7 important tips to crack JEE main in first attempt

 Students from all around the nation who want to take the IIT examination this year must succeed in the JEE main. One of the most challenging tests offered each year in India is this one. Before exams, applicants' nerves frequently get frazzled. Basically, this test happens every year in the month of January. A student must adhere to a few fundamental and easy strategies in order to pass the exam on the first try. Although these steps are very straightforward, they nevertheless require frequent attention and practice to be successful in the test. So let's get into the specifics of what advice a candidate has to follow in order to pass the JEE exam.

Jee mains Syllabus:-

Students must thoroughly understand the JEE SYLLABUS for the entrance examination in order to pass the test. The rationale is because the question paper is set each year based on this curriculum.

Marking scheme & paper pattern:-

Knowing the paper pattern is crucial to effectively passing JEE Main. The most important aspect to consider when preparing for the test is the marking scheme, the sorts of questions, and the weighting of the marks according to the themes. The confidence of the individual before the exam may be readily increased by administering rigorous mock exams based on the paper patterns.

Study Material:-

Prior to the exam, it is crucial to have the proper study materials. The rationale for this is that it might assist you in receiving the appropriate exam coaching. To provide you the best preparation advice, it must comprise NCERT books, previous year's exam questions, and sample test modules. There are certain websites available nowadays that can provide you free online study materials to help you with your preparation.

Give stress on theory:-

In essence, the JEE question bank combines both numerical and theoretical problems. The majority of JEE questions are often found to come from the theoretical parts rather than the numerical ones. If you are able to adequately prepare for the theoretical portion, it will also be quite simple for you to comprehend the questions in the numerical portion.

Keep your basics clear:-

The most important factor in passing the JEE test is this. If your fundamental ideas are unclear, you might become caught in the middle and lose time. As the JEE test has a set time restriction, time management is crucial in this situation. To prevent exam time loss, proper planning and a good understanding of the subject matter are essential.

Make Notes for each chapter:-

You can recall the concepts more easily if you make useful notes. You may thus review it in the last hours before the exam and increase your confidence. Expert judgement can also be extremely important in this situation at times.

Analyse the previous year question papers:-

To prepare for the JEE test for the first time, it might be wise to analyse the past ten years' question papers. You will get knowledge of the exam's level of difficulty from this, and you can then simply plan out how to perform well on the test.

4 Important Tips For Using Social Media For Job Hunts

 Since its debut, social media has become much more than just a way to stay in touch with friends and family online. In recent years, it has developed into a useful resource for job searching that many prospective employees still continue to underestimate. In fact, many recruiters like to check out the job searcher’s LinkedIn profile, and hiring managers admitted that they were okay with being contacted by potential applicants via LinkedIn.

Social media may be an effective job-search tool for anyone, whether a recent college graduate or an experienced professional seeking a new opportunity. It can play a significant part in developing your career and finding your next job. However, to make the best impression, it is important that you keep certain things in mind. The following tips can be beneficial if you haven't been using social media for job searching.

Maintaining a Professional Profile

It's important to maintain a professional presence on popular social media platforms, in addition to having visible profiles on those platforms, if you plan to use social media for job searching. It's almost certain that hiring managers will look you up online and find your social media profiles when you're actively looking for work.

Take advantage of these platforms to showcase your knowledge of the industry; share important news stories, post facts and other useful information, etc. This can also assist in the growth of your professional network, which will make you look more noteworthy to potential employers as more people start to be using you as a reference for a particular subject or sector.

Keep Up With Industry News

Just as recruiters can uncover information about you on social networks, remember that you can also track what they are doing. Learn more about the company's areas of expertise, recent projects, and any other information you may be able to gather from their networks. You stand to benefit greatly at the interviews you appear for if you have done thorough online research as part of your preparation

Share Online Portfolio/CV

Create a customised blog, online portfolio, or social media profile to display your work so as to leverage social media successfully during your job search. A simple website or blog showcasing your articles could be created if you aspire to become a journalist, for instance. You may quickly point prospective employers to your greatest work by building an online portfolio, and you'll be able to impress them with your abilities. This can include things like your professional website, online portfolio, client websites you've worked on, and other websites that showcase your skills and experience (like ones where you've contributed content as a guest contributor).

Networking

Build connections with individuals who work at companies you are interested in working at or who have similar interests and experience in your field. Start up a casual conversation and get to know one another on a professional level instead of just asking around for employment opportunities. Expanding your career network requires you to develop these business connections. Once you have them in your network, you might be the person they think to approach first when there are suitable opportunities.

3 out of 4 hiring managers will look up a candidate's social networks, as per studies, which have also revealed that many organisations use social media for hiring these days. Even if you aren't a regular user of social media, you should think about creating one or more social media profiles when you are seeking employment. Even if nothing else, it can show prospective employers that you have the technical know-how and are aware of current online and social media trends.

Never undervalue social media's ability to showcase your skills, provide companies with a glimpse into your personality, and help you get employment. And most importantly, be yourself! Authenticity will give you a significant advantage over the competitors in the challenging job search market of today.

Source: The Telegraph, 28/11/22

Career in space science- Introducing students to the exciting discipline of astronomy

 Be it children or adults, the starry skies and the mysteries of space have always fascinated humans. Since time immemorial, humans have tried to figure out their place in the universe and understand the movement of stars and planets which influence our lives in so many ways.

This interesting subject helps us understand our planet in the context of the universe. In ancient times humans were under the mistaken belief that the earth was the centre of the solar system and it took Copernicus coming along in the 15th century to claim that it was the Sun which was at the centre and the Earth revolved around it. Galileo later confirmed this theory in 1632.

Many people confuse Astronomy and Astrology but here is the definition: Astrology contends that the position of the constellations and planets at the time of a person’s birth profoundly influences their destiny. Astronomy, on the other hand, is a scientific discipline with an aim to get a complete understanding of our universe and our place in it. The basic elements that make up the stars are the same elements that make up our bodies. There are so many intriguing questions to which researchers are still trying to find answers.

Astronomy is an exciting field of science but unfortunately, it is not taught on a large scale. It is not a mainstream subject in schools all over the world. However, investing in science education, research and technology can yield great benefits for the human race as a whole. The world’s most influential entrepreneurs like Elon Musk are investing in the space sector/space tourism. Numerous technological advances also have their base in Astronomy like GPS, wireless internet and medical imaging.

The direct benefits of research and development in Astronomy can be seen in several areas that impact our daily lives. Whether it is communication satellites or personal computers, cell phones or global positioning systems, MRI scanners or solar panels, Astronomy has had a vital role to play in each of these applications. Astronomy has always been used to measure time and seasons and navigate the oceans. The vast and complicated universe has sufficient secrets that are yet to be revealed and would be of immense interest to budding young scientists who delve into research in this subject. Astronomy can also reveal the potential threats to earth from outer space with the likes of Space debris, asteroids and blackholes. It also includes studying the Sun, which has a great impact on the climate of the Earth and the water levels.

Students who have been taught Astronomy or Space Science at a primary or secondary level are more likely to pursue these courses at an undergraduate/postgraduate level. The need of the hour is to promote awareness about astronomy as an exciting science discipline at grassroots levels to inculcate an interest in students. Astronomy has a tangible impact on diverse industries and it would help students to understand the prospects of exciting career options that astronomy has to offer.

While Astronomy is a fascinating field of study in itself, an astronomy major will gain expertise in a wide range of subjects like physics, maths, computer science, problem-solving and critical thinking. This gives them a wide range of career options within and outside the physical sciences. Astronomy majors can opt for positions related to aerospace, engineering, computer science, mathematics and environmental science or become rocket scientists. Astronomy majors mostly get employment as faculty or researchers at universities, government labs and observatories while some move to private industries.

Space science education is a promising segment that has a lot of potential in the future. It is a field worth looking into as it gives students the scope to explore something exciting instead of opting for the obvious choices. It would be heartening if the education ministry of India considers the introduction of Astronomy as a mandatory subject at the primary/secondary school level to introduce students to our exciting universe.

Shivam Gupta

Source: The Telegraph, 25/11/22

Career as an HR manager: Education, top colleges, skills, responsibilities and more

 A workforce is what makes a company successful. The (HR) Human resources are the department that looks after the people who work for the company and its operations. An ideal HR professional has to adapt themselves to a working environment where they are required to solve problems, coordinate, and assess achievements along with handling the company’s culture.

With the changes in the way of working and employee-employer relations, the role of a Human resource manager or an HR manager is beyond just performing administrative tasks and headhunting. They are responsible for bridging the gap between management and employees. In other words, Human resource management (HRM) is the strategic approach to managing people in an organisation effectively.

Educational requirements for beginning a career in HRM

Pursuing a career in HRM starts by you meeting the basic eligibility criteria. HRM courses are usually provided at the postgraduate level in India, particularly with an MBA. However, there are multiple options available for someone who wants to prepare for this career right after their 10 +12 or during their graduation.

However, remember that it is not necessary to come from a non-technical or technical background. Possessing specific skills and having relevant industry experience is now being given more importance than degrees. There are also several online websites that offer courses in HRM, which provide the relevant knowledge and experience required for pursuing a career as a human resource manager.

Top Indian colleges providing courses in HRM

In India, graduates commonly opt for an MBA with a specialisation in HR. The course usually lasts two years and includes a mandatory internship, often followed by campus placements. Graduates looking to become HR managers can check out colleges or institutes that offer this programme.

Here are the top ten MBA colleges in India that offer specialisation programmes in HR :

1. Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur
2. Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon
3. SVKMs NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) Mumbai
4. Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai
5. International Management Institute (IMI) Delhi
6. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi
7. University Business School (UBS), Panjab University, Chandigarh
8. Xavier Institute of Social Service Ranchi
9. Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata
10. International School of Business and Media, Pune
    

Skills required for HR professionals

To succeed in a career like Human Resource Management a person has to have the knack for understanding human relations. They should excel in moulding their operational style according to different people as and when necessary. Additionally, an HR professional should focus on people development and come up with strategic planning for the same.

Following are some key soft skills that are required from a human resource manager:

• Organisation skills
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Problem Solving
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Communication

Major responsibilities of HR professionals

An experienced HR professional provides leadership and direction to ensure the company operates efficiently. Apart from interviewing and hiring new employees, they create training and development programs and supervise the operation of the other departments as well.

Here are some of the major responsibilities of a human resources manager:

• Improve the organisation's human resources by planning, implementing and assessing human resource programs and policies
• Bridge gaps in the relationship between the employees and the management by addressing complaints
• Look after the recruitment and selection procedure
• Conduct training programs for new and current employees
• Liaise with different departments to understand staff shortage and create a job vacancy portal
• Make sure there is a positive and safe work environment for everyone to work
• Manage workplace grievances, disciplinary and termination procedures
• Provide training to junior HRs.

HR Manager salaries

The remuneration for an HR manager depends on factors such as years of experience, certifications, skill sets, education and location. The pay scale varies from company to company but in India, on an average, an HR manager makes nearly 3.6 LPA per year.

A human resources manager or HR manager is an important person in any organisation, one who is responsible for creating a holistic work environment and fostering a healthy employer-employee relationship. Often, they form the framework that keeps the rest of the set up work smoothly.

Aditi Gupta

Source: The Telegraph, 9/11/22

Study in France: Opportunities, Courses, Scholarships and more

 Sitting near the Eiffel Tower working on your college assignments and eating a croissant. Sounds dreamy? Well, it doesn't need to be a dream! French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, on her recent visit to India, said that the government in France was looking to increase the number of Indian students studying in France to 20,000 by the year 2025.

France is one of the most sought-after destinations for Indians to pursue higher education whether in fashion, business or art. If you are aspiring to become the next Marie Curie or Jean Luc Godard or Vera Wang then France is definitely the place for you!

But before you study in France and live your dreams, it is important to have an in-depth knowledge of the education system, cost of living, scholarships, etc. Read on to find more information…

French Education System

In France, there are more than 3,500 private and state institutions offering degrees and certifications. Comparatively speaking, public universities are cheaper than private ones. International students can enrol in undergraduate, postgraduate, doctorate, diploma, and applied science programmes at French universities and colleges. Additionally, there are numerous diploma, applied science, and certification programmes available. These programmes typically last one to two years.

Typically, sessions start in September or October. Both English and French are used during instruction, which means that it is imperative that you learn basic French before you join the courses to get the best out of the course. International students who choose to enrol in English language courses must demonstrate their language skills through exams like the IELTS and TOEFL. With some of the world’s highly esteemed colleges, France has one of the best-rated educational systems in the world. Many of them also offer distance learning and online courses to international students, though the experience is definitely not the same.

Study in France: Cost of Education

When it comes to studying abroad, France is a low-cost and highly sought-after place for Indian students. In fact, with the aid of fully-financed scholarship programmes, deserving Indian students can also receive a 100% tuition fee remission. The fee, however, varies according to the programme, university, and specialisation type, with public universities charging a fraction of what a private university would charge. The living costs also vary, based on which city you are living in. The college you apply to will be able to help you with ballpark figures that help you chalk out a budget and financial plan.

Study in France: Scholarships for Indian students

There are numerous scholarships available in France, making higher education more affordable. France is well regarded for its quality education and academic infrastructure in addition to being a popular tourism destination. And these scholarships supporting bright foreign students' gives you an opportunity to experience it. Here are some of the popular scholarships available for Indian students.

• Charpak Scholarship
• The Erasmus Scholarship
• Ministry of Higher Education Scholarships for doctoral students
• Eiffel Scholarship Excellence Programme
• Foreign Ministry Scholarships

Also Read: 6 Essential Tips to make the best of your study abroad experience

Study in France: Popular Courses

Due to its top-notch educational system, France is a favourite study abroad destination for international students. There are suitable undergraduate & postgraduate courses available for students with various backgrounds and expertise. Check out some of the most popular courses that students apply for, both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Study in France: Top Institutes to Study

France has a wide variety of educational institutions where you can study, including universities, major Ecoles (schools) and business schools. Many of these rank among the top universities in Europe and the world. Check out the top 5 institutions to study in France.

1. Sorbonne Universitè
2. University of Paris
3. University of Bordeaux
4. Strasbourgh University
5. ENS Lyon

If you are willing to enrol in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme that offers - a chance to study under a better pedagogical system, a chance to learn a new language and explore a new place, and a chance to land a job overseas, and of course, a stint abroad - France might be just the option for you. And of course, with the government encouraging the intake of foreign students, your chances are only going to get better!

Source: Telegraph, 16/09/22

Career as a Career counsellor; what does a career counsellor do?

 Who is a career counsellor

Once we enter into our professional lives, we spend a lion’s share of our day engaged in our work. Hence, choosing the right career and starting on the journey as early as possible are of the utmost importance. Your interests, skills, values, personality, background, environment, every such thing contributes to your career development. Apart from that, there are also other factors that make a difference. Career counselling is a process that helps you understand both yourself and the corporate world. Armed with this knowledge, you can choose the right courses to study or jobs to apply to for success.

Career development is not simply restricted to deciding where you will work post your graduation. Its wider purpose is to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need for making your future career bright.

What does a career counsellor do?

Career counsellors are trained to help people make the right career choices. Whether the person is new to the workforce or or is looking for a career change, a career advisor can steer them in the best possible direction.

These professionals analyse the candidate’s complete background, interests, education, skills and personality so as to understand what would be the best fit for you. Then then use the information to steer them towards the best educational options as well as job opportunities, depending on their requirements.

As a career counsellors, you must have in-depth knowledge of the skills required in various fields, as well as the ability to gauge a person’s soft skills through various means of assessment. After assessing clients, you will then match them wih jobs that match their skill levels, interests, qualification and of course salary expectation.

As a career counsellor, you will also be in a position to advice the candidate on key factors that affect their choices - such as how much salary and what perks they should expect, how they should approach an interview, what extra curriculars they should take up alongside their studies to land their dream job, etc.

Here are some of the things that good career counsellor do as a part of their job:

• Conduct personality and career tests to assess the client's skills and areas of interests
• Identify career opportunities and educate clients about those options
• Provide references to different programs like training opportunities and educational programs
• Assist clients in finding good internships and jobs opportunities
• Train clients to crack interviews by conducting mock interview sessions with them
• Advice them on what they should expect out of a job or a course, and how it fits into their ultimate career goal

Career counselling scope in India

With new technological and social developments happening every day and the lines between traditional professions blurring constantly, it is not easy to pinpoint one profession that a person should opt for. With numerous and often confusing channels of information, people always pfer to turn towards well-trained career advisors to clear the confusion and provide clear actionable advise. Career advisors should, thus, be very familiar with market trends so they can greatly contribute to career development at the individual level.

At over 350 million, India has the largest student population in the entire world. Understandably, there is a need for career counsellors for guiding these students as they progress through their academic careers. With more and more students willing to start the discussion about a career at an early age, the need for career guidance is rapidly growing.

As a direct result, the market for career assessment, advisory and counselling services in out country is only projected to grow, creating more room for competent career counsellors to enter into the market.

Click here to know Nidhi Nagori's take on career counselling

Online Courses

Career counselling is an industry that anyone can enter into - the only prerequisite needed being people skills and having a real passion to help people change their lives for the better. Regardless of your technical or educational background, the door to this profession is always open for you. Mentioned below are a few of the finest online courses that can serve as the perfect stepping stone into a promising career in career counselling.

• The Certified Career Analyst Programme
• Certified Career Counsellor by Udemy
• Basics of Counselling and Career Counselling For Beginners by Udemy
• Career Counselling Certification for coaches and job seekers by Udemy

The field of career counselling helps you build great personality, but it will also help you become more organised as a person. Career counsellors analyse, and use tools to help individuals determine their career paths. They work with a wide range of clients at different stages of their life. So are you ready with your tool now?

Source: The Telegraph, 7/09/22

Top 5 subjects to take up for your graduation that will boost your career growth in 2022

 After the completion of your +2, your professional journey actually starts to take shape right from your bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is often called the first stepping stone to success. So it is of immense importance to get onto the right track as soon as possible. Once you decide on your subject interest, the next step is to choose your graduation course.

A person who may have taken up a bachelor’s subject without conducting any research on the job prospects or the demand of the subject is highly likely to find themselves in a difficult situation. The choice may come down to settling for a career they do not like or going back a few years in their career journey and completing another course.

To avoid being in the same situation, here’s taking a look at the top 5 subjects you can think of pursuing during your bachelor’s for the best career prospects.

1. Computer Science Engineering

Look around you, and everything you see is virtual these days from ordering food to buying tickets for your favorite destination. The world is undoubtedly advancing in terms of technologies and this is where the perks of studying Computer Science Engineering comes in.

The rising demand of Computer Science Engineering (CSE) is a direct result of the exponential growth that digital technology is seeing now. A good course in this area will be a blend of Computer Engineering and Computer Science. These are considered to be advancement courses and are quite popular among engineering students.

These courses cover a wide range of topics in addition to the fundamentals of computer programming. Algorithms, computability, logic, abstraction are a few of the concepts covered in detail. You also get a chance to learn and practice various programming languages like Python, Java etc.

The job prospects for this course are unmatched and hence its rising demand across India. Various sectors like education, banking, trading, science, health, manufacturing are hiring Computer Science engineers these days. Top MNC’s and IT companies like Amazon, Deloitte, HCL, Google also recruit students right at the campusing stage and offer competitive pay packages as well.

Some of the job roles that Computer Science Engineers can make a mark in are:

• UX Analyst,
• Software Support Analyst,
• Software Engineer,
• Website Designer,
• Mobile App Development,
• Database Designer

2. Actuarial Science

Students who love mathematics and numbers should definitely consider this subject. It is a blend of economics, business, mathematics and statistics, and particularly helps to improve your analytical skills. A lot of students pursue this subject because it gives them a gate pass to a number of booming IT companies, corporates, MNC’s, insurance companies and other niche financial institutions.

Actuarial Mathematics is, to some extent, theoretical and requires application of logical sense and ideas to data and figures. However, the other skills that you learn in this course include knowledge of finance and business, interpersonal skills, risk assessment and of course, the basics of the software to be used.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career option, then Actuarial Science can be your go to subject. Some of the reputed companies that hire students from this course are PwC, IDBI, Max Bupa Insurance, E&Y and many more.

Job roles and areas include:

• Investment Advisors,
• Cost estimators,
• Financial analysts and planners,
• Risk assessors and managers,
• Auditors
• Budget analysts
• Economists

3. Graphic Design

Do you love being creative? Do designs you see make you constantly envision how you could do it differently and better? Then Graphic Designing can just be the career for you. As part of any good graphic design course, you will learn animation, motion graphics, project management, portfolio development, design theory, among other things.

When you consider the growth of the virtual space today, it is no surprise that the demand for graphic design courses and graphic designers are constantly on the rise.

To know more about the job profiles and job prospects of graphic design in India, read more here.

4. Law/LLB

Law can be another great professional course to take up at the undergraduate level. A BA-LLB is a comprehensive 5-year integrated course in Law which you can opt for if that is what you want to pursue. Today, lawyers and legal professionals are in demand across various industries and the course offers a wide range of future prospects.

To know more about the pursuing Law during your bachelor’s, click here.

5. Forensic Science

If you have a nose for crime related stories or enjoy analysing crime scenes, then Forensic Science is exactly what you need to study. It is actually the application of advanced scientific technologies in crime related scenes. You will need to carefully analyse and observe the crime scene, collect evidence from the scene and also interpret the criminal data record.

Forensic Science can be summed up as a mix of physics, chemistry and biology. You will need to have a science background in your +2 to pursue this course. You could look forward to a career in various sectors like CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), IB (Intelligence Bureau), Private Investigation Agencies, Police Forces, Defence Forces, Banks among others.

Some of the job roles for those who have a degree in forensic science are:

• Forensic Scientist
• Forensics Manager
• Forensic Investigator
• Forensic Specialist
• Forensic Analyst

While these are the top 5, the list is in no way exhaustive. When choosing your Bachelor’s subject, in addition to considering the future prospects, do not forget to give equal weightage to your interest in the area. Ultimately, what you need is to make the right choice now so that your graduation degree can pave the road to success for you.

Suparna Ghosh

Source: The Telegraph, 27/08/22

Study Abroad: 6 essential tips to make the best of your experience

 With a population of more than 1.2 billion, India is a leading contender to send its youth abroad for higher education. According to reports, in the last year alone, 3,40,000 Indian students made the decision to study abroad. However, when you consider the better standards of living, world-class opportunities, and higher-quality education, this does not seem quite as surprising.

Whatever be your reason to enrol for in a study abroad programme - a chance to study under a better pedagogical system, or the dream of landing a job overseas - if you are planning to make the move soon, then here some tips that are sure to make your experience memorable and easy.

6 Essential Tips For Studying Abroad

After finding an excellent study abroad programme and getting accepted, you are now eager to begin your international experience. Here are the 6 essential tips that will help you in making your studying abroad experience a breeze.

• Learn the local language

This is particularly true if you are travelling to a country whose local language is not English. While most universities that admit international students do have almost all instructions (including the largest international programmes) in partial English, you will still need to know the local language when socialising, at the grocery shop, or even if you decide to travel and explore the country. Also, keep in mind, that learning a language to the point of having conversational proficiency takes time, so this is one of the first things you should do.

• Apply for your Visa with enough time on your hands

Getting your visa should seem like a simple enough step, especially since the university you apply to will be providing you with the relevant documents you need. However, don't drag out the procedure or leave it for another day. It is known that student visas take a while, depending on your host country's passport and visa requirements and many a student has had to defer their tickets or join after the start of term because their visa was late. Avoid making this classic mistake and apply with ample time on hand.

• Prepare a budget and manage expenses

Prior to studying abroad, it's important to create a budget to make sure you have enough money for both the programme and living expenses. International universities where you apply will be able to provide you with some standard rates for living costs as these tables are prepared and revised for the benefit of international students. Reach out to your admissions counsellor and ask for the same.

Depending on your standard of living, you may spend more or less than the quotes - and it should only be treated as an average. Intelligent budgeting and researching the best options for housing, groceries and commute can go a long way if you are trying to save money.

Some programmes offer scholarships and grants, especially for international students. You can also apply for government grants or loans. Besides these, there are the options of taking an educational loan from your home country, or working a part-time job alongside your studies. If applying for a PhD programme, explore opportunities for fellowships that will provide a stipend to cover your expenses.

• Get to know the people

While this is something most people try to do after they arrive and start their programme, the secret to success here is to start ahead. Reach out to your admissions counsellor and ask for the best way to interact with current students and professors to get insights into your time there. Many universities like to encourage community among cohorts and will give you some direction. You could reach out to these people as well as those in your batch by email, or through social media and get the conversations started.

Studying or working abroad offers the chance to interact with and learn from people from various origins and cultures. Participating in activities and getting to know them ahead of time will assist you in making friends quicker and enjoying your time abroad.

• Get a local SIM card

The value of communication is something you start to understand only once you are far away from your near and dear ones. While you can use an international SIM card or a cafe's wi-fi when you first arrive, neither are these cheap or practical options. One of the first things you must do when you reach is to get a local SIM card. If you're unsure about what's best, ask for help from the international students’ helpdesk on campus.

• Make your experience memorable

And finally, remember to enjoy yourself and find a healthy balance between studies and fun things to do. For most Indian students, studying abroad usually takes a bit of getting used to as the method of instruction and pedagogy vastly vary from our curriculum. But if you make the effort and prepare to apply yourself, you will find it a breeze. When you are not studying or working a student job, find time to explore, travel or socialise with your new friends. Make time to share different pursuits or hobbies with new people.

It might not be quite as simple as it first appears, to study abroad. It can be difficult to leave behind your familiar surroundings, close relations, home and friends. However, know that these tips will help you make the most of your time there and effectively get over your homesickness. Also, from improved learning and research opportunities to lucrative professions and intellectual development, the advantages of enrolling in a study abroad programme far outweigh the hiccups you are sure to face.

Mehwash Hussain

Source: The Telegraph, 18/08/22

Career in social work: Do’s and Don’ts; Top 3 skills a social worker must possess

 Studying social work is a fulfilling career path filled with numerous opportunities to impact lives of humans across the globe, both individually and altogether. In India, alone, there is currently a huge need for social workers both in the urban and rural sectors. With issues ranging from poverty and unemployment, to lack of basic human facilities like sanitation, access to healthcare, education, and of course, the struggles of the disadvantaged and marginalised in our society. Social work is aimed at addressing the problems in all aspects of life, from providing one-on-one support for family welfare to formulating legislative policies to eliminating systemic injustice.

Do’s and don'ts of social work

Experience is the most important factor in any job, and particularly in the case of social work. The more knowledge and understanding a student gains, the better they are able to contribute to their day to day work.

Practical experience is therefore, the focus of this field as it also enables students to put into practice the lessons they have learned and observed in class. Such practical experience exposes them to ground realities and helps them understand the importance of social work. A student's ability to apply those lessons at a practical level before entering the core work field allows them to take immediate action after the completion of their studies. Here are some of the do’s and don'ts of social work.

Do’s of social work:

• Be ready to meet the people you will work with where they are in life and acknowledge their struggles and problems without judgement.

• Be transparent enough to communicate your abilities clearly to the person without pretending you have answers to all their queries.

• Be prepared to adjust your priorities and schedules to suit any critical situations.

• Understand that you can't meet everyone's needs at once but ensure that the work flow remains uninterrupted.

• Remember you are a professional and no matter what happens or what roadblocks you face, you will need to remain respectful and find the right solutions.

Don’ts of social work:

• Don't assume anything about the people you are working with, always ask and cross check about their family, culture, background and more importantly, their struggle.

• Do not personalise and hold on to negative comments in case you receive them and focus on your work instead.

• Don't look forward to fixing each and everything, everyone is responsible for their own actions and decisions, you have to look forward to being supportive and resourceful and let the rest take its course.

Top 3 skills for a social worker in India

In India, there is a lot of scope for social work, with NGOs and other organisations constantly on the lookout for competent workers and volunteers. However, anyone wanting to enter the field in the country must also keep in mind that the issues are many and the work challenging.

Social work is a demanding profession that requires a worker to have a wide variety of skills and qualities. Success in this particular field requires workers to continually develop skills as per the changing demands throughout their careers. While the below mentioned list is not exhaustive, these skills are essential for all social workers, particularly when they are starting their career.

1. Compassion

Compassion is the ability to identify and understand the experiences and perspectives of others.

It is especially important in social work practice. The people who want to work with or the causes you associate with have monumental challenges, and empathy goes a long way when you consider the outcome of your efforts. An empathetic social worker is better accepted, and hence able to provide better services.

2. Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyse information obtained via minute and unbiased observation and point of contacts, and come up with unique solutions. A social worker must be able to collect information through observations, interviews, and investigations and objectively assess each case with his/her critical thinking. They must be able to make correct decisions, select the best resources, and thereafter come up with the best strategies to help.

3. Cultural Tolerance

To work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, social workers must be respectful and sensitive to cultural beliefs and practices. Social workers need to understand and respect the cultural background of their clients. Keeping an open-mind, respecting human being, irrespective of gender, caste, creed or social standing, and the valuing their individuality enables a social worker to work effectively and efficiently.

For you to obtain these and other specific skills, there are a number of courses available in our country, many of them short online courses that you can complete without enrolling in a university or college. Check out 5 such courses here

Overall, success in social work rests on the pillars of lifelong learning and having a deep-seated need to make a difference, to people and to society. Social workers should feel professionally committed to the values ​​and ethics of social work and continually develop their professional skills for the betterment of their clients. The profession is noble but also full of trials, are you ready for the challenge?

Nancy Jaiswal

Source: The Telegraph, 22/08/22