KGiSL Institute of Information Management

MCA Offered by an industry sponsored institute

ADMISSION OPEN 2009-10
Gain 3 years industry experience while you do

MCA Offered by an industry sponsored institute

KGiSL- IIM
IIM Unique Features:
Stipened during project period
10 projects within three years
Part time jobs
Wi-Fi campus
Corporate culture
Laptop for all

Eligibility:
Any Degree with Mathematics at +2 level (or) any degree with atleast one paper in Maths/Business Maths/Statistics at degree level.

How to apply: Application forms can be obtained from the Admission office by sending a demand draft for Rs.300 in favour of “KGiSL Institute of information Management” payable at coimbatore or can be obtained in person at KGiSL IIM by paying Rs.300

KGiSL Institute of Information Management
(Approved by AICTE and Affiliated to Bharathiar University)
Saravanampatti, KGiSL Campus, Coimbatore-641 035.
Contact: 0422-6619936, 6619935,6619960
Email: info@kgisliim.ac.in
www.kgisliim.ac.in

HOTWIRING A CAREER IN ENGINEERING

Dean, Academic Affairs Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

One of the main goals of engineering education is to train individuals to deliver designs that are socially relevant. Modern design is highly inter-disciplinary, supported by strong analysis and mostly involves team effort. A good engineering curriculum for an undergraduate program is fairly broad based.

In fact, the content that is specific to a certain discipline/department is usually no more than 35 to 50 percent of the the total number of credits required for completing an undergraduate program. The curriculum includes generous proportion of courses on engineering and basic science, technical arts, humanities and social sciences, management and overall synthesis and design.

Some examples of the various types of courses are: engineering science —fluid/solid mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical/material/earth/computer science; basic science — physical/mathematical/chemical/life science; technical arts: engineering drawing and visualisation, manufacturing/electrical laboratory.

Students should not get swayed by the popular courses and stick to what they want to doThe choice of a course solely depends on the preference and the liking of the student. A good programme has enough flexibility for the student to take a reasonably large number of electives in inter-disciplinary areas. Super specialisation in a particular discipline is usually accomplished through a masters program via more courses and project/research work.

It should be emphasised that learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. Students internalise values from their teachers and peers. The four pillars on which excellence in engineering education rests are (a) high quality and experienced faculty (b) highly motivated students with good aptitude for learning and application (c) good infrastructure, including well equipped laboratories with skilled and motivated staff and (d) a vibrant environment that fosters open interaction amongst all.

The choice of a good engineering institute is far more important than that of a department. Placement for a student who does well in a program should not be a problem in today’s inter-disciplinary world; an aerospace company certainly needs good material scientists and a steel company, similarly, can absorb aerospace engineers who have a good background in fluid mechanics.

A good university offers immense diversity and exposes one to great minds (teachers as well as peers). Successful completion of the programme opens gateways to higher education, entrepreneurship and employment in organisations that are looking for professionals with a difference.

GAP IT RIGHT

Psychiatrist and Counsellor,Mumbai

Many people are forced to take gap years due to environmental or personal reasons. Marriage, financial constraints, exam preparation and shift in professions are some of the common reasons. Students who wish to study abroad sometimes have to drop a year in order to prepare, both financially and otherwise.

The incentive of immediate job and monetary gains is often the attraction for individuals to take a gap. Many students take a break after their 12th and work in BPOs to earn money and gain independence.

The need for such gap years has also increased due to substantial demands for self growth and discovery. The quick money and a chance to experiment with career choices are big attractions, but after working for sometime many youngsters do realise the importance of higher education and head back to college.

Taking a gap may be a good idea, but what you do with that break is very crucial. Planning a constructive gap can help to go a long way. The ideal thing to do is take up a job which can help you get a practical experience of what you intend to study further. For example, if you want to be a lawyer, try to work at a law firm and gain experience.

This will also help you to make a better career choice and prepare you for the real job. But if the time is not used well the person may end up dropping his/her education completely. Few questions to ask yourself are what you really want to do and where you want to do it. Don’t go ahead without effective planning. Prepare a proper list of priorities and effective strategies for your gap year.

The negative effect of a gap years sometimes leads a person to become a ‘drop out’. Some students feel that it is better to take up a small time job than to get back into the grind of exams and pressure. Many also feel that they have lost the opportunity of doing something better with their lives.

If this gap is not used well a person may go through frustration, anger, resentment and also a feeling of being a failure. Some people resort to negative coping strategies such as drinking, smoking or drug addiction. On the professional front one may end up loosing good opportunities at hand. Effective planning will help in warding off such circumstances.

The gap years have their own pros and cons. Some have benefited, while others have borne the brunt. With gap years students get the time to think of their preferences and pre-plan their next move. Gap years also allow a chance of change and re-do things that required attention.

It gives time for improving family ties, bringing passion back to life, learning self-enhancing techniques and work balance. So, if your risk is calculated and well-planned go ahead and experience the gap. But make this gap a personal or a professional leap.

GOING THE VOCATIONAL WAY

Principal,College of Vocational Studies, Delhi University

Vocational education guarantees students a meaningful and contemporary education.The curriculum is restructured in response to the changing environment and reflects current issues and concerns. It successfully interweaves general education with work-oriented skills and knowledge. It helps in incorporating knowledge of computers, software applications and communication skills, which are basic requirements for any kind of job in the industry today.

There is a need to change the mindset of the people regarding the status of the vocational education and courses. They are considered somewhat inferior. But vocational education is as important and relevant, if not more, as traditional one. They are tailored to meet the needs of the industry.

Vocational studies make youngsters employableThe future will belong to vocational education as a major portion of Indian population is young and it becomes imperative to impart them with relevant skill to make them productive and employable. The pro-vocational government policy will give further fillip to expansion and diversification of this format of education.

Before enrolling for vocational courses the learner should keep in mind his or her interest, aptitude and aim in life. The course should be opted after due considerations and matching of interest with available courses.

Limited options are available when it comes to choosing vocational courses and the colleges offering them. But the trend of diversification of vocational courses has already started and the colleges and universities offering them are also on the rise. One of the drawbacks of vocational education in India is that the possibilities of higher education are rather limited.

To make them more relevant and popular, they should become more student friendly. This means that those who want to work right after graduation should be able to do so, and those who want to take up further studies in similar areas should have interesting options available as well.

SCIENCE COURSES - GATEWAY TO SUCCESS

Head, Dept of Physics and Astrophysics,Delhi University

The main reason for the overall decline of the popularity of sciences courses could be ascribed to the bad teaching at different levels, beginning from the primary level and all the the way up to the post graduation level. Good teachers are either not available or not hired for incomprehensible reasons.

Unfortunately, this happens at all levels in our country. At the university undergraduate level it is often found that a teacher is teaching a subject in which he/she is not actually competent and can be more useful for some other subject.

Mathematical sciences which are a backbone of all basic sciences are often not given enough attention, leading to a decline of interest in basic sciences. The science courses despite their depleting popularity continue to be the foundation stone for multiple careers because the basics covered in science courses are needed almost everywhere and in all spheres of life.

Science courses develop scientific thinkingThe science courses also help students in developing a progressive attitude and a culture of scientific thinking. A student from the science background can establish him/herself in almost all the vocations, even those which traditionally do not belong to their domain. The admissions in management institutes clearly reflect the trend of science students - engineers, doctors and other professionals - moving to new pastures.

Science students can be found in all spheres; be it stock-trading, aviation, tourism, entertainment industry, defence, management, etc. The clear advantage the students have is that they don’t have any restrictions in moving from one parallel to another, making them versatile.

A commerce or a humanities student cannot apply to the sectors which belong to the science stream, but a science student has no such restrictions. A science student can also explore professional opportunities in the field of research, teaching, administrative services, consultancy services, etc.

SPOILT FOR CHOICE

Indian universities were often castigated for not offering student friendly, multi-disciplinary education. But one look at some of the course launched over the past few years, might force you to change that mindset, Now a days, progressive universities such as Delhi University (DU) offer courses which give students the liberty to mix and match seemingly disparate subjects. BA (Programme) is the restructured avatar of BA (Pass).

Job-oriented degrees are the flavour of the seasonWhile the latter was dismissed as a step cousin of BA (Hons) courses, the BA (Programme) deserves greater attention simply because of its liberal approach where one can major in more than one subject. But this course is not an exception.

With each passing year universities across the country have started offering much more flexible and job-oriented courses. Now, one need not go in for vanilla humanities or science programmes. Instead, you can choose a course more or less tailored to meet your demands. For instance, if both business and economics fascinate you, then go in for Bachelors in Business Economics (BBE).

It is offered in several DU colleges and the admission is usually through an entrance exam. In the same vein, a B.Sc in biochemistry or microbiology opens new avenues on the research and job front for those looking beyond pure science courses. Similarly, if it is media that you are interested in, then why wait till postgraduation. Opt for a bachelors in mass communication or journalism.

Some of the prominent colleges offering these are Lady Shi Ram College, Delhi, Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi and St. Xaviers, Mumbai. These courses have been around for some time and are extremely competitive. Even for those in technical streams there are plenty of new options available.

The launch of Chandrayaan has spawned a new generation of space enthusiasts who want to kick-start their career right after school. Indian Institute of Space Science Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, offers B.Tech degree with specialisation in avionic and aerospace engineering.

Several engineering colleges such as IITs and BITS Pilani have now started offering five year dual degrees which enable the students to complete their master’s alongside their B.tech. “These are a great option for students as they can do a concurrent postgraduation and can save a year,” says Pervin Malhotra, career counsellor.

Home Science is another course which has suffered the step-sisterly treatment but deserves a closer look. Placements in industries across the spectrum are usually a cakewalk for these students. “Most of my students realise that no other course gives this kind of a multi-disciplinary exposure and professional competency,” elaborates Anupa Siddhu, director, Lady Irwin College, (LIC), Delhi University.

While career options such as chartered accountancy and company secretary have been in vogue for some time, actuarial science is also gaining popularity. It is emerging as one of the most well paid option within the field of insurance. The course consists of a set of sixteen papers and can be completed over four to five years.

Social work, often looked down upon as a voluntary or retirement option, is now becoming a sought after career possibility. Bachelors in Social Work (B.S.W) can provide a great grounding for this career.

Thanks to the growing awareness and interest in Indian art, fine art courses have witnessed a resurgence in the past few years. Most graduates, when not keen on freelancing, find lucrative career options in the media.

But while most students choose their course with utmost care, subsidiary courses are not given any consideration. But these courses provide a taste of other streams which can ultimately be useful in your career.

“Choose your subsidiaries with your long- term career goal in mind. For an English student who is interested in media a minor in Hindi would help, as it would reinforce his or her bilinguality,” explains Jitin Chawla, Delhi based career counsellor.

But college is not just about studies. It is about gaining soft skills as well. Make most of college by joining add-on courses, participating in extra curricular activities and networking with other universities. When it comes to building a good profile and a resume these initiatives matter as much as the course you pursue.


Course bonanza


Bachelor of Business Economics
Available at: Delhi University colleges such as Gargi College, SGTB Khalsa College, Maharaja Agrasen College.
www.du.ac.in

Actuarial Science
Available at: Actuarial Society of India, Mumbai.
www.actuariesindia.org

B.Tech with specialisation in avionics, aerospace engineering
Available at: Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
www.iist.ac.in

Bachelor of Applied Science (H) Food Technology
Available at: Bhaskaracharya college of applied sciences,
www. bcas.du.ac.in

Bachelor of Science (H) Biomedical Science
Available at: Bhaskaracharya college of applied sciences, DU
www. bcas.du.ac.in

Bachelor of Fashion Technology (Apparel Production)
Available at: National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
www.nift.ac.in

Double Hounours
(a) B.B.A (Hons.), LL.B. (Hons)
(b) B.Sc. Technology (Hons.), LL.B. (Hons.)
Available at: National Law University, Jodhpur
www.nlujodhpur.ac.in

HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A COURSE AND A COLLEGE?

Principal,Miranda House, Delhi University

Celebrate: Board exams are over and it is time to step into the brave new world. University education is a great leveler and in the long run it is not marks but your innate aptitude that will determine success in the workplace.


Unfortunately, the process of admissions is a traumatic game of numbers. It is critical to gather in advance accurate information and be prepared to take decisions tuned to your individual traits, expectations and aspirations. Make use of information available in the media and the internet as you embark on mission admission.

Reality check: One size does not fit all. Think of what you really want to do. Do you want just any job or a specific profession? What gives you joy, beyond the classroom? How would you contribute to your college and society at large? What are your skills, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses? View the answers in the framework of your social support structures and what family and friends say, sifting sage counsel from bias. Create a priority list but do not fret if you find few unambiguous answers to these perennial questions. It takes a lifetime to know.

Course first: Contemporary career paths are increasingly non-linear and often require inter-disciplinary inputs that can be acquired from a wide variety of courses. For instance, if you want to do an MBA, just any course will get you there. Studies in environment and development can be approached from several perspectives. On the other hand, if you want to be a physicist, you do need to pursue physics from the outset. A strong foundation in traditional core subjects will allow you to move later to a wider range of application courses or softer disciplines with ease and greater ability. If the choice of a course is critically important, find the college that will offer this to you. Make sure you check if they have dedicated faculty to deliver the promise.

College first: If you have a special talent or are flexible about what course to pursue, choose a college known for its vibrant commitment to holistic development. Broad-based liberal education in a good college will provide numerous opportunities to discover your interests and develop your innate potential. Choose subject combinations and electives carefully; join add-on courses; participate in extra-curricular activities and community outreach programs; make the most of college life, peer interactions, collaborations, network with other institutions, internships and placements. In the fast changing workplace, employers lay greater emphasis on your portfolio of multi-faceted achievements and soft skills are considered far more important than early specialisation in a particular domain.

Be the change: It is indeed a flat world and no longer is formal education constrained by physical boundaries. Whichever college and course you make it to, have no regrets. The reputation of a college is made by its students and you could very well be the one to elevate it. Do not view the choice of college and course as a make-or-break point that will affect career prospects. The majority of population is able to carve productive career paths in directions quite different from those flagged and coveted at the threshold.

KODAIKANAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Post Graduate study and Research Centre

Affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University
Approved by UGC Under 12B, 2F Status.

Admission Open for 2009-2010
Under Graduate courses and post graduate courses

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B.Sc.(Hotel mgmt & Catering science)
B.B.A (Business Administration
B.Com (Computer application)
B.C.A (Computer application)
B.Sc. (Computer science)

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PG COURSES
M.Sc. (Business and IT)
M.C.M (Media comm..Mgmt)
M.S.W (Social work)
M.F.T. (Foreign trade)
M.Sc. (CS AND IT)

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Unique Features
Free laptop for all students/ Hands on Training/Strong alumni/college of excellence/practical exposure through mini projects/participation at the youth parliament in delhi/ best college awardee of MKU/champions in culturals/Personality development programmes/New value added and value based courses added yearly focusing on current trends/ separate and fully furnished hostels for boys and girls

For further details please contact

The Principal
Kodaikanal Christian college
Paradise hill, Kodaikanal-624 104
Tamil Nadu.

Tel: 04542 242216,17
Res. 04542 241476

Email: info@kcc.edu.in

Website: www.kcc.edu.in