Educational FAQs

1Q. I have completed Class X (SSC) in the year 2001. I want to complete Degree through Correspondence course in one year. Let me know the details of Educational Institutions and Universities in this regard.

Ans. At present no university is offering complete degree in one year duration and UGC has not recognised any such. You may obtain degree through distance education offered by Ambedkar Open University in AP or any other such open Universities. You can opt for Telugu Medium in AP. The admission to such course is by entrance exam.

2Q. I have completed Intermediate in the year 2005 June in compartments with CEC group. Being a middle class person, I could not study further. I have a desire to study abroad, am I entitled with my present qualifications to study in Australia? Let me know the details if any Bank Loan is obtainable.

Ans. Graduation is a basic qualification to study abroad, either in Australia or in any other country. It is a costly affair to go for degree education in a foreign country. In view of your financial circumstances, you may complete your degree through distance education in our country instead of a foreign country. Later you may study abroad, as presently, financially it is not practicable.

3Q. What are the job opportunities available in multimedia, including qualifications and eligibility required for entry into these jobs.
Ans. Class X is the minimum general qualification for entry into jobs in multimedia, yet your personal abilities and higher qualifications would be an added asset. Natural abilities, creative talent are essential. Duty bound and planned executions of assigned work are very much needed. Job potential is very much on the increase in recent times in view of more number of colleges. Institutes are providing necessary training to the personnel for such jobs.

4Q. I have completed Intermediate and I want to do Bachelor of Tourism. What is the eligibility for the entry and what are the job opportunities for such degrees?

Ans. Indian Institute of Tourism and travel management Bhuvaneshwar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh and New Delhi is offering three-year course of Bachelor of T & M. These are directly under the control of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Inter is minimum qualification from any recognized board in India and the required notification is issued in January. Job opportunities are there in Airlines, Cargo, Travel agencies, Resorts and Hotels etc.
5Q. I have completed Inter with MPC during 1999-2001 and presently I wish to study Bi.P.C. in one sitting. Can I do it and am I eligible for EAMCET exam?

Ans. At present you are eligible for EAMCET exam in the engineering stream. There is no possibility and scope for Inter in one sitting.

6Q. I secured 72% in the Inter exam. Let me know the entrance exam details for engineering stream in our country.

Ans. As entrance EAMCET exam is done in AP, every state conducts entrance exam in our country. In the same manner at the national level also entrance exams are conducted for entry into IIITs, IIT-JEE, NIT, and IIIT. So is the case of Birla Institute of Technology for entry into BITSAT and other universities like KARUNYA, AMRUTHA, SRM, SATYABHAMA, etc. also conduct entrance exams and provide admission based on merit. Fee structure will be varied in each university. Notification will be issued in October-November every year.

7Q. I discontinued Inter with Bi.P.C. in the middle, then joined inter-vocational college and got first rank in the first year and I am unable to study well in the second year. I was informed that MLT course has no value and I am discouraged please show me the way and tell me whether I can go for higher education after this.

Ans. First concentrate on your studies and get first rank again. Already you lost much time and in this competitive world career choice is to be made carefully as per interests. After MLT you can do Bachelor Degree and grow into a Lab Technologist, Supervisor, Management Consultant, Health Administrators and Co-ordinator. Every district has colleges offering these courses and plenty of jobs are available.

8. What are the job prospects in Multimedia line and what is the minimum eligibility?
Ans.The only minimum eligibility is Class X, but the skills required are far more important than eligibility. Creativity is an essential criterion for multimedia developers. They should have the ability to take responsibilities as well as the ability to work with team members. Excellent organizational skills are an added asset.

9. What are the various areas or specializations in Fashion Technology?

Ans. Courses in fashion technology include graduate, postgraduate, certificate and diploma in the following areas: - Accessory Designing, Fashion Designing, Garment Manufacturing Technology, Apparel Marketing, Merchandising, Leather and Garment Design and Technology, Knitwear Design and Technology, Textile Design and Development; and Fashion Journalism and Presentation.
There are four-year undergraduate and two-year postgraduate programmes in the areas of design, management and technology. Certificate and Diploma are of six months to two years duration.

10. I belong to BC community and I wish to appear for Civil Services (IAS) during 2012. I do not have financial resources to take coaching Please let me know whether I get any Government assistance to fulfill my desire.

Ans. AP Study Circle and BC Study Circle located in Hyderabad are offering free coaching to BC students. Coaching and training are provided free of cost to compete in the exams. The BC study circles are also established in other parts of the State. AP Study Circle every year selects and trains the candidates pursuing Group - I Services. This is located in Ambedkar Bhavan, Lower Tankbund Road where from details can be had.

11.  I am studying Hotel Management course. Right now what are the necessary precautionary steps I should take for job entry into CRUISELINES?

Ans. Finish your HM course with good credentials and knowledge, then try to appear for interviews. Otherwise undergo preparatory course at the Academy of Culinary India, which conducts this in collaboration with CRUISELINES. They select 50 candidates for each batch every year in two batches and provide employment after the training. Two batches are there between March and June another between August and November every year.

12.  Do we have opportunities to get admissions into B.Tech for those who studied Bi.P.C. If so what are the courses and where are they available?

Ans. Bi.P.C. Students can get admissions into B.Tech, Bio-Technology, Bio-Informatics and Food Science courses. Based on EAMCET Rank admissions are given in our State of A.P. by the Engineering College and Deemed Universities. Direct admission is also being offered in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Deemed Universities.
In AP, the following Colleges are offering the courses:

1. C.B.I.T. Gandipet, Hyderabad
2. Srinidhi Inst of Science & Technology, Ghatkesar, RR. Dist
3. JBREC, Moinabad, RR Dist.

13.  I am studying B.Com first year, I want to write CAT exam. Can I write the exam in any year of study? Let me know the details of notification etc.

Ans. CAT exam is conducted by IIM. The scoring at this exam is the basis for candidates’ selection for Management Colleges in our Country. Degree is the minimum qualification for writing the CAT exam. However, final year students can appear and pass certificate is to be produced at admission stage. Reservation of 15% and 7% is available for ST and SC students. November and December are slated for CAT exam. The exam includes

1. Analytical, Mathematical, Logical and linguistic abilities are tested with a paper for 2½ hour. Negative marking is there. Scoring rate is changeable factor every year.

2. Group discussion on contemporary issues to test the ability of clarity of expression etc.
3. Personal interviews to asses the personality. You may choose November for CAT to know your understanding of the Test Pattern.

14. I am a graduate preparing for MBA entrance examinations. My 10+2 results are very poor and in graduation I got second Class (54.98% marks.)  I want to know whether I can get admission in any good B-school by securing a good result in entrance examinations. Please help me out.

Ans. The admission for MBA is always based on performance in Entrance examinations followed by group discussion and interview. But some of the leading institutes do consider your academic performances also while considering admission to their colleges. This is done because they generally want students who can cope with the academic stress too. But if you really perform in your Entrance and Group Discussion and prove your skills, some of the institutes will definitely consider your admission.

15. I am planning to take the CAT this year.  But I am very much confused about which field to choose - marketing, finance, HR and systems.  Which subject has more scope and is more paying, marketing or finance?
Ans. Both marketing and finance are critical business functions. Your professional success, however, will depend upon your individual skills, aptitude and initiative, regardless of the specialization you choose.  Your pay packet will also depend on the B-school you graduate from, the kind of companies that visit your campus for recruitment and to some extent on the sectoral cycles that prevail at the time of placement, like when the economy is booming, jobs in finance are at a premium.

Not to worry though the first year’s MBA curriculum at most B-schools, with a few exceptions like XLRI, is compulsory for all students. It will cover the basic functional areas of finance and accounting, marketing, personnel and operations management.  You will also learn the basic principles of economics, behavioral sciences, information technology and quantitative methods in the context of business management.

At the end of the first year, you will work on a summer assignment for eight to 10 weeks in any Organization.   In the second year, you will have the opportunities to pursue the areas of specialisation that interest. Therefore, all the second year courses in good B-schools like the IIM’s have electives.  Besides, helping you develop an integrated approach to solving business problems.  This gives you sufficient time to choose your field of specialization. IIM-A and a number of other B-schools give you the flexibility of dual specialization.  You can even mix and match courses from different streams if you like, as long as you are prepared to take on the load of extra credits.

16Q. I am a student of B. Sc (Physics).  I have heard about Space Medicine.  Could you tell me more about it?

Ans. Space or aerospace medicine is a branch of medicine concerned with the effects of space travel on humans.  This is a relatively newer branch of clinical and occupational medicine that deals with various short and long term problems faced by astronauts.  Negative effects such as headward fluid shift and muscle de-conditioning after every space flight affect almost all crew members.  Astronauts returning from prolonged stay aboard space stations have clearly shown that the human body severely de-conditions when exposed to micro-gravity conditions.  Astronauts need to take appropriate medicine to alleviate the pain or discomfort caused by the body’s adaptation to space.

But, before determining what measures are to be taken in space, it is first essential to define how exactly space affects the physiology of various systems of human beings; which is where Aerospace Medical specialists come in. They are essentially medical doctors, who have further specialized in the study of physics, aerodynamics, aeronautical engineering, space and high altitude physiology, clinical medicine, psychology and medical administration.

In India, the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bangalore is possibly the only one that offers a post graduate course in Aerospace medicine under the aegis of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka. The three-year inter-disciplinary course draws from diverse fields such as medicine, physiology, bio-physics and bio-engineering.  Combining research and clinical training, the course is open to civilian students and service medical officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force. Three civil students and seven students from the Armed Forces are enrolled every year for the course.  Admission is based on an All India written entrance exam (multiple choice type) followed by an interview for selected candidates, separately for Civil and Military candidates.

So far, Aerospace medicine has been mainly dominated by Defence service doctors. With the expansion of the aviation industry, a number of civilian doctors have undergone this course and are flourishing both in India and abroad.

17Q. I have done B.Com and wish to do MCA.  What is the eligibility criterion and what level of mathematics is required?

Ans.  The eligibility for admission to MCA courses as mandated by AICTE, a Bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration with mathematics as one of the subjects. or Mathematics at 10 + 2 Level   Most Universities require minimum 50% to 60% aggregate.  Admission to MCA courses is required through State or Institution level entrance tests which test your logical and analytical reasoning, quantitative aptitude higher mathematics (+2 and B.Sc level), English Comprehension and basic computer awareness. The mathematics component in the test is fairly significant. Number crunching ability is a vital pre-requisite to make it to a good MCA programme; it is also an important part of the MCA course as well as your career.

18Q. Can you tell me about Aeronautical Engineering?

Ans. Aeronautic or Aerospace engineering is the branch of engineering that concerns aircraft, spacecraft, and related topics. Aerospace Engineering was originally known as aeronautical engineering and dealt solely with aircraft. The broader term “aerospace engineering” has superseded the former in most usage, as flight technology advanced to include craft operating outside Earth’s atmosphere. In analogy with “aeronautical engineering”, the branch is sometimes referred to as astronautical engineering, although this term usually only concerns craft which operate in outer space. Aerospace engineering is often informally called rocket science in popular culture. The best Institute in India for Aeronautical Engineering is the Indian Institutes of Technology, popularly known as the IIT. This Institute has campuses in Chennai, Mumbai, Kanpur, New Delhi, Roorkee, Guwahati and Kharagpur and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

19Q. From when should engineering students prepare for an MBA to improve his or her employability?

Ans. From day one, a student should focus on improving communication skills, be good at time management, learn to work in a team and carry out multiple tasks.  These skills would determine the employability of a candidate more than a MBA degree

20Q.What is the difference between Biotechnology and Bio-informatics?

Ans. Biotechnology essentially refers to wet lab business. Here, activities are done in labs or fields. But, bio-informatics refers to dry lab work. There are no specific bio-informatics courses available in the State. However, there are a few Colleges offering the course in Tamil Nadu.

21Q. I have taken B.E Computer Science and Engineering. I want to know about job opportunities that are available abroad.

Ans. Computing professionals can find openings abroad in Academia, Research, Industry, Government, Private software, IT and business Organizations etc.

Some of the research and vocational areas within several in computing where you can specialize in several generative openings are:
Artificial Intelligence, computer design and engineering, computer architecture, Information Technology, software engineering, computer theory, operating systems and networks, software applications. If interested, you can take up teaching assignments as well.

22Q. MBBS degrees from other countries are not recognized in India, so what is the point in going abroad to become a doctor?

Ans. If you have a degree from abroad, you have to pass the screening test conducted by the National Board of Examination before being registered with the Medical Council of India. If you can pass that, you can work in India. But the usual pass percentage is nine per cent. But if you fail in the screening test, it is only in India that you cannot practice, other countries are open for you. It is also important to get a No Objection Certificate from the MCI before going abroad for education. You also have to make sure of the credibility of the education consultant who promises you a foreign degree.

23Q. Which is a better option, Bio - technology or B.Pharm?
Ans. In the case of bio-technology, a graduation would not be of much help. A Masters in Biotechnology can land you in a job, which is not the case with B. Pharm. The latter has more options from the graduation stage itself.

24Q. I want to know the future prospects after completion of BDS and B.Pharm in India?

After BDS, the student can take up MDS course, with specialization in various areas. Dental Colleges in Andhra Pradesh offers many such courses. After B. Pharm, the student can take up M. Pharm. In the State, a number of colleges offer a PG course in M. Pharm with a variety of specializations.

25Q. I am in the final year B.Tech in electronics and communications.  I am really confused whether to opt for M.Tech or MBA!

Ans. Making a career decision is not easy.  But please don’t let more statistics or the media guide your choice of career.  Numbers don’t count, your caliber does. Both management as well as engineering is top of the line professional courses, which leads you to believe that you are keen on pursuing a professional career. It is therefore very important to go by your interests, aptitude and inclination rather than popular beliefs.

A large number of engineering graduates and even mid-career engineers opt for MBA, because a techno-management qualification is desirable in the global economy.  By and large, managers are preferred for top jobs and get a better pay packet in most companies than engineers, unless the company’s core business happens to be manufacturing.

And you will find that a significant part of your job content, a few years down the line, ends up being managerial in nature- managing the project, leading your team, handling the planning and financial aspect of the project, among others. As the MBA program is more holistic and covers a wide range of subjects it helps you to develop an all-round personality and equips you with confidence to adapt to varied functions and environment.

    Besides, as an engineering graduate, you have another clear advantage at the very outset.  The entrance exams like CAT, XAT & GMAT are somewhat weighed in favour of engineering graduates.  The reason why they score well is they are relatively more disciplined in their approach, better grounded and acquainted with systems and processes and the practical applications of theory.  Of course this is not to say that non-engineering students won’t fare well.

    Besides looking at MBA offered by the leading B-schools, you can opt for courses specially designed for engineering graduates offered by B-schools and IITs. The major objective of these schools is to groom graduate engineers as competent managers for technology intensive global business operations that can respond to the changing requirements of the Indian Industry,

    Actually with an engineering degree under your belt you are in a win-win situation.  However, if you are undecided, it may be a good idea to work for a year and see how you like it.  You can always opt for an MBA a year or two down the line, by which time you will be clearer about your goals.

26Q. I am a BA final year student.  I want to make a career in health management. Please tell me about the admission procedure, the eligibility criteria, the institutes offering the course and the future prospects?

Ans. Health Management is emerging as an area of professional management.  It is aimed at providing management skills to professionals responsible for health services in the country.  There are two types of professionals who opt for health and hospital management – medical professionals (medical graduates) and other regular graduates. While the technical aspects such as procurement of equipment and medical expendables, recruitment and training of staff management of professionals and research work are supervised by the ‘doctor administrator’, the management and assignment of duties of other staff, maintenance and services as well as security are taken care of by graduates trained in health services management.

List of Institutes offering courses are:

1.    AIIMS, New Delhi,
2. Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.
3. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi, New Delhi
4. Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur
5. Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta,
Besides these institutes, some universities also offer such courses in hospital and health management.

Harvesting Time

The music in the fields and villages is missing even though the harvest festival is round the corner. It is a long time, since the farmers in India have expressed their happiness over their produce. Natural extremes coupled with rising prices of seeds and manure, and poor prices for their produce is forcing many farmers into debt trap and forcing them to take the extreme step of suicide so that the government announces some relief for the deceased’s family. They take this as their earnings. Recently, some farmers in Punjab because of the poor support price offered by the government threw their produce on the roads instead of selling it.  

It is a common fact that in our country there are three cropping seasons - rabi, kharif and zaid. From October to December, rabi crops are sown and harvested from April to June in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttaranchal. Kharif crops like paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, arhar, moong, urad, cotton, jute and groundnut are grown with the onset of monsoon and harvested in September-October. In between these two major crops is the zaid, in which watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber and vegetables are grown. Rice is grown in the states of Assam, West Bengal, coastal regions of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Despite being a Harvest festival, Sankranthi or Makar Sankrnathi as it is popularly called in Andhra Pradesh is celebrated across the country with much enthusiasm. This takes the name of Winter Solstice too when the Sun makes the northward journey. Even as dates for other Indian festivals keep changing, the only constant date for Sankranthi is January 14.

Even our ancient epics like Mahabharata have laid importance on this day as the Sun moves from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana. This day is dedicated to the Sun god who provides the warmth needed for the crops to bloom. However, the Puranas state that on this day Sun (Surya) god visits the house of his son Saturn (Shani), who is the lord of the Zodiac Capricorn (Makar rashi), even though the two did not get along.

One must have seen the pictures of people taking bath in the Ganga, during this period, as it is believed that Maharaja Bhagiratha performed great penance to bring Ganga to the earth to pour life into the bodies of 60,000 sons of Maharaj Sagar, who were burnt to ashes at the Kapil Muni Ashram. Bhagirath on this day offered prayers for the ancestors thus freeing them from the curse. To mark this day, Ganga Sagar Mela is held every year at the confluence of River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.

The day is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Maghi in Punjab and Uttarayan in Gujarat. Many fly kites and watch their kites soar into the skies. The whole sky is decorated with these colourful birds. Cock fights are a prominent event of the festival in all rural areas across the country.

On this day across the country people prepare sweetmeats of white til with jaggery or sugar. In Maharashtra, it is called Tilgul and in Karnataka Yellu-Bella. Decorated cattle races are also held in several states. The Supreme Court has banned the jalli-kutti festival in Tamil Nadu. Many homes are beautifully decorated with rangoli during this time.

However, in Andhra Pradesh, it is a big festival. The first day is celebrated as Bhogi, the second day as Makara Sankranti and the third day as Kanuma. On the first day of the festival, people discard old things and lit a bonfire in a bid to wash away their bad deeds. This is prevalent in Tamil Nadu too. Houses where there are small children, women of the house gather along and a festival is organized to ward off the evil eye. The servants too receive gifts from their employers.

On the second day, on the occasion of Makara Sankranti, many people wear new clothes and pray to God. On the third day, people pray to the animals, especially cows. During festival time, devouts abstain from eating non-vegetarian food. With urbanization taking root some of the old-age customs and traditions are dying out. Like now-a-days we don’t have nagar sankarteenas or see Haridas’ roaming the streets with his cow for alms singing hymns. It is believed that the Haridas’ roam the streets in Dhanur (December-January) maas (Month) thus the roaming culminating at the end of Sankranthi. On this day, many people cook Pongal a sweet made from rice, milk and sugar thus marking the beginning of a bountiful year full of prosperity. Some of them cook many other delicacies too.  

Makar Sankranthi is the culmination of the pilgrimage for Swami Ayyappa devotees in Sabarimala. The 40-day penance by the devotees ends on this day when Makara Jyothi appears and celebrations begin. In the northern part of the country, especially Punjab, Lohri is celebrated in the evening prior to Makar Sankranthi. A bonfire is lit and sweets, sugarcane and rice are thrown in the bonfires, while friends and relatives move around it. It is an important festival for the newly married and the new baby. In the north, as it is the end of winter, many relish makki ki roti and sarson ka saag. People also exchange gifts which consist of til, gazak, gur, moongphali, phuliya and popcorn.
   
The month of January will also see the celebration of Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Puja, which falls on January 28 this year. On this day, people worship Goddess Saraswati who is considered the deity for knowledge. Parents initiate their child to writing on this day as it is considered very auspicious. Some of the devout go to Basar to perform this auspicious event. Two days later follows the festival of Radha Saptami, when many draw chariots and offer prayers to the Sun God.

Explosive Sehwag

Now that Indian cricketers are in Australia, all eyes are on Virender Sehwag to showcase his explosive batting. With eight tests short of a century, the dashing Indian opener has scored 750 runs @ 62.5 in six Tests in Australia. He can tear the Australian attack and build a considerable lead for the team. Playing against the West Indies at home in the recent one-dayers, Virender Sehwag seized the opportunity of a lifetime by scoring 219 off 149 balls, a new record in one-day cricket. He achieved this by humming a Kishore Kumar song. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2010 for scoring two triple centuries in Tests.

Speaking to the media after achieving the remarkable feat at Indore, Sehwag said that he was happy to have broken his role model Sachin Tendulkar’s record and dedicated the knock to his late father. He said that it will not be easy for people to score double hundreds as over the last couple of years only two people have done it. He went on to state that it was one of his very best innings. Comparing Test cricket and one-dayers, Sehwag said that in tests one could bat longer, while in one-dayers one had to keep an eye on the run-rate, plus bowlers are also after the batsman for snapping their wicket.

Recalling his knock at the Holkar Stadium, Indore, in December 2011, Sehwag had discussed with his opening partner, Gautam Gambhir, that with patience they could put up a big score as the outfield was fantastic and the distance to the boundary was only 50 yards. Sehwag raced to his double-century in just 140 balls and smashed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the highest individual score in an ODI by scoring 219, which included seven sixes and 25 fours. The dashing opener said that it was a true batting wicket and whenever he hit the ball into the gaps, the ball would race to the boundary, and when he hit with a straight bat it would go over the fence for six.

It was only during the batting Powerplay between the 35th and 40th overs that Sehwag felt that a double century was possible. He believed that God too was with him, when Sammy dropped him on 170. Patting Sehwag for his splendid performance, Indian skipper M S Dhoni said that he believed that when the going was good, Sehwag had the ability to score 200 because apart from the big shots, he also used the bowlers’ pace against them and played calculative innings. Dhoni said that it was a pleasure watching him bat and he had the potential to repeat his performance.

When questioned about his technique adopted while playing, the dashing opener said that he didn’t believe in technique, but believed in performance. He said that if one was tough, they would survive even if they did not have any technique. Popular for his natural game, Sehwag said that he smashed a ball if it was for hitting and wasn’t disappointed if he lost his wicket while playing a loose delivery.

Born on October 20, 1978, to Kishan and Krishna, the Nawab of Najafgarh, is an aggressive right-handed opening batsman and a part-time right-arm off-spin bowler. He donned the Indian cap for the one-dayers in 1999 and the Test cap two years later. For his explosive batting performance, Sehwag was honoured as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for his performance in 2008 and 2009. Holding numerous records to his credit, Sehwag scored 309 against Pakistan in Multan in 2004, and bettered his previous record in March 2008 at Chennai against South Africa by scoring 319 in Test cricket, the fastest triple century in the history of international cricket, reaching the 300 off only 278 balls. In another feat, he raced to 250 in 207 balls against Sri Lanka on December 3, 2009 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. His other memorable knocks include 309 and 293. In March 2009, Sehwag scored 100 in 60 balls. On Sehwag’s Pakistan knock, former test player Navjot Singh Sidhu said that Sehwag was a player of paranormal ability.

In tests, he won the Man of the series awards five times, with the best being against Pakistan in the year 2004-05, and Man of the Match awards eight times with a superb performance against South Africa in 2007/08, where he scored 319 in Chennai. In the ODIs, Sehwag won the Man of the series awards only twice, showing his best against the Kiwis by smashing 299 in 2008-09, and Man of the Match awards a record 22 times, with the best at Indore against the Windies in 2011.

Married to Aarti Ahlawat in April 2004, Sehwag is blessed with a son Aryavir, and has launched his own cricket academy to give back to the society. Following the footsteps of his predecessors, in 2005, Sehwag too opened a restaurant titled Sehwag Favourites, at the Fun Republic cineplex in Delhi. Majority of the dishes on the menu are named after cricketing themes related to his memorable innings, such as Multan Ke Sultan Ki Tikdi. He is also an ambassador for UNICEF.

Awards & Achievements:
* Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2009 and 2008)
* Arjuna Award (2002)
* Sehwag was named in World Test team in 2005, 2008, 2010 and was named in World One Day Team in 2009
* ICC Test Player of the Year 2010

Test Match
Man of the Series Awards
1. India in Pakistan 2003/04
2. South Africa in India 2004/05
3. Pakistan in India 2004/05 544 runs
4. Sri Lanka in India 2009/10 491 runs
5. India in Sri Lanka 2010 348 runs

One Day Internationals
Man of the Series Awards
1. India in New Zealand 2008/09
2. India, New Zealand & Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka Triangular Series 2010/11 268 runs

Mentors can unlock the mastermind in you

The importance of choosing good mentors to achieve academic and professional success

The word mentor comes from a Greek myth. Mentor was the name of Odysseus’ friend, entrusted with the education of Odysseus’ son Telemachus. A mentor is a guide, a counsellor, or a Guru, who has the required expertise as well as the time and inclination to assist you in choosing the right career and the right course.

Further, a mentor can guide you until you join the chosen course or be with you in your professional career as well.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a mentor as “a trusted counselor or guide.”

Role of a mentor

Globalisation has created newer business opportunities and millions of new jobs. Further, the economy has several unconventional and off-beat career options too. However, while career options have multiplied, they are extremely competitive. In a world of new opportunities, the role of a mentor is even more critical in helping you choose the right course and career.

A mentor makes you realise if your aptitude and skill sets actually support your dream career.

They understand your strengths and help you to avoid career and course related mistakes. Importantly, if you face obstacles, they stay with you, providing support and inspiration.
Typically, mentors are great listeners, making you relax and open up. When disappointments of a degree or an entrance exam trigger negative emotions, they willingly provide vent to such suppressed emotions. Radiating positive energy, they prepare you to consider new ideas with an open mind.

Mentoring is a professional activity, a trusted relationship, a meaningful commitment. The origins of mentoring can be traced back to ancient Greece as a technique to impart to young men important social, spiritual, and personal values. Mentoring as we know it today is loosely modeled on the historical craftsman/apprentice relationship, where young people learnt a trade by shadowing the master artisan. In the mid-70s, corporate America redefined mentoring as a career development strategy. The concept of mentoring faculty and administrators is relatively new to higher education and rare in information technology circles, where staff professional development often takes the form of technical manuals and certifications. It is precisely this type of support organization, however, that needs a strong foundation of mentoring to build and retain a healthy workforce that can react quickly to change and can develop, adapt, and regenerate itself over time.

Mentoring relationships range from loosely defined, informal collegial associations in which a mentee learns by observation and example to structured, formal agreements between expert and novice co-mentors where each develops professionally through the two-way transfer of experience and perspective. Whether the relationship is deemed formal or informal, the goal of mentoring is to provide career advice as well as both professional and personal enrichment, we define a mentoring relationship as helping and supporting people to “manage their own learning in order to maximize their professional potential, develop their skills, improve their performance, and become the person they want to be.”
Who can be a mentor?

A mentor can be anyone from a professional advisor to a family member. In general, a mentor should have academic, economic and industry overview from both a short-term and long-term perspective. They easily relate your career preference to the knowledge and skill sets required for achieving excellence in that field. For example, if you want to get into corporate sector, your mentor can be someone senior in the corporate sector. Or, if you wish to take up teaching, your mentor can be a director or dean of an institution.

Pursuing excellence through your mentor

• Understand your interests and strengths, if required, through tests.
• Shortlist your preferred career options.
• Look for a mentor to guide you. The mentor should be knowledgeable and approachable.
• Discuss career prospects with your mentor and decide on the right course and the institute. For example, for a career in marketing, you can choose an MBA course.
• Determine what additional skill sets are required. For example, a short course in personality development for a marketing career.
• Establish the right relationship with your mentor. Be an active listener, seeking clarifications and guidance.
• Build your contacts using the network of your mentor.
• If your mentor is from the profession of your choice, understand their perspective and insight.
• Importantly, cultivate the right values, ethics and resources that’s required for long-term professional success.
• Think of ways to compliment your mentor for the time and energy they invest on you.

A mentor shares knowledge and wisdom and, in the process, kindles your mind to think and choose the right course and the right career. A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight to realise your highest potential and pursue your dream course.

Remember that ultimately you are responsible for your own career development. Your future success will in part be dependent upon your ability to make connections with those around you and gain their trust and respect. It simply makes good sense to utilize these offerings to your advantage. Twenty years down the road you may be able to attribute your success, in part, to assistance you received early on from another professional.

One of the most valuable assets your career can have is a good mentor.

Alekhya - Flying High

Parents need not despair if their child is doing badly in Maths or Chemistry. There is life beyond these subjects and many have made careers by learning dance and music. Some of them have become greats like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Shobha Naidu or the recent Indian Idol winner Sreeram. One who recently did Andhra Pradesh proud was Alekhya Punjla, Head of Dance Department, Telugu University, Hyderabad, whose name figures in the Sangeet Natak Akademi awards announced recently.

Apart from teaching seniors at the University, dynamic dancer Alekhya teaches 40 students twice a week at her studio and also choreographs productions around social and women’s issues. Recipient of the Outstanding Person award in Dance from the Rotary Club of Hyderabad and the Pratibha Rajeev Puruskar from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Alekhya has higher dreams and advises the young children to pursue any art form as that would help de-stress the overburdened children. The Career Guide spoke to Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer to know more about her. Following are the excerpts:

Q. Congratulations Ma’am on the recent honour. How do you feel after winning the award?

A. Great! I was thrilled when I heard about the news. Initially I did not believe it as I had not received the confirmation from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, but my friends said that I should not have any fear as there has been an official announcement and it was all over the papers, media and internet. I believe that things happen when they have to happen as everything is destined and timed by God.

Q. You teach dance in the University, don’t you feel that dance and music must be taught in schools too?
A. Yes. The subject must be taught in schools as it will help students expand their horizon. Today, the students are stressed out. Many students can be seen carrying heavy bags to schools. Even the parents are interested that their child should become an engineer or a doctor. In the city, for many students, the day begins with going to an institute for IIT foundation, then school and later tuitions. The child has no time to play or pursue any other activity. He is just glued to the books or watches TV making him lethargic and unhealthy. Some parents give their children mobile phones and other applications and you can find them glued to it and unwilling to explore other activities. 

Q. What do you think, one should do?
A. The government must look into it and ensure that schools start dance and music classes. This will help the students to relax and get back to their studies with a new vigour. It will also help in nurturing talent at the right time. It is like the Chinese training the young gymnasts to garner medals at the Olympics. Moreover soft skills help the young to be sensitive to issues and our culture has lot to offer.

Q. The CBSE syllabus allows students to pursue art, dance and music as subjects of study?
A. I have no idea. I must check it out. If they are doing it then it is good and the same must be done in Andhra Pradesh too. All of us need not be doctors or engineers, there are many other professions too that one can opt for. Moreover if we go on producing so many professionals are there enough jobs for them. Just like there is job quota for sportspersons, there should be something for those pursuing art forms. 

Q. What is your view on the guru-shishya parampara?
A. I value the guru-shishya parampara. Only some interested parents bring in their children as they have interest in the art form and want their children to learn it. It is the parent’s desire/dream being seen in the children. Sometimes parents also give in to the child’s interest, which is very rare. We must adopt the policies of some foreign countries, where the young are trained in groups to promote and retain their cultural identity. In our country, it is an individual’s effort.

Q. Doesn’t the Ministry of Culture help?
A. They offer scholarships to people showing brilliance, but the question is how many can avail of it. The government must think of other ways to nurture our talent and retain the culture.

Q. How did you take to dance?
A. While studying at the Montessori school, I would run to the music class whenever I heard the beat of the drums. Just opposite was the dance class and I would get drawn to it. My first guru was Dayal Sharanji and I learnt Odissi and Kathak from him. I also learnt folk dances, but was always enchanted with Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dance forms. Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi, I learnt from Guru Uma Rama Rao. I remember as a kid performing folk dances at the Rosary Convent and other places wherever cultural activities were held. They would come and request my mother to send me.

Q. Please tell us about your journey of dance?
A. I performed my Arangetram when I was in Class X on May 13th, 1977, and since then I haven’t looked back. It was then that I had made up my mind to pursue dance as a profession. In my Graduation, I studied Arts with Literature, psychology and philosophy and then later pursued B.A. in Bharatnatyam after Osmania University introduced the course. Then later, I studied M.A. with Archaeology, History and culture. Much later, I pursued Ph.D with special reference to Kshetrayya Padams based on the poetry of a 16th century poet. All my life, I have pursued my studies keeping dance in mind.

Q. Your advice to youngsters?
A. They must pursue some art form, need not be dance, as it will help them to be sensitive to their surroundings and would also act as a stress buster.

Opportunities plenty in Animation

Children and adults are equally familiar with cartoon characters like Mickey & Donald, Tom & Jerry, Scooby Doo, Donald Duck.  Movies like Hanuman, Lion King and Stuart Little have created lasting impact on moviegoers.

Animation is the art of presenting still photographs with the help of various computer based techniques in a manner which gives an impression to the viewer that it is running like a film. It could be a mixed version of multimedia text, graphic art, sound, animation and video sourced through computer or some other electronic media.

Godzilla spewing fire on the New York streets, aliens roaming on the earth, Spiderman hiking on tall buildings, Hanuman and Ganesh fighting with the demons and children’s favourite Jumbo! All these characters and their unique acts could appear on the screen only due to the animation and multimedia techniques. Hollywood’s Jurassic Park and Bollywood’s blockbuster Krish are two major examples of the success of animation and multimedia technique.

Animation and multimedia is now no more confined to cinema but it has become an integral part of the advertising, TV media, Education, Games, Cartoon serials etc.. Multimedia is a combined version of text, animation, graphics, sound, video etc. In other words, multimedia’s main role is to present the audio-video material in an aesthetic manner. Animation is also related to it, which involves accurate combination of the design, drawing, layout and photography.

Some successful professionals in the field:
• Supreet Bhamrah, Managing Director, Frameboxx
• Ram Mohan, the doyen of Indian animation, His persistence to create an animated version of the Ramayana epic, in collaboration with Japanese filmmaker Yogo Sako, made the international movie industry aware of the immense talent and content available in the country
• Freelance graphic designer Saurabh Pulkit
• Anshuman Misra, Managing Director of Turner International India
• Rajiv Chilaka, founder and managing director, Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd. Although an engineering graduate, Chilaka found his calling in animation and today is a successful animation director with films such as Chhota Bheem, Krishna and the very recent Vikram Betal in his kitty.
• Meghna Ghai-Puri, president, Whistling Woods International
• Vaibhav Kumaresh, Director, Vaibhav Studios
• Girish Mahajan, Co-founder and Director, Webitude
• Shekhar Kapoor, Siddarth Kotain and Gotham Chopra,
• Rishi Raj, Character Artist, Mobility Arts,
Other key players in the animation industry include Pentamedia Graphics, Color Chips, Toonz Animation, Purple Image Technologies, Crest Communications, Sriven, Multitech, UTV Toons etc. 

Courses & Eligibility for admission:

• 2.5 years Diploma after 10+2 with any stream        • 3 year B.Sc after 10+2 with any stream         • 2 year M.Sc after Graduation       
• 2 year Masters in Design in Animation after Graduation in Engg/Arch/Design/BFA/M.Sc.        * 2.5 year PGDPD (Animation Film Design) after any Graduation        
• 1 year PGDAM after any Graduation/BE/B.Tech in any stream

The basic requirement is excellent creative and artistic abilities such as a flair for drawing, sketching or caricaturing.

Ample creativity and ability to imagine is paramount to gain expertise in multimedia and animation. Sound knowledge of computers, pleasing personality, flexibility, mathematical and analytical skills, communication skills, ability to work in a team, artistic taste is also necessary.

Today a lot of projects worldwide are being executed using Flash software. People with strong drawing skills should venture into 2D animation based on Flash.

Animation also covers visual and special effects – VFX and SFX that make surreal look real in movies.

With formal education in two dimensional or three dimensional work skills, aspirants can easily become qualified animators.

Professional diploma programmes in animation and multimedia can be taken up for higher study. Aspirants can specialise in multiple fields: three dimensional (3D) or two dimensional (2D) modelling, special FOX Creation, animation, character design, games design and interaction design.
   
Institutions offering the Course:
Following are some of the prestigious institutions:
• IIT Guwahati, Mumbai
• Jagaran Institute of Management and Mass Communication, NOIDA
• Arena Animation Academy
• Arena Multimedia, www.arena-multimedia.com
• Integrated Management College, New Delhi
• Maya Academy of Advance Cinematics, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, www.maacindia.com
• Pran’s Media, New Delhi
• Geco Animation Studio, New Delhi
• AFA Animation and Fine Arts Academy, Coimbatore
• Aptech Limited Pan India
• Picasso-Centennial Animation College Pan India, www.picasso.co.in
• Whistling Woods International Mumbai, www.whistlingwoods.net
• The Animation Society of India
• Annamalai University through Distance Education
• Karnataka State Open University through Distance Education
• Punjab Technical University through Distance Education

Job prospects:
According to a random estimate more than two lakh multimedia professionals would be required in a few years.  The estimates also reveal that Global Animation Industry has crossed the $ 75 billion mark in 2009 and the Indian share has also risen to $ 950 million. It has grown @ 37 percent annually during 2005-09. Currently, it is growing at the rate of 30 percent per annum. These figures prove that there are ample employment opportunities in this field.
The animation industry in India, though a late bloomer, is considered to be one of the fastest growing sectors in the field of multimedia. According to a recent study conducted by Assocham and Deloitte, it is expected to grow at 20 percent to reach Rs 1,154 crore by 2013 from the current 556 crore, indicating a plethora of job prospects for aspiring animators.

NASSCOM has pegged the turnover for the industry in India at US $ One billion by 2012. In addition, the Indian animation business struck gold with the entry of global giants such as Walt Disney, DQ Entertainment, IMAX, Warner Brothers, Sony and a host of leading cartoon channels in search of content from India and its rich cultural heritage. They are working closely together with big banners such as Yashraj, Pritish Nandy Communications and UTV to create animated movies for the global market.
After completing a course in multimedia and animation, a student can seek a job in any of the following areas: media, multimedia, films, publishing, designing, entertainment industry, video game company, advertising firm, computer company, web designing company etc. A trained professional can make a beginning from the Ad industry. They can become a texture artiste, 3D modeler and Animators etc. Possibilities for self employment are also there.

Leading channels such as Pogo, Cartoon Network, BBC and Nickelodeon, among others, are focusing on localised content for their programming.

Cartoon Network has been on the path of aggressive localisation since the year 2001, with content being the key corner stone of this strategy. Keeping the same in mind, the network acquired its first locally produced shows – ‘Pandavas -The Five Warriors’ and ‘Sinbad - Beyond the Veil of Mists’ from Chennai based Pentamedia Graphics and tales from Panchtantra. “This also made us the first international kids channel to acquire and showcase India made animation productions,” adds Misra. It also has showcased back-to-back episodes of popular Indian animations such as, The Adventures of Tenali Raman (created by Trivandrum based Toonz Animation Studios), The Adventures of Chhota Birbal (produced by Mumbai based CB Media Ventures), among others.

Keeping the modern trends in mind, it can capture the interests of international market too. For instance, ‘Little Krishna’, Big Animation’s first 3D film based on seven years of extensive research, bagged the best animation category in the Asian Television Awards in Singapore.

Shemaroo Entertainment’s ‘Ghatothkach- Master of Magic’ was screened at the Cannes film festival in 2008. ‘Hanuman’ and its sequel ‘The Return of Hanuman’ were a major theatrical success in India.

Arun D’Souza, head, Monitoring and Evaluation, Autodesk India and SAARC, explains that the success in India of animation movies such as Avatar, Kung Fu Panda and Chhota Bheem have inspired confidence among Indian movie makers and the animation industry.

Then there is the gaming including mobile gaming industry. The Indian gaming market is estimated at Rs 1,089 crore and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of over 50 percent to reach Rs 59,252 crore by 2013.

You can also apply animation in medicine for generating real-life images of human body to help physicians diagnose ailments or even perform virtual surgeries. 

Animation is used in sports to show virtual playground to the team and explain various strategies. 

You can also use animation in architecture for creating three-dimensional models and building designs.

Animation is also being applied in archaeology, physical science, forensics, online learning and various methods of education. 

Relevant Organisations to join:
• Film Industry for animation movies,
• TV Industry for cartoon films,
• Games Industry
• Mobile Industry
• Advertising Industry for publicity of products and services.

The scope of animation in advertising covers areas such as script writing, character designing, art direction, story boarding, sound designing, technical direction, production management and voicing for animation. These days the media is helping generate awareness and enthusiasm among viewers for more and more animated content in advertising.

Look around and one will find a spate of animated mascots such as Louie, the gangster-styled mosquito, selling its own death knell in the form of Mortein, Pillsbury’s cherubic doughboy, Bajaj Allianz’s informative Super Agent, ICICI’s common man Chintamani and the queen of all endorsers – the impish Amul girl, whose charisma is still unmatchable and splashed across all forms of media!

Some of the famous studios are Toonz India, Crest Communications, DataQuest, Prana, Visual Computing Labs, JadooWorks, Toonz Animation, Paprikaas Animation, Padmalaya ZICA, CGI Mantra and Idea Studios, among others.

Remuneration:

A junior animator (after getting on-the-job training at a leading animation studio) earns between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 per month. A senior animator with three to five years of work experience earns between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000, while an outstanding portfolio can fetch aspirants up to Rs 50,000 a month. A creative director earns double of that.

Tips for successful career:
   
It is necessary for students to opt for institutes that give them leeway to build expertise in their favourite field. The course should not be generic; it should offer specialised training in different fields such as modeling, texturing, lighting, storyboarding, scripting, compositing, editing and sound designing among others, depending on the creative abilities of the student.

Before joining a course, one should be able to enjoy the process of making movies besides a basic knowledge of animation.

Imagination, creativity and diligence are the basic pre-requisites for success in multimedia. A student must clearly decide before selecting a course that whether he wants to become a graphic designer or an arts director or animator or the multimedia designer.

The need and necessity to start Career Guidance and Counseling centers in colleges/schools

The scientific and systematic career guidance and counselling is a must to the present day generation of students, as they are in the midst of many options in terms of jobs and higher courses. The problem becomes more aggravating as the student enrollment has increased by leaps and bounds in UG & PG courses due to more accessibility to all sectors and liberal funding by the government. In view of this, structured career guidance and counselling centre should be provided in every college/school to guide the students.

The exponential growth in the number of colleges/schools, professional, vocational, general, resulted in the production of lakhs of unemployed graduates with no direction. They spend many years in un /under employment searching for some job much less a career. Majority of graduates, technical and general after leaving their colleges, spend lot of time and money to undergo some courses in coaching centers/finishing schools, to equip themselves with some skills that makes them acceptable to an industry/ company.

Majority of students are just pursing their UG/PG education without having a road map for their career. Most of them are not even aware of the skills and abilities that will be obtained by the study of a particular branch or course. They do not have any knowledge of what inputs are there in their branch of study. They are unaware of new knowledge and skills, the study of a particular programme offers them. They do not make any effort at least to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. They are unmindful of the avenues/options that are there for them after the completion of their respective courses. They are totally ignorant of panorama of jobs/careers that are available in the country and worldwide. They are totally dark of the impact of globalisation and how the world is opening up. They are opting for study programmes which are not suitable for the mental profile, passion and interest. Though we welcome mass education and easy access to higher and technical education to all sections because of populist politics of welfare state, leaving the students at lurch cannot be justified and it is a matter of great concern to guide/counsel to put them in vocations/careers that gives them a decent livelihood. Most of them are first generation students hence they cannot get the required guidance from their parents.

    After completing the course, they feel aghast at the wake of massive unemployment. Then they take lot of time to understand the real reasons for their unemployment, though they are academically good. They waste considerable time to correct themselves and equip with the requirements of the industry. Many are under the impression that their destination is only a software job though they belong to other core areas of knowledge.

In many engineering colleges, it has become almost crazy to procure a software job in a MNC, even by the students of traditional branches. They may have been attracted by the higher package of software jobs. Leaving core area is not appreciable. They are several career implications in such assignments. Preferring a software job for its lucrative package despite the fact of lack of security when there are many jobs with greater security is an unreasonable choice. It clearly denotes that the students are not appraised with relevant information of plethora of jobs at any stage. Thousands of candidates leaving their jobs even after putting in more than two years of service, also clearly indicates the frustration, disappointment or lack of job satisfaction in these candidates. The individual traits should be rightly diagnosed and matching job preferred.

Successful Higher Education Institution (HEI) and branded schools are giving lot of importance for career guidance and counselling and creating full-fledged centers manned by experienced and expert counsellors to make sustainable efforts to create awareness regularly among their students on all aspects of student career. Class X passed students should be made aware of all courses of higher study available to them. Those who discontinued Class X or failed should be sensitised with all information of vocations, available for them to become employable. Majority of youth in the rural sectors belong to this category and Govt. of AP launched its flagship programme of Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu to provide 15 lakh jobs by 2015, by imparting them some skill training. The study of Intermediate is very crucial as it decides the road they are going to take in their life.

By default Inter MPC students are opting for study of engineering thinking that it is going to offer good technical job with higher package and decent living. But for no fault of students, 80 percent of them are not accepted by the industry as their work force. This is causing great dismay and disappointment to lakhs of students. Some sections of students are realizing now that there are other UG/PG courses having greater employment potentiality. The absence of clear cut study, information on manpower requirements of each sector and future projection of all sectors and sub sectors in Govt. Semi Govt. and Private sectors, there will be mad rush to a particular course or branch which culminate into / un/underemployment of technically trained manpower.

The gross neglect of basic sciences/ humanities despite the fact they also offer very prestigious and responsible jobs/careers, will create an imbalance that cannot be repaired later. Today, every branch of knowledge is having greater employability. Unfortunately most of the students are not aware that their knowledge skills aptitude and their matching key responsibility areas of companies. They are not in a position to have their immediate short-term and long-term goals and are not in a position to tell where they want to see themselves immediately, and after 5/10/15 years of completion of the course. In a way, they are groping in darkness and trying to hit in all directions – higher studies in India, higher studies aboard, campus placement etc. This kind of wavering is only because of the fact that their abilities, passion, traits etc. are not scientifically evaluated and proper counseling was not given in order to sensitize the students of what they should do, what is awaiting them, the process and procedure to secure what they want they should be fully informed and guided by dedicated career counseling cell, through periodical programmes.
Counseling centers will infuse in them the necessary inputs to enable the students to make up their mind and purse their goal with greater clarity, vigour and commitment. The teachers handling the subjects are not fully equipped, nor have the time to take up this specialized job which is exclusive area of career guidance counsellors. Some tragic incidents are also happening because of frustrations, depressions in some students due to non/low performance which can be attributed to several factors, to be analyzed and diagnosed by qualified and expert counsellors. These counsellors should be available on the campus to clear all the doubts and apprehensions of the students immediately and provide the necessary mental relief.

Even the educated parents are not in position to provide guidance and counselling on all aspects as they are not updated with the latest trends. Hence expert guidance is a must. The need for well-established career guidance cell in every college/school is evidently felt more in technical and professional colleges to provide the following services with commitment:

• To make the students aware of different sectors/sub-sectors and reservations in govt. sector
• To make the students aware of lakhs of jobs available in private sector
• To make the students aware of the impact of liberalization, privatization, globalization in the job market
• To make the students aware of global placements
• To compensate the lack of parental guidance
• To make the students evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
• To free the students from their inhibitions, limitations, complexes, phobias
• To prepare individual road map of the student’s career
• To familiarise the students with the expanding  sectors with lakhs of jobs
• To make them aware of career options
• To present before them, the different categories, classification, grades of jobs
• To make them know the fierce competition existing to get a job
• To make them acquire skills required to be  employable
• To create a spirit to add updated skills for career elevation
• To present before them the placement format/process
• To present before them panaroma of jobs
• To contact and arrange placement drives on /off/pool campus drives
• To arrange periodically personality development/soft skills programmes
• To make them know the profiles of role models and also genuine success stories of many achievers
• To identify their traits and focus on the areas where they can come up
• To present before them higher education opportunities and necessary entrance tests
• To acquaint them with various competitive examinations conducted for different jobs
• To present before them various agencies like UPSC, APPSC, SSB, etc.
• To explain the nature of various jobs, civil, military, paramilitary, police, software, hardware, gazetted/non gazetted etc.
• To secure and display brouchures, pamphlets, posters, charts, relating to different courses/jobs
• To procure and issue books, booklets, tests, videos, CDs, relating to jobs and higher education
• To train the students, the different ways off/online, for various jobs especially written test
• To maintain relations with Alumni, organise Alumni meets to get best advantage of their positions in terms of guest lectures, sponsorships placements, projects etc.
• To update the students with all employment/job related dot coms.

(The author is Dean, ACE Engineering College)

The Artist Within

Job options in Fine Arts are no longer obscure and limited.

These performing or visual art forms did not enjoy prime status as other career choices in the earlier days, but times have changed with several Arts institutes being set up in India. In India, a Fine Arts degree is known as BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) or BVA (Bachelor of Visual Arts). It is a four-year degree programme and eligibility for this course is a 10+2 pass in any stream from a recognised educational board.

Degree in Fine Arts

While doing a degree in Fine Arts, candidates are given a chance to specialise in any of the following fields:
-     Musical theatre
- Acting
- Ceramics
- Computer animation
- Creative writing
- Dance
- Painting
- Drawing
- Dramatic writing
- Film production
- Visual effects
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Industrial design
- Visual arts
- Calligraphy
- Interior designing
- Music
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Metal work
- Sculpture
- Stage management
- Television production

Most institutes offering BFA offer a foundation course during the first year, wherein all subjects of Visual Arts or Fine Arts are taught. The second year marks the beginning of the three-year course where students can specialise in one of the above-mentioned areas. After the completion of BFA, students may also pursue a Master of Fine Arts, MFA, or Master of Visual Arts, MVA, from a recognised institution.

Though there is no common entrance test for a Bachelor’s programme, some colleges conduct tests individually.

Job options

Fine Arts courses are about turning out imaginative and creative concepts into a real object for the world to visualise. Therefore, job options are as wide and varied as one’s interests and talents. Some areas of specialisation may require less financial investment while others will require professionals to attend the fine arts graduate college. Students can find employment with ad agencies, educational institutions, fashion houses, television, theatre, websites, boutiques, animation industry, interior designing, computers and art studios.

Institutes that offer Fine Arts Courses:

There are plenty of institutions in India offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Fine Arts and other performing arts. Some of them are:

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) & School of Open Learning in         Delhi offers a correspondence course in Fine Arts.

- Symbiosis Institute of Design in Pune
- Film &Television Institute of India, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting offers Film Direction and Film Acting course in Pune.
- Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University, Hyderabad.
- Amity University.
- Rabindra Bharathi University.
- National School of Drama.
- National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
- Mysore University’s CAVA.

Promising Future for Veterinary Clinical Research

Veterinary clinical research is at an exciting juncture, where there are incredible opportunities ripe for the picking,

This is an exciting and optimistic time to be a clinician scientist.  With advances in molecular biology and genetics, the publication of whole animal genomes and an increasing recognition of the value of the study of animal diseases to human medical research, we now have an incredible tool box to study disease in veterinary patients.

We also have an unprecedented opportunity to use new technologies, advance clinical practice and create appropriate environments and career structures for the current and next generation of clinical scientists. 

Veterinary medicine – clinical research is often defined as research conducted with animals in which an investigator directly interacts with his subjects – perhaps to develop new technologies and ways of treating diseases.

Apparent decline

As veterinary medicine has evolved, however, the perceived value of this clinical research has suffered an apparent decline. It doesn’t result in large grants or publication in important journals, as it is perceived to have less of an impact.

Consequently, clinical research is considered by some to be not as valued as basic science – the fundamental knowledge upon which our clinical practices today have been built.

However, much of what we know about disease can be traced back to basic clinical observation and the pioneering efforts of clinical scientists.  Further, without clinical research, there is no way to translate basic science into actual clinical practice so that patients can be treated.

That the term “clinical research” should apply to research conducted across a spectrum, from basic science through to clinical cases, all with the aim of advancing knowledge and translating discovery into practice. 

Achieving this will be challenging, but that there are some simple ways in which we can make success more likely. For example, we need to inspire the next generation by ensuring that undergraduate students experience research, so they may understand the value of an academic career.

Right environment

Universities should value and respect clinical research, and there should therefore be a focus in institutions on creating an environment that fosters the development of strong clinical research programmes. The clinical specialities within a Veterinary College should reflect the research interests of that school to create a platform where collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists can be nurtured.  Where clinicians can become part of a research team, there will be fewer time pressures, greater innovation and greater productivity.

Mentoring

Strong mentoring programmes within Universities could also guide budding clinician scientists towards collaborative research programmes. Significant advances in our understanding of disease and full exploitation of new genetic technologies will require large amounts of clinical data and clinical material. This will only be achieved with good international collaboration, and every effort should be made to foster that. 

Veterinary clinical research is at an exciting juncture, in which there are incredible opportunities ripe for the picking. For the advancement of veterinary and human medicine, there is an absolute requirement for the clinician to provide the key biological questions. Recognition of this is key to driving investment in strong clinical research programmes.

Divergence

It is true that recent times have witnessed a divergence within veterinary schools of clinicians and basic scientists, the former focusing on publishing case reports and conducting low-budget research projects. However, it is time now to bring that era to a close, bring clinicians back into strong research programmes, and value the absolute requirement for clinical expertise.

Integrating Technology into Education

Technology is the live wire. We, the educators, need to cater to the learning styles of iKids of the new millennium who are growing up with mobile phones, iPads, iPods and the Internet. They are very techno-savvy and have excellent navigation skills. They multi-task, have inquisitive minds, share learning experiences, and are team players and leaders as well. We must, therefore, adapt to their needs, and identify new learning models that can engage them in a meaningful way.


Keeping in line with the emerging trends of the 21st century education, Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation, an initiative by CBSE, is a welcome measure. The paradigm shift in pedagogy, competencies and skills is evident in the new framework of education that is characterised by flexibility and experiential learning. Core curriculum is intricately woven with inter-disciplinary subject approach to offer ample opportunities to engage learners in meaningful experiences.

 As educators, it is essential for us to understand how technology should be used in pedagogy. It is neither a separate subject nor support for a core subject project. Technology, when used effectively, can be a magic wand in the hands of teachers for effective learning. The challenge, therefore, lies in planning strategies to integrate technology into our daily classroom routine.

Let’s refer to the Framework for 21st Century Learning that presents a holistic view of teaching and learning that combines a discrete focus on 21st century outcomes with innovative support systems to help students master the multi-dimensional abilities that even CBSE has emphasised.

A multi-pronged approach is essential to realise the goals of this Framework for 21st Century Learning. This calls for serious deliberation on how to plan, implement and deliver it effectively. Since our students belong to the digital world, technology can be used as an effective pedagogy tool. 
My perception of looking at technology as a tool for transforming vision into reality is focused on four pillars of pedagogy – curriculum, learning environments, teaching strategies and assessments.

Technology as a tool for curriculum

Curriculum is the academic manual that defines the learning objectives to be achieved by learners within specific time framework.  Technology can be of great advantage not only to deliver the core content but also to enhance the learning through multifarious interactive activities on inter-disciplinary themes. Technology as a tool can facilitate curriculum – the pivot of the education system.

— Design curriculum to build understanding of  core subjects and inter-disciplinary themes                                
— Plan enriching curriculum with learning resources online 
— Implement with tools to develop skills, content knowledge, understanding  and expertise
— Deliver with efficient  time management                                         
— Enhance learning  through Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation
— Reinforce with regular feedback and customised reinforcement

Technology as a tool for learning environments

Current trends of education as envisioned in CCE by CBSE transform the pedagogy by a shift       from “instructivist” to “constructivist” education philosophies; a move from teacher-centred to student-centred learning activities; from a focus on local resources to global resources and an increased complexity of tasks with use of multi-modal information.

Audio-visual aids, simulations, virtual manipulative, multi-media and on line resources can be used to create learning environments that engage learners in experimenting, exploring and applying skills of analysis, interpretation, synthesis to create new concepts and validate their experiences.

Technology can help create environments that support differentiated teaching and learning.

— Collaborate, share and integrate skills into classroom practice
— Connectivity with global professional learning communities
— Create relevant, real world  context for  group, team and individual learning
— Experiment and explore with extensive learning tools, technologies and resources
— Engage in meaningful learning situations

Technology as a tool for teaching strategies

Changes in the learning-related attitudes and values of today’s students call for the changing role of a teacher. The teacher, as a guide and mentor, is expected to be a facilitator in the learning process. Technology transforms the teacher from an authoritative knowledge expert into a facilitator. This is because the teacher has to be aware of the needs of her students, and know how to plan and deliver her lessons as per their learning style.

Technology as a versatile tool can help the teacher to innovate ways to demonstrate concepts, assign projects, and assess progress.    
— Innovative learning methods that integrate the use of supportive technologies
— Interactive approach for effective teaching and learning through the use of multimedia 
— Inquiry and problem-based approach through the use of simulations and visuals
— HOTS - higher order thinking skills
— Competency-based approach to learning in the context of a student’s potential
— Skill-based application across core content and inter-disciplinary themes
Technology as a tool for assessments
CBSE Chairman Vineet Joshi says that assessment is a form of communication and should be seen as an integral part of learning and teaching. Assessment can be diagnostic, formative or summative. The overall goal of assessment is to improve student learning.

The paradigm shift meaningfully highlighted by CBSE clearly indicates the importance of assessments for the purpose of learning. It fixes the accountability of the teacher by way of sharing concrete feedback on each assessment with the learner. The feedback is aimed at helping the learner to reinforce the outcome of pre-set learning objectives.

Technology can facilitate the teacher to become an effective evaluator by continuously tracking the progress of every learner and that too through multiple ways.
— Standardised high-quality effective formative and summative  assessments
— Assessment based on knowledge, concepts, understanding of content and skills for application, analysis, synthesis, etc.
— Useful feedback on student performance
— Varied methods for reinforcement to build inter-disciplinary competencies and skills

Technology as a tool for professional development of teachers

Effective implementation of technology needs a strong support system, especially by way of intensive training programmes for all stake-holders to develop a positive outlook towards embracing technology into education. Professional training programmes for teachers to help them understand how various tools and techniques of technology can be used are of utmost importance.

Professional training programmes on merging technology with education help:

· Cultivate the ability of a teacher to identify the particular learning styles, intelligences, strengths and weaknesses of her students
· Illustrate how a deeper understanding of subject matter can enhance problem-solving, critical thinking and life skills
· Develop a teacher’s abilities to use various strategies to reach diverse students
· Highlight ways to identify and  integrate skills, tools and teaching strategies for learning
· Balance direct instruction with project-oriented teaching methods
· Encourage knowledge sharing among professional communities in the education sector

Technology as a tool for school management

E-governance is gradually becoming the norm of every organisation. Technology, in fact, helps record keeping and upkeep in almost every aspect of administration and smooth conduct of related functions. Education institutions are no exception. An extensive range of ERP solutions, even customised ones, are available to reduce the work load of the administrative and support staff.  It would be to our advantage to move on and take advantage.

Conclusion

Technology is being adopted by schools slowly in comparison to the way we have adapted ourselves to learn and use new technical gadgets and services for our own comforts.

The priority is to tune ourselves to the needs of the 21st century learner and equip them with employability skills for the global economy. As teachers, we must go ahead to unlearn whatever is redundant, learn whatever is desired, and relearn if required on an ongoing basis without fail.

Investment in technology is an investment for the better future of our children. Technology can give results only when it is used effectively as a tool by teachers.
Let’s remember there is no short-cut to success. No tool by itself is an excellent device unless experimented with and validated by the user, in this case, the TEACHER.

Next Education India Pvt. Ltd., based in Hyderabad, is a technology-driven education enterprise. It provides ICT-based solutions across CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE and 23 state boards in eight languages in India. The company offers several products in the K-12 segment, including TeachNext, LearnNext, NextStudio, NextLabs and NextERP.

References:
http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=254&Itemid
http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/antifaiff/antifaiff.htm
http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/Technology/HowToIntegrateTech.html

Integrating Technology into the Curriculum, by Gloria Antifaiff, written for EDCUR 805
Pedagogy, Innovation and eLearning in Primary Schools, by Jenni Way University of Sydney
and Colin Webb, University of Western Sydney
Characteristics of a 21st Century Classroom -Commitment to the role of the teacher as a facilitator of learning (2007);
http://www.onu.edu/a+s/cte/knowledge/facilitator.shtml
(The author is Director (Academics), Next Education India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad)

Campus Recruitment

Campus drives are campus recruitment sessions that connect organizations with today’s talented students for the purposes of employment. Campus interviews are very popular and much sought after in professional colleges. Many educational institutions flock to a College Placement Officer to make selections for the young Graduates and Post graduates. It is very convenient for the students to select a job and have the satisfaction of taking it up immediately after completing the course. They can start their career with lot of confidence.

The Recruitment Process

The campus placement officer usually coordinates the recruitment process. The recruitment season typically extends from mid-October to mid-March. However, because of increased competition, campus recruiting is becoming a year-round activity.

Campus Selection

One of the first steps in developing a campus recruitment programme is to select the right campus with which to build a relationship. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers should target only campuses that “produce both types of students that best fit into its corporate culture and the number of students it needs to achieve its hiring goals.” Although there is no set formula for determining which campuses to visit, campuses can be rated by several objective factors.

In addition to Indian IT firms, global giants like IBM, Accenture and HP, also have plans to hire in large numbers in India. This requirement of IT companies can be fulfilled by two different methods. In the first method, companies can reach out to the vast pool of talent through advertisements in newspapers. This way the prospective candidates approach the companies. This method may be particularly useful, if the number of job vacancies is less. When the number of vacancies is high, this method is time consuming. The other more proactive approach by the organization is to directly visit the campuses and recruit the candidates from those campuses. This method is referred to as Campus Recruitment. This way both the organizations and the prospective candidates come on a common platform. This common platform provides excellent opportunities to the companies to interact with the talented students who are enthusiastic and extremely motivated and who are willing to go that extra mile to prove themselves. For a student, this system provides a smooth path to enter the job market straight from the campuses.

Why Campus Recruitment?
Today, many top corporate houses are giving a lot of importance to Campus recruitment. Corporates want to hire and retain the best possible talent in order to gain competitive edge over their rivals. During recruitment process, a company employs various selection tools to ensure that it hires right person for the right job. This quest to attain the right fit between a person and a job has magnified the importance of Campus Recruitment and not only engineering colleges but also degree colleges have started to adopt this process. In this context, it is worthwhile to mention that the job-market, today, is promising, not just, for engineering graduates but also for non-engineering graduates. Top notch IT companies are also hiring non-engineering graduates like B.Com, B.Sc, BCA graduates, diploma holders.
For example, in the year 2010-2011, Infosys made offers to 1000 non-engineering graduates. The compensation package offered to them was Rs 2.18 lakh per annum. Similarly, TCS is recruiting commerce graduates for software development. The coding has been redesigned so that these graduates can do that part of the work, which does not involve engineering knowledge. This, surely, is an encouraging sign for all those who are from non-engineering backgrounds and who wish to take up jobs with companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro etc. Not just IT industry, but other industries too are buzzing with recruitment activities. For example, the Mahindra Group, which has a wide range of businesses, plans to hire around 25,000 professionals by the end of this year.
Eligibility criteria for entry level position:
    Each company has its own eligibility criteria in terms of age, qualification, year of graduation, % marks scored in class Xth, XIIth, UG/PG. The basic eligibility criteria for entry level position in different IT companies may vary slightly from company to company, but broadly they do not differ much.
For example, for an entry level position in TCS, a prospective candidate should have an aggregate of 60 percent in Std X, XII, & Graduation/ Post Graduation (all semesters including optional subjects). He also should have less than two years of gap in his academic career. Similarly, for an entry level position in Cognizant, a prospective candidate should have secured over 60 percent in X, XII, UG/PG (if applicable). There should be no outstanding arrears.
Stages in Selection Process:
Various stages of the selection process remain, broadly, the same for these companies, with some slight variations. These variations could be in the form of an additional or less number of stages for some companies.
The following are the stages that students normally go through as a part of Campus Recruitment:
(i)    Aptitude Test    (ii) GD    (iii) Interviews

(i)    Aptitude Test:
Aptitude test is one of the integral components in the entire scheme of the selection process. The areas normally covered in the aptitude tests of most companies are Quantitative ability, Reasoning, Verbal Ability and basic computer skills. These tests are well structured. The kind of questions that are asked or the topics that are tested depends entirely on the company conducting the test. Each company has its own pattern. For analytical test you need to be through in the following areas:

Numbers: HCF # LCM of Numbers, Decimal Fractions, Simplifications, Square Roots, Average, Problems on Numbers, Problems on Ages, Surds, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Partnership, Chain Rule, Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns, Time and Distance, Problems on Trains, Boats and Streams, Allegation or Mixture, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Logarithms, Area, Volume & Surface Areas, Races, Calendar, Clocks, Stocks and Permutations & combinations…

Puzzles: HCF # LCM of Numbers, Decimal Fractions & Simplifications, Square Roots and  Average, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Partnership, Figure, Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns, Simple Interest,  Compound Interest, Time and Distance, Problems on Trains, Boats and Streams, Problems on Numbers, Ages, Surds, Percentage, Syllogism, Logarithms, Area, Volume & Surface Areas, Coding and decoding, Logical connectives, Data sufficiency, Data interpretation, Statement – Conclusion, Blood relation, Cube and dice, Races, Calendar, Clocks, Stocks and Permutations & combinations…

For example, in the written test of Infosys, there are two sections, each with specified time limit. In one of the sections, 40 questions are asked, with a time limit of 35 minutes. This section tests a student’s Verbal Ability. Usually, out of 40 questions, 10 questions are on Reading Comprehension (involving two passages). The remaining questions are based on English Usage. The second section has 30 questions to be attempted in 40 minutes. This section tests a student’s problem solving ability. The type of questions can vary slightly from one exam to another. But broadly, the questions come from different areas like Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency, Non Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.

As yet another example, in the online test of TCS, a total of 35 questions are asked. The questions are taken from a large pool of questions. All these 35 questions are based on either quantitative aptitude or reasoning. In Wipro, a total of 50 questions are asked, spread across three sections, to be attempted in 50 minutes. In test area of Verbal Ability, a total of 15 questions are asked. Out of these three sections, there is one section in which there are 20 questions, which test your technical knowledge and you need to have sound understanding of different subjects like Computer Science and Engineering (programming languages like C, C++), Electronics and Communications (Microprocessors). In Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS), however, there is no technical section. As per the new pattern, there are a total of 55 questions spread across two sections.

You need to be adequately prepared to handle the aptitude test of any of these companies. The questions won’t be as smooth as you may be thinking. This stage is very important and if you do not clear this stage, then you cannot move to the next stage in the selection process, which is usually the Group Discussion.

(ii) Group Discussion:

A group discussion or GD is conducted to test the inter-personal, including communication skills of candidates. It also tests a candidate’s knowledge and his ability to link the facts.
In a GD, a group of students is asked to discuss a topic given to them. The topics that are given in GD are of two types – Knowledge based and Abstract. GD is conducted to test certain key attributes in you. You would be tested for your clarity of thought and clarity of language. The companies, also, test your ability to understand and structure a response to the topic. Your leadership skills are also put to test during Group Discussion. In order to do well in GD, you need to read newspapers, magazines regularly.

(ii)    Interview:
Interview is the last stage in the entire scheme of selection process. Some companies conduct HR and Technical Interviews separately, while some other companies combine both types in a single interview. The interviews are conducted to test a candidate’s knowledge of self, his career plans, hobbies, interests, achievements, knowledge about his specialization etc. Questions can be drawn from any area. It is expected that you have a clear career goal or objective when you face an interview panel. If you are from the department of Electronics Engineering and you are applying to TCS, then it is expected that you have good command over the subjects you have learnt in your engineering. At the same time, you need to show interest in the field of IT and come up with a convincing answer as to why you are shifting your field from “Electronics Engineering” to “IT”. Overall, your confidence and your knowledge are the key attributes which would be checked here.

The CSE, IT students do prepare C, Java, Data Structure, DBMS, Software engineering and SQL query very carefully. Core students prepare C, data structure and departmental subjects. Do remember that, the technical part is most important round. You should have good technical/ subject knowledge.

Some sample HR questions:

1.    Tell me about yourself?
2.    What’s your short and long term goal?
3.    Why do you want to join in our company?
4.    Why should I hire you?
5.    What will you do if you are not selected?
6.    What are your strengths and weaknesses?
7.    Expectations from our company?

Each of these stages is eliminatory.

Salaries: Pay packages offered by companies are usually in the range of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh a year for fresh engineering graduates.

Need for preparation: Today, many organizations seem to offer a good salary package and a better work profile. This has only intensified the competition amongst candidates. It, then, becomes very important for a candidate to display excellent professional skills - be it in terms of inter-personal skills or in terms of mathematical skills, analytical skills or technical skills. So, even good students need to fine-tune their knowledge base and enhance their overall speed and accuracy. This can be done through regular practice and under expert guidance.

How to prepare for campus interview
Campus Interview … Hmm… is what one looks forward to with enthusiasm, fear and excitement towards the beginning of the final year. For some it’s a make or break, at least that’s the way it’s looked at and for some it’s a matter of pride. Follow these commandments to get success.

1.    Know Thyself!

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that you will know what you have to offer an employer. It is very important to develop a complete inventory of skills, experience, and personal attributes that you can use to market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process.

In developing this inventory, it is easiest to start with experience. Once you have a detailed list of activities that you have done (past jobs, extra-curricular involvements, volunteer work, school projects, etc.), it is fairly easy to identify your skills. Simply go through the list, and for each item ask yourself “What could I have learned by doing this?” “What skills did I develop?” “What issues/circumstances have I learned to deal with?”

Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic. Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job. For a laboratory assistant, technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures, slide preparation, and scientific report writing. For an outreach worker, technical skills might include counseling skills, case management skills, or program design and evaluation skills. Generic skills are those which are transferable to many work settings. Following is a list of the ten most marketable skills. You will notice that they are all generic.

•    Analytical / Problem Solving
•    Flexibility/Versatility
•    Inter-personal
•    Oral/Written Communication
•    Organization/Planning
•    Time Management
•    Motivation
•    Leadership
•    Self-Starter/Initiative
    Team Player

2.    Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization, the better prepared you will be to discuss how you can meet its needs. Some of the characteristics that you should know about an organization are:

Where is it located?
How big is it?
What are its products and who does it serve?
How is the organization structured?
What is its history?
Have there been any recent changes, new developments?

If the organization is fairly small, or fairly new, there may not be much information published. In this case, it will be necessary to do an information interview. Contact someone within the organization, introduce yourself, explain that you are considering moving into the field, and ask if it would be possible to meet with him/her to inquire about the company/organization and about what exactly the position would involve.

3. Testing What You Know and not What You Don’t.

Many interviewers may ask the student the subjects that she/he wishes to be interviewed upon. Here’s a golden opportunity. Answer this wisely! Never end up choosing a difficult subject that you know only little about, rather choose the one you are most confident of.

4.     Rack Your Brain – Analyze

The interview is not just limited to testing your knowledge base, but also interested in knowing your ability to apply it. Often questions that need to be solved then and there are asked. Now keep in mind – the right answer is not the only thing being looked at. The focus area is also the way in which you attack the problem i.e. approach to problem solving is equally important. So, remember to put your thinking caps on!

5. What are your biggest accomplishments?

You may like to begin your reply with: “Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with …. I made my contribution as part of that team and learnt a lot in the process”. It will be a good idea to close your answer with also specifying what attributes and circumstances made you succeed.

6. Be Calm, have Clear Verbal and Sound Non-Verbal Communication

Calmness shows emotional maturity. True, being calm in a job interview is a difficult proposition, but then that is where it is required! Calmness does not imply being unenthusiastic or apathetic during the interview, but knowing that you are nervous and not letting it come in the way. A clear verbal communication implies clarity of the thought process. One should also watch out for the impressions made in non-verbal communication. Body language and facial expressions can assist you in establishing a good rapport with the interviewer. Pauses, silences and gestures may all indicate what you mean, understand, or would like to emphasize.

7.  Two-Way Exchange Process

The interview process is a two-way exchange of information. Make sure you also understand about the company, its activities, and job requirements. The company is in need for good candidates and you need a good company to launch your career.

Interview is an opportunity to present yourself and your skills to your best advantage. Make sure you make the most out of it. And YOU are the best one to do it!!

Books for Placements preparation:

• Quantitative Aptitude by R.S.Agarwal
• Puzzles by Shakuntala Devi
• GRE Barrons for Aptitutde Test
• A modern approach to verbal and non-verbal reasoning by R.S.Agarwal


Final Suggestion:

If you have the campus recruitment in your college, then see what are the profiles of the companies which come to your college? For software companies, you need not worry, if you have good percentage and your anxiety shows how serious you are about your career. Apart from this, if you have communication skills, it would be enough to sail through them very easily.

If you get the companies which offer positions like business analyst, financial analyst etc... Then you need to show your participation in the co- and extra- curricular activities. You have to prove your leadership and management skills in the events you have organized in the college and you should have good analytical thinking.

The best way to begin preparation is to first solve any of the past papers. By doing this, you will understand your weak areas and also the areas you need more preparation. So you must purchase books like Wren and Martin, R.S Agarwal etc. You will find some tricks in these books. Once you cover all the areas you can start solving rest of the past papers.

It’s important for you to first pay attention to a few things before you step into a campus interview and categorically they are:

1. Dress properly and wear a tie.
2. Be confident with a pleasant smile.
3. Never show your nervousness.
4. Answer all the questions asked in the language they are asked.
5. Don’t be over confident.
6. Prepare the basics very well.
7. Prepare your subject well as well as popular  current events and happenings or changes and get yourself well-acquainted with the latest developments in your field.
8. Give answer very precisely and accurately and in a very polite manner.

Remember the three thumb rule; you must be through in Soft Skills, Technical Skills and reasoning. Time is the most important factor in this aptitude test. So do take note of time. Before the interview be prepared for all technical subjects which you have mentioned in your CV. Most important thing is, your CV may be small but it should be full of truth, interviewers do not take dishonest or liars. Review your project/dissertation. Be prepared to elaborate it in not more than two minutes. The interviewers will ask you the areas you are interested in. Don’t pretend on the areas you are not confident about. Focus on what you are thorough. Before going to face any company, study the placement papers of that company (in Google it is available) and go with thoroughness and confidence. All the best! Study hard and never forget the concept, ‘hard work and practice is the only way to achieve success’ in any area.

(The author is Training and Placement Officer in Sree Dattha Engineering College, Sheriguda, Ibrahimpatnam)