Dated 29th Jan. 2003

How do I go about starting a business and how do I pool my finances?

Mathews

Mumbai

To set up a business, more than just education, entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen are useful. To become a successful entrepreneur, you must have a working knowledge about the business you plan to start. Analyse the market and try to work with someone already established in the same field to gain enough experience and confidence so that you can start your own business without much difficulty.

Managing financial resources is important to sustain under the financial pressure of a new business. You will need to manage the initial investment on your own plus have sufficient cash to maintain a positive cash flow for at least the first year. You can control risk by placing a limit on how much you invest in your business.

What are the career prospects for agricultural meteorology?

Ashutosh Mishra

Faizabad

Agricultural meteorologists provide weather bulletins for farmers, crop yield forecasts and agrometeorological advisories. Prospects for meteorologists are very favourable. With technology gaining and weather forecasts becoming an important source of averting disasters and even conducting business, private meteorological firms are expected to employ more meteorologists. The scope for meteorologists who wish to teach in colleges and conduct research is also good.

What are the job opportunities for political science?

Kartik

Bhubaneshwar

Most of the job opportunities related to political science require an advanced degree. Teaching is a popular option and those with a Ph.D in political science find numerous opportunities in the field of education. Opportunities exist outside of academia too, with - public affairs organisations, civil services, research organisations, consulting firms, politics, etc. These posts do not however require someone with a Ph.D. in the subject. Graduates could also look at joining the media as political journalists, analysts and researchers.

What are the career prospects for social work?

Pradeep Anandaraj

Trichur

Social workers work with schools, hospitals, homes, government agencies and in the community. They may also work with residential welfare centres and courts. Social workers are employed in a wide range of community and group care settings providing services for most social groups. They work within the administrative framework and jobs are provided by government agencies, municipalities, and national / international voluntary organisations. Teaching, research and consulting are other work options for a social worker. Trained social workers may work for union or state governments and several other voluntary organisations. Social work as a profession is based on a commitment to social justice, equity, respect for diversity, and critical thinking.

Please guide me on certain common issues such as how to behave, what to talk and how to present oneself, during interviews.

Sivaramakrishnan

Via email

Some basic tips you ought to keep in mind for an interview are -

Preparation - list and prepare probable questions and answers before your interview. Research the company so that you are familiar with what they do.

Documents - Carry extra copies of your cover letter and resume. One for you to refer to, and an extra one in case your interviewer has misplaced his copy.

Presentation - Present yourself confidently and shake hands firmly.

Relax! Try not to sit ramrod straight, perched on the edge of your chair. However, avoid slouching. Don't act too familiar. Be careful with humour, everyone is different and you don't know what your interviewer finds funny and what he or she doesn't.

Skills and traits to concentrate on -

Punctuality - It's better to be early and have to wait around, than to make your interviewer wait for you.

Honesty - Be honest. It's better not to either exaggerate or play down your skills and talents. Emphasise your strengths and work at letting your interviewer know what makes you such a good candidate for the job.

Listening - Be a good listener. Avoid interrupting, and wait till the interviewer finishes to state your point.

Attire - Dress professionally. Conservative business attire is the safest and most acceptable.

Questions - Be sure not to ask unintelligent questions! Which implies not asking questions, to which you can find out the answers through research unless it's to confirm a point. Allow the questions to flow according to the context, glancing at your list only to refresh your memory or fill a long pause in the conversation.

Eye contact - Maintain eye contact with the person you are talking to. Be open to new questions and points raised during the interview.

What salary can a fresher expect at the time of joining a company?

Jyothi

Via email

Each company has its own rules and pays a certain salary at each level. Since you will be at the entry level, you can expect to be paid at the relevant rate.

Typically, a business graduate or a professional should expect around Rs 1,00,000 per year.

This could be more or less depending on the size and reputation of the organization.

The Faq column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management, PO BOX-2178,Secunderabad-500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com