The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Career in airlines industry
By Poonam Batth

With increasing globalisation of economies, liberalisation and technological developments in civil aviation, new trends are emerging on the horizon. The technological, infrastructural, institutional, economic and human challenges have prompted those in charge of airlines and related aviation agencies to effect a shift in their policies and approaches pursued for years. In fact, civil aviation in the new millennium would be one of the biggest growth sectors.

Let us analyse how the air traffic will increase? Increase in the wealth of the people, dual income, increase in disposable incomes, desire to reach destinations at the earliest and to be away for short and long holidays have contributed towards growth in air travel.

Further, travel is now supplemented by leisure with business. Already, 80 per cent of air travel worldwide are classified as tourism related. Deregulation also brings in price wars and end to monopoly or oligopoly, resulting in reduction of air fares, making it economical for the ordinary middle class to avail air passage.

In India, already private carriers, like international airlines such as Swiss Airways, British Airways, Air France plan to increase the number of flights from India. Virgin Atlanta International has entered into collaboration with Air-India from September 2000. This all will give a tremendous boost to direct and indirect employment in the Airline industry.

This has opened new vistas of career opportunities for the youth on the threshold of choosing a career after completing school or college education in spheres of ticketing sales, marketing, customer handling, product development strategies, press and media handling, preparation of publicity material, airport facilitation staff, check-in counter staff, baggage handling, guest management, customer facilitation travel guidance and information, food and beverages handling, engineering, maintenance and material handling, air traffic management, cargo handling, public relations, and as flight attendants.

Those choosing airline as a career are expected to be warm, caring with a pleasing personality, sensible, intelligent, calm, possessing effective communication skills. They must be hardworking, confident, enjoy meeting others and open to various cultures and values, and courteous.

Youngsters aspiring to join domestic airlines should have the minimum plus two level education, fluency in English and a regional language, between 18 and 27 aged. The minimum height for girls is 5ft 2 inches and for boys 5 feet 7 inches.

The institute of Tourism and Future Management Trends in Chandigarh conducts a basic course in airline management. Besides the airline essentials the course covers airlines ticketing, basics of sales and marketing, tips in customer care, body language and mock interviews, world and Indian geography, general trends in domestic and international tourism and computer applications in the airline Industry.

How to face exam blues
By IM Soni

EXAMINATIONS are stressful. Students are smitten with varying degrees of anxiety ranging from fear to panic. After the event, while teachers spend time marking answer papers, students remain on pins and needles, awaiting the verdict.

With examinations looming large at this time of the year, it may be helpful to examine what plays an important part in reducing examination stress. Of course, nothing can beat this more than by being thoroughly prepared to deal with the likely questions in the examination papers. Prepare your best but be prepared for the worst because this is how our examination system works.

A positive mental state can improve your chances of success and scores.

Enthusiasm, persistence and resilience are the three main factors involved in the attainment of any worthwhile objective.

Why be put off attaining your own success in any field of your choice? Of course, there may already be better and more qualified men than yourself in the field, but why walk away? You can learn something for them.

If you do walk away, then ask yourself: “Why?” Are you afraid to accept a challenge or defeat? Defeat is only temporary. Leading men today in any field had to make a start somewhere. So can you. No failure is final. And success is never ending.

You can make it in any examination if you really want to. It is only the limits of your own imagination which hold you back. If you are one of those dissatisfied with the present-day conditions, there is nothing to stop you going abroad. On the other hand, if your roots are firmly set, then why not make a fresh start now?

You wish to make something of your study you have had in mind for years but, so far, have not done anything about. Why not go ahead and do it now?

The only reason that many of us do not better ourselves (and go on grumbling from day to day, perhaps putting up with the same monotonous and routine chores) is because we do not make any effort to better our lot. We are content to stagnate.

Looking upon examinations as a gamble or speculation are no substitutes for conscious striving and individual effort. “Gambling” is a sure way of losing and inviting complications, and disaster.

If everybody could decide just what it is he or she would like most from life there is no reason why you cannot have it.

Nothing comes easy. No worthwhile project is ever attained overnight. Sometimes it may involve a long wait, perhaps years, but it comes in the end.

Career hotline

I would love to do a course in creative writing. Could you please tell me about the institutions offering such courses.

Jitendar, Sangrur

The following institutions offer 1-yr diploma courses in Creative Writing in English/Hindi:

* Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Maidan Garhi, New Delhi 110068. Eligibility: 10+2. Those without 10+2 can also enrol for the course if they are 21 yrs or above.

* UP Rajarshi Tandon Open University, 17 Maharshi Dayanand Marg (Thornhill Road), Allahabad 211001. Eligibility: 10+2.

I am a commerce graduate with basic computer knowledge. For some pressing reasons it is vital that I take up a job right away. What kind of work is involved in IT-enabled services?

Harjeet Chaddah, Ferozpore

As the name suggests, IT-enabled services are all those activities that are made possible by using information technology. These include e-commerce and internet- based call centres (e.g. a toll-free number to answer queries), medical transcription (which I have dealt with at length in my earlier columns), computer animation, back office operations, revenue accounting and creation of legal and other databases.

Through effective telecom links - internet, satellite transmission etc., it is now feasible for companies in the US and other developed countries to subcontract work to India as English is extensively spoken here, and computer trained personnel are relatively cheap. Besides, the 10-12 hour time difference facilitates on-time delivery of the processed information. Presently a little over 25,000 people are engaged in IT-enabled services generating a revenue of Rs. 1,000 crore by way of exports. However, according to NASSCOM, an additional 1 million jobs can be created by positioning India as a leader in IT-enabled services.

You must however realise that while it may all sound very hi-tech and the money may be decent, the work can be fairly basic - essentially requiring low-end computing and data entry skills. Except in cases where you need to be handling tricky complaints as part of customer service or persuading clients to stick to repayment deadlines call for diplomacy, presence of mind, excellent communication skills and persuasiveness of a high order.

I am in second year BA. Could you please tell me about the job prospects after doing a course in Geography.

Jaya Pathak, Chandigarh

Depending on the area of specialisation at the postgraduate-level, avenues for geographers exist in cartography where they collect, combine and display cartographic information in the form of maps. They are also employed by public and private organisations engaged in urban planning and design, and by NGOs involved in rural development projects. You can also opt for a career in surveying, land valuation, environmental protection or conservation, landscape architecture, transport & tourism besides teaching at the school (there is a shortage of school teachers specialising in this subject) and at the university-level. The field of remote sensing is opening up new avenues for geographers and there are special short-term courses offered in this area.

Since geographers are directly concerned with analysing variable data on the earth’s surface, this is likely to open up vast areas for analysis and research. An all-India database is on the anvil and geographers will be much in demand to interpret the data. Geographers are also employed as forest managers, demographers in government and research organisations or as researchers in agricultural or economic institutes. Besides geography being a popular subject for the Civil Services (Prelims & Mains) exams conducted by the UPSC, a background in this subject can also be an asset for a career in travel writing.

I am interested in doing a degree course in Petrochemicals or Petroleum Engineering. Could you please tell me about the institutions offering such courses, eligibility criteria and the selection procedure.

Abhijeet Dhawan, Mohali.

The following institutions offer BE/BTech courses in Petrochemicals or Petroleum Engineering:

* Amravati University, Deptt. of Chemical Technology, Near Tapovan, Amravati 444602. Eligibility: Class XII with PCM and English (50% agg) in PCM in the first attempt. Selection Procedure: Merit in the qualifying exam.

* Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, PO Lonere 402103, Tal Mangaon, Distt. Raigad. Eligibility & Selection Procedure: Same as above.

* Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (affiliated to Nagpur University), Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Nagpur 440010. Eligibility & Selection Procedure: Same as above.

* Maharashtra Institute of Technology (affiliated to University of Pune), S. No. 124, Kothrud, Paud Road, Pune 411038. Eligibility & Selection Procedure: Same as above.

* Bharathidasan Institute of Engineering & Technology (affiliated to Bharathidasan University), Tiruchirappalli 620024. Eligibility: 10+2 (PCM). Selection Procedure: Entrance test.

* Aligarh Muslim University, Institute of Petroleum Studies & Chemical Engineering, Aligarh 202002. Eligibility: Intermediate with PCM and English securing 45% aggregate. Diploma-holders in Engg (2nd Div) from Aligarh Muslim University are also eligible. Maximum age: 23 years. Selection Procedure: Entrance test.

* Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 826004. Eligibility: Class XII with PCM and English. Maximum age: 22 years (27 years for SC/ST). Selection Procedure: IIT-JEE.

I am doing BA (Hons) in Education. I wish to work as a counsellor in any spastic society. Could you please tell me if I have to do any specialised course.

Virendra Kumar, Bathinda

The Centre of Special Education, Spastics Society of India, conducts special courses and training programmes at its regional centres for those keen on a career in service of the spastics. Intensive programmes are offered in the areas of education, speech, physiotherapy and occupational therapy including parental counselling services.

* PG Diploma in Education of Physically & Neurologically Handicapped Children. Duration: 1-yr. Eligibility: Graduation in Education/Psychology/Child Development/subjects required for secondary school teaching. Age limit: 38 yrs.

* PG Diploma in Basic Developmental Therapy for Physically & Neurologically Handicapped Children. Duration: 1-yr. Eligibility: Graduation, preferably in Sciences. Age limit: 35 yrs.

* Certificate in Special Education & Therapy for Rural Rehabilitation Workers. Duration: 6 months.

* Non-formal training courses for rural and urban volunteers and workers in a range of subjects from screening and identification to rehabilitation. Duration: 1 week-3 months.

* In-service training at all levels.

* Short advanced courses for specialists. Duration: 2 weeks-3 months. However, while SSNI offers all the above-mentioned courses, not all of them are offered at the other regional centres. For further information, you may contact:

* Spastics Society for Northern India, Balbir Saxena Marg, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016. Tel: 6569107, 6966331.

* Spastics Society of Eastern India, Calcutta. Tel: 4783488/4177.

* Rehabilitation Council of India (a statutory body under the M/o Social Justice & Empowerment), Bharat Scouts & Guides Building, 16, M.G. Marg, I.P. Estate, New Delhi 110002.

* National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (M/o Social Justice & Empowerment), P.O. Manovikas Nagar, Secunderabad 500009 (AP). This institute mainly offers courses in Mental Retardation for those with a pass in Class XII.

This is your column. Please feel free to e-mail your comments and suggestions along with full name and address, qualification etc.to: caring@theoffice.net

DIARY

Learning good for health
Cash prizes are being offered to the oldest student in the UK, as well as the “most inspiring” older learner. The Department for Education has said that research findings showed a clear link between education and good health, reports BBC. A survey of more than 300 people, aged 50 to 71, carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies, found that 74 per cent who said their health was excellent or very good were engaged in some form of learning. Eight out of 10 learners reported a positive impact of learning on either life enjoyment, self-confidence, self-esteem, or their “ability to cope”. Nearly half of them linked continuing study with an increased willingness to take responsibility for their lives. And nearly three out of 10 reported more involvement in social, community or voluntary activities as a result of learning. The survey found ill health was a barrier to learning, but a higher proportion of those still studying despite ill health reported better life satisfaction than learners in good health.

Algebra for the 3-year-olds
As one part of updated standards, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, USA, has recommended introducing algebraic concepts to three and four year olds, reports USA Today. The updated math standards are used to guide the teaching of math in four grade groups: pre-kindergarten through grade 2; grades 3-5; 6-8 and 9-12. The standards continue to stress critical thinking skills over memorisation. Examples of the expectations include: (1) Elementary students should study math for an hour a day; (2) Pre-kindergarten through grade 2 students must develop a solid understanding of the base-10 numeration system; (3) Grades 3-5 students should build their understanding of fractions as part of a whole and as divisions; (4) Grades 6-8 students should get a solid background in algebra by this period’s end; and (5) Grades 9-12 students should study challenging math throughout high school. Critics do not agree with the council’s tolerance of calculator use, and what they believe is the council’s lack of commitment to the basics.

Protests against sweatshops
Growing student concern over consumer awareness, labour rights and social justice have combined in the growing protests over schools associated with sweatshop labour. The protests have spread to campuses nationwide. Led by the group United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS), students at more than 175 campuses are putting pressure on their colleges to help eliminate garment-making sweatshops by forcing companies the schools work with to improve their practices, according to a USA Today report. The crusade represents the biggest surge of campus activism since anti-apartheid protests in the 1980s. The movement has supporters in Congress and foes in upper management of some corporations and universities. Its members have been invited to the White House and have also been thrown in jail. More than 160 colleges have committed to ending sweatshop abuses. More attention is now being given to the problem of monitoring thousands of factories, most in developing countries.

UNESCO strategy
UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura has outlined a five-point strategy on education for all in the 21st century, that will form the basis of the UN agency’s increased focus on education. At a press conference ahead of the upcoming World Education Forum slated for April 26-28 in Dakar, Senegal, Matsuura, emphasised that the meeting will serve to assert UNESCO’s commitment toward a call for action, reports Pan African News Agency. The Dakar Forum will seek to concretise a global framework for action toward educational priority needs of each region of the world and at the same time help to promote basic education for all by 2015, he said. To give impetus to enhanced global educational growth, Matsuura said UNESCO would pool its efforts with those of governments, civil society, the donor community and other international bodies in working resolutely to meet the goals of education for all. He highlighted UNESCO’s role in that regard through a five-point strategy that will guide its efforts to promote global growth in education, particularly in developing countries. — KSB

Deadline

University

May 06 University of Roorkee, Roorkee 247667 (UP).

1. ME/MTech(CST)/MArch/MURP

Deptts of Arch & Plan, Chem, Civil, Earthquake, Electl, Electron & Comp, Mech & Indl,

Metallurgical & Materials, Paper Tech, Alternate Hydro Energy

2. PG Dip

Earthquake Engg, Earthquake Tech

3. MPhil

Indl Methods of Chem Analysis, Maths, Instru, Material Sc.

4. MTech (Earth Sc)

5. MSc

Appl Geol/Maths/Indl Maths & Informatics/Biotech/Chem/Phy

6. University Diploma

Pulp & Paper, Process Instru

7. MCA

8. PhD Elig:

For (1): Bachelor’s degree in appropriate field. Non-GATE candidates in Civil/Electro/Comp/Mech & Indl Engg need not apply. Non-GATE candidates are eligible for other branches (60% agg) (55% for SC/ST).

For (3): MSc/BE. Dip in Process Instru for MPhil (Instru)

For (4): Bachelor’s degree with Geol/BSc with Phy & Maths

For (5): BSc (PCM) with 54% agg (49% for SC/ST)

For (6): BSc (PCM)

For (7): Bachelor’s degree with Maths/BCA with 60% agg (55% for SC/ST)

Entrance Exam: June 24 & 25 in 10 cities including Delhi & B’lore. Appln Form: Send Rs. 500/- (Rs. 250/- for SC/ST) by DD favouring “REE-PG Account” payable at Roorkee, to the Chairman, REE-2000 before Apr 28. Also available from branches of Punjab National Bank at:

Roorkee (University);
Parliament Street, New Delhi;
Sector 17-C, Chandigarh;
B’lore City

For (8): Send Rs. 100/- by DD favouring “Registrar, University of Roorkee” payable at Roorkee, to Asstt Registrar (Academic) or in cash at counter.

For details, see Employment News, Apr 1-7.

Apr 30 Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, PO Gurukula Kangri, Hardwar 249404, UP

1. MCA (3 yrs)

2. MBA (2 yrs)

Elig:

For (1): Graduate TDC with 50% agg (45% for SC/ST/GKV Grads) with Maths as a subj at 10+2.

For (2): Graduate TDC with 50% agg (45% for SC/ST/GKV Grads)

Age: 20-23 yrs on 30 Sept., 2000.

Entrance Exam: 4 Jun at 3 centres including Delhi.

Appln Form: Send Rs. 140/- by DD favouring “Registrar, Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Hardwar” before Apr 20.

May 02 Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Kashmere Gate, Delhi 110006.

1. MBA-E-Commerce (2 yrs)

2. MBA-International Marketing (2 yrs)

3. MBA-Computer Aided Mgt (2 yrs)

4. Master of Software Engg (3 yrs)

5. Master of Environment Mgt (2 yrs)

6. MCA (3 yrs)

7. MBA (F/T, 2 yrs)

8. MBA (P/T, 3 yrs)

Elig:

For (1)-(4), (6) & (8): Bachelors degree in any discipline (50% agg) with Maths & Eng in Class XII or BSc (Engg)/BTech (50% agg)

For (5): BSc/BSc (Engg)/ BTech/ BE in Civi/Chem/Agri Engg (50% agg)

For (8): 1-yr work exp.

Entrance Test: For (1)-(3), (7), (8): 14 May followed by GD & interview For (4)-(6): 21 May Appln Form: Send Rs. 500/- by DD favouring “Registrar, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University” payable at Delhi along with self-addressed, stamped (Rs. 50/-) envelope (24 x 30 cm) before Apr 25.

Forms can also be downloaded from internet and submitted along with DD.

Also available on cash payment of Rs. 500/- from branches of Punjab & Sind Bank in Delhi at:
Kashmere G, Tilak Nagar, Vasant Vihar, Nehru Pl, Anand Vihar, (Trans Yamuna), Shalimar Bagh, M-Block CP, Gurgaon (Har), Atta, Noida (UP).

MJP Rohilkhand University, Bareilly 243001, U.P.

Apr 28

1) Appl MEd

2) MEd (Spl Ed)

3) BEd (Specialisation in Spl Ed/Educational Computing/Voc Ed)

May 15

4) Master’s in Soc Work

5) PG Dip in Mass Com & Electro Journalism

6) PG Dip in IT

7) PG Dip in TV & Video Prod

8) Advanced PGDCA

Jun 20

9) PG Dip in Yoga

10) PG Dip in Photography

11) Master’s in:
Appl & Clinical Psycho; Appl Philo; Appl Eng; Mass Com & Electro Journalism Detailed Info: Employment News, Apr 1-7.

Armed Forces

June 15 Indian Army, Addl Dte General Remount Veterinary (RV-1), QMG’s Branch, Army HQ, West Block-3, RK Puram, New Delhi 110066.

* Recruitment of Lieut in Remount Veterinary Corps (Short Service Commission) Elig: BVSc & AH or equiv foreign degree. Males-21-32 yrs. Selection: Interview. Appln Form: Send request along with a self-addressed envelope (28 x 13 cm) at above address before May 15.

CARING (Career Information & Guidance), New Delhi