Embark on a practical course
The increasing stress on employability is being reflected in this year’s admission scenario as colleges are offering new job-oriented courses
Aarti Kapur

It is admission time for UG courses and this year students are lapping up courses on the basis of their employability quotient. In view of increasing popularity of job-oriented courses along with the mainstream ones, several colleges in Chandigarh have increased the number of seats in mainstream courses and introduced various job-oriented courses for the current academic session.

Here are some of the latest additions in course options that will be available to students getting into undergraduate courses in Chandigarh colleges:

Food processing and preservation course
The course: Students will get training in preservation of agro products, making of jams and pickles etc. The course will cover the whole range of skills required from making to marketing of agro products. The college is tying up with companies for it for practical experience to the students. There will be 50 percent each of theory and practical classes for this course.

Where to study: Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College (GGDSDC) is offering three-year diploma in food processing and preservation and a one-year diploma in clinical lab technology.

Who can get in: Plus II in any stream with minimum 60 per cent marks.

MCM DAV College, Sector 36, has also increased the number of seats in BCom and BSc Microbial and Food Technology from this session.

Retail management
The course: Under this vocational course students will get the training in store management, logistic part, front office and retail structure. There will be 50 per cent of practical and 50 per cent classes for this course.

Where to study: Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College (GGDSDC), Sector 32. The number of seats is 25.

Who can get in : Plus II in any stream with minimum 60 per cent marks.

To provide flexibility to the students the provision for multiple exit points have also been provided. In case the students want to leave the course after first year they will be awarded diploma. After second year then they will be awarded an advanced diploma and after third year the student will get Bachelor of Vocational degree from Panjab University.

Animation and computers
The course: Students will get training in graphics, elements of graphics, workstation, designing and the display devices functioning and capturing methods of photo devices.

Where to study: The Government College for Girls , Sector 42, will be offering this new course from this session. The number of seats will be 40 this year.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh college, Sector 26 is also going to introduce computer science for BCom first year students from this session. As there is centralised admission for BCom, the college has not fixed any cut off percentage.

Who can get in: Plus II pass in any stream. The course offers two exit points to students. They can exit after one year and get a certificate for the course while those completing three years will be awarded diploma in animation. 

Medical laboratory technology
The course: The Advanced Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology equips students with skills to manage lab work. With over 50 per cent component of the course involving practical work, the students will get advanced training in maintaining lab equipment, taking blood samples and in preserving and testing of blood samples.

Where to study: DAV college, Sector 10, Chandigarh, is offering this course from this session with 50 seats.

Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College (GGDSDC), Sector 32, Chandigarh, is also coming up with community college with the course medical laboratory technology. There will be 50 seats for this course.

Who can get in: Students who have completed Plus II in medical stream with 50 per cent marks can apply for this course.

Cut off: The cut off for the admission to this course has not been fixed this year as the college is assessing the response to this newly introduced course.

Cosmetology
The course: Under this course students will be trained in food and nutrition, obesity management, malnutrition, make up and hair and skin care.

Where to study: The Government College for Girls , Sector 42, which is leading in offering skill-oriented courses among the government colleges in Chandigarh, will offer a three-year diploma in cosmetology. course.

Who can get in: The eligibility for these courses will be Plus II pass in any stream. There will be 40 seats.

Beyond regular curriculum

Martial arts

To deal with eve-teasing and harassment cases a self-defence course in martial arts is going to be introduced in Dev Samaj college for women, Sector 45. The college authorities had earlier been imparting martial arts training to NSS volunteers and hostelers but from this session they have decided to enrol as many girls students as they can. College Principal, Meera Modi said 3 to 4 martial arts instructors have been engaged by the college authorities and they are in touch of more instructors as the strength of girls learners will be increasing from this academic session.

Yoga and mental health

Dev Samaj college for women, Sector 45 will also introduce a yoga and mental health course from this academic session. There will be 40 seats and students from any stream will be eligible to opt for this as an additional course with their mainstream subject. 

"Employability concerns are weaning students away from courses like BTech, BCA and BBA. While there has been a substantial decline in the number of applicants for BCA and BBA courses as many as 10 BTech students had switched to BSc last year. The demand for BSc medical and non-medical streams is high this year as with these students can opt for more practical add on courses and increase their employability quotient. Several students are prefering to go in for BA with good subject combination, which would benefit them in clearing competitive exams."— Arun Aggarwal , DAV College, Dean admission

"We introduce professional training courses which are in demand in commercial market and these enable the students to get jobs immediately after completing their studies." — Mani Bedi, Principal, GCG, Sector 42

"These days the students opt for these additional courses along with routine BA or BSc courses as these increase career options for them." — Dr Charan Jit Kaur, Principal, Guru Gobind Singh College for Women, Sector 26, 

Career Hotline 
Do foreign medical colleges hold entrance tests in India?
Pervin Malhotra
  email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com... 

Q. Apart from state and national level entrances are there any foreign medical colleges that conduct their entrance exam in India? — Soumya

A. Foreign Medical colleges do not conduct entrance exams in India for admission into an undergraduate programme in medicine. Admission to these colleges is based on your marks in the school-leaving exams. A lot of Indian students go to Russia, CIS countries like Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, other European countries and even China. But one needs to have proficiency in the local language before taking admission in these countries as language can be real problem at several of these universities. Make sure you check the credibility of these courses. The onus of finding out if the course and institute you have picked is recognised by World Health Organisation (WHO) and the regulatory body of the given country is entirely yours.

Apart from the shortage of good medical seats in the country, part of the reason for the popularity of these foreign medical courses is the cost factor. Tuition and staying costs combined at some of the places can be half of that charged at private medical colleges in India. 

The Medical Council of India, however, does not recognise any medical course offered by foreign universities as a matter of policy. So, if you want to get a foreign medical degree and practice in India, you need to clear two hurdles.

First, get an eligibility certificate from the MCI. That will also ensure that you are not going for a fake medical programme, because MCI wouldn’t give a certificate for such programmes. Then, on returning to India you have to clear a screening test — the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam — conducted by the National Board of Examinations (under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare). The purpose of the screening test is to enable candidates to register with the MCl or any State Medical Council in order to practice in India. 

Should I drop a year?

Q. I have got 82 per cent in PCM (CBSE) and want do BTech. Please suggest the names of a few private colleges that I should opt for. I haven’t secured a good rank in the competitive exams I gave. Should I drop a year and prepare for the exams again? — Varun Khanna

A. While your marks in Plus II are quite good and show a good grasp of the subjects, you haven’t mentioned your rank or result in various engineering entrance exams. Without this it would be hard to suggest names of colleges. Do look at last year’s closing ranks at different engineering colleges to get a broad idea of where you are likely get admission.

Do not get disheartened if you don’t find yourself with a secure admission after the first round of “counselling”. Seats at several of the institutes, including the better ones, often remain vacant till August. Also, don’t be rigid about your engineering stream and focus only on the few “core” and popular streams. Remember: large numbers of recruiters at engineering colleges recruit from across engineering stream. And besides, a very large percentage of engineering graduates in the country make a bee-line for an MBA after their course — so your choice of stream is of even lesser significance.

Before you decide to drop a year give the engineering entrance exams another attempt do keep a few things in mind. Understand the gap between your current marks and the required marks for making it to your preferred engineering colleges. Plan out carefully how you will go about the preparations this time around. It takes a lot of self discipline and mental strength to go through the entire exercise again. It may also make sense to join a coaching institute.

One last thing, do take admission into a bachelor’s course, even a general BSc course at a nearby university just as a backup option.

TV producer’s job profile

Q. What exactly does a TV producer do/ How is it different from direction? — Taruneet

A. TV production incorporates multiple tasks: from managing the entire production process to ensuring that the program is made within the stipulated budget and time.

The work includes co-ordinating with other departments to select the cast, clear scripts and co-ordinate the use of production facilities such as studios, cameras, lighting etc. It also includes supervising the production staff and the editing department to ensure quality of production. As opposed to the film industry where the producer is essentially a financier, in TV production is a mix of direction, cinematography and editing. The role of the Producer is combined with that of the Programme Director. In either case, the job calls for extensive hands-on experience, creative talent, and technical knowledge of cameras, lighting, and editing software, plus a high level of planning and organisational skills. Working as a production assistant is considered a perfect hands-on entry-level job for anyone who has the ambition to move into the production end of TV. But before you rush in, just make sure you have the absurd levels of energy required — an entire episode is often canned in a single day, and where normal shifts stretch beyond 10 hours. Which is why when you look at the age profile of our present-day TV producers, you’ll find they are all in their 20s or early 30s. A degree in mass communication with specialisation in audio/video production or a related diploma from reputed institutions will help you get your foot in the door. Also don’t be unduly choosy to begin with. As an entrant, you should be willing to do all kinds of work since that’s the best way to learn.

Digital media space brims with opportunities
Arupjyoti Gogoi

With the rapid internet penetration, Indian Digital Media space is witnessing unprecedented growth over the last few years (More than 35 per cent y-o-y). Undoubtedly, this is a happening platform for brands to engage and interact with stakeholders in a more personalised way. This has resulted in creation of many job opportunities in this area. Marketeers have started using this medium very proactively in their brand promotions and marketing campaigns due to its immense power of engaging stakeholders.

According to Manoranjan Mohanty, CMD, www.myshopbazzar.com, “Internet revolution in the country has been commendable over the last few years and this has resulted in tremendous scope for digital media professionals. As organisations are always looking for new ways to interact with customers, it is generating demand for digital media professionals in a big way.”

The response of consumers to digital media is quite encouraging. Available data from different surveys reveal that Indian consumers have shown an interest on the growing digital media platform and there has been a tremendous interest of consume contest in this platform.

According to Chirag Rathod, Co-Founder & Director, Capsicum Technologies Pvt Ltd, “The best digital media campaigns are a result of good understanding of the consumer, as well as the platform. Only when both of these things are tapped properly do we get great campaigns. Therefore, to be in digital media, you have opportunities on both sides”. At the consumer understanding side you have Campaign Strategists, Account Planners, Copywriters, Designers and Executives who interact with the end user. On the technology side, you have Programmers, Website and Game Developers and other IT related profiles.

Along with these two streams, a third area is fast becoming an important area of employment — this is data analytics. With the massive increase in data available to marketers, people with the understanding of data analysis tools and a good understanding of marketing can play a key role in any campaign

Some of the exciting career opportunities in this field are like Content Writing, Designers (Digital), Digital Marketing, Web developer, Project Management etc.

Content writing

Content writers are in much demand in the digital media space. Content plays a very important role in digital media management and people who manage content can bet big in this industry. It has been seen that people consume online information differently than they do reading a magazine or a newspaper. Content writers have to be very creative to make interactions with customers more fruitful and positive.

Designers (Digital)

Designers in the digital media space have tremendous opportunities. From animation to designing a page, creative designing in digital media is a good place to be in. Designers can attract more and more people with their creativity and thoughts.

Digital marketing professionals

Digital marketing is another exciting career opportunity in the digital media space. Digital marketing professionals are those who bring in business and revenue to their organisation. In a fast expanding digital media space, the demand for digital media professionals are also increasing fast.

Web developer

Web developers are in huge demand since this is the most critical requirement of any digital platform. This is the time when the web developers are in huge demand and their demand is expected to continue in the future as well.

Project management

Another very exciting career opportunity in digital media space is project management. Project management professionals are those who ensure that the product delivery is on time and as per the requirement of the clients. People who are good in managing projects and people handling skills, they would find this career opportunity in digital media space very interesting.

Road ahead

The future employment opportunities in digital media space seem to be bright. “Over the next few years, we’ll see a lot of talent pouring into the digital media industry. As the platforms mature, become more stable and digital media becomes more mainstream, more talent is expected to pour in. However, in the era of customisation that is to come, the most important job will be of the person who can filter out the noise and understand the signal”," says Chirag Rathod. 

Existing challenges
According to Roopesh Agarwal, Director, www.advertisementindia.com, “Even though we have seen tremendous job opportunities in the digital media space, yet there is a dearth of well-qualified and skilled professionals in this domain.”

Like other industries, this industry is also facing the issue of human capital availability.

“The digital media industry appears to be pretty cool and easy, so you have a lot of people jumping in and trying to get their hands dirty to get things done. However, skilled professionals, on either the consumer or the technology side are in short supply. The industry has not matured enough and people are not giving it the amount of seriousness it deserves.

news board
DU rejects CBSE request for review of marks deduction decision

Delhi University has rejected CBSE’s request to review its decision to deduct 2.5 per cent from the aggregate marks of those aspirants of the four-year under graduate course who had opted for Informatics Practices as an elective subject in their Class XII exams. A top Delhi University official said it would not be possible to revise guidelines in the middle of the admission process and any review in the matter may be considered next year.

“It will not be possible to review the admission guidelines as we are in the middle of the enrolment process for the under-graduate courses,” the official said. Taking strong exception to the DU guidelines for admission into undergraduate programme, the Central Board of Secondary Education last week had sought review of the decision and accord same advantage to those who had opted for Informatics Practices.

The CBSE had termed the university’s decision “unfair and discriminatory”. In its admission guidelines, the DU has said the students who had chosen Informatics Practices in Class XII tend to lose 2.5 per cent from the percentage aggregate marks for admission into FYUP.

Workshop on Moldex3D

GNA institute of Management and Technology, Phagwara organised a one- day workshop on Moldex3D at institute campus in association with the Adrotec Information System Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, recently.

A.Goswami, Senior Regional Manager-North and East and P .Suresh, Technical Manager of Moldex3D Molding Innovation, Taiwan imparted the knowledge of this technology to students. The workshop is first of its kind in this region which was conducted by CAD/CAM department of the GNA-IMT institute in which 100 B.Tech/Diploma Mechanical Engineering students and CAD/CAM Instructors of GNA-IMT CAD/CAM Department participated.

P. Suresh stressed on the importance of CAD/CAM after B Tech and diploma in mechanical engineering for getting good placements in industry sector. He also shared his views about importance of Mold flow simulation for Mechanical engineers who have knowledge of CAD/CAM Technology for taking good job opportunities in International level. Some of the prominent industry players using this effective technology for Mold tolling and analysis are DAILMER, IJL, Gplast, Autoliv amongst others.

Study on rural-urban migration

The Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi, has given a research project to the Punjabi University’s Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies (CDEIS) to zero in on the causes of the rural-urban migration in the economically developed states of Punjab and Haryana and to scrutinise its after affects. The council has allocated Rs 39 lakh for carrying out the exhaustive research.

The topic of this research is “Rural-urban migration: Informal sector, employment and income/earning differentials: reflections from two Indian states — Punjab and Haryana”. Besides finding out the causes and consequences of this migration, the study will also analyse the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of rural-urban migrants who dominate the migration flow and reasons behind their migration.

Prof (Dr) Lakhwinder Singh Gill, coordinator of CDEIS and the director of the study; informed that the study was one of the major projects awarded in the field of social sciences till date and its findings would enable the policy makers to lay down apt policies and take adequate steps to deal with the problems arising from such migrations. 

scholarship roundup
Rhodes scholarships

The Rhodes Trust is offering scholarships to international students. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding students for pursuing full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, UK. 83 Rhodes scholars are selected annually from 14 countries or groupings of countries around the world.

Eligibility: Each applicant must fulfil the citizenship and residency requirements of the Rhodes constituency for which they are applying. All applicants must have achieved academic standing sufficiently advanced to assure completion of a bachelor’s degree by the October following election.

Details: A Rhodes scholarship covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend and one economy class airfare to Oxford at the start of the scholarship, as well as an economy flight back to the student’s home country at the conclusion of the scholarship.

Number of award(s): 83

Duration: The basic tenure of the Scholarship is two years, subject always and at all times, to satisfactory academic performance and personal conduct.

How to apply: Candidates will require to firnish the following:

Evidence of academic record / transcript (complete or in progress) of undergraduate degree and any postgraduate study

Curriculum vitae/resumé or list of principal activities

Personal statement or essay (including, crucially, a clear statement of what the applicant wishes to study at Oxford and why)

Evidence of age / birth certificate / passport. English Language proficiency (where English is not the first language)

Deadline: July 31, 2014

Check out: www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University (RKMVU) is offering PhD scholarship in the field of Agricultural Biotechnology, Agriculture and Rural Development, School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physical Education and Environment and Disaster Management.

Eligibility: Candidates enjoying UGC/CSIR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or any other Fellowship from Government source (like eligibility for INSPIRE) may apply. Those with JRF from any government source need not appear for a written test, but will have to appear for an interview. -Those eligible for INSPIRE will have to appear for written test as well as interview.

How to apply: The mode of applying is by post.

Deadline: July 17, 2014.

Check out: www.rkmvu.ac.in

Deadline extended

Sheffield Hallam University, UK has announced the extension of its deadline for Indian students to apply for one of the Transform Together scholarships and the GREAT scholarships until July 31, 2014.

Scholarship winners for postgraduate courses receive a 100 per cent tuition fee discount. Successful applicants to our undergraduate courses receive a 50 per cent tuition fee discount for each year of study. To apply for a scholarship, students must first apply for a course and have received an offer from the University. For more information about Sheffield Hallam University and applying for scholarships, contact Sheffield Hallam's New Delhi office by emailing india@shu.ac.uk

career compass: forensic accounting 
The financial sixth sense
Gauri Chhabra

Do you remember famous Sherlock Holmes, the detective? Probably the most famous Forensic Chemist. More Indian version still was Kautilya who used to advise the famous Chandra Gupta Maurya on finance and business and enumerated several ways of embezzlement years ago. Little did we realize then he was laying the foundation of a rich career option - that of Forensic Accounting. Now the question arises - What is Forensic Accounting?

Forensic Accounting is the amalgamation of accounting, auditing and investigative skills. It provides an analysis that is suitable to the court which forms the basis of discussion, debate and dispute resolution. It involves legal investigation and analysis of financial documents of any firm or client, who is involved in a legal dispute. In nutshell, it encompasses both litigation support and investigative accounting.

Forensic accountants are financial detectives who audit, investigate and ascertain the accuracy of financial reporting documents, often in connection with anticipated or ongoing legal action. The financial tsunami that started with the fall of Lehman Brothers, Enron and Satyam created the need for a class of accountants who could identify questionable financial data, chiefly for the purpose of investigating white-collar crime involving individuals as well as businesses of all sizes. If you wish to opt for a career that goes a step beyond accounting into litigation, challenging and requires commitment, loyalty, and devotion then this is a good choice for you. Your work entails risk management and risk reduction through customised design of accounting and auditing systems and procedures.

Getting in

In order to be a Certified Forensic Accountant you must have completed graduation from a recognised university. Besides, you should have a professional experience of at least three years and clear the CFAP examination with at least 75 per cent marks. In India, CFAP examinations are conducted by India Forensic and are moderated under the bylaws of Forensic Accounting Research Foundation. CFAP is a person who has undergone training to become an expert in the field of forensic accounting, forensic auditing, litigation support and investigative accounting. You would be required to study business administration, finance, marketing, economics and statistics.

Besides, you would be generally required to have your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. Some institutions offer a combined five-year programme for those looking to become CPAs. Forensic accountants can also become Certified Fraud Examiner or Certified Forensic Accountant. You can take the examinations only after two years of experience.

Skill set

In order to become a forensic accountant you need to have curiosity, persistence, creativity, discretion, skepticism, organisation, confidence and sound professional judgment. You must be able to present and consider all alternatives, scrutinise the fine details and sniff out embezzlement. In addition, you must be able to listen effectively and communicate clearly and concisely in a timely manner. Besides, you need to have problem-solving abilities, interpersonal and communication skills, logical, analytical approach and the ability to relate legislation to a variety of different situations.

You would be required to be proactive in order to detect frauds and also investigate fraud and other financial misrepresentation and window dressing of balance sheets. Understanding of psychological theories and possessing investigative skills is an added advantage.You will have to enable lawyers, insurance companies and other clients to resolve disputes.

You would be required to look beyond the numbers and deal with the business realities of situations. Analysis, interpretation, summarisation and the presentation of complex financial and business related issues are the prominent features of the profession. A forensic accountant will also be familiar with legal concepts and procedures.

Course cursor

Courses particularly pertaining to forensic auditing are now available that cater to the forensic accounting and auditing segments.

* Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Accounting

* Certificate Course in Forensic Accounting Professional

* Certified Anti-Money laundering Expert

* Certified Bank Forensic Accounting

* Certified Vigilance and Investigation Expert

The work

Responsibilities of forensic accountants include:

* Conducting thorough forensic financial analysis of business and personal records and developing financial profiles of individuals or groups identified as participating in suspicious or illegal activity;

* Participating in gathering evidence and preparing search warrants/affidavits associated with financial analysis;

* Accompanying case agents on interviews of subjects and key witnesses in secure and non-confrontational settings;

* Identifying and tracing funding sources and interrelated transactions;

* Compiling findings and conclusions into financial investigative reports; and

* Meeting with prosecuting attorneys to discuss strategies and other litigation support functions and testifying when needed as fact or expert witnesses in judicial proceedings.

Career Pathways:

There is always a mismatch between demand and supply as far as forensic accounting is concerned. There are a plethora of options available in accounting companies for investigating mergers and acquisitions, specialised audits and in other kinds of civil litigation support, economic crime investigations, tax investigations and even in terrorist investigation. You can find a job with clients, who are charged with allegation of fraud against the government, public, or private business, or a fraud involving insurance claims, real estate, investments, and financial instruments. You can also utilise your forensic accounting skills to solve divorce disputes, business carelessness investigation claims, and personal injury claims. Numerous government agencies like the FBI, IRS, CIA, and local government offices, at times, require your services. Public practice or insurance companies, banks, police forces and government agencies are the common employers of forensic accountants. You may work with businesses, non-profit organizations, including government and law-enforcement agencies, estates, individuals and others, who require forensic-accounting services.

The road ahead

Growing cybercrimes, failure of regulators to track the security scams, series of co-operative banks bursting - all are pinpointing the need of forensic accounting. Law enforcement officers are experts in analysing fingerprints and the narcotics but the digital evidence analysis necessitates the need for forensic accountants.

The day is not far when forensic practice will contribute maximum to the total revenue of the Indian firms. So, gear up and step beyond the humdrum stereotyped accountant and get ready for the job that involves a financial sixth sense.

— The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant

Institute watch

Several institutions are offering training and education to become a good forensic accountant.

* Indiaforensic, Pune offers a certificate course in forensic accounting and fraud detection.

* The Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, offers a Certificate Course on Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection

* The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University (ICFAI), West Tripura

* The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) also offers a Certificate Course in Forensic Accounting. The curriculum is based on global standards and, hence, it ensures that their accountants are ready for all areas of accounting and finance. Depending on previous exemptions, you can take from one year to tow-and-a-half years to complete the course.

options for engineering diploma holders
The tech advantage
Balwinder Singh

A number of students with a technical bent of mind lose heart on not getting admission in a good engineering course in a reputed college and there are some others who find it difficult to go in for a four year degree course due to financial constraints or some other problems. There are a number of choices for those looking for a technical qualification which is not necessarily a BTech or BE degree.

Diploma courses

Technical education is provided at three levels: certificate course in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs); diploma courses in polytechnic colleges; and degree courses in engineering colleges, NITs, IITs, and university departments etc. Postgraduate and Ph.D courses in engineering are also available.

Getting in

Admission to diploma courses in polytechnic colleges in Punjab and UT Chandigarh is made on the basis of JET conducted by the Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Chandigarh. Eligibility for JET is matriculation or equivalent examination pass in the subjects of mathematics, science (physics, chemistry and biology) and English from any state or central board i.e. CBCE/ICSE/National Open School or from any other country. There is no lower or upper age limit for admission. It is broadly based upon the syllabus prescribed for matriculation examination (i.e.Class IX and X) of the Punjab School Education Board, SAS Nagar (Mohali).

The admission to four-year Mechanical Engineering (Tool & Die) annual course is based on an Additional Mechanical Aptitude Test/Screening test conducted after passing JET.

Total number of institutions offering these diplomas in Punjab is 154 out of which 28 are government; three are under UT administration; six are Government- Aided institutions; and the rest are unaided institutions. There are five institutes that are exclusively for girls.

While selecting an institute students should check out that it has AICTE approval and is affiliated to the Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training (PSBTE & IT), Chandigarh

Career options for  diploma students

Higher studies: Several options are now available to engineering diploma holders to improve their qualification

* Diploma courses are recognised in India as well as abroad

* Provision for admission to second year BTech degree courses in Punjabi University Patiala, Engineering Colleges under PTU, Jalandhar, SLIET, Longowal (SET- III) or BTech (2nd year) LEET (PTU): merit basis, LEET-TU (Thapar University), LEET (PU, CHD), Guru Gobind Singh IPU, New Delhi, on the basis of merit.

* Diploma holders can also do BE/B.Tech part time from Delhi Technological University & other institutes.

* They can also get a degree in engineering (Lateral Entry) in three years from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

* One-year diploma in Railway Engineering (correspondence) from the Institute of Permanent Way Engineering (Railway Ministry), New Delhi.

* Advance diploma in Industrial Safety from Indian Institue of Fire Engineering, Nagpur.

* One-year post-diploma in plastic mould design or in machine maintenance from Central institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Amritsar.

n Advanced diploma in foundry technology/forge technology from National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Ranchi.

* Those with diploma in mechanical and production engineering can go in for CAD/CAM course.

* Post-diplomas in thermal power plant engineering from National Power Training institute, New Delhi.

* Post diploma in Foremanship Maintenance Engineering from Formen Training institute, Bangalore (www.ftibanglore.org.). Eligibility: DIPLOMA (Production & Industrial. Engg.)

* PGCA Tool Engineering - One-year training from CTR, Ludhiana can be taken up by those with a diploma in mechanical/production/ plastic/T&E.

* 1-year automobile and tractor engineering.

* B.S. course from BITS, PILANI through distance learning.

* AMIE/IME from Institution of Engineers, Kolkata or AMIETE (degree level) from The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), New Delhi, which is equivalent to BTech for job and admission in ME/MTech/ Ph.D

* Polytechnic diploma holder students can take admission straightway in the second year of (under PTU), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), BSc. (IT) etc.

Job opportunities

* Those with diploma in civil/electrical/ mechanical engineering can try for JE post in MES, Railways, Water Supply/Sewerage

* JE (civil, electrical) examination by Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

* Those with diploma in electrical/radio/computers/instrumentation can work in TTA (BSNL

n Navy and IAF are options for those with diploma in mechanical/electrical/ aero/shipbuilding/met.

* Vocational Teacher

* Instructor in ITI

* Constable IT operators (Male and Female) in Punjab Police 3 year diploma in Computer/ Information Technology or equivalent is eligible.

* Yantrik in Indian Coast Guard. Three-year diploma in mechanical/ electrical/electronic engineering with minimum 60 per cent marks.

— The writer is Lecturer, Physics, at Govt. Polytechnic College, Guru Teg Bahadurgarh, Moga

List of courses
Three-year diploma courses

* Architectural Assistantship

* Automobile Engineering

* Civil Engineering

* Chemical Engineering

* Computer Engineering

* Computer Science Engg.

* Electrical Engineering

* Electrical & Electronics Engineering

* Electronics & Communication Engineering

* Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

* E. C. Engineerin ( Industry Integrated)

* Fashion Design

* Garment Technology

* Information Technology

* Leather Technology

* Leather technology (Footwear)

* Library & Information Science

* Marine Engineering

* Mechanical Engineering

* Mechanical Engineering ( Refrigeration & Air conditioning)

* Medical Lab Technology

* Plastic Technology

* Production & Industrial Engineering

* Textile Technology (Knitting)

* Textile Technology (Weaving & Spinning)

* Textile Design

JET

JET consists of one paper of 200 multiple choice questions (40 each for English, General awareness and aptitude, maths, physics and chemistry) and each question carries 4 marks. Maximum Marks of JET are 800. There is no negative marking for an incorrect response. Result is declared within two weeks of the examination and admission is done through online counselling. Almost 85 per cent seats are for internal candidates from within the state of Punjab and 15 per cent seats are open to all candidates on All-India Basis.

course cruising
Aviation courses

JRN Institute of Aviation Technology, Mundka, Delhi is inviting applications for the three-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineering License course. The course is approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The institute has issued the forms for

A. Mechanical

* Aeroplane & Powerplant (LA, HA, PE. JE)

* Helicopter & Powerplant (RA, PE, JE)

B. Avionics (ES, IS & RN)

Eligibility: The candidates shouldl have passed minimum Plus II/Intermediate class with mathematics, physics and chemistry from a recognised board or university or its equivalent. Candidates appearing in the final examination may also apply.

How to apply: Online . Candidates can download application form from www.iiagroup.co.in and send the duly filled application form to institute’s admission office along with a Demand Draft of ~650 in favour of JRN Institute of Aviation Technology, payable at New Delhi.

Deadline: June 15, 2014
Check out: www.iiagroup.co.in

UG courses

BML Munjal University is inviting applications for undergraduate degree course in engineering and commerce. The university is offering BTech courses in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Electronics, Computer Science, Computer Science, Electronics and Communication engineering. For commerce streams dtudents there are three-year BBA and BCom courses.

Eligibility: BTech: Applicants with a minimum score of 65 per cent aggregate and 70 per cent aggregate in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class XII; and a JEE (or equivalent) score will be eligible.

BBA: Applicants with a minimum aggregate score of 65 per cent in Class XII will be eligible.

BCom: Applicants with a minimum aggregate score of 65 per cent in Class XII will be eligible.

Selection criteria: Class XII, Class XI & Class X marks (For MBA applicant, undergraduate grades). Ranking in standard entrance exams (JEE/CAT/MAT/XAT).

How to apply: Admission forms can be downloaded from www.bml.edu.in or obtained from our Delhi office, Gurgaon campus, Select YES Bank branches, or BMU regional centres.

As part of an application, students will be required to provide the completed application form with relevant enclosures, completed essay, and an application fee of ~1500 (cash receipt/demand draft).

The documents can be couriered to our Delhi office, or scanned and e-mailed to admissions@bml.edu.in.

Deadline: June 15.
Check out: www.bml.edu.in

Engineering courses

Gurukul Vidyapeeth Institute of Engineering & Technology, Banur , is inviting applications for admission to BTech in Aeronautical , Aerospace, Marine, Petrochem & Petroleum, 3 D Animation & Graphics engineering, Civil , Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication and Mechanical Engineering and BSc courses.

Eligibility: Class XII from a recognised board with 60 per cent marks in aggregate. For BTech the admission will be based on JEE ranking.

How to apply: Online — gurukul.cc/onlinereg.aspx

Deadline: July 15, 2014
Check out: www.gurukul.cc

course chat
TV and Film  production course

The Centre for Advanced Media Studies (CAMS) of Punjabi University is starting an avant-garde five-year BTech.-MBA Integrated Course in TV and Film Production from the forthcoming academic session (2014-15). The course is being started to cater to the small-screen and Bollywood industry’s demand for technical and creative talent.

The course will be flexible as there will be two exit points available to the students — students will be able to leave the course after completing four years and they will get the four-year BTech degree in TV, Film Production and Media Technology. Students completing the five-year course will get the dual degree of BTech in TV, Film Production and Media Technology as well as MBA in TV and Film Production.

The five-year integrated course students will be required to study 16 additional subjects of management, making them eligible for the master’s degree in two parts — eight after the completion of eight semesters in shape of summer schools, while the remaining eight during the fifth year of the course. This way, the students will not only save one year and get two degrees but will also be paying lesser fee. The management subjects, including event management, promo management, crisis management, production management, financial management etc. will be taught by the SMS faculty.

business etiquette in cultures around the world
Manners that win the world
Seerat Toor Grewal

Etiquette is the essence of human existence and is the basic thread that binds societies and cultures across the globe. It defines the way, to make others feel at ease with you in every situation. Good etiquette underlines every successful relationship both in personal and professional spheres. Where in personal relations, one has the leeway to make up for one's mistakes later, but such liberties are rarely seen on the professional front. Thus, it leaves one with little room for any kind of misgivings and errors.

Professional world, like lBusiness environments have become more global. This warrants for a need to be more culturally sensitive to social etiquette and practices of the people coming from different nations. Ignorance is bliss but ignorance on this front can be suicidal for your business. It, thus, becomes imperative to walk through the various types of cultures and gauge their etiquette expectations. While dealing with a global clientele in business it is essential to know about the culture-specific mores to avoid any faux pas.

Checking-on the neighbours: China

Asian cultures are usually non-touching cultures and any kind of physical touch is not appreciated. Both the countries represent the oriental cultures and share a lot of common space.

Appearance: Dressing is usually conservative and in subtle shades only. It holds for both men and women. As a woman, however, short sleeves and revealing attire is considered offensive formally. Jeans and other casuals are totally forbidden in formal meetings. You risk a chance of breaking a deal at the first look even without opening your mouth if you don't pay attention to these details.

Behaviour: Oriental cultures are high on ethics and hence take behavioural patterns very seriously. Chinese don't like hand movements while talking. They get distracted with wide hand gestures. Also, mouth-touching is highly rude and uncourteous. Punctuality is treated as a supreme virtue and widely respected by all. It is always safe if you fix prior appointments way in advance via an email which should even state the agenda for the meeting. If you are not on time, then the chances of any business deal are remote.

There are some interesting things to note while eating too. One should not start to eat before the host. One has to try all dishes served to show your appreciation of the food. But, that isn't enough. They believe what they see and hence it is necessary to show interest in food. Learn to use chopsticks if you anticipate any meal with your Chinese partners.

Other trends: Gift-exchange is a common practice in business but there are some things which are totally a taboo for a gift like clocks, straw sandals, handkerchief or anything blue or black as they relate all of these as a symbol of death. Good quality pens can be good gifts. Lastly, never give tips in China.

Going further: FRANCE

French are very touchy about their culture and will go any extent to defend its pillars. They take deep pride in their history.

Appearance: One has to be extremely diligent while dressing-up. They value quality and hence well-tailored formals in dark-formal colours are the norm for business meetings. They like patterns in dresses and are quite appreciative about it. However, women may refrain from wearing bright and glowing jewellery to meetings. An interesting pointer is that men should never loosen their ties as it is regarded as highly rude and casual.

Behaviour: French like eye-contact and usually end-up making an intense one, so take it easy. If they find your argument interesting, they may not hesitate to interrupt as it is considered normal in French conversations. Here food is enjoyed and appreciated fully so if your meeting ends-up in a lunch or dinner, please show interest as such intervals may easily last 2-3 hours.

Other trends: Punctual or not, doesn't matter much, but handshakes do. A brief handshake will usually be accompanied by a specific eye-contact. It should not be very firm but always done while entering or leaving.

Destination FIFA 2014: BRAZIL

Brazil is the hottest destination of the season and the reason is obvious. On the sidelines of the intense activity at FIFA, many business deals may be making successful conclusions.

Appearance: Brazilians love to dress to occasions and value all dress codes. Business dress is extremely executive which includes a three-piece suit for top-brass and a two-piece suit for office staff. Women, too, are formal though they may dress in their ethnic dresses, but all subtleties are observed keenly. Nails demand a huge attention in here.

Behaviour: The routine handshakes for men but women usually kiss on the cheeks, starting left. Brazilians are sensitive to the "OK" symbol and are usually offended by it. Instead pinching the earlobe with forefinger and thumb is commonplace practice to express appreciation. Communication is usually formal and interruptions are not considered a taboo. Food is enjoyed and so are the parties. Arriving late is trendy and is expected. Food etiquette is sober.

Other Trends: Exchanging gifts is not necessary yet one should not give purple flowers as these are used at funerals here. They prefer buying time on meetings and usually like casual topics before jumping to the agenda points. Follow the same and don't rush.

These things come in handy when it comes to business deals and meetings. It is always a good idea to do some research about the cultural aspects of people of the country you are dealing with. Your cultural awareness will make them feel at ease and a baseline trust is already built even before the real agenda is taken up. The whole purpose is to make people feel a little better and upbeat than when they meet you, at least with all the controllable factors.

The land of dreams: USA

Americans value hardwork and ethical conduct. They value time and hence punctuality is essential. They are more streamlined and expect people to be direct. They value logic and don't get into unnecessary details. They may prefer sorting things on phone than a meeting to discuss as the former is less time consuming. They liked to be addressed by their first names or nickname.

Appearance: American business attire is all influenced by geography, industry and day of the week. Friday dressing is quite common. However, they like formal attire in business settings which is shades of grey or navy and well-tailored suits for men and navy, grey, ivory etc. dresses or skirts with jacket for women.

Behaviour: A smile, a firm yet brief handshake and a suitable eye-contact is all that is needed to greet. Their life-attitudes usually dominate their formal settings as well. Dining or table etiquette is relaxed but exists. Food is served in family-style but one has to wait for the host's signal to start before digging into one's dish. Little things, like standing till asked to sit, resting your napkin on your lap while sitting, elbows-off the table and never eating full plate are common practices. One may choose and refuse dishes. Fork should go in the right hand and has to be crossed over knife after finishing.

Other trends: Americans enjoy gifts for most occasions, but it isn't a big affair unless it's Christmas. So, gifts can be anything from a personal note, a box of chocolates, wine etc. They unlike Indians open the gifts in the presence of the guests. Exchanging business cards isn't a big deal either. It is a common practice and is taken casually. Meetings are done to arrive at conclusions rather than for building ties.

Take a bow: Japan
They are no less than their Chinese counterparts and are very sensitive about their culture and mannerisms.

Appearance: The keyword here is “dress to impress”. Yes, strange as it may sound, but they have an eye for smart businesswear. Men can wear smart suits while women usually dress conservatively and jeans are not allowed in formal set-ups.

Behaviour: This part is highly interesting. Contrary to most cultures, one should arrive a little late for an event or a meeting. Again, one has to maintain distance and not touch anyone in public, it is highly offensive. One has to bow while greeting someone. Never say no directly but manipulate your choice of words to express the same in some other way. Handshakes are not that intense but are an accepted practice.

Other trends: When on a meeting or dinner, never pour your own drink. Smile sparingly and pay attention to detail while presenting your agenda. Pointing at others is highly offensive and so is blowing of nose.

MBAs and other business school graduates on the job market might do well to look beyond traditional sectors to fields such as technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. A global student exit survey taken by the Graduate Management Admission Council in February and March found job seekers in those sectors were more likely to have an early job offer than those searching in larger, more traditional 
fields such as finance/accounting, products & services and consulting.

Overall, some 57 per cent of class of 2014 MBA and other business school graduates seeking jobs had at least one early offer. That’s down slightly from 60 per cent in last year’s survey but nearly double the 32 per cent who had offers at the same time period in 2010.

The survey of 3,049 business school graduates at 111 universities was conducted by GMAC, the non-profit organisation that conducts the GMAT exam on behalf of graduate business and management programmes worldwide.

“This snapshot of the early job market for business school graduates demonstrates that graduate business degrees are useful in a wide variety of careers. While demand remains strong among traditional industries, business school graduates shouldn’t overlook alternative sectors, which are actively seeking MBA and other business school talent,” said Gregg Schoenfeld, GMAC survey research director.

Although salaries vary widely by industry, job level, and work location, the median increase in salary of those with job offers was 80 per cent over their pre-degree salary. That’s up from the 73 per cent increase reported by business school graduates with early job offers in 2013.

“The job market for business school graduates has rebounded nicely since 2010, and employers in all sectors recognise they need the business skills and acumen these graduates bring,” Schoenfeld said.

Some key findings

nTechnology is emerging as a promising sector for business school graduates, as 61 per cent of those seeking jobs in the tech industry had job offers, accounting for 15 percent of all students with early offers. In 2010, just 9 percent of students with early offers were in the technology industry.

nManufacturing and healthcare/pharmaceuticals may be the undiscovered beaches of the business school job market. Although they account for just 7 percent and 5 percent, respectively, of the students with early offers, students searching in these sectors had the greatest success rate, with 74 percent reporting at least one offer.

nConsulting is the most popular field for career-switchers, as 27 percent of all career-switching graduates with job offers were in consulting.

nFinance/accounting is the top sector for graduates with job offers who are not switching industries after graduation. Twenty-six per cent of all those with job offers were in this sector, slightly higher than last year (24 per cent) but still lower than in 2010 (30 per cent).