Dated June 14, 2006
(Questions answered on career concerns)
My English language skills are poor and I want to improve both my verbal and writing ability in the language. How do I go about it? Please recommend some books too.
Priyan
Hyderabad
The ability to speak clearly and concisely, and to convey information or articulate an opinion is essential for most jobs. A good communicator is comfortable speaking to an individual or to groups.
To improve your verbal skills, is it your speech, your language choice, or presentation style that you need to work on?
Speaking or diction courses at private institutes or training institutes will help you speak with confidence. Written communication on the other hand is the ability to convey your message by using proper grammar, a basic prerequisite for nearly every job.
You could also visit a bookstore for grammar or self- writing study workbooks. An excellent book that has been recently published on the write usage of language is "Twenty First Century English Guide" by Rangachari Madabhushi.
The book highlights the latest trends in language and can be useful for you. The book is of great help to those who want to improve their communication skills.
What are the career prospects for bioinformatics?
Preethi Jha
Visakhapatnam
A qualification in bioinformatics opens doors to careers in industry, public research establishments and university research. Bioinformatics graduates are qualified 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; public sector organisations; public and private research organisations; pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; companies dealing with biomedical software development, etc. Job opportunities for bioinformatics students are good even globally and the long-term prospects are excellent.
They can also find job 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, software developers, database developers, consultants and trainers and as academicians.
I am a mechanical engineer and wish to pursue M.E/M.Tech, especially in CAD/CAM. What are the job prospects for the same?
Kirtana,
Via email
The term CAD/CAM implies that an engineer can use the system both for designing a product and for controlling manufacturing processes. CAD/CAM is extensively used in fields such as engineering and architecture. Industrial designers can now use computer graphics to do work that formerly would have been done with a pencil and paper. There is good scope for candidates who are certified in CAD/CAM.
Lucrative opportunities exist with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in the automobile and consumers products sector, in their design, development and manufacturing divisions. These companies sometimes outsource work to others who also employ engineers qualified in CAD/CAM. The work here could relate to tool rooms, mould design, CNC machine shops and CAD/CAM consulting. You can also work with companies that provide consultancy services.
Other options include teaching and training, marketing and setting up an independent consultancy. CAD/CAM is used extensively in various industries ranging from aerospace and automobiles to footwear and furniture and interiors.
What is the importance of networking in a job search?
Sateesh K
Kottayam
One of the most effective means of locating a job is through networking. To begin with, put together a list of people who would be willing to assist you-- relatives, friends, faculty, your college alumni, former employers, high school teachers and other professionals. Provide each of these individuals with a copy of your resume and make sure that they are aware of your career goals. Ask these people for names of employers with potential interest in your skills and qualifications. Follow up on all leads. When contacting prospective employers mention the name of the person who provided the lead; this information may make the employer consider your candidacy more favourably.
In addition, you may create a network through people you meet in professional meetings, seminars, or conferences. Following such meetings, be sure to introduce yourself to the speaker and other attendees; ask for a business card before parting company. You should then follow up requesting information or an interview in writing.
What kinds of jobs are available for candidates with an M.Pharm in industrial pharmacy?
Rajesh B
Chennai
Industrial pharmacy offers a wide choice of career options both in large, innovative pharmaceutical companies and smaller support organisations.
With a degree in industrial pharmacy you can apply for posts in industry and hospitals.
Such jobs depend upon the nature of an individual company's business and would typically be in pharmaceutical development functions, such as formulation design, commercial or clinical trial manufacture and supply of drugs. You can also use your industrial knowledge and experience to move into secondary level jobs away from pharmaceutical development, like regulatory affairs, clinical research, commercial manufacturing/quality assurance or medical sales and marketing.
[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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