Dated 6th November, 2002

My son is pursuing BE in Instrumentation & Control. What are the career prospects for the same in India and abroad? Will knowledge in software enhance his prospects?

Abdullah Masood

Via e-mail

The career prospects for control and instrumentation graduates are excellent as they are in high demand in a wide range of industries such as: Oil refining and gas-processing; the petrochemical industry; paper and steel manufacturers; food processing and water management; power plants and offshore exploration. Furthermore, with broad based technical and computer application skills, he can also find employment with: Computer manufacturers; IT companies; the telecommunication industry and business sectors.

I had recently applied for the post of an assistant manager with a concern where there is a written test on reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English & computer aptitude. Could you enlighten me on the bit regarding computer aptitude, what it means and whether it related to knowledge of the subject or practical application?

Suresh Babu

Via email

The computer aptitude test is usually administered to assess how `tech-savvy' you are. This test measures your natural aptitude for computers and problem solving. It does not test your other abilities (creativity, for example). http://www.computeraptitude.com/sample-cat.htmlis a sample for the aptitude test.

Iam a commerce graduate with a one-year diploma in computer from Aptech. I am fresher and wish to join a call centre. Please tell me how best to answer questions such as these during interviews: (1) What can you contribute to enhance productivity of the company? (2) Why do you think you are suitable for this job?

Amit Bhatia

Nagpur

You should be quite cautious in answering such questions. Your responses should be tempered with the right amount of enthusiasm and practicality. Emphasise the fact that you are interested in the position and relate answers to the job. List your strengths and relate them appropriately to the position you have applied. Take care to highlight traits such as good communication and people skills, positive attitude, etc. These are some of the qualities and traits that are looked for in applicants for call centers.

The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management Ltd, PO Box No.2178, Secunderabad-50003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com.