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counting upon cat
A Contrary to popular perception, the level of mathematics in CAT is not very high. Most of the questions are essentially of Class VIII-X level, with a few topics, such as progression, permutation-combination (algebra), probability (Stats) and Set Theory (Venn Diagrams) of plus two level. Make sure you brush up your knowledge in these areas. In the maths section, three types of questions abound: data sufficiency, graphs and tables, and analytical reasoning. English plays an important role in maths, because it is important for you to understand the question to answer it correctly. Thus, two largely similar statements may have substantially different meanings. The statement ‘X, Y and Z are three terms of a progression’ is different from the statement ‘X, Y and Z are three terms in progression’. The former means X, Y and Z could be any three terms in the progression, whereas the latter shows a definite relationship between the three numbers. Read the questions carefully. Understanding the question correctly means your answer is half done. Not understanding correctly makes you lose marks. Regularly look at data in newspapers and magazines. Watch opinion polls on TV. Develop an interest in numbers. Scope in small screen
Q What exactly does a TV producer do? How is it different from direction? A Television production incorporates multiple tasks: from managing the entire production process to ensuring that the program is made within the stipulated budget and time. The work includes co-ordinating with other departments to select the cast, clear scripts and co-ordinate the use of production facilities such as studios, cameras, lighting etc. It also includes supervising the production staff and the editing department to ensure quality of production. As opposed to the film industry where the producer is essentially a financier, in TV production is a mix of direction, cinematography and editing. The role of the Producer is combined with that of the Programme Director. In either case, the job calls for extensive hands-on experience, creative talent, and technical knowledge of cameras, lighting, and editing software, plus a high level of planning and organisational skills. Working as a production assistant is considered a perfect hands-on entry-level job for anyone who has the ambition to move into the production end of TV. But before you rush in, just make sure you have the absurd levels of energy required — an entire episode (even several episodes) is often canned in a single day, and where normal shifts stretch beyond 10 hours! Which is why when you look at the age profile of our present-day TV producers, you’ll find they are all in their 20’s or early 30’s. A degree in Mass Communications with specialisation in audio/video production or a related diploma from reputed institutions will help you get your foot in the door. Also don’t be unduly choosy to begin with. As an entrant, you should be willing to do all kinds of work since that’s the best way to learn. Politically correct
Q My sister, a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science, is a dynamic activist. At the same time, she finds political science too theoretical to help her with her goals. Other than joining a political party, is there anything else she can do to prepare herself for this field? — Mahinder Singh A Yes, there is an interesting programme in Political Governance for Women at the S P Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai, which your sister could consider. Launched in collaboration with the Times Foundation and Women’s Movement for Peace & Prosperity, the programme aims to empower women like your sis with the requisite knowledge and skills to manage politics. Your sister has the option to choose between two six-month formats: diploma and workshop. While the diploma programme runs during weekends, the workshops run three afternoons a week. The courses are open to members of political parties, NGOs, foundations, educational institutions and forums. Bagful of Chance
— Manjri Behl A It all depends on what he normally does during the time he will work with the retail firm. If he spends a major part of that time in studying, you should worry. Otherwise not. According to a study, in the USA, the majority of college students, 57% to be exact, work at least part-time. Also, contrary to what you would expect, students who work 10 hours or less, score better in the class than students who don’t work. Some of the reasons are obvious. Since students work to earn money, they have better appreciation of the value of money, including the money that is spent on their education. So they are more likely to cut down on their television time rather than their homework time. Part-time work develops a sense of responsibility and discipline among students that they carry along to their academics. And don’t underestimate the value of on-the-job experience. Students shed their inhibitions about interacting with strangers and gain confidence and corporate experience that will be useful in their future careers. For a good choice of part-time jobs, some of the relevant websites are naukrihub.com, earnyourcash.com, indianclassifieds.com, hotjoblinx.com or careerbuilder.com. You may hesitate because working part-time seems ‘trendy’ and not the conventional thing to do in India. So what! What would you prefer: your son loitering in the college campus? Or spending his free time in constructive activity? Well-paid, yet not rewarding Q I am a well-paid mid-level manager in the finance department of a manufacturing company. While the salary and perks make me comfortable, the job makes me unhappy because I contribute little to the kind of society I come from, a village. Can you suggest options? — RN Chopra A Join the path laid by the latest Nobel Laureate from the subcontinent, Muhammad Yunus — microfinance. It is a growing sector. And the pay packages offered by large microfinance institutions (MFIs), such as Share, SKS, Spandana and Basix, are fairly competitive. At the junior and middle levels, salaries match those of manufacturing firms. Since the industry is relatively new, it provides you space to make rules and come out with creative ideas. And in the process, you free thousands of poor from the clutches of rapacious moneylenders and build the necessary confidence in them to earn better livelihoods. Currently, Indian MFIs are moving to higher scale, attracting interest from private equity players and looking at new models of growth. Accordingly, the sector is increasingly looking for professionals in the domains of banking, finance, insurance, rural development and agriculture. It is successfully getting them from good B-schools institutes as well as other sectors. 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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Q It has been years since I have studied Maths. How should one prepare for maths in CAT?
Q Our college-going son wants to take up a part-time job with one of the major retail chains during weekends. I am uncomfortable with the idea, mainly because it may adversely affect his studies. Please advise.
