Commerce without Maths


 



I have just appeared for my class X exams. I want to take up commerce when the school allots subjects to us. But I want to take economics instead of maths. Is it the right thing to do?



 



Most students opting for commerce study both maths and economics because career prospects get better with this combination. If you want to pursue a career in the software sector, we suggest you take up maths with commerce, as maths is a prerequisite for appearing for entrance tests like BIT, BCA (both after XII) or MCA (after graduation) of a reputed colleges. The entrance exams to these courses have questions of the level of higher secondary maths. If you are not keen to do maths, you can join a professional course at NIIT or Aptech. But comparatively, the job prospects then may not be as bright. However, if you are bent upon pursuing economics, you should do an MBA degree.



Career opportunities in software are immense as some of the best placements are possible in the software industry. Among the top recruiters are Microsoft, Infosys, Tata Consultancy, etc.



 



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Career in the Insurance Sector


 



I am a commerce student, now in class XII. I want to make a career in the insurance sector. Where can I get insurance education?



 



The process of deregularisation has benefited the insurance sector immensely and a number of multinational companies have started operations in India. As a result, job opportunities in the insurance have also increased. There is scope to join the insurance stream right after class XII – you can do licentiate after school. But there are some courses which will require graduation.



The Insurance Institute of India is the premier institute in the field of insurance education. It has an expensive network of associated and affiliated institutes throughout India and abroad.




  • Insurance Institute of India



      E-mail: insfeder@bom5.vsnl.net.in



      Course offered: Licentiate, associateship, fellowship.



      Eligibility: 10+2 (for licentiate), licentiate (for associateship), associateship (for fellowship)




  • College of Vocational Studies



      Course offered: BA. 



      Eligibility: 10+2




  • Kurukshetra University



      E-mail: kuk@doe.ernet.in



      Course offered: BA in actuarial science and insurance



      Elgibility: 10+2 




  • Actuarial Society of India



      Course offered: Actuarial science.



      Eligibility: 10+2 (with maths)



Besides courses at the undergraduate level, there are institutes offering courses at PG level too, like Annamalai University, Birla Institute of Management Technology, New Delhi, National Insurance Academy, Pune, and Amity School of Insurance and Actuarial Sciences, Noida.



 



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Improving English


 



I am a final year student of physics. After graduation, I want to do MBA from an IIM. But I find it as my English and GK are not good. Please tell me what can I do.



For admission to IIM, you will have to appear for CAT. But that will test your reading comprehension and verbal ability. Your proficiency in grammar, word usage and verbal logic will also be put to test. English will also be useful in the interview and group discussion.



To improve your English, read at least one newspaper daily. You should concentrate on five sections- the front page, business pages, world news, editorial page and the op-ed page. Make notes about each article you read, noting down new words, usage of words and phrases. Newspaper reading will not only increase your speed, it will also improve your general awareness.



Apart from that, read good books to improve your vocabulary. One such book is Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. Also go through current affairs magazines do not hesitate to speak in English. Don’t expect that your English will improve overnight. Only sustained efforts will help.



 



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Dad or bridegroom ?


 



My parents have been divorced for 10 years now but they see each other often. I have been living with my mother ever since. However, my father has now decided to remarry. Now while I know that he is well within his rights to do so, I feel its a sort of cheating.



I agree that there had been a lot of acrimony between my parents earlier on but now I feel they have been able to evolve a nice arrangement in which both meet each other without any bitterness over previous quarrels.



However, if my father marries again, it will disturb this arrangement and then there will be no scope for any relationship between the two. How can I help retain the status quo? I feel very disturbed about the new development.



I can understand your predicament. However for 10 years they have lived separately and you have lived with your mother. You had no problems. Perhaps you feel concerned that your father remarrying you may not be able to meet him as often as you do now. Perhaps you don’t want your father to remarry at all. From your letter I cannot understand the real issue. If you don’t want your father to marry again, you could talk to him and find out the reasons for this action. Then you could express your own feelings and apprehensions about the issue. I am sure he will be able to arrive at a solution. Maybe you can talk to your mother, who may be knowing more about this matter and then come to a decision.



Once you know the facts and the implications, I am sure you will feel at ease because then it will be easier to accept reality with understanding.



 



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Course in Dairy Technology from New Zealand?


 



I want a science student from Ujjain. I want to specialise in dairy technology from New Zealand because I have heard that their courses are reputed. I have plans of setting up a unit close to Ujjain. Can you please give me the details about the course?



It’s good to know about your entrepreneurial zeal. New Zealand is a country where the population of cattle far exceeds the population of human beings. No wonder, dairy technology is a thriving business there. As a natural corollary, the dairy technology courses in this country are also amongst the most reputed and well-developed. Here is a list of universities:




  • Lincoln University,



      Email: macraed@lincoln.ac.nz



      www.lincoln.ac.nz



     Offers a four-year degree programme.




  • Massey University 



      Palmerston North,



      International Students’Office



      Email: B.C. Graham@massey.ac.nz



      www.massey.ac.nz



      Offers a one-year graduate diploma;



      and one-year PG diploma




  • Waikato Polytechnic, Hamilton



      Email: international@twp.ac.nz



      Offers a short-term course.



 



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I can’t stop thinking about what the future holds for me.



The fear of failure is making you edgy. There is no reason why a good student like you will not do well at the class 12 exams. As you have rightly realised, there is still plenty of time before you come face to face with the reality of the exam. It’s time that you told yourself that negative thoughts do hamper performance.



Worrying about the exams and wondering whether or not you will do well is the cause for anxiety and headaches. Since you are hassled you will only think about failures. As a result, you will be distracted and find it difficult to focus on your studies. You will find it difficult to remember all that you read. This in turn will cause more anxiety and panic. This sets off the chain reaction and you begin to forget and feel miserable, all over again. The only way to overcome these headaches is to learn to relax. Try the following things:




  • Relax all the muscles of your body, loosen them up and sit in the most comfortable relaxed position possible in a chair or a reclining one. You may even lie down in bed. During this period don’t think of anything. Empty your mind of any thoughts.

  • Take a deep breath. Inhale slowly until you feel a beautiful pleasant feeling inside your head. This happens when the oxygen goes to the brain. Now slowly exhale while continuing to relax.

  • Repeat this slowly and in the most comfortable way for around five to six times. Do keep your eyes closed during this exercise.

  • Gradually, open your eyes and get back to your sitting posture. You will feel like a new person. Your head will feel light and wonderful. The negative thoughts would have vanished by this time.

  • Now pursue your work at a pace that suits you. You can then take a five-minute break. If you feel tense again, return to the exercise. Otherwise, resume work right after the break.

  • Organise your course and lessons in such a manner that you complete the easy sections before moving onto the difficult areas.

  • Whenever you have a doubt, mark the lesson and keep it aside to seek clarifications from your teacher.

  • During all this, don’t think about next year’s exam. Focus on your work. Do not worry about the results.



         Adopt this strategy with a bit of discipline and very soon you will see your tension and anxiety disappear.



 



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Not Just Glamour


 



I am introvert, How can I go in Hospitality industry?



 



To be successful in this profession you need to have a pleasing personality, outgoing temperament and be adaptable. Being an introvert does not mean that you cannot be successful in this field. There are certain departments like front office, which require goo interpersonal skills. But you can join any function, such as food and beverage, housekeeping and so on. One quality that is very essential is grooming. Leading hotels even have a manual stipulating dress code and hairstyle- down to the type of earrings and bangles that are permitted.



 The test is designed to measure your general mental ability, analytical ability, numerical aptitude and English language ability.



The interview will test how well you can communicate and how pleasant you are in various circumstances.



 



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Is the course curriculum and teaching pattern in foreign universities too tough to follow?



Indian students accustomed to mugging up textbooks and reproducing them in exams will have to gear up for new way of learning. Foreign universities expect students to be analytical in their approach. Instead of just applying formulas and information, they are expected to produce reasoning and theories of their own. Critical thinking and questioning is appreciated, unlike in India, where exact reproduction of classroom lectures fetches you marks.



 



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Why can’t I work more than 20 hours per week while studying abroad?

Representatives of foreign universities have one lament about Indian students: the moment they get out of the flight they announce, ‘I want a job.’ But the purpose of your going abroad is to study, not to earn. Keep it in mind that you cannot cover the cost of your studies by taking up work. That will only partially cover your extra expenses



 



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How can I get a visa if i wish to take admission in foreign universities ?



Even when students have got admission notice from a foreign university, their chances can be marred on account of denial of visa. This is perhaps the toughest stage to clear. The authorities are very strict in issuing visas and try to judge your attention of going abroad, do you have enough finances and are you proficient enough in English to understand the language as it is spoken in that country. Of these three criteria, the toughest part will be trying to convince the authorities that you intend to come back upon the completion of the course.



 



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Can I get a scholarship in foreign universities?


Scholarships are very difficult at the undergraduate level. Most scholarships are given at postgraduate level and these demand excellent academic standards. Britain gives arguably the largest number of scholarships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These can either cover all costs (tuition, accommodation, airfares and books) or can be partial scholarships. Some scholarships like Rajiv Gandhi Cambridge Bursaries, Chevening Shared Scholarships are for Indian students, while for some international scholarships, Indian students must compete with other international students to get them. The complete list of British scholarships is available with the British Council.



The USA also gives full or partial awards, based on need, merit and potential of the student. Thus, for example, Indiana University of Pennsylvania gives University Tuition Scholarship for undergraduate degree, which is only a partial tuition waiver for the course. The complete list of scholarships is available with the USEFI.



In Australia, it is very difficult to get a scholarship at the undergraduate level. However, a large number of scholarships are available at the postgraduate level, based on merit. The scholarships cover tuition fees. However, a few scholarships do exist for undergraduate students, like Beaufort College Scholarships for Class XII and Curtin University scholarships for undergraduate studies.



 



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Why do most foreign universities ask for a statement of purpose?


 



How else do they judge your personality sitting thousands of miles away? From the mission statement, they can gauge your character strengths, your career goals, and where you want to be in life. This will help them decide whether you would be the right candidate for their university or not. The mission statement can be a small, one-page matter. But it should be impressive. Don’t write it with a carefree attitude. Write everything about yourself. Tell your background, the reasons for choosing the subject and the university and state your career goals.



 



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What are the language requirements? What tests do I have to undertake? ...In regards of admission in foreign universities.


 



Students keen on joining foreign universities should prove proficiency in English. American universities require a score of 550 in the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), which tests the ability to understand American English through a multiple-choice format examination. The test is conducted in March, June, September and December.



British institutions require proof of English proficiency, which can be obtained by taking the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), administered by the British Council, or the TOEFL. Australian Universities ask for an IELTS score of 6 ton 7 or TOEFL score of 550. In Germany, not only is a TOEFL score required, but a German proficiency test, Test DAF, is also required.



Those of you who are keen on joining a graduate programme in engineering, physics, chemistry or maths will have to show Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The test can be taken three times in a year: April, November and December.



 



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What qualifications, documents and references do I need to get admission in foreign university?


Foreign universities look for outstanding academic record. Students applying for an undergraduate degree programme should have good 10+2 scores. Students keen to join a postgraduate degree or diploma course should have performed very well in their graduation. Besides academic record, certificates in sports, debates and other extracurricular activities are always an added advantage because foreign universities look forward to students with all-round personality, who can contribute to the college.



You will need to get reference letters from your teachers, who can write an impressive personality statement for you. You might be asked to produce a certificate of financial status, signed by a chartered accountant.



 



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At what levels do foreign universities absorb students?


 



Most of the foreign universities admit international students at both the undergraduate level and for postgraduate degree courses. The US universities, however, admit students to their postgraduate programmes if they have completed four years of graduation. French state universities take international students both for graduate studies and for postgraduate studies. The German universities and institutes of higher learning (Fachhochschulen) also welcome international students for their undergraduate degree programmes.



In Australia , Indian students can apply for a bachelor’s degree with Honours (four to seven years), Bachelors (three to six years), advance diploma (three years), diploma (one to two years) or certificates I-IV if they have done their 10+2. They can apply for Master’s degree, graduate diploma (one to two years) or graduate certificate after they have done their graduation.



 



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