their significance. Such information is vital during census mapping, for technological mapping and for preparing digital atlases. Urban planner : With the help of spatial information through GIS urban planners identify and deal with problems to do with land use, transportation, solid waste-management, etc. Several municipal bodies today use GIS for identifying and estimating property tax, and dealing with the conflicting demands of housing, industrial development, agriculture and recreation. Transport systems: Geoinformatics enables management of the transport network, transport and traffic network planning, aviation and maritime transport, making available in-car navigation systems, automatic vehicle location systems, etc Environment science and climate change: GIS is largely used as a modelling tool for assessing the impact of climate change, availability of water in the river systems, calculating existing wildlife densities, assessing habitat sustainability for wildlife populations, evaluating human impact on the wildlife, vegetation cover, etc. Research: There is enormous scope for research in the field of remote sensing, in building of satellite-based navigation systems, which India is in the process of setting up, and other areas including geo-spatial analysis, geo-simulation, geo-visualisation, Web GIS (like Google map) and electronic navigation map and so on. Industry: Distribution and logistics — planning, organising and co-ordinating the supply, movement and storage of goods and materials from supplier to customer. Medicine & healthcare: Although this is as yet not being conducted in India, geo-informatics can play an important role in research studies along with doctors and medical experts, in determining the origin and spread of epidemics, and the impact of different physical and natural factors — vegetation, minerals, water supply, climate and environment — on health patterns.
Getting in
Geoinformatics is a highly specialised field for which a background in science is essential. You should also be computer literate and tech savvy, with more than a nodding interest in geography and mapping. Students from geography, geology, agriculture, engineering, IT or computer science fields can gain admission to MSc. and MTech. courses in Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing, and GIS. Shorter diploma, certificate and M.A. courses are available as well. There are several institutes and universities offering courses in geoinformatics and GIS. These include The Indian Instituite of Remote Sensing (IIRS) Dehradun which offers M Sc and MTech courses as well as Postgraduate Diplomas in Remote Sensing and GIS and in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation. IIT Bombay also offers BTech and master’s in remote sensing, while Institute of Remote Sensing - College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai has BE - Geo Informatics and MTech - Remote Sensing and frequently conducts certification based training courses in GIS. Other institutes include Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology and Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics which offer post-graduate programmes in this field. There are various specialisations in this field such as Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Disaster Management, Photogrammetry, Remote sensing and Web mapping. The professional education programmes impart knowledge of the techniques, technology and models used for projection systems, annotation dimension and plotting, database management, 3D visualisation, thematic mapping, remote sensing platforms, geographic information systems and global positioning systems. It also equips students with the latest trends in geospatial science and technology.
Job prospects
Geoinformatics is being used in practically every field, from environment and civil engineering to oil exploration and defence. GIS specialists work for organisations dealing with power and telecommunications, health, pollution monitoring, water resources management, disaster management and urban planning. Marketing and management companies also use GIS professionals to explore new markets and plan strategies for distribution. Foreign companies are also outsourcing GIS high resolution mapping technologies for commercial applications. Career opportunities in Geoinformatics are largely in industries, scientific organisations, international and government agencies, municipal corporations, in teaching and research. These include Central and state government agencies such as Department of Space — National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA Hyderabad), Regional Remote Sensing Application Centre (RRSAC Kharagpur, Dehradun, Jodhpur, Nagpur and Bangalore), Indian Space Research Organisation, (ISRO Bangalore), Advanced Data Processing Research Institute (ADRIN Hyderabad) and Space Application Centre (SAC Ahmedabad) apart from Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) and Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Space Application Centres as well as several State Electricity Boards which are also implementing geoinformatics. In addition there are environmental agencies, national survey and mapping organisations, mineral exploration, public health departments, international organisations, United Nations, transportation and infrastructure companies, as also top private companies and multinationals like Google, Reliance Industries, Reliance Communications, TCS, and several software and IT companies too. The geoinformatics field is expanding rapidly as more and more industries are employing spatial data to manage their activities. With more and more government agencies, private companies and individuals using GIS and high-resolution imagery services, the market is growing in leaps and bounds. The growth is attributed to wide use of spatial information for local and regional planning, infrastructure development, disaster management support, business development, natural resources management and disaster management. Almost no developmental project is complete without geospatial information, the only limitation being the acute shortageof skilled professionals.
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Course watch
TERI University is offering MSc programme in geoinformatics. This programme enables students and professionals to learn the techniques of creation, analysis and integration of various geo-tagged spatial and non-spatial data in a geographic unit. It is open to bachelor’s degree holders in Science, Engineering, Statistics, Geography and related subjects. Also eligible are mid-career professionals from IT sector and also self-motivated and committed research professionals in the geospatial arena apart from government sector. The course includes classroom teaching, intensive laboratory sessions, independent hands-on exercises and regular interaction to the work culture and professionals in industry. It is an interdisciplinary course and exposes students and professionals to project management, related law and policy, besides the core remote sensing, GIS, GPS and spatial modeling techniques. Inputs from Dr. P K Joshi, Prof. & Head, Dept of Natural Resources, TERI University It is a synergy of multiple disciplines (remote sensing, global positioning system, communication tech), which form the basis of a Spatial Decision Support System powered by latest images, maps and tables that are used to interpret data.
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smart strategy: the art of getting work done
An essential skill
If it was possible for individuals to do everything they needed to do for their very existence, there would be no need for any industries producing various goods and providing various services. The terms like ‘time over-run’ and ‘cost over-run’ would not be known; every human being would be an efficient machine who would not need to depend upon others for anything. But as we all know that we can’t grow our own food, manufacture cloth and stitch our clothes or manufacture refrigerators and air-conditioners, or perform several other tasks without the help of others. We have to depend on manufacturing and service industries which must perform effectively and efficiently so that we get what we want at the price we want. That is why the art of getting things done from others, becomes so important.
No cake walk
However, getting work domne from others — be it your subordinates or colleagues — is not an easy job. Each individual working in any organisation is unique and will perform within the constraints of his/her DNA and other parameters like, educational qualifications, social and cultural operating environment etc. Even in most of the real life situations getting things done from others is considered to be an extremely difficult thing. No wonder then that a majority of people find doing the assigned task themselves as the easiest way out. Since getting things done from others is so difficult those who are responsible for it — the leaders and managers — are highly respected and are rewarded accordingly by society. No organisation can have resources for the asking, the role of the manger becomes even more difficult when he/she has to deliver the results with scarce resources whether human, material or time.
Effective tips
Here are a few points that will be helpful in getting your juniors listen to your orders: Always remember that all persons don’t perform in the same way. There are some who may be termed as achievers or highly motivated individuals. They don’t need any push to perform. They only need to be given the right direction and they come up to the expectations of their bosses as well as the organisation. You, as a supervisor or boss, can depend upon such individuals to deliver the desired results in the time-frame planned by you. Then there are others who are mediocre and are happy like cows in fenced pasture. They are indifferent to any growth beyond a particular level and enjoy their mediocrity. They need an entirely different approach. Remember, such individuals do get temporarily motivated once you give them a pep-talk, but will soon revert to their position of equilibrium ie their own level of mediocrity. There is yet another category of individuals who consider life as a difficult duty to perform and will remain ‘passengers’ throughout their working life. They wear the burden of life as a yoke and keep waiting for the end of the day. It is this third type of workers who pose a real challenge for any manager as getting anything done from them leads can be a frustrating experience. The first category or the good performers may not exceed 30 per cent even in good organisations. ‘Life is a difficult duty’ type individuals may account for up to 10 per cent. M Buckingham and C. Coffman in their book First Break All Rules: what the world’s greatest mangers do differently argue that ‘actively- engaged workers are just 28 per cent; others are either ‘actively-disengaged’ or ‘not engaged at all’. This leaves with you a large number, approximately 60 per cent of the mediocre. Handling them according to a plan should become the Key Result Area for any good manager. The tendency of managers to follow the principle of, ‘The reward of good work is more work’, can be very dangerous as soon the entire organisation may become mediocre. The over-burdened achievement motivation individuals may, over a period of time, adapt the ways of the mediocre.
Winning mantra
The discipline of getting things done involves the following three steps: Involving people in the overall strategy of the organisation. Of course, this has to be done on ‘need to know basis’ as everything cannot be shared with everyone in the organisation. If a worker involved in manufacture of arms and ammunition for the Armed Forces is explained the importance of his work, he is likely to perform his duty with more enthusiasm and more efficiently. People are fundamental to executing any task. Hence, they have to be very carefully selected, trained and nurtured to fulfill their allotted roles. They must be made to work on their strengths and fair rewards must be ensured. The operation process is the most important and the most difficult process. Setting only realistic goals by involving the individuals who have to achieve them, should be the first step. Suitable delegation and follow-up is the other aspect.
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career compass: blood bank technologist
High focus on blood safety by national (e.g. NACO) and international organisation (e.g. WHO) as well as regulatory requirements for desired experience and qualification has increased the need for trained manpower as blood bank technologists. There is a severe shortage of trained technicians in India. Getting in The present mandatory qualification for blood bank technicians is a PGDMLT (Post graduation diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology) or DMLT or MLT. However, these courses do not focus on blood bank detail as DMLTs are primarily absorbed in laboratory or pathological labs. Working as FDA (Food and Drug Administration, India)- approved blood bank technician is a restricted trade practice. Technologist can get registered and get a blood-bank licence based on experience, with or without examination, by a government-appointed expert. This course aims at introducing blood bank technology from patient and blood donor’s perspective as well as management for graduates and quality systems and documentation required in transfusion medicine. Other courses are: Post Graduate Diploma in Blood Bank Technology and Management (PGDBBTM). This is a one or two-year programme which students with a BSc degree can opt for. Curriculum: Basics of Transfusion Medicine, Donor management, Instrumentation and calibration, immuno-hematology, Transfusion transmitted infections, Regulatory Affairs and documentations, Apheresis, Stem Cells and Genetic Compatibility, Blood Component Preparation, Quality System Management, Generic Skills. Skill set A blood bank technician should be well versed with Quality System management for Transfusion Medicine. He should be trained in special techniques in Transfusion Medicine. And should be well versed with the recent research trends He should be confident to work in different sections of blood bank and quality processes Employment prospects Candidates with PGDBBTM can be at par with trained blood bank technicians and get absorbed faster. Career progression There are ample opportunities for these postgraduates due to large scale shortage of well-trained personnel in blood bank technology. One can grow as lab manager/quality supervisor etc. of immunohematology or stem cell lab etc. They can also be absorbed in the management or technical hierarchies. Remuneration Students can expect a starting annual package of
Rs 1 lakh with organisational benefits. — With inputs from Dr. Harprit Singh, Consultant Transfusion Medicine, Alchemist Hospital, Gurgaon
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career compass: psychoanalyst
These words of Virginia Woolf give an important insight into the complexities of the human mind. The semi-transparent, the subconscious is what consumes our emotions, thoughts and actions. If you believe that you can influence the emotions by analysing the deepest recesses of the human mind, then Psychoanalysis is the apt career option for you. Work profile A psychoanalyst works with people who suffer from a range of emotional problems, including depression, phobias, anxiety, trauma and obsessions. Together with the patients, he explores how unconscious factors affect their behaviour as well as past and current relationships. A day in the life of a psychoanalyst The day of a psychoanalyst is packed with the ability to absorb emotions. With each session varying from 30-50 minutes, the number of repeat visits by the patient varies according to the severity of the problem. One is normally not expected to work long hours but since the job involves a lot of attentive listening and analysis, it is imperative that one is vigilant and has the capacity to absorb things like a sponge. Dr Suneet Aurora, a practicing Psychoanalyst who runs the Sampoorna Foundation, Ludhiana says, “A psychoanalyst’s main endeavour is to provide a reliable and safe setting to help patients become aware of their unconscious conflicts. My job is to encourage the patients to talk freely, make sense of their experiences, dreams, fantasies, anxieties, feelings and memories. It involves not making any judgments and whatever is said in a session is held in the strictest confidence. As the actual catharsis takes place, the patients are able to alleviate the mental, physical and emotional trauma and walk out of my clinic smiling”. Course Cursor Doctoral degree A doctoral degree in psychoanalysis prepares one to practice as a psychoanalyst or to pursue academic research in the field. Such programmes combine full theoretical training, clinical training and research experiences with the completion of a dissertation. The major thrust areas are personal training analysis, clinical training, research theory and methods, dissertation, case study papers. Master’s degree A two-year master's degree, the eligibility for which is bachelor's degree in any field focuses on extensive seminar courses as well as field externships. The emphasis is on clinical field work and training analysis moving on to research through a thesis or project. The primary thrust areas are clinical assessment psychoanalytic theory, fundamentals of Freud, comparative psychoanalysis, human development, neurophysiology, psychopathology etc. Certificate programme A certificate programme provides comprehensive theoretical and practical training in the principles of psychoanalysis and focuses on preparation for clinical practice rather than academic research. You would study primitive mental states, psychoanalysis theory, psychoanalysis history and more and do your internships at mental healthcare facilities, which may include in-patient institutions. Career pathways Clinical One can open a medical health facility and focus on children, married couples, substance abusers, athletes and make them overcome their trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, feelings of loss and emptiness,difficulties in making or sustaining relationships at home or work. Research Those having a penchant for teaching, can join psychology departments in universities or go in for research. You may also work with local school districts, acting as consultants to mediate disputes, develop integrated mental health programmes, or combat bullying and violence. In a tangential way, you can train teachers and other staff members to deal with behavioural issues, engage parents in their children's education or motivate students to improve performance. Business In the globalised corporate world where mergers and acquisitions are a norm, you can become a corporate consultant if you couple your degree with a one in Law. You may need to dovetail your insight not only in dealings with employees, customers and managers, but also help corporations deal with changes in the corporate structure or culture; explore the issues that might arise when leadership changes; or there is a merger or a joint venture. Writing You can also use your deep insight into the deepest recesses of human mind by writing books, and translating complex psychological principles into terms. — The writer is a
Ludhiana-based career consultant
Institute
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Senior execs seek greener pastures
Experts said the increasing tendency of middle and senior level executives to change jobs is mainly driven by desire to seek better paying and brighter career opportunities amid sluggish economic conditions. Increasing pressure to perform is also a contributing factor, they added. “The eagerness to move up the corporate ladder quickly and high compensation levels at senior levels is a major reason for this trend in India," executive search firm MANCER Consulting's CEO Satya D Sinha said. Providing a rough estimate, Sinha said that as much as 80 per cent of middle and senior level executives could be looking for change of jobs. Economic slowdown has influenced the pay hikes and promotions internally, in turn resulting in increased workforce movement between companies, experts said. India needs an estimated 2,735 additional middle and senior managers each year, estimates by MANCER showed. In the past six to eight months, about 25-30 per cent of working executives have switched jobs, HR consultancy Unison International’s Managing Director Udit Mittal said. “It may be higher remuneration and designation, but the major force driving them to switch is that they want a much secure job and primarily want to join a company which is in a safer place and less affected by the slowdown,” Mittal said. Industry-wise, job switch has been majorly noted in the FMCG, automotive, IT and pharmaceutical sectors, experts said. “A lot of private equity investment is coming into India because of the depreciation of rupee which has also resulted in a key personnel quitting to join start-ups or launch their own ventures,” Vidur Gupta, Managing Partner at Spectrum Talent Management, said. Among the high profile exits seen this year among Indian corporates include that of Ashok Vemuri leaving software exporter Infosys and Manu Anand quitting beverages major PepsiCo India. — PTI
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Sunday night blues!
The distress of returning to work after a weekend causes more than 75 per cent of employees to experience ‘Sunday night blues’, a new research has found.
For nearly half of them the angst is so distressing that it makes them want to find a new job.
The research, based on surveys of more than 3,600 employees worldwide, found that Sunday nights are riddled with anxiety for most employees. Mary Ellen Slayter, career advice expert for Monster.com, said with Monday morning being notoriously stressful, she doesn't think anyone is truly happy to see their weekends come to a close, BusinessNewsDaily reported. To reduce Sunday night stress, employees should take time on Friday to make sure they are set up for success the following week, she said. “Spend a few minutes preparing for next week: review and prioritise your calendar, assemble materials you expect to be using and tie up every loose end you can,” Slater said.
— PTI
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COURSE CRUISING
Whistling QWoods International is inviting applications for diploma courses in filmmaking, acting and screenwriting for the current session. Eligibility: Pass in Plus II from any recognised board. How to apply: The admission form can be downloaded from www.whistlingwoods.net.The admission form should support past academic credentials and creative submissions. Creative submissions differ from courses to courses and a student needs to check the particular course for details. All applications are assessed and the selected applicants are called for personal interviews. Selections of candidates are made on the basis of their academic records and their interview performance. Deadline: October 16 Check out: www.whistlingwoods.net Doctoral programmes at GADVASU Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, is inviting applications for Ph D programmes in different disciplines. Eligibility: A master's level degree in the respective discipline with a minimum OCPA of 7.00 (out of 10.00) or 70 per cent marks or equivalent and with a minimum OCPA of 5.50 (out of 10.00) or 55 per cent marks or an OGPA of 2.00/4.00 in the respective discipline. How to apply: Prospectus along with application forms can be obtained from the office of Dean, College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, Ludhiana-141004 either by sending crossed bank draft for Rs 1600 drawn in favour of Comptroller, GADVASU, Ludhiana, payable at Ludhiana or personally from the said office on payment of Rs 1500 at the counter on all working days from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Prospectus and application forms will be sent under registered cover and University will not be responsible for any postal delay or loss in the transit. The application form can also be down loaded from University Website. Deadline: November 25, 2013 without late fee and by December 2, 2013 with late fee of Rs 1000. Check out:
http://www.gadvasu.in/noticedetails.asp?id=360
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SCHOLARSHIP ROUNDUP
TATA Innovation Fellowships
The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India is offering fellowships for Indian scientists with outstanding track record in biological sciences and a deep commitment to find innovative solutions to major problems in health care, agriculture and other areas related to life sciences and biotechnology. Eligibility: The fellowship is open to Indian nationals residing in India who are below the age of 55 as on November 21, 2013. The applicant should possess a PhD degree in life sciences, agriculture, veterinary science or a master’s degree in medical sciences, engineering or an equivalent degree in biotechnology/ related areas. The candidate must have a regular position in a university/institute/organisation and should be engaged in research and development. The applicant should have spent at least 5 years in India before applying for the fellowship. Scholarship Open for International Students: The students of India can apply for the fellowships. Number of awards: Five Duration: Initially for three years, extendable further by two years on a fresh appraisal. Details: The amount of the fellowship is ~25,000 per month in addition to regular salary from the host institute. In addition, each Fellow will receive a contingency grant of ~6 lakh per annum for meeting various expenses. How to apply: Application (six copies) may be sent as per proforma downloadable from DBT website (www.dbtindia.nic.in) and duly forwarded by the competent authority to Dr. A. K. Rawat, Joint Director, Department of Biotechnology, Block-2, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi -110 003, latest by 31st October, 2013. Deadline: October 31, 2013. Check out: http://dbtindia.nic.in
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Happiness @ work
Prince Vardhamana, son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala of Kundagram, was handsome, intelligent and strong. His exploits at quelling a snake, an elephant and a local bully made the citizens call him “Mahavira”. Even when everything was going his way, he renounced it all to find a way lessen the misery of mankind. For 12 years from the age of 30, he wandered about and meditated till he reached a sal tree on the banks of the Rijuwalika near the Parshvanath hills where he became Jina, the enlightened one. With a master’s degree in English with honours in journalism, Balakrishnan began writing for national newspapers. Later, he joined the National Herald newspaper. Fascinated by his work, the wealthy invited him to their gatherings. But he remained unaffected as he said, “To write from the common man’s angle, I — in front of the typewriter — pretend I am a cobbler.” In 1947, he wrote a series “Views from the footpath” by “Mr Tramp”. Balan went on to become Swami Chinmayananda, the leading light of the Chinmaya Mission. Despite being famed as Lokanayak; having organised an unprecedented demonstration by peasants in Patna on November 25, 1949; with National Poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar reciting a poem in his honour during the Emergency at the Ramlila grounds, Delhi, in front of a 1 lakh-strong gathering; and guiding the first non-Congress coalition to power at the Centre, Jayaprakash Narayan chose “the way of service as apart from that of power”. While giving aviation to India, JRD Tata headed a huge industrial empire of steel, locomotives, insurance, cement, oil, soaps, textiles and electric power. But he gave up chairmanship of some Tata companies so that the persons responsible for their growth could be placed in charge. He always wanted to learn and the thought that his father RD Tata could not allow him to go to England to be an engineer always nagged him. At Agra, Swami Dayananda gave his first public lecture. He came to Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela in 1867 to spread the knowledge about the Vedas. On October 22, 1869, at Kashi, he singlehandedly silenced the opposition of 27 scholars at a debate. Jealous at his popularity, orthodox Hindus wanted to put an end to the swami’s “anti-Hindu” teachings. They stoned him in Haridwar and Kashi and tried poisoning him in Anupshahar. Even when the tehsildar of Anupshahar and Maharaja of Kashi assured to punish the guilty, Dayananda bore no grudge against them. Efforts of a vain person go in
vain. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at
svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
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ICICI academy for skill development
The ICICI Group will impart training to 5,000 youth at eight training centres across the country in the first year of operation with an aim to target 15,000 by 2016. For five years, the ICICI Group and ICICI Foundation have been focusing on areas of education, healthcare, skill development and financial inclusion. Speaking on the occasionChanda Kochhar, MD and CEO of ICICI Bank, said, “India has a unique advantage in the form of its demographic dividend. However, translating the demographic dividend into growth and prosperity requires job creation as well as enabling the youth to acquire the skills required to benefit from employment opportunities.” Residential centres are being set up at Jaipur, Sangli and Coimbatore, and non-residential centres at Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Pune, said an ICICI official. The offered courses include selling skills, office administration, web design for graduates, electrical and home appliance repair, refrigeration and air conditioning repair, diesel generator and pump repair for class 10 passouts. The duration of different courses will be between 8 and12 weeks. ICICI Foundation has tied up with several partners for generating the content of these courses. These partners include Tally Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for office administration; Blue Star Ltd. for refrigeration and air-conditioning; NIIT Ltd. for web designing; and Schneider Electric India Pvt. Ltd. for electrical and home appliance repairing. ICICI Foundation will also create an online job portal for registrations, which will be promoted among potential employers.
— IANS
Science project challenge for schoolchildren
Pidilite Ind has announced the Fevicol Science Project Challenge 2013. It is an annual nationwide competition that identifies talent from across the schools in the country to encourage children to pursue their interest in science. Students from Class V to X across the schools from India can send their entries. The competition is divided in Junior — Class V to VII and Senior — Class VIII to X, categories. Schools interested in registering can visit pidilitecreativeminds.com to register. The contest encourages students to think about topics that are related to their everyday life, futuristic concepts and make 3-D models of their interpretations of the subject/topic. The first round will require students to write a 500-word concept note on the given topic which will be judged in the school itself by science teachers. The selected students then have to make a 3-D model on the topic chosen in the team of three, which will be exhibited in school. The chosen teams will be invited to Mumbai for a Grand Finale where they will be given impromptu topics to create the project over the next two days. The winners will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip to a foreign destination apart from other exciting gifts. All the participants of the final round also receive exciting gifts.
Short course on passive solar design
The objective of this two-day training programme is to equip participants with the practical know-how to undertake shading and daylighting simulations. The unique teaching methodology of this course introduces the concepts in a step-by-step manner from manual exercises to using physical study models to finally using computer simulations. Day lighting is an essential aspect of good building design and is a key feature in green buildings. Key goals in daylighting design are to provide sufficient illuminance, minimise the perception of glare, and provide for overall visual comfort. This programme is designed for professionals from any discipline interested in green building design, daylighting techniques and LEED/GRIHA certification. The course highlights overview of solar geometry its impact on daylight, significance of sun path diagrams as a passive solar design tool and will include exercises on sun path diagrams. At the end of this course, participants will be able
to optimise building orientation and shading devices, undertake daylight simulations for a basic geometry, derive meaningful inferences to improve daylighting and also identify location of solar collectors. Check out: http://iihs.co.in/?page_id=385#toggle-id-4
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CAREER HOTLINE
Can I do postgraduation with a graduation course
A. Although we did have a few such courses for mature students earlier, we don’t have any such programmes in our education system currently. But coincidentally, at a recent meeting, the UGC, has actually proposed such a programme, although it is yet to come into force. Students who have not completed their degree courses can get admission to PG programmes through lateral entry under the Community College Scheme. All that the students need to do is to undergo a bridge course — to enhance their level of competence to that of a PG student. Once they clear the course, they can join the PG courses. Community Colleges may be launched on the lines of those in the US, Australia and Canada. These institutes will impart three-year degree programmes in various subjects with a provision for awarding diploma at the end of each year. If the student discontinues in the first year of the degree course, s/he can be awarded a one-year diploma. Similarly, those who complete the second year will get a two-year diploma certificate. However, this is still a proposal which will take a while before it is approved by the MHRD. So I would personally suggest you complete your bachelor’s degree. One year is not such a long time in the entire scheme of things.
What is the eligibility for getting into a course in speech therapy?
A.
Speech therapists diagnose and treat persons with speech, voice and fluency disorders like stuttering, stammering and those with oral motor problems causing eating and swallowing difficulties. They teach them how to make sounds, improve their voice, or increase their language skills to communicate more effectively. Because a client’s progress may be slow, patience, compassion, and good listening skills are necessary. Audiologists treat those with hearing and related disorders. Presently, there are very few speech therapists and audiologists in India while the requirement far exceeds the supply. This means that there is excellent scope for those venturing into this field. A qualified speech and hearing professional can independently diagnose and therapeutically manage speech, hearing and language disorders. You can work in hospitals, speech and hearing centres, ENT departments, paediatrics departments, and rehabilitation medicine departments in medical college hospitals, spastic centres, schools for the deaf/retarded, child guidance centres or as consulting speech pathologists and/or audiologists. Interestingly, those working in certain professions that require long hours of speaking are being referred to speech therapists because they are losing their voices. In its severest form, these people can’t hold down their job. They have pushed their voice to the absolute limit. While teachers remain the most common professional group to require speech therapy, but call centre workers have now become the fastest growing “at risk” section. The basic requirement for admission to BSc in Speech & Hearing courses is Class XII with physics, chemistry and biology. Selection is on the basis of an entrance test.
What is the scope in astrophysics?
A.
Basically, the most important subjects at school level are physics and maths and it is essential to do very well in academics if you want to get into this field. It is necessary to have a very solid foundation of physics in order to be a professional astrophysicist. In fact, most of the students at the Indian Institute of Science or Indian Institute of Astrophysics come from a physics background. However, astronomical instrumentation also requires engineering skills in subjects like electronics or mechanical. Hence there are some students from engineering background as well. In fact, there have also been a few cases where students with an engineering background have blossomed into theoretical astrophysicists instead of going into astronomical instrumentation! It is not recommended that you specialise in astronomy/astrophysics too early in your career. There is an acute shortage of serious research astronomers in the country. However, there are also a limited number of institutions which actually do research in astronomy. Make sure you pursue your research work and studies under a reputed professor/Scientist and you will have a reasonable chance of success. Log onto: www.iiap.res.in/ to read more about the subject. email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com
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FORTNIGHTLY QUIZ 449
2. Which Indian university has emerged as the country’s top-ranked higher educational institution in the Times Higher Education’s (THE) Top 400 World University Rankings? 3. For research on which particle has the 2013 Nobel physics prize been awarded? 4. Who recently became the first woman to head the State Bank of India? 5. In which state has the Centre named a railway station as ‘Komagata Maru Budge Budge Station’ to salute the martyrs of September 29, 1914? 6. Which flagship helicopter of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved the milestone of flying one lakh hours? 7. When is World Habitat Day celebrated? 8. Name the Canadian woman to win this year’s Nobel Prize in literature. 9. Against which country did Sachin Tendulkar make his Test debut? 10. Which Asian country recently qualified for its maiden ICC World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2015? — Tarun Sharma Winners of quiz 448: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Monika Rani; Class VIII; Govt High School, Bajrawar; VPO Bajrawar; Hoshiarpur; Pin Code -146104 Second: Kunal Kumar; Class VIII-C; DAV Senior Secondary Public School, Ambota; tehsil Amb; district Una (Himachal Pradesh); Pin Code - 177205 Third: Abhinav Bajaj; Class 9th-B; Little Flower Convent School, Mangwal; Sangrur (Punjab); Pin Code -148001 Answers to quiz 448: Angela Merkel; Philippines; Malala Yousafsai; Hassan Rouhani; Balochistan; Kautilya Pandit; 25 inches high and 4 feet long; Sikkim; 15,200 feet; Wrestling Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address. Note: Kindly mention the pincode of your place on the letter/postcard to facilitate the delivery of the prize money. Answers can also be sent at
quiz@tribunemail.com Name……………….………….......................................... Class....………….......….……......................................... School address ...........................................................
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GEOINFORMATICS
If you have lost your way, or cannot find a new location, what do you do ? Google it, or access the GPS on your mobile phone. In this day and age of satellite navigation and GPS such technologies are easily available. You can locate any place through Google maps and satellite imagery identifies so many landmarks.
Due to the rapid changes and developments in geo-information acquisition, analysis and dissemination, there is an increasing and continuing need for scientific staff that can keep pace with and validate the relevance of such developments, design new systems and infrastructures, and explore cutting-edge technology for efficient and effective implementation.
Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS)- Dehradun— www.iirs-nrsa.gov.in — M.Tech (RS & GIS) M.Sc (Geoinformatics and Geohazards), PG Diploma & Certificate (RS & GIS), PG Diploma & Certificate (Geoinformatics and Geohazards)
Getting things done is perhaps the most important single attribute that every employer looks for in a candidate at the time of recruitment especially for supervisory and senior level positions. Whatever be your profession, unless you are performing the routine and mundane task of doing whatever you are told to do, you will be required to get things done from others as part of the overall plan of an organisation. Even those who do what they are directed to do, will in due course of time get promoted to supervisory and higher levels and would need to learn the skill of getting the support of others to achieve the goals they are responsible for achieving.
Blood transfusion services have gained immense importance with the discovery of deadly diseases like AIDS. Untreatable blood-borne diseases and globalisation have highlighted the need for well-documented and regularised training for personnel in transfusion medicine. The recent and rapid advances in transfusion medicine in our country have shifted the focus on quality systems in accordance with international standards.
“Life is not a series of gig lamps symmetrically arranged together, but a luminous halo, a semi- transparent envelope”
Seeking better career prospects amid economic slowdown, many senior and middle level executives are actively looking to switch jobs, according to HR experts.
Reflecting the rising churn at corporates across sectors, many leading entities, including Infosys, PepsiCo and Jindal Steel and Power, have witnessed exits of high profile executives in recent months.
Filmmaking and screenwriting
With a little success will come praise — enjoy it, but guard against it preventing you from learning more and working hard. Remember, praise went to the hare’s head and the tortoise won.
ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth (ICICI Foundation) recently launched an ICICI Academy for Skills recently to impart vocational training to youth from economically weaker sections to help them earn a livelihood.
The Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), a national education institution in association with Environmental Design Solutions (EDS) has announced a training programme on Passive Solar Design, Daylighting and Simulations for Green Buildings. The programme will be held at India Habitat Centre, Delhi from October 18th -19th.
Q. I am a student of third year of a degree course. But I have failed to qualify in two subjects for which I have to now spend one more year which is a waste. I would like to go for my postgraduation alongside. Is there any such provision in the universities that provides admission to a PG course while pursuing my graduation?
Q. Can you please explain the prospects and eligibility requirements for pursuing a course in speech therapy and audiology
Q. What subject combination should I opt for in high school if I want to be an astrophysicist? What are the future prospects for research and jobs in the field in India?
1. Name the cyclonic storm, said to be the second stongest after the disastrous super-cyclone of 1999, that struck the Odisha coast recently.