Dated 05th Mar. 2003

I am a postgraduate student of theology (Religion). I would like to know whether it is necessary to go through the exam conducted by UGC to get the post of lecturer in a university despite having a PhD?

STANY. F

Kerala

The National Eligibility Test (NET) certifies you as a lecturer. This certification will, in the future, enable you to work anywhere in the country. Although you may find employment with private institutions without it, the NET conducted by UGC gives you at an advantage. Alternatively, you can qualify at the State Eligibility Test (SET) conducted by University of Pune. Nevertheless, a PhD will favour you during selection for the post of a lecturer.

I want to improve my spoken English skills. How do I do it?

PADMA

Alangudi

The best way to improve your communication skills is, of course, to speak in English as often as possible.

For most non-native speakers problems can arise when they are using English to communicate.

You can follow certain tips to overcome them.

Make effective use of speaking opportunities.

2.Read books written in English and those that have a lot of conversation pieces.

3.Listen to news bulletins over the radio or television. Try to repeat the news as it is read by the newsreader. That will give a flow to your speech.

4. Watch English films and listen carefully to the speech of characters in different situations.

5. Speak in English with your friends.

What are the career prospects in the field of industrial safety?

LASHIRAM

Delhi

Most jobs in safety science involve health and safety at work. The role of the industrial safety officer has evolved into that of an occupational health and safety professional whose responsibilities encompass all activities relating to people's health and safety.

Increasingly this career will involve environmental risk management and perhaps even general risk management areas.

Graduates in industrial safety can work in a number of fields such as: safety, ergonomics, biomechanics, occupational hygiene, risk management,toxicology, safety and environmental management and safety engineering.

How does one prepare an electronic CV?

JAWAD AHMED

Hyderabad

Curriculum Vitae - The C.V. is technically not a resume, but rather a two - to four-page summary of academic experience, research, publications, conferences and papers. Doctoral-level candidates and academicians mostly use it.To create an electronic version of your CV, use a full text document, which can be e- mailed to employers.

Make sure you follow the guidelines: neatness, presentation, typos, language and grammar, length, and organisation.

Use various typefaces, bold, capital letters and bullets for emphasis and variety. Experiment with the font, choosing one that provides enough white space to enhance readability.

Mail a hard-copy of your CV, especially since it may be scanned into a database once it reaches the employer.

What are the career prospects for MBL (Masters in Business Law)?

BIPIN KUMAR

Via email

Though private legal practice is a popular option for most law graduates, other openings are with the State Judicial Service, Judge/ Advocate General's office/law cadre of the defense services and various public and private sector firms. Persons with MBL have many job opportunities with banks, industries, private firms, insurance companies, factories, etc.

They can be consultants offering their services to clients on environmental law, intellectual property rights, international trade, taxation, investments, contracts including government and engineering contracts.

They can work as legal advisors, law officers, legal assistants etc. They can also work as arbitrators and mediators.

How can one become a dynamic person? How can I break my goals into doable tasks?

HARIHARAN

Tamil Nadu

A dynamic individual is one who is in control of his actions, is alert, energetic, highly motivated and mentally agile. He is a change agent and can at times inspire or motivate others to act. Look into areas of your personality and life that require improvement.

Boost your motivation levels, take positive action, do things on time, be alert and updated. This should help you bring about a positive change in your attitude towards yourself, life and its problems.

To improve the incidence of goal achievement, break them up into short-term and long-term goals. Goals should be very specific. Set about achieving it in a piece-meal fashion, one step at a time.

To illustrate, if you have to prepare for a job interview, divide your task into time slots and begin your preparation process much ahead of the real interview. The first day gather information about the company, the second day, list out probable questions, the third day rehearse your answers, body language etc.

Be sure to set a deadline for the goal, as well. Give yourself the gift of tangibility in the goal you set. Visualise yourself achieving your goal in your mind.

When you feel overburdened, break the goal into still smaller tasks, but avoid giving up halfway or without giving it your best shot.

The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd, PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003, or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com.

STANY. F

Kerala