The Power of Positive Thinking

 -- By  Remez  Sasson

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images that are conducive to growth, expansion and success. It is a mental attitude that expects good and favourable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds.

Not everyone accepts or believes in positive thinking. Some consider the subject as just nonsense, and others scoff at people who believe and accept it. Among the people who accept it, not many know how to use it effectively to get results. Yet, it seems that many are becoming attracted to this subject, as evidenced by the many books, lectures and courses about it. This is a subject that is gaining popularity.

It is quite common to hear people say: "Think positive!"  to someone who feels down and worried. Most people do not take these words seriously, as they do not know what they really mean, or do not consider them as useful and effective. How many people do you know, who stop to think what the power of positive thinking means?

The following story illustrates how this power works:

Allan applied for a new job, but as his self-esteem was low, and he considered himself as a failure and unworthy of success, he was sure that he was not going to get the job. He had a negative attitude towards himself, and believed that the other applicants were better and more qualified than him. Allan manifested this attitude, due to his negative past experiences with job interviews.

His mind was filled with negative thoughts and fears concerning the job for the whole week before the job interview. He was sure he would be rejected. On the day of the interview he got up late, and to his horror he discovered that the shirt he had planned to wear was dirty, and the other one needed ironing. As it was already too late, he went out wearing a shirt full of wrinkles.

During the interview he was tense, displayed a negative attitude, worried about his shirt, and felt hungry because he did not have enough time to eat breakfast. All this distracted his mind and made it difficult for him to focus on the interview. His overall behaviour made a bad impression, and consequently he materialized his fear and did not get the job.

Jim applied for the same job too, but approached the matter in a different way. He was sure that he was going to get the job. During the week preceding the interview he often visualized himself making a good impression and getting the job.

In the evening before the interview he prepared the clothes he was going to wear, and went to sleep a little earlier. On day of the interview he woke up earlier than usual, and had ample time to eat breakfast, and then to arrive to the interview before the scheduled time.

He got the job because he made a good impression. He had also of course, the proper qualifications for the job, but so had Allan.

What do we learn from these two stories? Is there any magic employed here? No, it is all natural. When the attitude is positive we entertain pleasant feelings and constructive images, and see in our mind's eye what we really want to happen. This brings brightness to the eyes, more energy and happiness. The whole being broadcasts good will, happiness and success. Even the health is affected in a beneficial way. We walk tall and the voice is more powerful. Our body language shows the way you feel inside.

Positive and negative thinking are both contagious:

All of us affect, in one way or another, the people we meet. This happens instinctively and on a subconscious level, through thoughts and feelings transference, and through body language. People sense our aura and are affected by our thoughts, and vice versa. Is it any wonder that we want to be around positive people and avoid negative ones? People are more disposed to help us if we are positive, and they dislike and avoid anyone broadcasting negativity.

Negative thoughts, words and attitude bring up negative and unhappy moods and actions. When the mind is negative, poisons are released into the blood, which cause more unhappiness and negativity. This is the way to failure, frustration and disappointment.

Practical Instructions

In order to turn the mind towards the positive, inner work and training are required. Attitude and thoughts do not change overnight.

Read about this subject, think about its benefits and persuade yourself to try it. The power of thoughts is a mighty power that is always shaping our life. This shaping is usually done subconsciously, but it is possible to make the process a conscious one. Even if the idea seems strange give it a try, as you have nothing to lose, but only to gain. Ignore what others might say or think about you, if they discover that you are changing the way you think.

Always visualize only favourable and beneficial situations. Use positive words in your inner dialogues or when talking with others. Smile a little more, as this helps to think positively. Disregard any feelings of laziness or a desire to quit. If you persevere, you will transform the way your mind thinks.

Once a negative thought enters your mind, you have to be aware of it and endeavour to replace it with a constructive one. The negative thought will try again to enter your mind, and then you have to replace it again with a positive one. It is as if there are two pictures in front of you, and you choose to look at one of them and disregard the other. Persistence will eventually teach your mind to think positively and ignore negative thoughts.

In case you feel any inner resistance when replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, do not give up, but keep looking only at the beneficial, good and happy thoughts in your mind.

It does not matter what your circumstances are at the present moment. Think positively, expect only favourable results and situations, and circumstances will change accordingly. It may take some time for the changes to take place, but eventually they do.

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Effective Study Skills - How to Study and Make the Most of Your Time

This web page on study skills, and what some may refer to as study tips, is designed to help you improve your learning and understanding, and ultimately your grades. It is not so large that it would require you to engage in mind-numbing reading of chapter after chapter as is the case with many books on the subject. The information is written in a way to help you "see" and "practice" proven study techniques. This page is used in hundreds of schools and universities and is currently ranked by Google and Bing in the top ten for plain old "study skills" and "how to study effectively" and #1 by Google and Bing  for "effective study skills"'

No two people study the same way, and there is little doubt that what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some general techniques that seem to produce good results. No one would argue that every subject that you have to take is going to be so interesting that studying it is not work but pleasure. We can only wish.

Everyone is different, and for some students, studying and being motivated to learn comes naturally. If you are reading this page, it's likely that you are not one of them, but don't despair, there is hope! Your success in high school and college is dependent on your ability to study effectively and efficiently. The results of poor study skills are wasted time, frustration, and low or failing grades. It's your life, your time, and your future. All I can say, upon reflection of many years as a teacher, is that time is precious and not to be squandered, no matter what you believe right now.

This guide is designed to help you develop effective study skills. It is not a magic formula for success in preparing for tests, or written or oral assignments. Studying any material requires work! However, by using the techniques described in this guide, and by applying yourself, you can gain a valuable edge in understanding material, preparing for tests, and, ultimately, learning. This guide contains some of the best and most effective techniques of successful students - students who typically have high grades in high school and college regardless of the courses they take. So read on, think about what you read, and prepare to become a successful student! If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please send to me.

Effective Study skills are about more than understanding

Effective study skills must be practiced in order for you to improve. It is not enough to simply "think about" studying; you have to actually do it, and in the process use information from what you do to get better. This is the central idea of this page. All that follows depends on this single concept. There is a saying that goes like this: "Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect." If you want to be an achiever, take this saying to heart.

The value of a schedule

Before you even begin to think about the process of studying, you must develop a schedule. If you don't have a schedule or plan for studying, then you will not have any way of allocating your valuable time when the unexpected comes up. A good, well thought out schedule can be a lifesaver. It's up to you to learn how to develop a schedule that meets your needs, revise it if necessary, and most important, follow it.

A schedule saves time

All schedules should be made with the idea that they can be revised. A good schedule keeps you from wandering off course. A good schedule, if properly managed, assigns time where time is needed, but you've got to want to do it!

Making every hour count

A schedule should take into account every class, laboratory, lecture, social event, and other work in which you engage. There are givens such as classes and so on that have to be incorporated. You must focus on the other "free time" available and how you will use it. Make a weekly schedule and block off the 24 hour day in one hour increments. Indicate times for classes, labs, lectures, social, and work time. Also block off a period for sleeping each day. With what is left over, plan time for study. This gives you a rough road map of the time available. Of course, you can revise your schedule as circumstances warrant.

When to study

The problem of when to study is critical. A good rule of thumb is that studying should be carried out only when you are rested, alert, and have planned for it. Last minute studying just before a class is usually a waste of time.

Studying for lecture courses

If your study period is before the lecture class, be sure you have read all the assignments and made notes on what you don't understand. If the study period is after the lecture class, review the notes you took during class while the information is still fresh.

Studying for recitation courses

For classes that require recitation, such as foreign language, be sure to schedule a study period just before the class. Use the time to practice. Sometimes, practice with others can help sharpen your skills in a before-class study period.

Making and revising a schedule

Don't be afraid to revise your schedule. Schedules are really plans for how you intend to use your time. If your schedule doesn't work, revise it. You must understand that your schedule is to help you develop good study habits. Once you have developed them, schedule building becomes easier.

The Process of Study

How to use your time

Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. Don't dribble away valuable time. Avoiding study is the easiest thing in the world. It's up to you to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your success in high school or college depends on this simple truth.

Where to study

You can study anywhere. Obviously, some places are better than others. Libraries, study lounges or private rooms are best. Above all, the place you choose to study should not be distracting. Distractions can build up, and the first thing you know, you're out of time and out of luck. Make choosing a good physical environment a part of your study habits.

Strategies

Thinking skills

Everybody has thinking skills, but few use them effectively. Effective thinking skills cannot be studied, but must be built up over a period of time. Good thinkers see possibilities where others see only dead-ends. If you're not a good thinker, start now by developing habits that make you ask yourself questions as you read. Talk to other students who you feel are good thinkers. Ask them what it is they do when they think critically or creatively. Often times, you can pick up valuable insights to help you become a better thinker.

The SQ3R method

The SQ3R method has been a proven way to sharpen study skills. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. Take a moment now and write SQ3R down. It is a good slogan to commit to memory to carry out an effective study strategy.

Survey - get the best overall picture of what you're going to study BEFORE you study it in any detail. It's like looking at a road map before going on a trip. If you don't know the territory, studying a map is the best way to begin.

Question - ask questions for learning. The important things to learn are usually answers to questions. Questions should lead to emphasis on the what, why, how, when, who and where of study content. Ask yourself questions as you read or study. As you answer them, you will help to make sense of the material and remember it more easily because the process will make an impression on you. Those things that make impressions are more meaningful, and therefore more easily remembered. Don't be afraid to write your questions in the margins of textbooks, on lecture notes, or wherever it makes sense.

Read - Reading is NOT running your eyes over a textbook. When you read, read actively. Read to answer questions you have asked yourself or questions the instructor or author has asked. Always be alert to bold or italicized print. The authors intend that this material receive special emphasis. Also, when you read, be sure to read everything, including tables, graphs and illustrations. Often times tables, graphs and illustrations can convey an idea more powerfully than written text.

Recite - When you recite, you stop reading periodically to recall what you have read. Try to recall main headings, important ideas of concepts presented in bold or italicized type, and what graphs, charts or illustrations indicate. Try to develop an overall concept of what you have read in your own words and thoughts. Try to connect things you have just read to things you already know. When you do this periodically, the chances are you will remember much more and be able to recall material for papers, essays and objective tests.

Review - A review is a survey of what you have covered. It is a review of what you are supposed to accomplish, not what you are going to do. Rereading is an important part of the review process. Reread with the idea that you are measuring what you have gained from the process. During review, it's a good time to go over notes you have taken to help clarify points you may have missed or don't understand. The best time to review is when you have just finished studying something. Don't wait until just before an examination to begin the review process. Before an examination, do a final review. If you manage your time, the final review can be thought of as a "fine-tuning" of your knowledge of the material. Thousands of high school and college students have followed the SQ3R steps to achieve higher grades with less stress.

Reading

A primary means by which you acquire information is through reading. In college you're expected to do much more reading than in high school. Don't assume just because you've "read" the assignments that is the end of it. You must learn to read with a purpose. In studying, you may read the same assignment three or four times, each time with a different purpose. You must know before you begin reading what your purpose is, and read accordingly.

Getting the Main Idea

Getting the main idea in reading is central to effective studying. You must learn what the author's central idea is, and understand it in your own way. Every paragraph contains a main idea. Main ideas are perfect for outlining textbooks. Make it a habit to find the main idea in each paragraph you read.

Extracting Important Details

Extracting important details means that you locate in your reading the basis for main ideas. There is usually one important detail associated with every main idea. The more important details you can identify, the easier it will be to review for examinations because you have made a link between an idea and information that supports it. The more links you can make between details and ideas, as well as ideas themselves, the more powerful will be the efforts of your study.

Don't Read Aloud to Yourself

Generally, reading aloud to yourself does not help you study more effectively. If you move your lips while you read, you're not reading efficiently. If you read aloud or move your lips while you're reading, you are reading slowly, so stop moving your lips. Try putting a finger over your lips. Your finger will remind you not to move your lips. Make an effort to read faster and retain more - after a while, you'll be surprised how little effort it will take.

Taking Notes

Like reading, note-taking is a skill which must be learned and refined. Almost invariably, note taking, or the lack of it, is a constant deficiency in the study methods of many high school and college students. Learning the ingredients of good note taking is rather easy; applying them to your own situation depends on how serious you are in becoming a successful student.

Where to Keep Notes

You must learn to keep notes logically and legibly. Remember, if you can't read your own writing a few days after taking notes, they are of little use. By all accounts, the best place to keep notes is in a loose-leaf notebook. Use dividers to separate the different classes you take. Make it a habit of using your notebook to record ALL your notes. If you're caught without your notebook and need to take notes, always have a supply of loose-leaf paper with you. Insert your note papers into the notebook as soon as you can. Be sure to buy a good notebook, as it will get a lot of wear and tear.

Outlining Textbooks

First of all, don't underline. Use a highlighter. Experience has shown that text passages highlighted are more easily remembered than the same passages underlined. In outlining a text, don't just read along and highlight what seem to important words. That technique rarely works. The act of outlining works much better.

Taking Lecture Notes

Surveying, Questioning, Listening

Taking accurate and concise lecture notes is essential. Develop the habit of taking notes using appropriate methods described earlier in the SQ3R technique. For example, when you listen to a lecture, formulate questions as you listen. Your main job in taking lecture notes is to be a good listener. To be a good listener, you must learn to focus and concentrate on the main points of the lecture. Get them down, and then later reorganize them in your own words. Once you have done this, you have set the stage for successful reviewing and revising.

Reviewing and Revising

As you prepare for examinations, tests, or other assessments, you should spend time reviewing and revising your lecture notes. Begin the process by reviewing your notes right after a lecture. If you wait too long, you may discover that the notes just don't make sense. Don't hesitate to revise your notes based on the review process.

Research Notes

Any form of note-taking that requires compilation of information by categories, rather than in narrative form is best done using index cards. You can sort, edit and arrange index cards to suit your particular study needs. The most important point in using cards is to indicate the correct reference or topic at the top of the card. Use the cards for study, review, to help organize information for papers, reports, or projects. An even better idea, if you have a personal computer, is to organize your categorical information in a database. Once you set it up, finding, updating and adding new information is quite easy. If you have a printer, you can print out your notes in a variety of ways.

Taking Examinations

Objective Examinations'

Surveying

Survey any objective examination to find out what types of questions are being asked. Surveying helps you to know what to expect.

Knowing the Ground Rules

Always read directions! Indicate your answers exactly the way the directions state. Make sure your answers are clear. Determine what the scoring rules for the test are and follow them to your advantage. For example, if wrong answers are penalized, don't guess unless you can reduce the choices to two.

Answering Easy Questions First

Answering easy (to you) questions first is the best strategy. If you stumble over difficult questions for too long a time, you may not be able to complete the exam.

Picking out Key Words

Objective examination questions usually contain one or more key words. A key word or group of words are those on which the truth or falsity of a statement hinges. Learn to spot the key words in the statement that define the meaning. If a statement contains two clauses, one of which is false, the whole statement is false. Usually, two-statement true-false questions are either both true or both false.

Reading Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple choice questions are essentially true-false questions arranged in groups. Usually, only one alternative is correct. Your job is to pick the alternative that is more nearly true than the others. Read multiple-choice questions the same way as for true-false. Eliminate obvious false choices.

Reading Other Types of Questions

The methods used to answer true-false and multiple choice questions apply to matching questions as well. Always scan the entire list of alternatives before matching any. As in the other types of questions, try to identify key words in each list and test them. Completion questions require you to provide a word or phrase. When you encounter completion questions, choose your words carefully. If you don't know the answer, give it your best guess, as often times such responses get at least partial credit.

Essay Examinations

Planning your time in answering essay questions is more important than in objective type tests. The general rule is not to get carried away on one or two questions to the extent that you cannot answer that other questions in the time allowed. Read through the entire examination first. Get a feel for the questions you are expected to answer. If the exam allows you to choose from a number of questions, be sure to number your answers exactly to match the questions.

When you follow directions for an essay exam, pay attention to the key words the instructor has included. Such words as "list," "describe," "compare and contrast," and "outline" have special meaning. Don't "write around" the question but answer it directly. If a question asks you to list something, don't write a narrative about it. Answering essay questions directly is always the best policy.

After scanning the list of questions to be answered, choose the ones you know most about. A good idea is to prepare an outline of your answers. The outline will help you remember important ideas and facts to be included in your response. Another technique is to do a "memory-dump." This technique is discussed in the last section of this guide, "Power Study Tips."

Good handwriting is an absolute essential. If your cursive writing is very hard to read, try printing instead. Most instructors value clear handwriting. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling also count. Well-written grammatically correct answers almost always receive higher grades than poorly written grammatically incorrect answers, even though the answers themselves are the same.

Writing Themes and Reports

Reviewing the Topic

Students usually have some freedom to choose the subject of themes or reports. When you make this choice, be sure that the topic is acceptable to the teacher, and is as interesting to you as possible. Another consideration is that of availability of resource material. Your task is made much easier when there is a good amount of reference and resource material available.

Using Correct Punctuation and Grammar

As in writing essays questions, good grammar and punctuation are a must. Most students use word processors to write papers. Be sure to use the spell checker that almost all word processors have built in. Many word processors also have some sort of grammar checker. Learn to use a grammar checker, as it can point out serious flaws in your writing and help you become a better writer. Most grammar checkers explain the grammar rules that apply to the suggested corrections to your writing.

Gathering Materials Before You Write

Before you begin writing, assemble the materials you will need. Use index cards, notes, bibliographies, summaries, reports and reviews as part of your preparation process. Using index cards for references is an excellent way to organize your materials. Computer database programs can also help you classify and organize reference materials.

Preparing an Outline and Writing the Paper

Once you have your topic, have gathered and organized your materials, it is time to outline your paper. Put your outline on paper! Don't make the mistake of trying to keep everything in your head. Make your outline in the form of main headings or ideas with sub-headings fleshing out the flow of the paper. Using the outline as a guide begin writing begin by asking yourself what the paper is going to say and what conclusions you want to reach. Doing this ahead of time will help keep you focused and prevent you from straying from the purpose of the paper. Making up the outline as you go along almost always results in a less than satisfactory product. Writing is important in high school and is a key to success in college and in many professions. Become a good writer by writing, revising, and reviewing your work. Don't be afraid to ask other students to critique your work. Try to write in your own natural style, be aware that most good writers go through many revisions, and be prepared to do the same. Writing and test-taking are the end results of developing good study skills. There is no magic formula for success. If you follow the suggestions in this guide, apply them and think about them, you'll have taken a giant step toward becoming a successful student.

Power Studying Tips for College Students

The following tips have proven to be extremely powerful guides for organizing, thinking, studying, and learning in college. They represent the best advice of successful college students. They can also work for high school students.

Study Space

Tip: Your study space should be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Avoid studying in noisy places such as cafeterias, recreation rooms, or lounges.

Tip: When studying, keep a waste basket handy.

Tip: Have a consistent place for everything, and above all, keep it there!

Tip: Have everything needed for studying handy beforehand. Don't waste valuable time looking for books, notes, of other information. After you have assembled the items you need, put them where you can reach them easily.

Study Habits

Tip: Begin studying no less than 30-90 minutes after a meal.

Tip: Never study within 30 minutes of going to sleep.

Tip: Prioritize! Make a list of what you intend to study, prioritize the list, and stick to it!

Tip: If possible, study no more than 30-40 minutes at a stretch. Many students retain more by studying for short periods with breaks in between. It all depends on what you're trying to study, but generally, after a period of study, take a break.

Tip: Take study breaks away from your desk or wherever you are studying. Let the break be a time to think about other things. Use some break time to reflect, not constantly review what you have just studied.

The Classroom

Tip: Distractions in the classroom are deadly. To help avoid distractions, sit near the front of the class. You're less likely to miss something important, and there are far less distractions at the front than any other location.

Tip: Think! Thinking is one of the most important things you can do in class. If you just sit there passively, and not think, class can be deadly. Think about what the teacher is saying BEFORE writing down anything. Writing down each word is a WASTE OF TIME. Reorganize in your mind what the teacher says, and then write it down. This way you will be connecting the teacher's words with HOW you think. If you do this, your notes will make a lot more sense later on.

Tip: Pay attention to the course outline or syllabus. Generally, important points and materials are referenced here and repeated. Don't be afraid to ask the teacher if there is something you don't understand. Most teachers will be glad to clarify for you.

Preparing for Class

Tip: Efficient students do not underline! Underlining is not a productive way to emphasize textbook material. It's best to use a highlighter.

Tip: Read the table of contents of your texts carefully. If the textbooks have chapter summaries, read them first! If you don't understand the material from the summaries, go back and highlight. Take notes on what you have highlighted and review your notes. Tip: Break study material into short segments of length dependent on its difficulty. Remember, concise notes are more powerful than copious notes. Think about the material! Then take notes on what you don't know or are not sure of.

Test Taking

Tip: For essay examinations, try the "memory dump" technique. If permitted, write down everything you've memorized - facts, names, dates, ideas, events, and so on BEFORE you do anything else. Sometimes reading through the essay questions can distract you from what you've studied. The "memory dump" technique requires that you write down everything possible BEFORE you begin writing essay answers. This way, you are less likely to forget something important.

A Final Word

The study skills presented here depend on one thing, and that is your willingness to WANT to improve and do well in school. If you really don't want to make the effort and sacrifice, no amount of suggestions, ideas, or outlines can help much. You are the one who is responsible for your education, and effective study skills can help you. To that end, one last word of advice -- work smart, not hard.

-- Dr. Bob Kizlik

Are you 'Employment Ready'?

 India is the world’s second largest producer of engineering and technical graduates. Annually, over 50,000 technical graduates pass out of hundreds of educational institutions that are spread across the country. Unfortunately, many of these graduates are not immediately ‘employable’ (which is not the same as them not getting jobs). Several independent studies have highlighted this problem. For instance, the oft-cited Nasscom-McKinsey study has revealed that more than 75% of these technical graduates are not ‘employment ready’, and even worse, only about 5% of them are actually ‘ready-to-deploy’. 
A graduating student who is 'employment ready’ is one who has acquired the basic skills that a technical professional should have in place, like, problem solving, communication, interpersonal skills and working knowledge of the technical domain, and therefore, considered ‘ready to be hired’ by the industry. A ‘ready-to-deploy’ graduate is one who is equipped to be deployed on projects and can generate revenue for the company. In the IT / ITES industry, to bring ‘employment ready’ graduates to a state of ‘ready-to-deploy’, most organizations spend around 3-4 months, training them at a cost of over Rs. 2 lac per employee. In tough times like this, that is a cost most companies would like to reduce, and hence, they increasingly scout for ‘ready-to-deploy’ human resource. 
Over the last two decades or so, the number of educational institutions imparting technical education has grown by leaps and bounds. However, and even in spite of the sector being over-regulated, many of the newly set up institutions of technical learning have failed in keeping up the education standards set by institutions like the IITs and the NITs. In several colleges, teachers are paid only a fraction of what industry offers to a person with similar qualification and have very few avenues for professional growth. This acts as a deterrent to good talent joining the teaching profession. To compound this problem, often there are no systems in place to reward or punish on the basis of the output quality. Only a few private educational organizations have invested in producing quality output. Also, there is hardly any horizontal movement between industry and academia. Perhaps, given these factors, the huge variation between the expected and the actual quality of technical resources coming out of Indian educational system need not surprise us. 
There are fundamental problems at the design level as well. The curricula followed at our universities and colleges are often outdated with hardly any focus on the requirements of the industry. While the fast changing economic scenario has brought new career opportunities to fresh graduates, our courses and programmes have failed to keep pace with these developments. While engineering education is supposed to develop key skills such as problem solving and process manipulation, bulk of learning in our institutions is centered around passing the exams that rely on rote-memorizing the content. This not only kills the joy of learning, but also produces students with sub-optimal skills. 
Most people expect the Indian economy to start its recovery by the end of 2009. A study by PurpleLeap, (a pioneer in entry level skill management) projects a real demand of about 70,000 freshers from the IT industry in 2010. Given the excess supply of graduates in 2009, the competition for jobs will be really fierce in 2010. Students who do not meet the expectations of the companies on all parameters are unlikely to get hired. 
To avoid being overlooked by potential employers, students of technical courses need to invest in skill building and meet the industry expectation. Primarily, they need to focus on developing transferable skills – skills that are applicable across industries. Transferable skills comprise three broad categories of skills: thinking, behavioural and interaction skills. 
Data shows that nearly 70% of our technical graduates do not have the minimum requirement of thinking skills to be employable. For almost half of these students, the gap between the desired and actual levels is so huge that they are considered ‘hard-to-train’ by the industry. On the positive side, an improvement in information processing skills and problem solving skills will double the number of employable graduates. It also means that while communication skill is necessary, it is not sufficient to make a student employable. 
Today, there is professional help available from IT Finishing Schools and the like, to help students acquire these skills in a scientific manner under professional guidance. Engineering Colleges themselves are going all out to make sure that they don’t lose out on the shrinking ‘Campus Placement’ numbers. Specific efforts by colleges include; operating active Training & Placement cells, alumni involvement in getting students ready for placements, involving professional organisations in setting up finishing schools inside college campuses etc. Students just need to be aware and care enough to look out for every ‘skill enhancement opportunity’ that is available inside or outside campuses and make optimum use of the same. 
Apart from upgrading problem solving, communication and technical skills, it is also a good idea to try and be prepared for specific roles in the industry. It would be a good idea to target a particular role and attain technical and functional expertise for that role itself. For instance, students wanting to make a career in software engineering should make sure that they know the relevant technology (say programming using Microsoft platform) and the processes and tools that they are supposed to work on in their first year of work-life. 
Students can overcome the effects of today’s gloomy business environment with an appropriate career plan that involves some level-headed thinking about realistic choices in the short-term, coupled with appropriate investment of resources in acquiring employment skills. Be it in terms of skill enhancement or targeting the right kind of companies, any choice that enhances an individual’s professional value is bound to yield results over a period of time. No recession lasts a life-time! 

(The writer Mr. Amit Bansal is the CEO of PurpleLeap) 

Career after Graduation – Current Trends in India

Graduation is a watershed in one’s career as rest of the professional life of an individual is guided by what career he/she chooses after graduation. Though a lot depends on the personal taste and choice of an individual, there are various career options after graduation. Right from the field of science and engineering to tourism & hospitality to fashion designing, career options after graduation are plenty.

Career After Graduation

Completion of Graduation is very crucial in one’s career. From here a general graduate (Arts/Sciences/Commerce) can choose any of the career options available to him. There are many government jobs open to graduates like in Railways, Public sector Banks, Defence, Police and Civil administration. However more lucrative scopes are available in private sector in terms of remuneration and other facilities in the face of liberalization and globalization.

As there are many career options available to a graduate, he may have some confusion to choose the right one. This page can guide him to choose a right career path.

Sales and Marketing

Growing consumerism has thrown up a lot of opportunities in sales and marketing. Graduates can directly join as sales and marketing executives in several companies be it food and beverage, manufacturing, IT or other service providers. With the development of e-commerce telemarketing is also a good option. Here earning is very lucrative which includes salary, allowance and also incentives.

Management

MBA is the most promising career option after graduation. It throws up jobs in the fields of finance, personnel management, sales-marketing and international business. Graduates have to qualify entrance test like CAT/XAT/MAT/FMS/IIFT/SNAP conducted by the concerned institutes. Remuneration of management graduates ranges from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lac per month or even more depending upon qualification and experience. 

CS/ CA/ CFA/CWA

After graduation one can enter into professional courses like CS/ CA/ CFA/CWA. Such courses are offered by several institutes in India. After completion of courses one can work in public and private sectors bank, industries, MNCs, corporate houses, media houses and with many more organizations. These professional are highly required in the cut throat competitive economy thus their remuneration is very high. After some year of experience one can also start consultancy in this field.

Computer Courses: MCA/Animation/Web Design

IT revolution has opened up several job opportunities. Here one can work as computer operator, programmer, software professional, animator and web designer. Courses relating to such areas are offered by several universities and private institutes. Rather than joining any companies one can also work as independent service provider. Remuneration here generally varies between Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per month. 

Mass Communication And Journalism/Advertising

Proliferation of media houses has opened up many opportunities for graduates who opt for Mass comn and Journalism. One can work as correspondent, reporter, anchor, columnist and radio jockey in print/electronics/web media houses. Advertising is also a promising career option to graduates. Courses in Mass comn/Journalism/Advertising are offered by several universities and private institutes. Besides there are also distance learning programmes. Earning in this sector is highly lucrative which generally ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per month.

Hotel Management

Hotel Management is a favoured career option in India. Graduates can do Post Graduate/Diploma courses in hotel management offered by public and private institutes. After such qualification they can join catering services of hotels, restaurants, airlines, shipping companies, railways, clubs, offices and many more. The average pay package here lies between Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000 per month.

Travel and Tourism

Travel and tourism offer multiple career options to graduates. To enter this sector all they need is a course in tourism management/development offered by several public and private institutes. They can join tour and travel companies, tour agencies, airlines and hotels. Besides they can also work as independent tour guides and travel agents. Remuneration here depends upon quality of services and customer satisfaction. 

Civil Aviation: Air Hostess/ Commercial Pilot

Career in civil aviation is quite promising which requires professional training for Air Hostess and Commercial Pilot. Only science graduates can be enrolled into commercial pilot training whereas air hostess training is open to all graduates. After training jobs in public and private airlines are open to them. Remuneration varies here which ranges between Rs 25,000 to 2 lacs per month depending upon nature of job and kind of employers.

Social Work

Proliferation of developmental agencies and NGOs has made social work a promising and remunerative career option for graduates. They can be enrolled into this course which is offered by several universities and private institutes. Several developmental agencies and NGOs including international one are waiting these professional with lucrative pay packages. Besides, there are ample self-employment opportunities available in social work.

Law

Graduates also can start their career as a legal professional. After completion of LLB/LLM courses they can work as lawyer or legal consultants. They also can join judicial services by qualifying competitive exams conducted by public service commissions. They can also work independently as a consultant in legal matter. Here remuneration is quite lucrative after having some purposeful experiences.

Banking & Finance

Career options in banking are abundant as it is one of the fastest growing services in India. Banking and Finance offers graduates jobs in public and private sector banks, insurance companies and stock exchanges. The  jobs for graduates in this sector includes Probationary Officer, Clerk, Accountant, Auditor, Development Officer, insurance agent and stock brokers. Through competitive exams one can enter into bank’s jobs. For insurance and capital markets one has to complete (NCFM) course offered by NSE. Generally remuneration here is something between Rs 8,000 to Rs 30,000 per month which may vary depending on the kind of job, nature of  employer, your qualification and experience.

Library Science

With the information revolution Library Science is now emerging as a promising career option for graduates. They have to go for a degree/diploma courses in Library Science. After that they can join public or private library, museum, art galleries and publishing and media houses. Generally Library Scientists’ pay package ranges form Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 per month which may vary at times.

Teaching: B.Ed

Teaching is a prestigious and remunerative career option. Graduates require going for a Teacher’s Training/B.Ed programme after graduation. After this they can join government and privates schools of various levels. For teaching in collages/universities one has to complete post-graduation along with NET. Besides, a teacher can teach in private tutorials and coaching institutes. He can start his own coaching institute. Remuneration of teachers varies from Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000 per month which may vary under different conditions.

Defence and Police Jobs/ Civil Services/ Forest Services/Railways Jobs

Graduates can enter into defence jobs through CDS exam conducted by UPSC. They also can compete for various paramilitary/police services jobs for which exams are conducted by SSC of central and state governments. For graduates another promising career option is Civil /Forest /Economic services. These exams are conducted by UPSC. Indian Railways also opens up various non-technical jobs for graduates like TTI, Goods Guards and Station Master for which aspirants have to qualify the competitive exams conducted by the concerned railway boards.

Film and TV: Acting/Production/Direction

Film and TV career has all the money, name and fame and celebrity status. After having a degree/diploma courses in acting/production/direction/editing/ cinematography/choreography/photography one can join film studio, production houses and advertising agencies. Onecan also start his career as independent producer, director, editor, cameraman, sound engineer, lighting crew, assistants and so on. One also can be a lyricist/playback singer/music composer if he has some inborn quality along with proper training. In terms of status and remuneration sky is the only limit in this field.

Modelling

Fabulous earning and instant popularity are the main features of modelling career. Graduates can take up this career after having some basic training. Most importantly one should have natural physical attributes to be a good model. Models can get opportunities in advertising agencies, showrooms, production and media houses. Besides they can enter into music albums, TV programmes and even into Bollywood.

Designing

Graduates also can start their career in designing as a Garment/Jewellery/Foot Wear/Interior designer. All they need is to do a professional course in the concerned subjects form any of the institutes. After that they can work with some organisation or start their own venture. Here remuneration depends upon the popularity of the concerned person and his/her innovation.

Beauty Care

Graduates can start their career in the field of Hair Style/Beauty Therapy/Massage/Make-up/Herbal Beauty Care specialists. All they need to do some basic training in the concerned field. After that they can join beauty parlour, fashion and advertising houses, film and TV industry, cosmetic industry, health and fitness clubs. Besides they can start their own beauty parlour/salon/massage centre/health or fitness club. Earning here depends upon personal quality and innovation.

Medical Transcription

Medical Transcription is basically an outsourced job form foreign countries. Graduates require a short duration training to start a career in medical transcription. Besides this they should good hearing ability and knowledge about foreign phonetics. Remuneration in this field ranges form Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 per month depending upon experiences.

Content/Technical Content Writing

Graduates can directly apply for content writing jobs available in travel agencies, media and publishing houses. For technical content writing jobs they need some training which is of 3-6 months duration. Generally pay package of Content/Technical content writers varies between Rs 8,000  and  Rs 35,000 per month.

BPO/KPO

BPO/KPO provides numerous job opportunities to graduates. All they need is to do some short duration training. Those who have excellent communication skill in English need not require this training. BPO/KPO jobs are easily available in metro city and other major cities in India. Remuneration normally ranges between Rs 8,000 to Rs 30,000 per month depending upon personal quality and experiences.

Entrepreneurship

Self employment is the best option available to a graduate. All he needs is some initial capital investment and the killer instinct of an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship provides the widest opportunities to excel in career. Earnings in self-employment can’t be estimated because it can be anything between 0 to last natural number. Most importantly one can work at his will and convenience.

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HOW TO PREPARE FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

With the global financial crises having a cascading impact on the global economy, the job market too has been gloomy. In such an environment, it is even more important for aspirants to do well in campus interviews to grab the jobs they desire.

And being mentally fit and alert is important to be able to do well in interviews. It will also mean that you will be mentally prepared to handle interviews that have very short notice periods.

A few things to remember

1. Ensure that the resume has been checked for typos and is structured in a way that makes it easy to read. Highlight your skills and experience relevant to the job.

2. Interviews are used as a tool of judging whether you fit the job as well as the company.

3. Know yourself, inside out. Only when you understand yourself completely can you make the panel understand you.

4. Take time to understand how you want to project yourself during the interview.

5. Everything you say or do makes an impression whether positive or negative. Be it the way you sit, the way you talk or your choice of clothing. Everything matters!

6. Remember, an Interview is like a sales pitch in many ways. So ensure that you present yourself well.

Preparing for the unexpected

In some interviews you may be asked to solve a case-study. You can be asked to give an impromptu presentation or recite a poem. Or, you may get the silent treatment from the panel or a stress interview may come your way. You can even be asked to leave the room.

Whatever happens, be mentally prepared for any eventuality. These situations give the panel an opportunity to assess how you behave in stressful or unexpected situations. They just want to get to know the real You. They want to find out if you can handle the job, if you are interested in the company and if you are the person they want to have during tough and stressful times.

Stay calm, remain positive and think logically.

Before the interview

Research the company

Being well informed about the company and industry provides you with a competitive edge. It also conveys a clear message to the interviewer and that is:

1. You are career oriented and want to build a career within the industry

2. You understand the intricacies of the industry

3. You are wholeheartedly interested in working for the company

Read up as much as possible about the company and the industry. You can also talk to people who work in the company or the industry to get a first hand feel about what drives the company and the industry.

Appearance

First impressions are made within the first few minutes and are very important for a successful interview. Most employers prefer candidates wearing formal attire (Indian or western). Dress soberly and neatly. It is better to be conservative in the choice of clothes. Avoid flashy clothes or strong perfumes. Jewellery should be at a bare minimum.

Have your clothes ironed and keep it ready in advance, so that you do not waste time in selecting a dress on the day of the interview. This also avoids last minute problems like a stained shirt, wrinkled tie, missing buttons or unpolished shoes.

Looks matter! Pay a visit to the salon, to get an appropriate haircut. Trim your nails. Remember, a professional look is the first step to making the great the first impression.

The interview tool-kit

The day before the interview, collect all your material and keep them in a file. Keep extra copies of your resume. Carry letters of reference, reference list, transcripts, certificates, other supporting documents, passport size photos, a writing pad, pen and a calculator.

Relax

Ensure that you sleep well the day before the interview. Stay calm and relax; only when you are relaxed will you do well.

During the Interview

1. Stay focused; put away any worries

2. Switch off your cell phone before an interview starts

3. Eye contact conveys confidence

4. Introduce yourself clearly with your first and last name

5. Smile at appropriate times

6. Take time to understand the question and then answer it. It is not a question of how fast you answer but how well you answer

7. Be expressive, talk crisply and slowly. Do not mumble, stammer or use a monotone

8. Keep the answers to the point. Avoid rambling

9. Be forthright and direct. Do not be evasive or beat around the bush

10. Never lie in an interview

11. Never blame or badmouth anyone during an interview

12. Never argue, always give polite responses

13. If you do not know the answer be frank, admit it

At the end of the interview

Generally, the panel will indicate the end of the interview by asking: Do you have any questions for us? Use this opportunity to ask intelligent and relevant questions, to summarize your skills & experience related to the job and indicate your interest in the job.

Conclusion

It is essential to be confident in an interview. If you have practiced your answers and done your homework, most of the questions can be answered without difficulty. Ensure that you take the time to understand what they are looking for by asking the question. Remember to study the relevant topics before the interview. If you have an interview for an equity research position, know what has been driving the markets, who are the major players, etc. If you have an interview for a marketing position in a FMCG company know what has been the recent trend, what new products have been launched recently, etc.

Keep in mind why you want to go into the industry (Telecom, Banking, Auto, etc.), why you are interested in the job and the company. Make sure you have a good grasp of the basic concepts and convince your interviewer that you have the capability and interest to learn the more complex aspects of the job.

Finally, ensure that you dress and act professionally. Show up on time and make eye contact throughout the interview.  All the best.                                                   

–  Rohit Daga