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Set a date with glamour
Career Hotline
Bolstering careers through skill training
study
abroad: hospitality courses
smart strategy: how women can break the glass celling
Pitfalls of performance improvement plans
B-school grads prefer PSUs
cubicle trends
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Set a date with glamour
Who hasn’t fantasised about how sensational your life would be if you worked as a TV anchor being admired by millions of viewers, or sashaying down a ramp wearing the most expensive designer gown, meeting celebrities, and dashing off to New York/ Paris or Singapore every week? There are some jobs that look so glamorous that they can hardly be thought of as work.
For some people working a nine-to-five desk job is plain dull — no matter how luxurious the office environment, or fancy the salary. They just need that something different to spice things up a little. Let’s face it some professions just seem inherently more glamorous, whether they involve perks like free international travel and exclusive party invites or just the nature of the work itself. Here are five careers perceived to be the most glamorous jobs today: Investment Banker Wall Street is filled with high-energy, hardworking young investment bankers who spend hours hunched behind computers, poring over financial statements and churning out spreadsheets by the pound. Investment bankers connect businesses that need money to finance their operations or expansion plans with investors who are interested in providing that funding. While banks handle wealth, investment banks handle the wealth of companies, corporate houses, organisations, high net-worth individuals and even governments. No wonder investment bankers earn fat pay cheques with a lifestyle that is the envy of many. You will have to liaison with businesses, governments, nonprofit institutions and individuals. Much of the day is spent interacting with people, whether selling stock to an individual or discussing the status of a merger deal with a company executive. It is for this reason that investment bankers are often shown as having sleepless nights and 24x7 days This is a high-risk job, because investment bankers deal with large amounts of money and have time constraints. Getting in Most foreign banks and financial institutions prefer management graduates from the premier management schools, or professionals in accountancy, (chartered accountants and cost accountants), finance experts and economists with post-graduate qualifications in finance, economics, financial planning, capital markets and so on. PhD in economics and relevant experience in the industry can also get you a good job. Training Top Business schools Job opportunities for investment bankers, as the term suggests, is with investment banks, broking firms, mutual funds financial services companies and other financial institutions. Although the action in investment banking is still largely centered in New York City and a few other money centers around the world, some of the leading investment banking companies such as Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup's Corporate and Investment Bank, Credit Suisse, First Boston, and JPMorgan Chase have offices in India where transactions are conducted. Must haves TV anchor/Travel journalist Most TV anchors specialise in a particular kind of programme or subject, but can be tasked with hosting or presenting a variety of programmes on television. Of late with the growing popularity of travel and lifestyle programmes, the travel journalist’s job has gained popularity. Most presentations are live and require good voice quality and modulation, a photogenic appearance and strong camera presence. TV anchors should know their subject thoroughly, be articulate and responsive, and comfortable in front of the camera. Getting in A basic graduation can get you into this career. But it is advisable to get formal training as it would help to discipline and sharpen inherent skills and thus prove beneficial in the long run. Creativity and communication skills combined with professional training and experience are required for this field. There are a number of institutions which offer diploma and certificate courses in different aspects of television and film, such as anchoring, script writing, video editing, camera work and so on. Some are at the undergraduate level and require a minimum pass in Plus II, also PG courses. Many of these institutes provide hands on training and equip you with the necessary skills. Must haves Training There are hundreds of TV channels today that broadcast a variety of programmes from current affairs to music, entertainment, travel, cuisine and talk shows and serials for all the TV anchor hopefuls. While jobs and opportunities are many, those with starry-eyed dreams of making it big on TV, must be prepared to work long, and often very odd working hours, work on holidays, travel at the drop of a hat and cope with insane deadlines. Fashion Photography Fashion photography, covers photography of fashion models, clothes, designs and other areas related to the fashion and beauty business. It is mainly a form of advertising, where specialist studios or freelancers commissioned by fashion houses or advertising agencies work on the pictures for publicity. They usually work under the direction of a fashion expert Fashion photographers work along with models and designers, make portfolios for models, take pictures of designer accessories in studios and showrooms, and take photographs during fashion shows. Fashion photography attracts many youngsters because of its appealing coverage of glamorous models and glossy prints. But it is important to be prepared for the financial hurdles and insecurities that every photographer has to face. To make a name may take time and need a lot of expensive and valuable experience. Cameras, lenses and other equipment are also difficult to get, and is generally very expensive. Getting in Formal training, though not necessary, earns knowledge and command over a variety of cameras, lights, props, and photographic techniques. It also hones creative skills. To do a course in Fashion Photography, you must basically have a passion for photography, an observant eye, and a curious and perceptive mind. Knowledge of fashion trends, styles and colours is also important, as the photographer's pictures should give expression to the designer's creativity and bring the apparel to life. Colleges of Art in different cities and some mass communication courses include photography training as a subject. There are also photography courses offered by some institutes. So, if photography is your hobby and you wish to make it a career, look for an apprenticeship with a senior photographer, or take up a course in photography. Modelling In the last 10 years modelling has ensured such instant celebrity status to all those who walk the ramp, that many young aspirants see it as a serious career option. Practically every second week there is a much hyped fashion show, models are instant Page 3 celebrities, and for many this becomes a shortcut to stardom. Modelling today is one of the most thrilling as well as lucrative professions, it attracts young men and women equally, though there was a time when female models dominated the field. With the expansion of consumerism and media there has been a fabulous boost in the ad industry. And as the fashion industry moves into high gear, modeling has become an attractive career option. It has generated a large and continuing demand for fresh faces and personalities to launch and promote a variety of branded products or show a garment to its best advantage. There are three main areas of work for a model. These are - modelling for still pictures, modelling for video and film, and ramp modelling for events or shows. Some easily handle all three, while others specialise in one or two areas. Modelling for still photographs is the most traditional of jobs required of a model. This means posing in the mood of the character portrayed, or showing products to advantage. Modelling for video or film often includes some acting or dance and is mostly conducted on location. With the vast expansion in regional language advertising, there is also great scope for models who empathise with regional cultures and ethos. Ramp or catwalk modelling requires models to display the garments they wear under live conditions. This can be at an exhibition or fashion show, or at a showroom or point-of-purchase. Advertising and sales promotion provide the major jobs. This could be a single ad or an entire promotional campaign for a brand. Fashion designers, couturiers, clothing manufacture and export houses also display their collections through fashion shows. Getting in While there are no special qualifications, a major asset for both men and women is to be young and goodlooking. Models are expected to be minimum 5' 7" tall - male models should ideally be around 6', have perfect hair, skin and teeth, be groomed and poised, with some knowledge of acting and dance, camera and stage presence and great self-confidence. The best way to start is to get a portfolio, done by a professional photographer who highlights your best features. A good portfolio is expensive, but an essential investment. Training Over the last few years, some former models and choreographers have established schools for training models, but most still learn on the job. Catwalk training and choreography is normally handled by agencies or fashion co-ordinators who arrange the fashion shows. Today there are model co-ordinating agencies in most of the major cities who act as business agents on behalf of their models, and in some cases also handle training of models. Must haves Training Investment Banker The work involves a special kind of marketing and brand-building, as it involves creating a demand for something which is not really needed. Fashion shows, special events, and other public relations efforts are directed towards keeping the brand popular while retaining its exclusivity. The luxury brand manager, therefore, has to understand the value and tradition of a brand as much as managing the clientele who need to feel the requirement for such a product. Training Course in luxury brand management / retail management BBA, or MBA with marketing. Must haves Institutes
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Getting into IPS
Pervin Malhotra email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com Q.I have passed Class XII in humanities stream. I want to join the police force and become SSP rank police officer, What is the process for it? — vansh misra
Eligibility: Graduation. Age: 21-30 years as on August 1, of the year of taking the exam. The examination is held at various test centres (as decided by the UPSC) across the country. For further details, log on to www.upsc.gov.in which carries the full details in case you miss the notification in the press. When you join the IPS as a fresh officer you are appointed as an Asst Commissioner of Police or Asst Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a sub division comprising 3-4 police stations. Each state and union territory of India has its own separate police force. After that with experience and accomplishment you will rise to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP), Senior Superintendent of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Inspector General of Police (IGP), Additional Director General of Police (Addl. DGP), and finally, the Director General of Police (DGP) who is the head of the police force in each state. The DGP represents the highest rung in the police hierarchy.
Is role of a TV producer fit for an introvert?
Q.I am creative and want to get into broadcast medium. As I am somewhat introvert, so would I be more comfortable with a job that is not in front of a camera. Do you think a production job would suit me better? Could you please tell me what exactly does a TV producer do? How is this work different from direction? — asmita chugh
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 20s or early 30s. A degree in mass communication 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 in this field.
MBA in distance mode
Q.I am doing diploma in civil engineering after BSc and want to do MBA after this. Please suggest which specialisation should I opt for? Can I pursue it from distance education? — vikrant pathak
A.Marketing, HR, Finance, International Business or IT, are all critical business functions. Your professional success, however, will depend on your individual skills, aptitude and initiative — regardless of the specialisation you choose. Your pay package 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 economic cycles that prevail at the time of placement (e.g. 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 is compulsory for all students. It covers the basic functional areas of finance and accounting, marketing, personnel and operations management. At the end of the first year, you will work on a summer assignment (8-10 weeks) in an organisation. In the second year, you will have the opportunity to pursue the areas of special interest to you. Therefore, all the second year courses in good B-schools are electives. Besides helping you develop an integrated approach to solving business problems, this gives you sufficient time to choose your field of specialisation. IIMA and a number of other B-schools give you the flexibility of dual specialisation. 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. Distance MBA should only be looked at by those with several years of work experience. Someone like you would be better off with a regular full-time MBA from a reputed B-school.
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Bolstering careers through skill training
The Haywards 5000 Hausla Buland Academy is one such endeavour which is a Brand Extension of Haywards 5000, the flagship brand of SAB Miller India. The academy was set up to train and guide youngsters on skills to be successful in their jobs and career. As many as 35 youth from Haryana and .over 25 from Punjab have successfully completed their training over the past one month. On a visit to Chandigarh recently Deepak Nath, VP-Brands, SABMiller India, talks how this initiative was skilling youths in the Tier II and III towns in the region. Excerpts from an interview:
What is the genesis of this concept? This mission started with Hausla Buland Movement, which aimed to collect stories of resolve and resilience from people across the country. Haywards 5000 wanted to assure that guidance no longer remains a hindrance for people who resolve to take the path of hard work to move forward. This academy was launched in 2013. What sort of training programmes are being offered by HBA? Training programmes under the academy include basic and advanced English, interviewing skills, selling skills, soft skills, essential computer skills, basic finance and resume writing skills etc. The institute has well-reputed counselors who are industry experts. Over the past one year how many persons have been trained and how the training modules have been modified? Since its launch in the programme has received over 31,800 registrations from across India and in Punjab we have 1010. Through this skills development program we were not only able to impart skills like branding, sales, marketing but proficiency in people management and negotiation skills was trained as wellThe participants who have successfully completed their courses will now be given an opportunity to be a part of the second phase of this skill development programme, which is on-ground field training by industry experts. This will provide participants an opportunity to learn and implement, branding and marketing tools with on-the-job training. The programme will also offer assistance for job placement after successful completion of the training. The on-ground programme is coupled with classroom training which is monitored by mentors.
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study
abroad: hospitality courses Rohan Ganeriwala
Where to look With an increasing demand for the best services — be it in hotels, restaurants, amusement parks or even weddings — the hospitality industry insists on hiring the best of the lot. The aspirants, in turn, seek the best of education to fulfill the requirements of their employers. While India does boast of a number of institutes for courses on hospitality, opportunities are galore abroad. The premier hospitality institutions are in Switzerland, Italy, Malaysia, Australia and Singapore. These are the countries where hospitality forms the core of business. Not only do these provide the best infrastructure, studying in these countries gives one an opportunity to seek internship at some of the most popular restaurants and hotels in the world. With an average of about 35 million tourists visiting Switzerland every year, it is one of the most sought after destinations for hospitality both academically and professionally. Countries like Malaysia and Australia are famous for their updated hospitality course structures and offer impeccable firsthand experience to the students. The option of studying abroad also brings with it the opportunity to work with some of the leading international brands and gain valuable international exposure. Most of the hospitality institutes also have tie-ups with renowned hospitality chains that work to the advantage of students with regard to internships and placements. The international edge Though studying abroad comes with a hefty price tag, it provides a plethora of advantages to the students with a great ‘return on investment’. On an average, an overseas education would cost anywhere between ~15 lakh and ~40 lakh inclusive of tuition fee and living expenses. Match course with career goals Though a general hospitality course sounds good at the undergraduate level, it is strongly recommended that students decide a course of specialisation based on their future professional aspirations. Courses that encourage innovative practices and also make the student professionally competent make a good choice. For instance, a student aspiring to become a chef can opt for a specialised course from a culinary school like Institute of Culinary Education, New York. A specialised education helps one cull out an area of expertise from the extensive hospitality course and fuels one’s growth in achieving the desired goals. Choosing the right college While researching on colleges overseas, one should gather extensive information about the different modules that make up the curriculum and the facilities on offer. It is important to also research on internship opportunities and placement statistics of a particular college before applying. While most European colleges offer internships as an in-built component of the course curriculum, others work out a service agreement with big names in the hospitality business. Most good colleges offering hospitality courses also incorporate modules on ways of improving one’s job-hunting skills. This kind of a course structure adds significant value in terms of resume writing and interview skills. A majority of education consultants in India suggest that a student should attend an institute which is likely to provide monetary benefits. On the other hand, there are some experts who take a methodical and scientific approach towards the application. While with the advice of the first category of consultants, a student opts for a college way below his preferences, with the help of the second category students apply to only those institutes that are not only a perfect fit but also provide a holistic experience, academically and professionally. With the hospitality industry booming ever since globalisation, a career in it will open up a world of possibilities. — The writer is Co-Founder and Director, Collegify, a study abroad consultant Some of the top league institutes for students looking for a hospitality degree abroad are:
Le Cordon Bleu, (Paris, London, Sydney) Le Cordon Bleu is the world’s largest hospitality education institution, with over 50 schools on five continents serving 20,000 students annually. Courses: Bachelor’s of Business — International Hotel Management/International Restaurant Management, Master of International Hospitality Management USP: Over 80 Le Cordon Bleu chefs from the finest kitchens and Michelin-starred restaurants pass on their knowledge and experience daily to their students. Le Cordon Bleu courses are up-to-date and industry relevant with innovation and new technologies. Application deadline: Rolling admissions. Total estimated cost: Undergraduate— Varies from campus to campus. Sierra Nevada College, USA Course: Bachelor in Ski Business and Resort Management. (A 4-year degree programme focused on mountain resort industry) USP: Flexible and innovative course modules, active learning approach in classrooms. Application deadline: Early Application (EA) — November 14, 2014; Regular Deadline (RD)— April 1, 2015 Total estimated cost: $ 47,820 The Institute of Culinary Education, New York Courses: Diploma programmes in Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking Arts, Culinary Management (programmes with 300-650 hour duration offering in-class training and internship), Hospitality Management, and Culinary Management. USP: Modern and up-to-date course structure, various awards from multiple international culinary associations, partnered with leading culinary brand for supply of products and services, IBM cognitive cooking collaboration, International affiliations. Application deadline: Rolling admission. Total estimated cost:
Cornell University — School of Hotel Administration Courses: Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration (4-year programme), Master of Management in Hospitality. USP: Excellent pool of faculties from hospitality business, global connections (the college claims to be the one with the largest global network). The unique intersection of real-world experience, life maturity and unparalleled, best-in-class industry-specific graduate business education. Application deadline: Undergraduate: ED—November 1,2014; RD — 2nd January 2, 2015; Postgraduate: Round 1 — 12th November 12, 2014; Round 2 — January 12, 2015; Round 3 — March 5, 2015. Total estimated cost: Under graduate— $ 63,604; Postgraduate — $ 49,000 approx IMI University Centre, Switzerland Courses: Bachelor’s of Arts (Honors) Eight pathways; MBA in International Hospitality Management USP: As part of the programmes students are given the opportunity to undertake a professional practice in Switzerland or overseas, excellent industry contacts and on-campus recruitment, guarantee to source job opportunities for all graduates. Application deadline: Rolling admissions. Total estimated cost: Undergraduate- CHF 30,800; MBA- CHF- 33,500. C'esar Ritz, Switzerland Courses: Swiss Higher Diploma in Hotel and Tourism Management; Bachelor’s of International Business in Hotel & Tourism Management. USP: Double bachelor’s degree from C'esar Ritz and Washington State University. The Swiss hospitality industry advantages during internships. Programmes based on philosophy of C'esar Ritz founder of Ritz hotels a pioneer in luxury hotel industry. Application deadline: Rolling admission Total estimated cost: CHF 36,500 Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne USP: The Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne is accredited at university level both nationally and internationally. Nationally it is recognised by the Swiss government, and internationally it is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Faculty comes from a wide array of professional and cultural backgrounds, Internships at EHL are an integral part of the programmes — not just a “practical component” tagged on as a part-time or summer job, these are a full-time period of real professional experience Courses: Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management (4-year-programme) Application deadline: For Spring 2015 (February 2015) intake — September 1, 2014 and October 1, 2014. Total estimated cost: CHF 54,450 Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland
USP: Glion is ranked by industry hiring managers of luxury hotels among the top three hospitality management schools in the world for an international career (TNS, global research, 2013), variety of specialisations offered, the Swiss hospitality edge for internships and jobs. Application deadline: For Jan/Feb entry — November 15; for Jul/Aug entry — May 15, 2015; for October entry — August 31, 2014. Total estimated cost: Undergraduate- CHF 36,435
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smart strategy: how women can break the glass celling
Without doubt, it is still an uphill climb for women achievers who have set their sights at the top. After the deconstruction of the women’s liberation mind-set of the late ’70s, there seems to be a lack of both purpose and opportunities. Women realised that Mother Nature never meant them to be like men, and that their essential femininity is in fact their greatest strength. However, they also discovered that it takes more than strength to break into certain time-enabled silos. The corporate world, especially in developing countries, still seems to be more geared more towards male domination at the top. Women who deem themselves of suitable caliber to breach these vaults need a clear strategy. Here are some tips for aspiring women achievers: Chart out a clear course of action Take a dispassionate look at where you are today, and decide on where exactly you hope to land up within a certain time frame. Without a clear goal, all your efforts will be futile. Don’t set your goals without considering your existing or future family responsibilities. The pursuit of your career goals should not entail giving up on other important aspects of life. Discuss your goals with your manager Every company has different nuances wired into its employee growth equation, and you may not be privy to these. It is wise to discuss the way forward with someone who can advise you on your company’s policies and corporate culture. This will clarify your thinking and give you more objectivity. Evaluate the challenges Ask yourself the following questions: Get noticed Ensure that your achievements are noticed by the right people at the right time This does not mean shouting from the rooftops again; you do not want to antagonise the competition. You can do this in more subtle and focused ways: Do not allow yourself any feelings of entitlement. Nothing succeeds like success — it is your triumphs that will get you to the top, not the fact that you are a woman. Above all, beware of token positions that many companies create merely because of political correctness. These are dead-ends from where there is no upward trajectory at all. — The writer is an HR & Strategy consultant and authors
www.humanresourcesblog.in Network Build a personal network of influential men and women within the company system Construct and grow your network and then leverage your contacts tactfully. While many would view such a course of action as office politics, there is really no substitute for strategic thinking. Arrange to meet these people in formal and informal settings, and offer innovative ideas that will get you noticed. Also establish what their business objectives are, and how you may be helpful in fulfilling them. Begin to dress like a winner Women have a much harder time dressing for success than men, and there are fine lines that must not be crossed. If your dress code is rather casual now, you need to gradually adopt a more formal look. The key concept is ‘gradual’, since a sudden change of dress code may proclaim your aspirations and goals too loudly. You do not want to invite antagonism from other aspirants to the higher echelons of company leadership.
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Pitfalls of performance improvement plans
When such a thing happens, it may be clearly understood that the things are moving at a proper pace and in the proper direction. At such a time the employee in question needs to be vigilant and beware of the things that are going to follow. Here it must be understood that the employee is agreeing to the fact that his/her performance is below the mark. It may also be borne in mind that the act of signing such a plan papers is not going to safeguard his/her interest as the courts won’t consider their signatures of agreement as a mode of obedience. It may be clearly noted that PIP is not what Performance Development Planning (PDP) is. PDP surely develops the performance level of an employee, helping and guiding one to improve one’s productivity and output. In that context there is no sense of some lurking fear in the mind of the employee, while in PIP one ought to be quite cautious and vigilant as to how and when to proceed for one’s betterment. Basically PIP is structured as a communication tool. On the surface it appears that it is designed to facilitate a constructive discussion between an employee and his/her supervisor. But it cannot be that effective if it lacks certain ingredients which alone can make it beneficial for the employee in question. PIP being employed at some specific time and place must clearly specify that it is going to correct and improve the behaviour of a particular employee. He/she must be provided certain ways and means to allow him/her to show signs of improvement. However, in most cases it has been seen that such a method is used with ill intentions so as to fire an employee with a fake proposal to mend and improve him/her. But if it specifically clarifies its intentioned and purposeful output, then PIP can really be made a performance improvement plan. Clarity should be made not only for steps to be taken by the employee in question, but also about the expectations and metrics about the work to be performed. It means that when such and such steps are taken by the employee, his/her behaviour would be treated as improved. But the problem arises when an employee is involved in the PIP procedure with a false assurance, and is then victimised. In such cases PIP remains no more a performance improvement plan but a plan to victimise, harm and fire an employee. It is thus imperative for the employee in question to ensure the support and the resources which are being made available to him/her under the PIP proposal. If he/she finds that the same are not of proper use and benefit to him/her, then he/she may voice a plain “NO” from his side. True, the company may think that you are not cooperating and that you are disobeying, but for that purpose they have to provide you a written order before PIP is being applied upon you. It may be noted that in most of the cases PIP is rarely applied with a written order but as a tacit verbal strategy to which an employee is made to agree by hook or crook. Companies ought to really make PIP an improvement plan by reviewing an employee’s progress by getting a feedback from him particularly during the time PIP is being applied. Feedback would surely ensure why an employee’s behaviour has not been satisfactory as per the company’s norms. Only feedback would make things crystal clear whether the employee had been provided with the facilities he/she deserves so as to show the due output and productivity. It has often been observed that in certain odd circumstances where employees have been denied due facilities their behaviour tends to go the other way round. Even if an employee does not perform that well as the company deems proper as per its own standards, he/she must be given a genuine chance to show signs of still better performance. If PIP is really for the betterment of the employee in question, why not specify the possible consequences if performance standards as identified in the PIP are not met? That step, if taken well in time, would surely make PIP a performance improvement plan in letter and spirit. — The writer is a Kangra-based psychologist and career expert
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B-school grads prefer PSUs
Business school graduates are now increasingly preferring to work in public sector undertakings over private entities owing to a plethora of factors including job security and lucrative salaries besides generous perks and special allowances, according a recent survey.
“More and more pass-outs from business schools are flocking to topline public sector companies due to job security, improving prospects of firms and headwinds faced by the private sector, especially those in highly leveraged sectors like telecom, real estate, power and other infrastructure,” an ASSOCHAM paper ‘PSUs back in reckoning’ said. It observed that with improved Sixth Pay Commission salaries and announcement of the next Pay Commission, due to give its report in 2016, government jobs had become attractive and more lucrative. The study found that Indian students were opting for public sector jobs over private sector because of fatter financial packages with banking and public sector undertakings becoming a major attraction on campuses today. “The PSU companies are offering nearly
Rs 10-12 lakh annual package, higher than the average starting salary of Rs 7-8 lakh in the private sector offers for fresh engineering graduates and pass outs from second their B schools. Most public sector units offer starting salaries between
Rs 9-11 lakh,” it added. It noted that number of intakes by PSUs from B-schools, more so those outside the IIMs, has gone up by 160 per cent this season over last year. The survey sample included over 500 students from various B-schools, including IIMs, BITS, ICFAI Business School and Symbiosis Institute of International Business (Pune). The survey conducted between June and July 2014 found that more than 65 per cent of respondents preferred the public to the private sector. “There is a big increase in the demand for jobs in public sector undertaking (PSUs) this year. The number of job applicants for such jobs has increased by over 160 per cent this year. Also, there is a steep rise in the management trainee jobs in public sector in the last one year (120 per cent),” the report said. It found that SAIL received nearly 2.2 lakh job applicants this year from various B-schools which is much higher the last year (1.2 lakh). — PTI
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Natural light in office boosts health
The study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign highlights the importance of exposure to natural light to employee health and the priority architectural designs of office environments should place on natural daylight exposure for workers. Employees with windows in the workplace received 173 per cent more white light exposure during work hours and slept an average of 46 minutes more per night than employees who did not have the natural light exposure in the workplace. There also was a trend for workers in offices with windows to have more physical activity than those without windows. Workers without windows reported poorer scores than their counterparts on quality of life measures related to physical problems and vitality, as well as poorer outcomes on measures of overall sleep quality and sleep disturbances. “There is increasing evidence that exposure to light, during the day, particularly in the morning, is beneficial to your health via its effects on mood, alertness and metabolism,” said senior study author Phyllis Zee, a Northwestern Medicine neurologist and sleep specialist. “Workers are a group at risk because they are typically indoors often without access to natural or even artificial bright light for the entire day. The study results confirm that light during the natural daylight hours has powerful effects on health,” Zee said. The study group included 49 day-shift office workers; 27 in windowless workplaces and 22 in workplaces with windows. Health-related quality of life and sleep quality were measured with a self-reported form and sleep quality was evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. — PTI
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Scholarship roundup
Eligibility: Only Indian nationals studying in India are eligible for the fellowship. Students enrolled in an undergraduate course in Basic Sciences, such as B.Sc./B.S./B.Statistics/B.Mathematics/Integrated M.Sc./M.S. in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Biotechnology, Neurosciences, Bioinformatics, Marine Biology, Geology, Human Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Applied Physics, Geophysics, Materials Science or Environmental Science are eligible for the fellowships. Selection procedure: There will be an Aptitude Test, as part of the selection process. It will be held in the offline mode as well as the online mode. The online version of the KVPY aptitude test 2014 will be held at Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune. The offline version of the aptitude test will be held at various cities across the country. The complete list of cities will be available in the online application system. How to apply: Application can be submitted online or offline. Offline application: Those who wish to apply offline should first obtain the KVPY application from. They should remit the application fee of ~500 at any branch of State Bank of India to ‘Bank Account Number: 10270577392, Indian Institute of Science, KVPY, State Bank of India, Indian Institute of Science 02215, IFS Code: SBIN00002215’ using a Bank challan/pay-in-slip given in the website. Online application: Application can be submitted online through the ‘Application 2014’ link at www.kvpy.org.in latest by September 8, 2014. Details: A student is eligible to receive KVPY Fellowship up to pre-PhD level or five years whichever is earlier. Those selected will get a monthly fellowship amounting to
Rs 5000 during 1st to 3rd years of BSc/BS/BStatistics/BMathematics/Integrated MSc. /MS and an annual contingency grant of
Rs 20000. The amount of fellowship will be Rs 7000 during MSc/ 4th to 5th years of Integrated MSc/MS/MMathematics/ MStatistics. The annual contingency grant during this period will be
Rs 28000. Check out: www.kvpy.org.in UNIL grants University of Lausanne, Switzerland is inviting applications for UNIL Master’s Grants available for foreign students for autumn semester 2015 and spring semester 2016 intake. The grants are available for pursuing master’s degree level at the university. Eligibility: Number of award (s): Ten. Duration: One-and-a-half years or two years Details: The amount of the grant is CHF 1,600 per month from September 15 to July 15 for a duration not exceeding the regulation minimum period of the programme. How to apply: Candidates complete the “UNIL Master’s Grant” form and submit their application to the Office for socio-cultural affairs (SASC, Unicentre, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, info.sasc-at-unil.ch) within the deadline. The application is examined by the University Rectorate to determine whether the candidate is admissible. Deadline: December 15, 2014. Check out: www.unil.ch Fellowships in Netherlands Applications are invited for RNTC fellowships available for professional journalists, programme-makers, broadcast trainers and managers from developing countries in the Netherlands. Eligibility: RNTC’s Fellowships are available for professional journalists, programme-makers, broadcast trainers and managers coming from the following countries (a combined NFP list and low-middle-income countries according to the World Bank criteria). Duration: Details: RNTC Fellowships cover the course fee (up to 50 per cent), not the costs for travel and accommodation. Selection Criteria: The RNTC fellowships will be awarded on academic and professional merit. How to apply: Online. Scholarship applications will have to be uploaded in ROSA, RNTC’s Online System for Applications. Deadline: Check website for deadlines for all the different courses. Check out: www.rntc.nl/RNTCfellowships. — TNS
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News board
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta has become the first IIM to achieve the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation in business programmes for a period of five years. IIM Calcutta has already been accredited by Association of MBAs (AMBA) this year. It is also the only member in India of Community of European Management Schools. —TNS
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Course cruising
The course enables students to enroll in appropriate Bar Councils to practice Law and become eligible to appear for judicial service examinations to become judges, the lower course. With relevant experience, candidates are eligible to appear for high judicial services that is additional district judges and above. Eligibility: The applicants should have 50 per cent marks in Plus II from a recognised board. They should clear the online admission test of the university. How to apply: Completed application form with the application fees Deadline: August 28, 2014 Fee:
Rs 136,000 per annum Check out: www. sharda.ac.in Hospitality Institute of Professional Studies & Research (IPSR), New Delhi, invites applications for admission to Diploma in Airlines, Tourism and Hospitality Management courses. Eligibility: Minimum qualification for securing admission to Certificate, Diploma and Degree Level Courses is Class X and Class XII pass
in any stream from a recognised board. Duration: One year. How to apply: The application forms are available till August 30, 2014. The candidates can visit corporate center at Delhi or can register at the website peasssgroup.in Check out: peasssgroup.in Fine arts Applications are invited by Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture & Fine Arts University, Hyderabad in the prescribed form for admission to the following courses. Applied Art & Visual Communication; Photography & Visual Communication Eligibility: For Eligibility, refer the link:
http://jnafau.ac.in/down loads/Information_to_the_candiates.pdf How to apply: The application form and other details are available on website links: http://jnafau.ac.in/downloads/MFA%20_Full_time_Application.pdf http://jnafau.ac.in/downloads/MFA_Part_Time_Application.pdf The filled in application should be submitted along with a Demand Draft for ~1000 against each course applied in favour of The Registrar, JNAFAU drawn on any nationalised bank. The application should reach the office of the Director I/c Admissions Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture & Fine Arts University , Masab Tank, Hyderabad. Deadline: September 12, 2014. Check out: jnafau.ac.in/admission MDU courses The Directorate of Distance Education at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak invites applications for admission to the following courses for the academic year 2015-16. BA,BCom., BCA, Bachelor of Library and Information Science; M.Com.; Master of Library and Information Science etc. Eligibility: For BA/BCom./BBA/BCA: How to apply: Application forms are to be submitted online at http://admission.mdurtk.in Candidates have to pay the prescribed fee for respective course the details of which are available on the link: http://admission.mdurtk.in/Information%20Pages/fee_structure.aspx Candidates can deposit the Fee through e-Challan of SBI/Axis Bank. Deadline: The last date for submission of application to DDE, MDU, Rohtak is: Check out: mdudde.net Architecture Noida International University invites applications for five-year full- time Bachelor in Architecture programme for session 2014-19 and one-year Diploma in Construction Management and Architecture for 2014-15 session. Eligibility: Plus II with minimum 60 per cent marks for BArch (mathematics as a compulsary subject) and with 50 per cent marks for Diploma in Construction Management and Architecture. How to apply: Application forms can be purchased from the university office or campus by paying
Rs 1100 in cash or can be downloaded and sent along with a DD of 1100 drawn in favour of “Noida International University” payable at New Delhi. Selection is based on entrance exam, Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Deadline: August 30, 2014 Check out: www.niu.edu.in
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Happiness @ work
Srinivasa Ramanujan was only interested in mathematics.This one-sided approach made getting a BA degree impossible. So when the board of studies of the University of Madras was thinking of giving him a scholarship, his lack of a degree was a major hurdle. But the offer of GH Hardy of the Cambridge University in January 1913 to Ramanujan to come to Cambridge and the excellent opinion of many mathematicians in Madras helped the genius get the much-needed scholarship. Slave Ghiyas-ud-din Balban had nothing working for him. He was ugly and short. He was given the lowliest of duties — of a water-carrier — by Sultan Iltutmish in 1232. But his agent told the Sultan that Balban belonged to a reputed warrior clan. With his hard work, he became Amir-i-Hijab in 1242 and Wazir sometime later. But his detractors, led by Raihan, poisoned Sultan Nasir-ud-din’s mind and Balban was forced to retire to his estate in Hansi. When Raihan, as the new Wazir, failed to do his duty properly, the other nobles were faced with a tricky situation — the ouster of Raihan and reinstallation of Balban by force would be seen as rebellion by the Sultan. So they approached the Sultan and gave him their opinion on the issue. With so many nobles backing him, Balban was back in the saddle. At 61, he became the Sultan. No princes in the land were able to match the wisdom of princess Savitri, daughter of King Asvapati of Madra. So Savitri set out to find her life partner. She fell in love with a hermit called Satyavan. Enquiries made by a minister revealed that Satyavan was the son of exiled King Dyumatsena of Salva. According to sage Narada, he was the noblest and bravest of all. Later, even Yamaraj, the god of death, told Savitri that Satyavan was no ordinary person. So, Savitri had no hesitation in marrying him even if it meant becoming a widow in a year’s time as was destined. In the 10th century, King Parantaka Chola II was faced with three successors — his sons Aditya Karikalan and Arul Mozhi Verman and his cousin Uttama. In the tussle for the throne, Uttama got Aditya killed. By his principled treatment of enemies, Arul already had the backing of his army. Then, by telling his father to announce Uttama as his successor, he won Uttama’s respect too. When Arul became King 12 years later as Raja Raja Chola, he installed his sister Kundavai as co-ruler. Under him, the Chola Empire covered Kerala to Lanka, Maldives to Orissa. More often than not, the most-backed horse wins. — Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com
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Who hasn’t fantasised about how sensational your life would be if you worked as a TV anchor being admired by millions of viewers, or sashaying down a ramp wearing the most expensive designer gown, meeting celebrities, and dashing off to New York/ Paris or Singapore every week? There are some jobs that look so glamorous that they can hardly be thought of as work.
Today practically every young MBA hopeful wants to be an investment banker. In the garb of Michael Douglas in Wall Street, blue shirt, sleeves rolled up, high speed, high stress, high life! Working with names like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Merrill lynch is often the dream. 
Investment bankers, brokers, and financial services sales agents deal with a wide range of products and clients. As an investment banker your work would involve selling securities to individuals, advising companies on capital formation, mergers, acquisitions, investments and managing capital assets. 
Who wouldn't want to be a travel show host? Trips to the world’s most beautiful locations and meals at the best restaurants, all expenses paid. That’s what the ad would say — Sounds like “ the dream job” , specially when you are a TV travel show presenter. Being on TV brings you instant stardom. But that’s only the thin icing on the cake. The rest of the pie includes just about everything you can imagine it takes to put together a programme — directors, producers, engineers, technicians, journalists, writers, researchers, computer animators, script editors, videotape editors, set designers etc.
Do you have an eye for beauty? Do you like being surrounded by glamorous people and not just calling the shots, but taking the shots too? If yes, then Fashion Photography is probably the ideal career for you. With the growth of advertising and the mass media, fashion photography has become a profession with great commercial value. And as the fashion scene hots up with innumerable fashion shows and Fashion Weeks, fashion photography revs up too offering good financial prospects, though men still dominate this field.
Shaila worked as a sales assistant with a fashion designer for a couple of years, but began to get tired of it until she heard about luxury brand management. Today she works with a top international clothing brand interacting with celebrities and elite customers, and her sales background has come to be greatly valued. In the last five years luxury brand management has been one of the fastest growing professions in India catering to those with high disposable incomes and a penchant for luxury. According to Forbes magazine, India has the fastest-growing population of millionaires in the world with a subsequent upsurge of shopping interest in luxury brands like Valentino, Dior and Ferragamo, Luis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, Jaguar and Ferrari cars and many more. Premium merchandise and services ranging from designer dresses and handmade jewelry to watches and accessories, custom cars, premium vacation resorts and exotic real estate are today on offer for those who can afford to pay the price, leading to the demand for a new kind of manager — the luxury brand manager. 
A.To become an IPS officer, you need to take the competitive Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam comprises three stages: Preliminary (Objective-type) exam, Main (Written) exam and the Interview. You have to clear all the three stages and secure a good rank at the same time to make it to this service. For the IPS you will also have to clear an additional physical test.
A.Well TV production may suit you better but even here you would need to interact with people — the crew, cast, suppliers etc. As a matter of fact, the TV producer’s job incorporates multiple tasks: from managing the entire production process to ensuring that the programme is made within the stipulated budget and time.
Gap in industry demands and the academic preparation has made employability the main casuality in the job market and as a result the number of “qualified” unemployed youths has been surging in the country. This scenario has shifted the focus on skill training and a number of non-government players have entered the domain of skill training to make the youth more employable.
Are you a people’s person? Do you aspire to set up your own restaurant or see yourself as the next Gordon Ramsay? Do you have great managerial skills? Is customer satisfaction a key element for you? If answers to all or even one of these questions is a ‘yes’ for you, then making a career in the hospitality industry will be ideal for you.
Courses: Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
We are finally seeing the entry of women in board-level positions at leading multinational companies. However, the numbers are not stacking up as anticipated — many businesses continue to have a less-than-balanced equation in terms of gender diversity in leadership roles.
Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a formal process designed to facilitate an employee to improve his performance. It ought to be used by supervisors to help employees improve performance through constructive discussion between the staff member and his/her supervisor, and to clarify that work performance needs improvement. However, the reality is quite to the contrary as this plan is being misused as a tool to modify the behaviour of certain employees whose work and conduct do not seem to be satisfactory. When the procedure thus adopted creates a written plan to guide the improvement of an employee as a corrective action plan, it must be treated with a timely caution.
Employees with more light exposure at their workplace have longer sleep duration, better sleep quality, more physical activity and improved quality of life, according to a new study.
Applications have been invited by the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, for the award of fellowships under the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) — a programme started in 1999 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India to encourage students who are studying Basic Sciences to take up research career in science.
Sharda University, Greater Noida, is inviting applications for its newly launched six-year integrated B.Tech-LLB course. This course ensures students have sound knowledge of technology coupled with legal expertise to meet the growing needs of the expanding infrastructure and real estate sectors of India and the world.
When a boss finds himself unsure about a junior’s abilities, listening to the opinions of various stakeholders may help clear the doubt.
