Career Hotline
Take stock of options
Pervin Malhotra

Q I have done M.Com from Punjabi University, and am doing MBA from IGNOU. I want to work with a stock exchange. Please tell me if any specific course is required for it and from where to pursue it? Is there any such course through distance learning? Also, guide me about the universities offering M. Phil in commerce through distance education. Since I am registered with IGNOU, can I pursue M. Phil from any other university?

— Anita Midha, Chandigarh

A The National Stock Exchange offers NSE Certification in Financial Markets (NCFM) to test and certify people in specialised areas like derivatives, debt markets, depository operations etc, for manning the terminals at stock exchanges or working with banks and mutual fund companies in the financial market. The eligibility is plus two and familiarity with computers. The online test comprising 60-70 questions (Fee: Rs. 500) can be taken year-round at any of the accredited test centres in six cities.

The certification is only valid for 3 years after which you have to re-appear in the test to continue as a broker. Log on to www.nse-india.com for details.

Web-based e-learning courses for professionals, retail investors and students designed by NSE.IT, a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE, can be accessed on www.finvarsity.com. Certification is granted after you clear the requisite online test.

The Ludhiana Stock Exchange and Panjab University’s Centre for Industry-Institute Partnership offers a Certification Programme in Capital Market. A Diploma programme in Capital Market is in the pipeline, while PU plans to launch a degree programme in Capital Markets.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, ICSI House, 22, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003. Course: PG Membership Course in Capital Market & Financial Services.

As for the second part of your query, yes, you can do M. Phil in Commerce through correspondence from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla; Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra; Annamalai University, Annamalainagar etc. While most universities ask for a minimum 55 per cent aggregate in your Master’s degree for others the qualification is 50 per cent in the relevant subject.

You can also enrol directly for Ph. D in Commerce at the following Universities:

lKota Open University, Rawat Bhata Road, Akhelgarh, Kota-324010 (Raj.)

It offers Ph. D in Commerce. Duration: 3-5 years. Eligibility: Master’s degree with 50 p.c marks. Notification: September-October.

lDr BR Ambedkar Open University, Road No. 46, Jubilee Halls, Hyderabad-500033. Duration: 72 weeks. Eligibility: Master’s degree (2nd division) or M. Phil (1st div) plus evidence of having done research work or publication of at least 2 papers. Notification: February.

CA with BBA

Q I am student of BBA first year studying in Chandigarh. I want to do CA along with BBA. Please guide.

— Manik Mehtani, Ludhiana

A Yes. you can certainly do both together, though CA goes somewhat better with B. Com.

As far as doing an MBA later, that option will always remain open, although it is not mandatory since the CA course is an in-depth professional programme in finance.

Career as commentator

Q I watch all the matches on TV and my dream is to become a cricket commentator. How do I go about it? Since I don’t play cricket, will this hamper my career prospects?

— Manjit Singh

A While some of the biggest names in cricket like Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Tony Greig and Ian Chappell have made a second career as cricket commentators, many others like Harsha Bhogle, an IIM A graduate, have never played the game at a professional level.

However, as jobs for cricket commentators are not easily available to freshers, you may have to initially work in a broader field, even within sports. With some perseverance and the right breaks you should be able to get your foot in the door. With the advent of satellite television cricket commentary today is completely different ball game from its previous avatar. As a cricket commentator you must be able to think your feet and improvise between shots as 15-16 powerful cameras track every movement of the ball and the cricketers on the field. And since the commentary is broadcast live there is absolutely no room for errors.

The commentator must have a thorough knowledge of the game, peppering the conversation with interesting statistics besides entertaining the audience with anecdotes and a bit of tongue-in-cheek during a dull match. Navjot Singh Siddhu shot to fame with his now oft-quoted ‘Siddhuisms’ and I cannot help but quote one: “This Indian team is like bicycles in a cycle stand… one falls and the entire row falls!”

It’s very important to develop your own distinctive style. Don’t ape or clone anyone. Make sure you keep up with the latest developments in the game and also brush up your cricketing history so that you can converse easily and knowledgeably on various aspects of the game. Versatility is the name of the game!

Besides, you must practice speaking aloud pacing and modulating your delivery into a tape recorder (remember to get your pronunciation right). An excellent command over the language (English) is essential. Ask friends to critique your delivery.

Most of your learning happens on the job. But if you are somewhat shaky, go for a stint of training to improve your voice culture, diction, modulation and intonation, although it’s not mandatory. Keenly listen to the top commentators to observe how they whip up fever pitch excitement and keep audiences glued to the idiot box or vary their cadence to match the mood on the pitch.

Rather than going for a break in TV, look for openings in radio, particularly in the private FM channels. You can start by writing one or a two-minute scripts for radio programmes and use that as a launching pad for furthering your career.

A word of caution: Don’t get bedazzled by the glamour and lure of big money. Cricket commentary is not everybody’s cup of tea and only the very best in this field make it to the top rung of the ladder.

Nervous about CAT

Q I am taking the CAT this year. Some of my friends started months ago and say that since I am so late in my preparation, I don’t stand a chance. I am already very nervous as I haven’t really gotten into the act seriously. My time management skills are poor. Please help.

— Anup Hundal

A First of all, stop fretting. One of the greatest pleasures in life is to do what people say you cannot do. Here’s a study plan that will help you set objectives for planning and monitoring your preparation:

August: Reinforce your basics; use the basic reference material; identify your areas of strength and weakness.

Solve all questions without any time limit. By the end of August, cover all topics in both in English and Maths.

September: Solve the section tests — these tests will build your accuracy for multiple topics within given time limits. Supplement your section tests with comprehensive tests and mock CATs.

October: Comprehensive tests along with mock CATs. Try to maximise your score in each test. On completing the paper, analyse each question and section. Take the next test only once you have completed your analysis of the previous one.

November: By now, you should have developed the “aptitude” for taking a test. This will have a direct bearing on your strategy for tackling each test as well as on your overall performance.

Remember speed is an outcome of accuracy. So, your primary focus should be on accuracy.

For weak areas: make sure you understand the topic and that you are able to solve the questions within the time limit.

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