Career Trends
Soar high in the New Year
Huge opportunities will continue to fuel a demand for trained professionals in the New Year. Here are some trends that will help you choose courses and programmes that will equip you with related skills for a bright future
Usha Albuquerque

As another New Year dawns one is ready to look forward to a brighter more prosperous future. Notwithstanding the continuing impact of the global macro-economic situation and the concerns surrounding the economy in India, with the approaching elections and the likelihood of a change of government, experts believe that the worst may be over. The stock market is already showing signs of buoyancy and the job market is looking quite promising in the New Year.

In this scenario what are the current trends in the education and job sector and what can students expect in 2014?

Less focus on science and engineering

Over the past couple of years there has been a gradual yet perceptible change in the pecking order of subject choices. For years most students have placed a high premium on science subjects leading to careers in engineering or medicine, failing to consider many of the other exciting options after commerce and humanities subjects, yet often ending up with these subjects only as a last resort. But as options in commerce and humanities begin to overtake the engineering there has been less of a focus on science and students, and their parents are more open to high scorers taking up subjects other than science in school. No longer are tech companies hiring engineers in the thousands. Campus hiring by IT companies has also been drastically reduced and thousands of selected candidates are waiting several months with job offer letters to hear from respective companies. What’s more - no longer is the engineer-MBA considered the sole route to career success. More and more jobs are opening up in the banking and financial services sector, the hospitality and retail sector. The last year witnessed a demand in careers in business services, education, healthcare, IT, non-profits, luxury and retail management and non-machinery manufacturing which provides a snapshot of the thrust areas of our economy in the coming year. So don’t be afraid to choose commerce or humanities streams for Plus II, if they are your favourites - they will lead you to hundreds of new and exciting possibilities.

Freelancers

Another discernible trend likely to affect choice of jobs and careers in 2014 is that of self-employment in terms of freelancing. One third of Americans are freelancers (17 million people), contractors and consultants right now and there will be more of them than full-time employees in the next six years. More professionals are opting to work from home instead of a traditional office setting, which not only gives them flexibility but also saves companies money.

Employers are saving more money hiring freelancers because they don’t have to pay benefits, and look to hire experts who can complete specialised projects.

Young people today are also less willing to work in an employment position, reporting to a boss, or be part of a team. Women need to work from home when caring for little children or elderly family members, making freelancing a much sought after career option. As so much of work is conducted through the internet, there are many careers such as financial consulting, design, teaching, journalism, editing and so on that support freelancing work.

Interest in career guidance

In this dynamic and highly volatile job market more and more students are taking recourse to career guidance. Not only do they need to know about the thousands of job opportunities available today, along with information regarding the work environment, areas of work and compensation, but also their own suitability for the career option they may have selected. Career choices are often made on the basis of unrealistic professional aspirations, inadequate knowledge, parental and societal pressures and emotional factors that should rightly be irrelevant to this decision. It is not surprising, therefore, that many people drift into jobs they are unsuited for, and end up dissatisfied, frustrated, over-stressed and often bored too. Today many more students are seeking professional career guidance to help them make an informed career decision. There is a sudden mushrooming of career guidance services and tools, while CBSE has introduced an aptitude test that helps Class X students make a career choice and decide on the stream they want to pursue in Class XI.

Global perspective

Students continue to stream in larger and larger numbers to study abroad with the hope and possibility of continuing to stay there. Money is one of the major motivators, in influencing people looking at opportunities in foreign countries. Students are looking at a minimum of 2-3 years of study in a foreign country even though a majority of new jobs are, and will continue to be available in India and other south east countries. Once students go abroad to study, they start getting used to the organised way of life and the work culture, they are more attracted to stay on overseas, and make a life in the foreign land. But it is good to keep in mind that irrespective of how clean and comfortable living may be in more developed countries, India is where the jobs are. India’s high growth trajectory may have slowed down but it is still growing. Moreover, with the huge number of multinationals setting up shop in India, employees are given an opportunity, to relocate to various parts of the world and experience its culture and work life too.

With such positive trends, for those looking to the future to make career choices it is somewhat reassuring to know that the outlook is bright. New opportunities are being created all the time and it is wise to keep an open mind. Instead of rushing for the jobs everyone else is pursuing, tread a path less travelled. Choose specialisations that make you unique for the new jobs.

Choose social media marketing or become a specialty cuisine chef. Those looking for a career in commerce can specialise in Banking Law and Practice, e-Commerce or Insurance. Not keen on too much study — then become a corporate fitness trainer.

Career opportunities abound everywhere if you look for them and gear yourself with a basketful of skills essential for every career. These could be technical skills such as computer, language, business or cooking, and personal skills like communication, leadership or management skills. Sometimes it is important to have these skills as they enhance your career prospects. Computer skills are required today for practically every job. Those who want to join the travel or airline business would benefit from learning a foreign language. Communication skills are important whether you are a teacher, computer programmer, manager, or a doctor and if you plan to become a chef, your cooking skills will certainly come in handy.

May 2014 fulfill all your dreams and aspirations and, above all, bring successes to all!

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

career compass: wealth management
The business of money
Sanjiv Marwah

The term wealth management is gaining more and more importance these days. Many types of companies are engaged in the business of wealth management. Wealth Management is both about wealth conservation and formation. Strong GDP growth, a bright economic outlook, high savings rate and a comparatively young and rapidly-increasing residents of affluent Indians, both in terms of fixed numbers and geographic diversity, will give the fuel for the dream-run of the wealth management sector in India.

The premier insurance industry is flourishing because so many bankers are adopting and playing safe game in the business of insurance the term called is Bancassurance.

Scope

At present India needs close to 100,000 qualified wealth managers. The major challenge facing this field is people. As an emerging industry there is a constrained resource pool.

Despite the current difficult and dismal economic situation India is projected to be among the fast developing economies in the world. It presents a very hopeful picture over the next few years with all the fiscal components working in its favour.

Also, India has one of the most eminent saving rates of 36 per cent, of which presently about five per cent is inducted towards the stock markets. This along with the boosting economic growth poses a huge untouched opportunity in the stock broking sector.

Eligibility

An individual looking for a career in wealth management should be a graduate. He/She should pursue CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) course. While continuing the study if he/she can work in some financial, banking related companies, or any research firms then that will be of grate help to the students. After working for almost 3-4 years, you can go for MBA/PGDM from a reputed B-School which is necessary to upgrade their management skills.

Wealth Management is basically selling of financial and investment products. Companies looking for candidate as a wealth management professionals favour employees with at least four years of experience in selling insurance policies, different types of credits cards, financial products to name a few.

Getting in

Wealth Management is a niche segment wherein the services are offered to individuals who have cumulative wealth and are looking to conserve it, and also maintain the same with the changes in their lifestyle.

So any candidate looking for a career in this field should definitely possess good market knowledge with efficient presentation and communication skills, apart from education and training.

Besides skills and proper training, one needs a brilliant network to get an engagement with High Net worth Individuals (HNI) and Ultra High Net worth Individuals (UHNI). Wealth managers should have very strong product knowledge with a solid understanding of various types of markets like equities, real estate, banking, insurance and the impact of macro-economic issues. Sales and negotiation skills are important to deal with clients effectively to get desired results.

Job prospects

Although the need for chartered accountants and statisticians has been consistently growing, the facts that fund necessity keeps the market on its toes is reason enough for the growth in the sector.

The top financial areas that offer rewarding career prospects include bank account-related activities, private asset, finance and capital management etc. From managing costs, finances and bond market, there is plenty of scope for aspirants in this profession. One of the factors that work in the favour of a tremendous growth in this sector is that fund management in both stable and unstable economies is resistant to market movement.

Rural financing is another area that promises wonderful growth and includes a huge amount of untouched investment. Also, new products keep flooding the market creating pecuniary needs which leads to greater innovation and larger amount of jobs.

Wealth management professionals are usually employed by:

Banks with large distribution models;

Brokerage firm that concentrate on equity-led products

Boutique advisory firms that offer customised services and products to HNIs.

Remuneration

Due to the sheer size of this industry openings are there for freshers as well as for mid and senior level positions both for front line and secondary teams. Since the jobs are available at various levels, the wages are feasible to openings in sectors like IT industry, retail, real estate, financial institutions etc, to name a few.

Salary pattern would depend on several factors like your qualification, work experience in this field, and off course, a hold on the things.

A person working for an MNC can earn between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 15 lakh per annum, while one working for a nationalised bank can earn Rs 8 lakh to Rs 9 lakh per annum. A private equity, wealth manager can expect anything between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 16 lakh per annum.

— The writer is Director of ERA Business School (EBS), New Delhi

Career Hotline
What are the prospects for women in BSF?
Pervin Malhotra
email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com

Q. I am have completed BSc. I want to know what are the prospects for women in the BSF? Is it tough to survive in such a predominantly male domain? 
— neha samarth

A. The BSF’s 175 battalions are responsible for guarding the border with Pakistan and Bangladesh. And with the force soon taking over the India-Myanmar border, plans are afoot to increase BSF’s overall strength and recruit more women.

While the BSF is presently recruiting 14 woman Assistant Commandants and 35 woman Sub-inspectors, it plans to recruit 1,500 woman constables by 2014.

In the next three years, BSF plans to double its present strength of over 2,500 woman personnel (including constables and officers). Special barracks have been created to house women recruits who are also provided special medical facilities.

The recruits are trained to handle weapons and explosives, read maps, manage borders and master Indian laws including IPC, CrPC, customs and passports. They also undergo four weeks of jungle training.

Oh and by the way, for the first time, the government has given its nod for recruiting and commissioning candidates who are below the age of 25 as Direct Entry Officers in the rank of Assistant Commandants.

Courses in sports medicine

Q. After completing my MBBS, I would like to specialise in Sports Medicine. Are there any institutes in India offering courses in this field? What is the scope?
— kishore dubash

A. Sports Medicine is a great idea. The nation’s collective sigh of relief on Sachin’s bouncing back onto the pitch (pun intended) after weeks of nail biting “will-he..? won’t-he..?” uncertainity during several crucial matches only serves to highlight the importance and shortage of highly trained professionals in sports medicine.

As sports gets increasingly competitive and the stakes increasingly higher, nothing short of 200 per cent fitness can give the player the crucial winning edge. A simple swelling on the wrist may not only result in a dropped catch but could well cause the World Cup to slip from your hands!

Not only does a huge vacuum exist in sports science and medicine, but India also needs top-flight sports trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, physiologists, masseurs and biomechanists to keep our athletes and sportspersons fighting fit.

Sports medicine is concerned with the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of sport-related injuries. Sports physiologists objectively assess the athlete’s physiological condition and capacity through various tests and regularly monitor their progress. These findings help the coach devise an appropriate training and remedial exercise programme to improve the athlete’s strength and optimize his physical potential.

Specialists in sports medicine are hired by the Sports Authority of India, and that of respective states, sports federations and large private hospitals and sports clubs and institutes.

You can do a full-fledged MSc in Sports Physiotherapy or shorter duration courses offered by some institutes in this part of the country such as:

• Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
• Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Motibagh, Patiala-147001 (Under SAI).

Alagappa University, Karaikudi & University of Madras (TN), Hospital for Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, Arthritis & Accident-Trauma (HOSMAT), Bangalore, All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health, Kolkata, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, University of Pune, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai.

Payment pangs

Q. I’m running my own small interior decoration service but I always end up losing out on collecting payments. I feel shy to ask again and again even though the client keeps defaulting. What should I do? 
— harsha goel

A. If you’re having trouble collecting your fee, I suggest you split your fee so that you collect a significant amount prior to the job, and the rest on delivery. Additionally, do engage the services of a decent CA and Lawyer (you’ll find people who have both qualifications) for finance and accounts activities. Thirdly, delegate the fee collection to another person (hire someone if necessary) —this is important because when you need to pursue a case you can have 3 people (CA/lawyer, your employee, you) chasing it instead of just you. Never underestimate the power of delegation.

Also, it helps to learn to read the client — if s/he’s come through a referral, check his credibility. If through a cold call — have a contingency plan in place. Nothing hassles a small business owner more than running behind payments. With some foresight and determination, you can avoid the nightmares. There are plenty of other tools and tricks you can use to collect fees on time — just browse through the web.

first person
On an adventure course

Sea-related careers have long been the favourites of those with an “adventure bone”. Though still in its nascent stage in India the fields of nautical science and ship building attract thousands of students each year. Nautical science and ship building courses offer exciting career options to students. Nautical Science students normally take up jobs at sea both on the Deck and Engineering side. The students have to spend about 12- 18 months at sea as part of the training. “Ship building and repair courses offer a wide range of employment opportunities world-wide. There are a variety of technical and managerial posts in shipyards and equipment manufacturing and repairing companies. The jobs are monetarily rewarding, career progression is fast and job satisfaction is high”, says Cdr Deep Mathur, Director of Hind Institute of Nautical Science and Engineering, Aligarh, while talking about the career scope for students who want to get into these courses. Excerpts from an interview:

Which courses are available to students interested in getting into this field?

While BTech in Marine Engineering is the most well known course for those wanting to get into this field, courses are also available for students in Ship building & Repair. These include B.Sc (Ship Building & Repair) and B.Tech (Naval Architecture).

For other jobs students can also go in for

• B.Sc (Hospitality Management Studies)
• B.Sc (Nautical Science)
• Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)

campus notes
Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan
Training programme

The Directorate of Extension Education has organised an 11-day training programme for the women officials from Afghanistan on vegetable production. This training is being conducted by Afghanistan’s ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Cattle as part of their National Horticulture and Cattle Scheme. The university scientists are imparting know-how on various aspects of vegetable production like raising nurseries, off-season vegetable production, various diseases that inflict these plants, their remedies, protected vegetable growth, etc., Crucial issues like controlled use of pesticides and post harvest management are also being dealt with.

Apart from imparting the technical know-how practical knowledge of various aspects of vegetable production is also being made available to the participants.

National symposium on mushroom production

A two-day national symposium on mushroom cultivation was organised in the university on the theme, “Dangers of Mushroom Cultivation vis-à-vis air and water pollution and how to retain its nutritious content intact.” Former Vice-Chancellor of the varsity Dr Jagmohan Singh was the chief guest on the occasion who threw light on the growth of mushroom cultivation in the varsity. He said the mushroom techniques developed by the university had become a source of livelihood for several farmers and he urged the scientists to upgrade its technical aspects on a regular basis.

University’s Vice-Chancellor Dr Vijay Thakur while addressing the delegates said more and more farmers should adopt mushroom cultivation and said while in foreign countries the annual yield of mushroom was one lakh tones while in Himachal it was mere 10,000 tonnes. The symposium was attended by over 50 scientists from across the country. Dr S.R Sharma, who is the President of All India Association of Mushroom Growers, was honoured on this occasion for his exemplary contribution in this field.

— Contributed by Ambika Sharma

testing times: xat (january 5)
Select right to excel in XAT

XAT, one of the most popular B-school entrance exams is a couple of days away. Many aspirants would look at it as the last chance to redeem themselves, given that it is one of the last in the season. Test takers should keep things simple on the D-day.

XAT tends to have quite a good mix of questions of varying difficulty levels.

Right selection of questions will, therefore, be a very crucial part of a good exam strategy.

Time needs to be judiciously spent among the different sections, given that competence is expected in all the test areas.

The main paper is for a duration of 150 minutes and comprises Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and General Knowledge.

An essay is to be submitted in second part of the test, within a duration of 20 minutes. This is a slight deviation from previous years, when General Knowledge was clubbed with Essay in the second part of the test. Essay and General Knowledge segments of the exam will, however, continue to be excluded from the percentile calculation (scores in these areas will be considered by a select few colleges, including XLRI).

While test takers would have ample exposure to Quantitative Ability, Verbal & Logical Ability from the experience of giving CAT and other exams, Decision Making is an area which is unique to XAT, and therefore, needs a bit more of practice. Regarding handling the Logical Reasoning questions, it would be advisable to revise concepts pertaining to puzzles with a special focus on the distribution puzzles.

For the Verbal Ability, it would be advisable to revise concepts pertaining to RC, Sentence Correction, Vocab based questions (words confused), Para formation, Logical reasoning questions (especially on identifying argument structure and argument elements, and inference based questions). Students should also focus on Figures of Speech as there have been questions on identifying metaphors, oxy-morons, personification, etc. in previous years’ XAT papers.

It would also be advisable to brush up on Speed Maths concepts as some of the questions in DI tend to be calculation intensive.

While there is time, you can also look up issues related to business, economics and politics related to business environment — these would help in General Knowledge and the Essay sections.

All the best for the exam!

— With inputs from Ramnath Kanakadandi, Course Director CAT, T.I.M.E

Promises to keep
Preetinder Kaur

So what is it going to be this year? Same old resolutions to lose weight, pay off debts, save more money, spend more quality time with family.

Or maybe some business-related resolutions for the New Year like cutting expenses, increasing sales, improving product quality, building partnerships with suppliers, reducing short-term and long-term debt, etc.

Well, they really aren’t all that different, are they? We all vow each year to try harder to do the things we know we should do.

Those of us who also are responsible for business units make similar promises to ourselves to do what we already know has to be done to improve the business.

The end of the year is a good time to reflect on your business’s progress over the past year and plan how you want your business to develop. Do you want increased success in the coming year or a chance to enjoy the success that you’ve achieved more? Here are some New Year resolutions designed to help you strike a better work-life balance, so you can achieve a truly satisfying success in the New Year.

Promote your business regularly and consistently

Too often the task of promoting a small business slips to the bottom of the to-do list in the press of urgent tasks. If you want to attract new customers, you have to make promotion a priority. Make a New Year’s resolution to hire a marketing expert, or take the time to create a marketing plan on your own and follow through. Try some of these Low-Cost Ways to Promote Your Business to get started.

Make planning a weekly event

Planning is vital if you want a healthy, growing business. Business planning lets you take stock of what worked and what didn’t work, and helps you set new directions or adjust old goals. So why do it just once a year or once a quarter? Set aside time each week to review, adjust, and look forward — or even better, make business planning a part of each day. Not only will this help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track, but you’ll feel more focused and relaxed.

Learn something new

What you choose to learn may be directly related to your business or completely unrelated. Learning something new will add to your skills and add a new dimension of interest to your life - another important part of achieving a healthy work-life balance. Depending on how you choose to learn, you may meet new and interesting people, who may become customers, colleagues, or friends. How will you find the time to learn something new? By delegating, remember?

Join a new business organisation or networking group

There’s nothing like talking to other business people for sparking new ideas, refining old ones, and making contacts. Whether it's a group specifically designed for networking or an organisation dedicated to a particular type of business, in person or over the Net, making the effort to be a part of a group will revitalise you and your business.

Give something back to your community

There are all kinds of worthy organisations that make a difference in your community. Make a resolution to find a cause that matters to you, and give what you can. Make this the year that you serve on a committee, be a mentor, volunteer, or make regular donations to the groups in your community that try to make the place you live a better place. And those that give get. As I say in Top 10 Ways to Get Known, nothing will seed and grow goodwill for you and your business better.

Drop what’s not working for you and move on

All products aren’t going to be super sellers, all sales methods aren’t going to work for everyone, and all suppliers or contractors aren't going to be ideally suited to your business. If a technique or a product or a business relationship isn't working for you, stop using it. Don’t invest a lot of energy into trying to make the unworkable workable. Move on. Something better will turn up.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is like maintaining a good relationship; you have to keep working on it. But if you apply these New Year resolutions throughout the year, your success is guaranteed!

Plan ‘me’ time
In Schedule Time for You, I point out how important it is to take the time to recharge and refresh yourself; a healthy work-life balance demands time out. All work and no play is a recipe for mental and physical disaster. So if you have trouble freeing up time to do the things you enjoy, write time regularly into your schedule to “meet yourself” and stick to that commitment. If you won’t invest in yourself, who will?

work station
Have the last word
Khushwant S. Gill

One job that is never easy, no matter how many times you may have done it. It is quitting a job and writing a resignation letter. After having worked for an organisation for a while, it usually gets tricky when the crunch time comes. Emotions run high, some bad blood is usually in play and the desire for settling scores and payback is irresistible. More than ever, this is the time to maintain a cool head and let bygones be bygones. But in reality, the heart rules the head as the following cases, some having taken place with people I know, and some having been culled from our anonymous netizens, show. Here are some paths where you should not tread even though it is your last few words:

“Dear Sir, I herewith and forthwith with the utmost speediness offer my resignation. I would like to be immediately relieved of my onerous duties (of which I have had enough) and would like to sail off into the pure ocean of freedom. Yes, Freedom! Set me free.” At least this fellow didn’t get personal! Some people decide that their entire box of grievances against someone has to be aired.

“Mr. Manager, take this as my resignation. I didn’t think that I owed you one, and was quite content to just walk out, but I reconsidered. After all I had to let you know how I felt. You are my personal Hari Saadu and the people you have surrounded yourself with couldn't even run a duck farm, let alone an IT company.” Talk about getting personal.

It’s obvious that there is a lot of venting going on here. And what these champs are forgetting is that they are forgoing any chances of future employment with the same company. And they are burning their bridges — no not burning, blowing them up. You don’t work in a job, you work in a career. And setting fire to that career is not the wisest thing to do. You are more than likely to bump into your ex boss down the line someplace. And then things will start to get real complicated.

In addition, gaining a bad reputation in the industry as a difficult person is not really a desirable thing. It’s a small world and word gets around. People get jittery in hiring a person with sharp edges. There’s another point here — all your difficulties are supposed to be aired and dealt with while in your job. If they haven’t been, due to one reason or another, then its time to call it a day gracefully.

You want to leave, leave. Don’t try and have an atomic war before leaving. After all, in a workplace, differences do occur. Personalities clash and opinions are usually never in accord. But that’s what you get for working in the workplace, and for having a workstation in an office and a position, duties and responsibilities which get you your monthly cheque. Moreover, difficult co-workers and antagonistic bosses are best left alone when you have already tried everything before and no change has been seen. Discussions, arguments and negotiations take place during the time while you are working there. Once you’ve decided to quit, move on — water under the bridge.

So, keep it a simple and just a statement of facts without trying too much to explain why you are taking this decision. Give a sufficient notice period. It should thank the boss for opportunities provided and should always leave an avenue open. Do have the grace to mention that if your help is need in any small way, or there are any issues during transition, you will be readily available.

If you are doing your job right, then it really doesn’t matter. You’ll do fabulously at some other company. And anyway you look at it, 'Revenge and the Workplace' doesn't make for a very practical situation or the title of a story with a happy ending.

— The writer is an Organisational Productivity and Personnel Development Consultant

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Good ends, better starts

For any event, the completion of a revolution by the Earth around the Sun is a time to celebrate — be it a birthday, anniversary or the New Year. So as 2014 dawns, here’s wishing everyone better times ahead.

Starting an era: Who could have thought that Shalivahana, a fatherless, homeless boy who was brought up by a poor potter in Paithan, Maharashtra, could start a calendar? He first got Paithan free of robbers. When King Nahapana of Paithan saw him as a threat, Shalivahana, with the help of the village boys, took on the royal forces, killed the king and took his place. Later, it was predicted that Shalivahana would kill the neighbouring ruler King Vikramaditya of Ujjayini.

Again, with a smaller army, Shalivahana defeated the forces of Ujjayini and killed King Vikramaditya. On the day he ascended the throne at Ujjayini began the new era — Shalivahana Shaka that is followed to this day in Maharashtra, Karnataka and other parts of India.

At the age of 40, Prophet Mohammad received his first revelation through angel Gabriel. As he began preaching God’s message, he and his followers were subjected to bitter persecution. So, in 622 AD, God ordered them to emigrate. This event — the Hijra (migration) from Makkah to Medinah — marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.

Measuring time: Sixth-century Indian mathematician-astronomer Varahamihira not only proposed the idea of gravity a millennium before Issac Newton, he also measured the time the Earth took to complete a revolution correct up to two decimal points.

When King Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber noticed errors in the position of stars and the moon given in the tables of Indian, Arab and European astronomers due to Earth’s “precession”, he brought it to the notice of Emperor Muhammad Shah. In 1734, he published his observations in Persian in the form of tables titled ‘Zij Muhammad Shahi’.

Value of time: In the Mahabharata, the rules of the game of dice played at Hastinapur had a clause that the losers would have to spend another 12 years in exile if they were recognised in their 13th year of banishment. So Kaurava prince Duryodhana put in all efforts to track down his cousins — the Pandavas. As there were indications that the Pandavas were in the Matsya kingdom, a two-sided attack was launched. Thus forced, Arjuna revealed his identity and warded off the attack. But Duryodhana’s joy was cut short when grandsire Bhishma told him that the deadline was over five months and 12 days ago according to the lunar calendar and six days earlier as per the solar calendar.

If on assuming the universal form, Krishna in the Gita declares: I am time, you just can’t while it away.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

Money can’t buy job satisfaction

What do you expect most from your job? A handsome pay packet, most would say. No?

Strangely, in a new study by the Pew Research Centre, money doesn’t necessarily buy happiness for most employees. Nearly 45 per cent of surveyed people across the job spectrum in the US said the greatest professional priority for them is to do the work they enjoy the most, while one-third considered job security, work-life balance and good benefits equally valuable.

Employees in the first decades of their working lives place more importance on opportunities for growth than do employees at or near the peak of their careers, the study, published in BusinessNewsDaily, added.

“Younger workers, who are at the time of their lives when most people marry and start raising a family, are also more likely to place a greater priority on values related to family and children,” said Pew researchers.

The study was carried on 2,000 participants. — IANS

International summer school

The School of Business and Economics at UK’s Loughborough University will launch its first-ever Summer School for international students this year. The International Summer School will bring together students from the EU and overseas for two weeks in July 2014 to explore how the worlds of sport, the community and social enterprise are interlinked in a top-level learning environment. Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, the summer school is likely to attract those with an interest in sport, management and enterprise, and students interested in pursuing a career in international sports management or in a sport-related social enterprise.

The event programme will include visits to sporting organisations and a weekend visit to London and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – home to Loughborough University in London. The event has also been timed to coincide with the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The summer school will offer two modules to choose from. While Module A is based on International Issues in Sports Management, Module B will focus on Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise in Sports. A number of competitive scholarships are available to support students’ attendance.

“This is an exciting new programme for the School of Business and Economics. Students will gain an understanding of the issues involved in their chosen path, and will develop their own inter-cultural skills through working in international teams”, says, Maxine Clarke, Programme Director for the Summer School.

Eligibility: Candidates interested in pursuing a career in international sports management, or in a sport-related social enterprise are eligible for the course.

How to apply: Visit http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/sbe/international/ summer-school/applications/

Timelines: The course begins in July, 2014 and students are advised to apply by March 31, 2014.

Scholarships: Competitive scholarships worth £500 each will be awarded on the basis of personal statement, academic record and references.

Check out: www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/sbe/international/summer-school/contactus/

Scholarship roundup
INSEAD scholarship for developing countries

INSEAD Business School offers MBA scholarship for students of developing countries. Deepak Gupta MBA’93J and his wife Sunita have created an endowed scholarship fund targeted at students from emerging markets. Their intention is to help build human capacity and to create economic and social value in the most economically challenged regions of the world. Outstanding candidates with limited financial means will be granted scholarships and the fund will enable INSEAD to continue to attract diverse candidates onto the MBA Programme. One or two significant awards will be granted in each class. Scholarship up to €25,000 will be awarded to students with limited financial means.

Eligibility: Candidates from emerging/developing countries who can demonstrate proven financial need are eligible for this scholarship.

Details: Scholarship up to €25,000 will be awarded.

How to apply: Online.

Deadline: The application deadline for Round 1 is January 8, 2014 and Round 2 applications will be open from January 14, 2014 till January 31, 2014.

Check out: mba.insead.edu

NHFDC Trust Fund scholarships for students with disabilities

National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation (NHFDC) is offering 1500 scholarships for students with disabilities. These scholarships are offered under Government of India, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The scholarships are available for pursuing graduate and postgraduate professional courses at various reputed organisations in India.

Eligibility:

• Students who get admission to a college to pursue technical/professional courses, on the basis of a competitive examination will be eligible for the scholarship without any consideration of percentage of marks at higher secondary/graduation level.
• Monthly income of the beneficiary /parent or guardian should not be more than Rs 25,000 per month from all sources. Family income includes income of parent/guardian.
• Students who get admission in technical/professional courses without facing any competitive examination will also be eligible for scholarship. However, such students should have not less than 50 per cent marks at higher secondary/graduation level. Selection of these students will be done strictly on merit basis.
• A candidate who is awarded scholarship for one course, after its completion will be eligible for another course too. However, the awardees will not be eligible for a similar or equivalent course.

Check out: http://nhfdc.nic.in

Journalism fellowships in Philippines

Communication Department of the Ateneo de Manila University is offering full-time masters fellowship programme in journalism. Fellowships are awarded to full-time Asian journalists who have excellent professional and academic record, a commitment to good journalism and leadership qualities. Designed for working journalists, the MA programme is a hybrid distance learning programe. Online class sessions take place via the learning management system Blackboard, and classroom sessions are held at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Loyola campus in Quezon City, Philippines. The curriculum is made up of 12 courses, including courses in ethics and specialised reporting and writing courses such as International Reporting, Investigative Journalism and Reporting about Religions. The programme’s design allows working journalists and other media professionals to study at their own pace and time, and in their own homes or workplaces.

Eligibility: The fellowships are awarded to full-time Asian journalists who have excellent professional and academic record, a commitment to good journalism and leadership qualities.

Details: Two-year fellowship programme covers tuition fees, books, travel (international and domestic) and living expenses for the on-campus sessions and other forms of support.

How to apply: By post.

Deadline: January 15, 2014.

Check out: http://acfj.ateneo.edu

Course cruising

MBA course

NIIT University, Neemrana, invites applications for its two-year full-time MBA programmes in Strategy & Leadership, Marketing, Finance, Operations Management, Human Resources and Information Systems.

Eligibility: The applicant should:

Be a graduate (10+2+3/4 years of education) from a recognised and reputed Board / University in India or abroad with minimum 60 per cent in Class X and Class XII & 50 per cent in graduation with students appearing for final year examination also eligible to apply.

Appear for the NIIT University Management Aptitude Test (NUMAT). Candidates who have appeared for the CAT/MAT/XAT/GMAT/AIT and those who have valid scores are exempted from appearing from the NUMAT but must enclose a photocopy of their score transcript along with their application

Applicants with work experience are preferred

Selection process: Candidates are required to fill an application form and need to appear for NUMAT, an online test conducted by NIIT at its Admission Centres. Following this an assessment will test his/her communication and analytical skills. Management Aptitude test followed by a personal Interview will complete the Admission Procedure.

Course begins from July 18, 2014 at NIIT University, Neemrana

How to apply: Online

Deadline: January 31, 2014

Check out: www.niituniversity.in

PG diploma in Risk Management

The Institute of Insurance and Risk Management (IIRM), Hyderabad, is inviting applications for admission to International Post Graduate Diploma in Risk Management (IPGDRM) (Distance) course for 2014-15 academic session.

Eligibility: Post Graduate/Graduate Degree in any discipline (including Engineering and Management) from a recognised university/Institute with at least 50 per cent marks. Candidates with professional qualifications like CA, ICWAI, CS are also eligible. Those who will be appearing for thier final examinations can also apply.

How to apply: Applications can be downloaded from the link: http://www.iirmworld.org.in

Deadline: Without late fee May 31, 2014 and with late fee June 16, 2014.

Check out: www.iirmworld.org.in

Diploma in Rural Marketing

The Institute of Rural Management (IRM), Jaipur has invited applications for admission to PGDM & PGDM-RM (Rural Marketing) courses for 2014-2016 session.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline or its equivalent qualification with not less than 50 per cent marks in aggregate.

Final year degree students may also apply. The admission of such candidates will be provisional until they are declared pass latest by one month after the start of the session.

Selection procedure: Shortlisted candidates, on the basis of their performance in MAT will be called for group discussion and personal interview. ) Group Discussion & Personal Interview

How to apply: Candidates seeking admission must apply in the prescribed application form, which can be obtained along with the prospectus and information bulletin from IRM office on payment of ~1500 in cash or by DD drawn in favor of Indian Institute Of Rural Management’ payable at JAIPUR. Completed application formmust reach: The Registrar, Institute of Rural Management, IIRM Campus,Tagore Marg, Mansarovar, Jaipur -302020

Deadline: June 20, 2014.

Check out: www.iirm.ac.in/admission-process.html

Fortnightly quiz 454

1. Name the Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Nation’s pride

2. Which Asian country’s lunar probe landed on the moon recently?

3. Name the country’s indigenously developed supersonic light combat aircraft (LCA).

4. Who was the first black President of South Africa?

5. How many Indians have applied for a one-way trip to Mars in 2023 to establish a permanent space colony?

6. Which country’s volunteers, numbering 27,117 people, formed the world’s largest national flag on December 16, 2013?

7. Which Indian woman Olympic boxer medallist’s autobiography is titled ‘Unbreakable’?

8. Which country won the men’s and women’s World Kabaddi Cup titles recently?

9. Name the Indian bowlers to have taken 300 or more Test wickets.

10. Name the two batsmen who hold the record for scoring the maximum runs (28) in an over in a Test match.

—Tarun Sharma

Winners of quiz 453: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Priyam Sammi; Class XI; DAV Senior Secondary School Hardaspura; district Chamba; Himachal Pradesh; Pin Code - 176318

Second: Prashant Jakhar; Class -XIth A1; Army Public School 90, Alexandra Road, Ambala Cantt, Pin Code - 133001(Haryana)

Third: Sushobhan Behal; Class VI-B; Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala; Pin Code - 144601

Answers to quiz 453: 2006; Nelson Mandela; Jammu and Kashmir; Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko; December 1; 98; Jammu and Kashmir; Fuleco; 22; Shikhar Dhawan

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

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

Answers can also be sent at quiz@tribunemail.com

Name……………….………….............................................
Class....………….......….…….........................................
School address ......................................................