Dated October 13, 2005
(Questions answered on career concerns)
What are the career prospects for bioinformatics?
Ashish
Mumbai
The study of bioinformatics opens doors to careers in industry, public research establishments and university research. Bioinformatics graduates have strengths in computing techniques, life sciences, and biotechnology, which equip them for a wide range of careers in industrial sectors. Graduates may find employment with: biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies; companies in the information and communications technology sector; public sector organisations; public and private research organisations; pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; companies dealing with biomedical software development, etc. Job opportunities for bioinformaticians are vast the world over and the long-term prospects are excellent.
They can find opportunities in multinational companies, chemical, agricultural and health-care organisations, R&D organisations, academic institutions, government organisations, software companies and product marketing companies.
There are opportunities to work as scientists, researchers, and software developers, database developers, consultants and trainers and as academicians.
Can you give some interview tips?
Sapna Awasti
Chennai
Research as much as you can about the company - products, services, markets, competitors, trends, current activities, priorities.
Prepare your answers for the type of questions you'll be asked, especially-- why you want the job, what your strengths are, how you would do the job, what your best achievements to date are and so on.
Make sure your resume/CV is up-to date, is looking and reading good! Even if you have already sent a copy to the interviewer take a couple of copies with you (one for the interviewer, one for you and a spare one in case the interviewer brings a colleague into the meeting).
Speak openly and honestly about your goals and how you plan to achieve them. Ensure you have two or three really good and relevant references and check with them to see that they would oblige you when contacted.
Get into an enthusiastic, alert and positive mind-set.
How do I answer the question, `what have you gained from your work experiences?'
Mukund Vaidyanathan
Kerala
Since the employer has already read your resume, avoid simply listing your past jobs. Instead, pick one or two work experiences and talk about them in detail. What were your duties? What particular activities, events or crises stick out in your memory? Use these specific details to think about what you learned while doing that job. You could respond by saying that "My work at the ___________ has really helped me develop my interpersonal skills and learn how to lead people. When I was in ________________, it was up to me to guide my teammates regarding several aspects of the job and this instilled a sense of confidence in me and motivated me to attain my goals."
I am a 29-year-old diploma holder in automobile engineering, working on maintenance of diesel engines for the last 5 years. Though I earn well, I want to shift to the software field. I possess computer knowledge in C, C++, Java but I don't have any work experience. I would like to know whether I could make this drastic career change and work in the IT industry with these qualifications. Or do I have to further enhance my skills. Which companies can I approach for a job? Kindly advise.
Pavan Kumar
Delhi
Leaving a well-paid job to shift to a totally new field would indeed be a drastic change that may not prove to be very fruitful. More so if you are inadequately qualified or have to further enhance the same. Possessing a few diploma courses is not enough to make a lucrative career in IT. A graduate or postgraduate degree in the subject aided with a few other additional courses or project experience is necessary. You can instead take up courses related to your field of expertise, which can prove to be a good value addition to your qualification and serve you better in the future.
In one of the interviews I attended, the panel asked me to define my career goals. I answered but the response was not satisfactory. How does one answer this question?
Umesh Bhat
Banglore
Simply put, definition of goals means looking at "What do I want to be?" and "What am I qualified to do?" The closer there is a match between the two the greater are your chances of getting the job you want. Having well defined goals will enable you to adopt a focussed approach to your job search and not waste time attending interviews for jobs that are unsuitable for you. Next time you can say something like this:
`I would like to set simple goals as far as possible. My earlier tenure with ___allowed me to be focussed on my job. At the simplest level the process which I followed allowed me to set my goals and attain targets at a planned pace, as I know what I wanted to do. By knowing precisely what I want to achieve, I know what I have to concentrate on and improve, and what is merely a distraction. According to me goal setting gives one a long-term vision and short-term motivation.'
By setting sharp, clearly defined goals, you can measure and take pride in the achievement of those goals. You can anticipate progress in what might previously have seemed a long pointless grind.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd. P.O. Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
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