Q I am in Class XII (Science). Kindly tell me what is industrial mathematics.

— Yusuf Deen

A Scientific computing, semiconductor devices, image processing, electro-optics, very large integrated systems (VLIS), and sensor technology are some of the emerging areas of high technology. As classical geometry is ‘inadequate’ to understand the intricacies of nature, a new geometry called ‘Fractal Geometry’ has been invented by a mathematician. It has proved useful in studying and picturing mountains, skies, rainfall, coastal lines, artificial scenery, and designs and patterns through computers. This technique has revolutionised the film industry, image processing and data compression techniques, leading to the compact disc.

Industrial mathematics has become a buzzword in the US, Europe and Japan in the last decade. In fact, this branch of applied mathematics is not only the queen of all sciences but is also the mother of all technologies.

Industrial mathematics is taught at Annamalai University. The eligibility is B.Sc in Maths (55-60 per cent).

Computer networking

Q I am a student of B.E. Electronics and telecom engineering. Please tell me about certification courses in computer networking. From where can I do these courses?

— Ashok Kumar

A You have several choices. For instance, you could look at a certification in networking like MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) — globally recognised for LAN design, implementation, administration, trouble-shooting, creating web servers, etc. The Windows platform enjoys a customer-base running into millions. The full certification involves clearing seven papers. After you clear the first paper, you will get the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) card.

Clearing four papers will give you decent enough knowledge of LAN networking to start working in the technical support area. The passing marks are 80-90 per cent in each exam.

Alongside, you can continue preparing for the remaining papers or acquiring a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator) certification.

While MCSE certification is fine for handling 500-1000 client/seat establishments, broadband, Internet and Intranet environments are better served by Cisco-certified experts. So, if you are looking for better value-addition, CCNA will give you expertise in ISP (Internet Software Protocol), ASP (Application Software Protocol), WAN (Wide Area Networking), etc.

It will also teach you how to design, build, and maintain global computer networks from a single location. This involves clearing exams at four levels: 1) Associate Level 2) Professional Level 3) Expert Level 4) Specialist Level. Make sure you register for the course at an authorised training centre. The intake is typically restricted to 15-20 students per session. The cost ranges between Rs.20, 000-25, 000.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), are some of the other certifications you could look at. For the list of authorised training centres, log on to www.cisco.com.

Followed by some relevant work experience, you can look at fairly well-paying jobs as CISCO networking professionals are in demand both in India and abroad.

A question of experience

Q I have recently completed a 2-year PGDM from a middle-level institute. I have been desperately looking for a job but to no avail. Most recruitment ads ask for work experience. How can a fresher gain experience unless organisations are ready to take on freshers? Just because one doesn’t have the tag of a top-of-the-line institute, does it imply that one is lacking in calibre and potential?

— Jasbir Singh

A I can entirely appreciate and sympathise with your dilemma: the Catch-22 game of job ads requiring work experience and work experience not being possible without a job. May I offer a suggestion?

From your query, it would appear that you have essentially been responding to advertisements. Maybe, it’s time to take the initiative in your own hands; make a detailed list of the companies which you may like to work for in your city, find out about their activities, their marketing efforts, etc. Then send in your bio-data with a covering letter describing what you know about the company and how you could fit in and request an interview. You might be pleasantly surprised by the response because every company likes to see such kind of initiative. I would also like to add that:

1) There are always jobs “out there”, which are not advertised, and

2) Whether you can find them or not depends on what methods you use.

Since you may not have much to talk about in terms of work-experience or projects undertaken, make sure your resume and interview project you as being proactive, enthusiastic and capable. Highlight activities you volunteered to undertake and successfully completed in the course of your study.

Another proven successful job-hunting method you may like to try is to ask your family members, friends, neighbours etc. for any job leads and potential employers that they may know of.

Go ahead, try. You have nothing to lose but your frustration.

— The writer is a noted career consultant

Please send in your query, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com