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Q I have studied industrial biotechnology. Can you please elaborate upon the job opportunities in this field?. — Meghna Khaitan The methodology and knowledge created by ongoing research in this field offers tremendous potential for developing specific applications of industrial value for industrial enzymes, bio-energy and bio-based materials markets. Currently, the main thrust is on developing environmentally benign processes for utilizing renewable raw materials through genetic manipulation, enzyme catalysis, by engineering metabolic pathways and by creating novel proteins. An M.Sc in Industrial Biotechnology would essentially qualify you for jobs involving research, development of new products and measures for checking environmental pollution, etc. Incidentally, Biotech Consortium India Ltd which is promoted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), GoI, operates a 6-month industrial training and placement programme through which postgraduates in biotechnology who don’t have the requisite experience are provided practical exposure to orient them in commercial biotechnology. Trainees are given stipend of Rs. 5,000/- p.m. The new batch of training will commence in September 2006. Log onto the BCIL website for a wealth of information: www.biotech.co.in . You can contact them at: Biotech Consortium India Ltd, Anuvrat Bhawan, 5th Floor, 210, Deendayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi 110 002. Tech support training
Q I will be completing my B.Tech this year. Can you please tell me something about tech support jobs in BPOs and their scope in India? — Manish Aulak A
Technical support, which plays a very crucial role in technology companies, has now metamorphosed into a veritable high-end job, particularly in the outsourced mode. Today, tech support engineers are recognised and respected worldwide for their skills. Since the work involves interacting with customers all the time, a host of soft skills, primarily linked with interpersonal communication are needed. Although an even temperament will help you interact with customers of varying dispositions, articulation and knowledge are essential. A flair for crisis management and negotiation is a valuable asset for a tech support professional. And so is lateral and analytical thinking and a creative approach to problem solving. In terms of tech knowledge, the skill sets called for range from MS and Unix technologies to knowledge of different operating systems, Internet technologies and in-depth knowledge of at least one database technology, ODBC technologies plus extensive and detailed product domain-specific knowledge and familiarity with related domains--in short, the entire nine yards in systems architecture, algorithms and applications. Alternatively, MCSE/MCSD/ CCNA certifications also figure in many ads. Of course the tech support organisation you join will put you through its own intensive training programme to familiarise you with for their specific product range. Globally, the tech industry is increasingly looking at outsourcing a major part of its high-end support function. With its large pool of tech savvy IT professionals, India has a unique advantage of cornering a major chunk of business in this BPO sector. As a fresh IT engineer, tech support would be a good starting point. However, fresh graduates/ diploma holders with basic computer and internet skills are also being hired to provide first level technical support to customers. Regardless of whether you work on a voice-based or web-based process, good communication (spoken/written) skills and willingness to work night shifts are mandatory. The writer is a noted career consultant
Please send in your query, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com
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A Considered to be the third wave of biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, has a proven track record across a range of industry sectors including paper, pulp, textiles, leather, food, animal feed, drug, diagnostic, chemical, energy, metals and minerals. 
