Dated 09th Jun 2004
My English is weak and I want to improve my verbal and writing ability in the language. How do I go about it?
ADITYA MAHESHWARI
Neem Darwaza Bharatpur
The ability to speak clearly and concisely, and to convey information or articulate an opinion is essential for most jobs with internal or external customer contact. A good communicator is comfortable speaking to an individual or to groups. If you wish to improve your verbal skills, is it your speech, your language choice, or presentation style that you want to work on? Speaking or diction courses at private institutes or adult schools will help you speak with confidence. You may also consider an acting or improvisation workshop, especially if fear of speaking is an issue for you. Speaking skill is just as important when you're talking one- on- one, as it is when you are addressing one hundred. There are dozens of seminars on the subject of effective communication, relationship building, sales calling or serving customers. In one day you can begin to change the way you communicate with individuals.
Written Communication on the other hand is the ability to convey your message in writing using proper grammar, a basic prerequisite for nearly every job. Once you are thorough with grammar, you can work to enhance your style.
Institutes also offer courses on grammar as well as writing. Many institutes also teach both creative writing as well as business writing.
You can also visit a bookstore for grammar or self- writing study workbooks. They may be geared toward high school students; however, they are inexpensive, self-paced and portable.
Find someone who is an excellent writer, and ask him or her to be your writing tutor. Ask them to assess one of your writing samples and re-write it together. With a good tutor, you will make quick progress. Go online and search for online writing courses. Check your favourite search engine using keywords such as 'distance learning', 'writing', 'online courses', etc.
List out the names of universities offering MSc Biotechnology and please let me know the admission procedure they follow?
JYOTHI
Agra Cantt(Uttar Pradesh)
A Combined Entrance examination for admission into M.Sc./M.Sc.(Agri.)/M.V.Sc.(Animal) Biotech/M.Tech. Biotechnology courses is conducted by the Jawaharlal Nehru University on behalf of various participating Universities. The Entrance Examination will be held at 55 Centres across the country in the month of May.
Those with a bachelor's degree in the 10+2+3 pattern of education in Physics, Biology, Agriculture, Veterinary, Fisheries, Pharmacy, Engineering, Technology or Medicine (MBBS) with a minimum of 55% marks are eligible to apply for M.Sc. Biotechnology at the following universities.
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, AIIMS, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi; Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, Delhi University, New Delhi; Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi; Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Agricultural Biotech); Anna University, Chennai; Alagappa College of Technology, Guindy, Chennai; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (Agricultural Biotech); Bharathidasan Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tiruchirappali; G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar, UP;
Goa University, Goa (Marine Biotech); Roorkee University, Roorkee; Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore; Cochin University, Kochi, Kerala, and Punjabi University, Patiala.
What are the career prospects for graduates in rural development?
PALANI KUMAR
Siluvathur Road
Rural development graduates can work with NGOs, government organisations, private enterprises, rural industries, cooperatives, banks (NABARD) and financial institutions. Job opportunities are expected to grow with multinationals seeking entry into the huge, untapped rural markets, particularly in sectors such as power, production and industry, agriculture, rural housing, transportation, telecom, automobile, electric and electronics. They can work in rural enterprises as policy makers, managers, analysts and consultants advising on operational efficiency and improvements.
I have read a lot about the dos in interviews what about the don'ts? Could you give some insight into this aspect?
DEBASHISH SAHOO
Cuttack
Interview dos are quite common and so are the interview don'ts.
Being late for the interview! Tardiness is a sign of irresponsibility or disorganisation and the employer could take it as what to expect in the future.
Going unprepared for the interview; saying unfavourable things about previous employers; making excuses for failings; and giving vague responses to questions show lack of career planning. No goals or purpose could convey the impression that you're merely shopping around or only want the job for a short time.
You shouldn't show too much concern about rapid advancement or lay emphasis on money. Your interview goal is to sell yourself to the interviewer and to get an offer of employment. Salary discussion should take a secondary role. Always be open for discussion concerning travel and relocation. The employer may have definite growth plans for the future that may require you to relocate or travel. Never refuse to travel or relocate.
Do not express any reservations you may have about the role/company. You can always turn down second interviews and job offers after you have had time to appraise your concerns in the cold light of the day. Do not demonstrate low moral standards; express strong prejudices or any personal intolerance or leave your mobile phone on during the interview.
ABHIJIT CHOUDHRY
Ghaziabad
Answering this could be tricky in today's culture of job 'hot seating', or if your CV reveals a tendency on your part to move around. You could emphasise your desire to settle down with the right company, and that you feel this is it. Alternatively, throw the question back at them: "Would this company be able to offer me a long term future?" A simple response could be: "I would stay with the organisation as long as I can continue to grow in my career." Be careful not to say, "Until I retire" if you are of mature years. Based upon your age you will have to temper this answer. An alternative answer: "I would stay with your organisation as long as our goals are compatible" is a good and impressive answer.
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
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Opportunities
