Does it seem like people are always slamming you with impossibly urgent requests? Don’t be a victim of unrealistic demands. You have more power than you think. You have more power than you think. Take a control of your work and your life by putting an end to the madness. Here’s how:
Recognise the difference: First, it’s helpful to remember that “unrealistic” demands are not simply “difficult” demands. An unrealistic demand is one that simply cannot be accomplished with normal or even exceptional effort. To meet an unrealistic demand, you have to push yourself (and perhaps others) to extremes, make exceptions and/or lower the quality of your work.
Address it quickly: As soon as you know a deadline isn’t manageable — or have a sneaking suspicion that it could get thrown off track if something were to go less than perfectly — communicate it. Be proactive. Don’t wait until things are careening off course. Provide a more realistic expectation as early as possible.
Offer explanations, not excuses: Take some time to explain to others why certain demands are unrealistic and why the new expectation you’re setting is more realistic. A large part of why people place unrealistic demands on others is simply that they don’t understand the work involves in performing specific tasks.
Focus on quality: Commit to providing high-quality work and ask others to help you stay true to this by giving you the time and resources you need to make it happen.
Ask for help: When people set unrealistic demands on you, they may not understand the frustration, stress, and overall negative impact it can have on you and your work. Ask them to help by considering what is truly urgent.
Make exceptions: No matter how hard you try to put an end to unrealistic demands, you never will. At least not entirely. So understand that you will need to, at times, attempt to meet expectations that feel nearly impossible. Just do your best to make exceptions rare, not a part of your daily routine. — Agencies
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
On the brighter side
Think about this. You may not realise it, but it’s true —
At least two people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because of their own self hatred.
A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.
Every night, someone thinks about you before they go to sleep.
You mean the world to someone.
If not for you, someone may not be living.
Everyone is absolutely special and unique.
Someone that you don’t even know exists, loves you.
When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
When you think the world has turned its back on you, stop and look over your shoulder: you have most likely turned your back on the world.
If you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won’t get it.
However, if you believe that you deserve all good things, sooner or later all good things will come to you.
Always remember the compliments you received and forget the rude remarks.
If you love someone, take the time to let them know that you love them.
Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.
Whenever God closes one door he always opens another, even though sometimes it’s hell in the hallway.
Happiness keeps you sweet, trials keep you strong, sorrows keep you human, life keeps you humble, success keeps you glowing, but only God keeps you going.
At least two people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because of their own self hatred.
A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.
Every night, someone thinks about you before they go to sleep.
You mean the world to someone.
If not for you, someone may not be living.
Everyone is absolutely special and unique.
Someone that you don’t even know exists, loves you.
When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
When you think the world has turned its back on you, stop and look over your shoulder: you have most likely turned your back on the world.
If you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won’t get it.
However, if you believe that you deserve all good things, sooner or later all good things will come to you.
Always remember the compliments you received and forget the rude remarks.
If you love someone, take the time to let them know that you love them.
Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.
Whenever God closes one door he always opens another, even though sometimes it’s hell in the hallway.
Happiness keeps you sweet, trials keep you strong, sorrows keep you human, life keeps you humble, success keeps you glowing, but only God keeps you going.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
IT Careers in Nepal
IT industry is facing a severe shortage of competent human resource both locally and globally
By Ken Subedi, Kathmandu
There is an opportunities in the field of Information Technology (IT). We know lots of career path that can be selected from new and emerging career paths along out way. It is necessary for one to select his/her field of interest during the study period and its future prospects in the context of both Nepal and abroad. Currently IT industry is facing a severe shortage of competent human resources both locally and globally.
IT graduates can work in different companies like software companies, financial institutions, health, corporate organisations et cetera. Here are the following lists of most common career paths for IT graduates in the country.
1. System administrator (SA): The SA manages all the IT resources of an organisation and requires to manage servers, pc, network, internet, backups, and security. The SA can get opportunity in ISP, NGO, INGO, software companies, schools, colleges et cetera.
System analyst (SA): SA having wider scope in software companies is responsible for performing the feasibility study of a system to prepare — software requirement specification based on the prerequisite of the stakeholders. The SA researches problems, plans solutions, recommends software and systems, and coordinates development to meet business or other requirements. They also help programmers during the development of the software.
2. Project manager: Managing the assigned project in software companies — they coordinate projects related communication with clients and manage the development team, distribute project work among the team members, and track its progress report.
3. Mobile application developer: It is one of the most demanded and fastest growing career fields in the world. As mobile devices continue to change the way we do business, communicate, and access news and entertainment, the demand for new and innovative mobile applications is growing rapidly. Mobile application developers for iPhone and android phones are in high demand.
Software developer: A software developer should have a good programming, problem solving, and analytical skills. They can select any one of the development platform among VB NET, Visual Basic (VB), Java, Delphi, and Oracle Business Intelligence.
4. Web developer: The developer is responsible for the development of websites and web applications. They can select any one of the programming language as a development platform among PHP, ASP.NET, ASP, JSP, Perl, Ruby on Rails. There is a huge scope of PHP and Asp Net in Nepal. Moreover, many software companies choose PHP as a development platform. Furthermore, PHP web developers can expertise in popular open source software like Joomla, Word Press, Drupal, Magento et cetera. Web developers working as an expert of these software can relatively earn more. It is also good to have knowledge of PHP framework like Zend, CodeIgniter, CakePHP et cetera. Web developers showing sufficient and frameworks are in high demand.
5. Web Designer: A web designer should have knowledge of Photoshop/ Fireworks, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and JQuery. However, designer should be creative enough to make attractive websites and interfaces.
6. Search engine optimisation/ social media marketing (SEO/ SMM) expert: IT graduates should possess sufficient skills to do online marketing of businesses (websites) by listing it in organic search result of search engines. They can also make use of social media and networking tools like YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn in promoting products the need of SEO expert is increasing globally.
7. Database developer: These professionals should have a good knowledge of database design SQL since it will be used while creating software, websites and web applications. Popular database systems used by database developers are MySQL, Oracle and MSSQL.
8. Quality assurance (QA): QA officer make officer are responsible for ensuring the quality of the software and web applications. They should have knowledge of different testing techniques, designing test cases and performing tests.
9. Technical writer: They are responsible in creating documentation of the software and web applications and also in creating manuals.
However, there are also other careers prospects for IT graduates like graphics designer, database administrator, network engineer, ethical hacker, network security specialist, hardware security specialist, hardware engineer et cetera. Moreover, new trends of working practices are being developed with boundless opportunities to work from home as a freelancer if you can reveal competent skills. Some other sectors like animation, game developing and out-sourcing can be job sectors for IT graduates.
The author is associated with Living with ICT and CG Manipal Campion School. He can be contacted through kengb1@gmail.com. This material is further published in The Himalayan Times, March 18, 2013 edition.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Let’s be Holy this Holi
Ours is a vibrant country full of festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. There is no doubt festivals bring joy to our lives and give us an opportunity to celebrate in merriment as well as improve our social life. There a few festivals that are celebrated by all people, irrespective of caste, creed or religion and Holi is one of them.
Holi adds colours to our monotonous life. There are lots of mythological stories related with it, however in the present context, it has lost its glory and merely become a day to chill out and make merry like another holiday.
I feel all of us can learn two important lessons from this festival that is celebrated for two days. On day one, when people light bonfires and offer prayers, one must learn that by lighting the ‘Holy Fire’, we also brighten the light within us through practice of deep meditation and burn all our five vices along with our body perception that signifies ‘Holika’ and liberate ourselves to attain our original identity, experiencing self as an eternal soul.
One day two, we play with lots of colours. One must understand that ‘colour’ signifies our character. We all have different colours depending upon our nature. The basic reason behind applying colour is to express happiness. However, today that joy has made way for unruly inappropriate behaviour. In essence, the whole process of applying colours teaches us we should make our life colourful, should experience ‘Supreme Almighty’s’ company and spray scented water of His pure love on each other and become identical like him in form, colour and attributes.
If this festival is celebrated in its true spiritual sense, then would be no waste of our natural resources, no pollution and no health issues. So, try and celebrate this year’s Holi by becoming a ‘Holy Soul’ and liberate society from all unholyness. Just see the world above self and participate in Holi with the heart and get unified with rest in true spirit.
Editor’s note: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji is a writer at www.brahmakumaris.com and can be reached at nikunjji@brahmakumaris.in.
Holi adds colours to our monotonous life. There are lots of mythological stories related with it, however in the present context, it has lost its glory and merely become a day to chill out and make merry like another holiday.
I feel all of us can learn two important lessons from this festival that is celebrated for two days. On day one, when people light bonfires and offer prayers, one must learn that by lighting the ‘Holy Fire’, we also brighten the light within us through practice of deep meditation and burn all our five vices along with our body perception that signifies ‘Holika’ and liberate ourselves to attain our original identity, experiencing self as an eternal soul.
One day two, we play with lots of colours. One must understand that ‘colour’ signifies our character. We all have different colours depending upon our nature. The basic reason behind applying colour is to express happiness. However, today that joy has made way for unruly inappropriate behaviour. In essence, the whole process of applying colours teaches us we should make our life colourful, should experience ‘Supreme Almighty’s’ company and spray scented water of His pure love on each other and become identical like him in form, colour and attributes.
If this festival is celebrated in its true spiritual sense, then would be no waste of our natural resources, no pollution and no health issues. So, try and celebrate this year’s Holi by becoming a ‘Holy Soul’ and liberate society from all unholyness. Just see the world above self and participate in Holi with the heart and get unified with rest in true spirit.
Editor’s note: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji is a writer at www.brahmakumaris.com and can be reached at nikunjji@brahmakumaris.in.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Life lessons
- Don’t go for looks, they can deceive. Don’t go for wealth even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile.
- There are moments in life when you really miss someone that you want to pick them up from your dreams and hug them. Hope you dream of that someone.
- Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want in life.
- When one door of happiness closes, another opens. But we often took so long at the closed door, that we don’t see the one which has been opened for us.
- The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch, swing with, never saying a word and then walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you’ve had.
- It’s true that we don’t know what we’ve goat until we lose it, but it’s also true that we don’t know what we’ve been missing until it arrives.
- Always put yourself in other’s shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably does hurt the person too.
- The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves and not to twist them with our own image, otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.
- The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along the way.
- Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we should know how to be grateful for that gift.
Friday, March 22, 2013
The tools that help you create
BY PRAJESH SJB RANA
Technology has affected art by various means as well, and no matter how different they may seem, they have started up a new revolution in art.
Art. When anyone talks about art, indistinctively the names of Dali, Picasso or Frida come to mind. We imagine brushstrokes on canvas, we imagine delicate light strokes on pictures, and we imagine curved women worked up beautifully in clay. We think of portraits, of landscapes and expressionist art.
But what if a second word is brought into the equation: Technology. We instantly think of calculators, phones and laptops. We think of results and of logical reasoning. Technology has affected art by various means as well, and no matter how different they may seem, they have started up a new revolution in art.
There are newer forms of art, always adorning the Windows on the Internet. People have started mixing traditional forms of art with technology to create newer styles. There are people making electronic music with nothing less than a MacBook. Websites have also started adopting artistic designs. An example would be the Vimeo.com design. Photos are edited with powerful software, and newspaper designs worked up on the screen. New hardware have also graced the peripherals of an artist’s computer, like the Wacom Tablets, that enable an artist to sketch directly on the computer.
Technology has come a long way in helping push art into the modern age, and if you want a taste of these new forms of art, a quick visit of DeviantArt (deviantart.com), should suffice.
There are very talented artists on Internet and some of them should inspire you to work on your own. Don’t worry, though: your computer will help you with your masterpiece.
Today, art is mostly created on the computer behind a screen, so we want to cover up some tools that should help artists of all kinds.
Color Scheme Designer (colorschemedesigner.com):
It’s a very user-friendly color tool. It helps you find that exact shade of a specific color you’re looking for, or it also has the capability of suggesting color tones based on various color theories. Another handy feature about this website it that it also generates light and dark schemed previews for a website design using the colors you selected. It’s easy to use and conveniently provides you the hex color codes on mouse hover.
Background Patterns (bgpatterns.com):
If you work with computer graphics of any kind, it’s almost evident that you’ll need access to some form of pattern that has the capability of seamlessly repeating. One great sight for this very purpose is bgpatterns.com. It has a set of patterns which you can edit and mold it in your own way.
Online Photoshop Editor (onlinephotoshopeditor.com):
A photographer will almost always need Photoshop for post-production, but in a situation where a copy of Photoshop is impossible to find, there’s an online tool that will work just fine. The Online Photoshop Editor provides you with the functionality of Photoshop within the confines of your web browser. It comes with all the basic features of Photoshop and can act as a very well equipped Photoshop replacement.
DeviantArtMuro (muro.deviantart.com):
For artists who specialize in painting and sketching digitally, DeviantArt’s online illustration application, Muro, is the best. It offers various forms of brushstrokes and painting tools. With a great and easy to use interface, it makes sketching digitally a breeze, and if you’re willing to fork up some American Dollars, you can get access to a lot more features and styles.
Scrivener (Application):
Finding an appropriate application for writers on the Internet is almost impossible. However, a Windows application by of name of Scrivener is just the tool for writers. Created by an aspiring writer who had been having trouble keeping track of the research he had done, this application will definitely help writers because of its features, like a folder for all research, and a story outline manager. It also comes with a great looking corkboard for those tiny notes and a full-screen writer that blurs out all unnecessary distractions on your screen.
There are plenty of other tools as well that can help any kind of professional and amateur artists alike. There are great art communities as well, and lot of websites that tutor and inspire. The Internet has turned into a large resource art, among a lot of other things. It has also made it easier for artists to get international recognition and sell their art online through various art communities. Some of the websites that designers and artists alike need to keep an eye out for would probably be deviantart.com for artists, 1x.com, and 500px.com for photographers and abduzeedo.com for designers. If you are more of a movie man, vimeo.com has a lot of well-directed and designed short films.
The tools are there for you to choose from and start up your own form of creativity. Get inspired, get planning, and get working.
The writer is República The Week’s much loved tech guru. He can be contacted through email with your tech queries at theweek@myrepublica.com.
Technology has affected art by various means as well, and no matter how different they may seem, they have started up a new revolution in art.
Art. When anyone talks about art, indistinctively the names of Dali, Picasso or Frida come to mind. We imagine brushstrokes on canvas, we imagine delicate light strokes on pictures, and we imagine curved women worked up beautifully in clay. We think of portraits, of landscapes and expressionist art.
But what if a second word is brought into the equation: Technology. We instantly think of calculators, phones and laptops. We think of results and of logical reasoning. Technology has affected art by various means as well, and no matter how different they may seem, they have started up a new revolution in art.
There are newer forms of art, always adorning the Windows on the Internet. People have started mixing traditional forms of art with technology to create newer styles. There are people making electronic music with nothing less than a MacBook. Websites have also started adopting artistic designs. An example would be the Vimeo.com design. Photos are edited with powerful software, and newspaper designs worked up on the screen. New hardware have also graced the peripherals of an artist’s computer, like the Wacom Tablets, that enable an artist to sketch directly on the computer.
Technology has come a long way in helping push art into the modern age, and if you want a taste of these new forms of art, a quick visit of DeviantArt (deviantart.com), should suffice.
There are very talented artists on Internet and some of them should inspire you to work on your own. Don’t worry, though: your computer will help you with your masterpiece.
Today, art is mostly created on the computer behind a screen, so we want to cover up some tools that should help artists of all kinds.
Color Scheme Designer (colorschemedesigner.com):
It’s a very user-friendly color tool. It helps you find that exact shade of a specific color you’re looking for, or it also has the capability of suggesting color tones based on various color theories. Another handy feature about this website it that it also generates light and dark schemed previews for a website design using the colors you selected. It’s easy to use and conveniently provides you the hex color codes on mouse hover.
Background Patterns (bgpatterns.com):
If you work with computer graphics of any kind, it’s almost evident that you’ll need access to some form of pattern that has the capability of seamlessly repeating. One great sight for this very purpose is bgpatterns.com. It has a set of patterns which you can edit and mold it in your own way.
Online Photoshop Editor (onlinephotoshopeditor.com):
A photographer will almost always need Photoshop for post-production, but in a situation where a copy of Photoshop is impossible to find, there’s an online tool that will work just fine. The Online Photoshop Editor provides you with the functionality of Photoshop within the confines of your web browser. It comes with all the basic features of Photoshop and can act as a very well equipped Photoshop replacement.
DeviantArtMuro (muro.deviantart.com):
For artists who specialize in painting and sketching digitally, DeviantArt’s online illustration application, Muro, is the best. It offers various forms of brushstrokes and painting tools. With a great and easy to use interface, it makes sketching digitally a breeze, and if you’re willing to fork up some American Dollars, you can get access to a lot more features and styles.
Scrivener (Application):
Finding an appropriate application for writers on the Internet is almost impossible. However, a Windows application by of name of Scrivener is just the tool for writers. Created by an aspiring writer who had been having trouble keeping track of the research he had done, this application will definitely help writers because of its features, like a folder for all research, and a story outline manager. It also comes with a great looking corkboard for those tiny notes and a full-screen writer that blurs out all unnecessary distractions on your screen.
There are plenty of other tools as well that can help any kind of professional and amateur artists alike. There are great art communities as well, and lot of websites that tutor and inspire. The Internet has turned into a large resource art, among a lot of other things. It has also made it easier for artists to get international recognition and sell their art online through various art communities. Some of the websites that designers and artists alike need to keep an eye out for would probably be deviantart.com for artists, 1x.com, and 500px.com for photographers and abduzeedo.com for designers. If you are more of a movie man, vimeo.com has a lot of well-directed and designed short films.
The tools are there for you to choose from and start up your own form of creativity. Get inspired, get planning, and get working.
The writer is República The Week’s much loved tech guru. He can be contacted through email with your tech queries at theweek@myrepublica.com.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Power of Subconscious Mind
Many of us are not aware about a fact that we are gifted with two minds — Conscious Mind and Subconscious Mind. Today we would reflect at length about the Subconscious Mind.
The Subconscious Mind is the unconscious mind. It is the hidden part, that stores all our past experiences and memories, which we no longer remember. They create our automatic behavioural patterns, reactions, fears and phobias, dreams and the thoughts as a flash that pop into our mind from out of nowhere.
Now, how does one train the Subconscious Mind to behave in a way we want it to be? It is indeed an art in itself. It is said that where our attention goes, energy flows; so, one must always focus on one’s inner qualities like peace, love, happiness and a not on mistakes and weaknesses. Don’t forget, even if we make mistakes in life, we are still valuable. So, always see yourself as a valuable being and as a being full of positive qualities. Live in the present and put the best of you into every moment you are living.
Usually in our day activities, we tend to think, act and react with no space in-between and then regret it later. We can begin to change this by strengthening our intellect, our power to discern and decide, that emerges from subconscious. Our intellect acts as a filter in this whole process. It filters our thoughts and reactions through the filter of our values. Practice stepping back, out of your mind, and see your thoughts and reactions as if you were observing someone else. If there are some things that you don’t like, don’t repress, suppress or be influenced by them. Accept them and then re-direct your mind to your positive qualities and values.
Remember, cleansing is a process, so be patient and one day you will wake up and discover that you have become your best.
Editor’s note: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji is a writer at www.brahmakumaris.com and can be reached at nikunjji@brahmakumaris.in.
The Subconscious Mind is the unconscious mind. It is the hidden part, that stores all our past experiences and memories, which we no longer remember. They create our automatic behavioural patterns, reactions, fears and phobias, dreams and the thoughts as a flash that pop into our mind from out of nowhere.
Now, how does one train the Subconscious Mind to behave in a way we want it to be? It is indeed an art in itself. It is said that where our attention goes, energy flows; so, one must always focus on one’s inner qualities like peace, love, happiness and a not on mistakes and weaknesses. Don’t forget, even if we make mistakes in life, we are still valuable. So, always see yourself as a valuable being and as a being full of positive qualities. Live in the present and put the best of you into every moment you are living.
Usually in our day activities, we tend to think, act and react with no space in-between and then regret it later. We can begin to change this by strengthening our intellect, our power to discern and decide, that emerges from subconscious. Our intellect acts as a filter in this whole process. It filters our thoughts and reactions through the filter of our values. Practice stepping back, out of your mind, and see your thoughts and reactions as if you were observing someone else. If there are some things that you don’t like, don’t repress, suppress or be influenced by them. Accept them and then re-direct your mind to your positive qualities and values.
Remember, cleansing is a process, so be patient and one day you will wake up and discover that you have become your best.
Editor’s note: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji is a writer at www.brahmakumaris.com and can be reached at nikunjji@brahmakumaris.in.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The Empowered Woman
Every year in the month of March ‘International Women’s Day’ is celebrated with an aim to empower women. But why is March 8 celebrated as Women’s Day? Do women really need a day for empowerment? Or are they born empowered beings? The answer probably lies with the modern society outlook that we live in.
Since time immemorial women in different parts of the world have been fighting for their economic, political and social rights. But the fact still remains that they are considered to be a second lead after men, despite making a breakthrough in the corridors of power across world’s most developed nations.
Women are termed by society as the ‘better half’ of men, but in reality, they are the ‘battered half’ by treatment.
Simply fighting for the rights of women would not serve any purpose, because constant combating and competing with men has resulted in a very negative masculine mindset rather than a powerful and effective feminine respect or partnership, which is not useful or beneficial either to men or to the society as a whole.
Hence, there has to be a proactive drive from within by which a woman’s consciousness could go beyond that of just being a woman, as a rightful and equivalent or complementary partner in life’s travails. The first step in this direction is to come back to the awareness of one’s eternal identity, which is that of a point of light (soul) and which is eternally ours and then gradually step into the awareness of the role of a woman that one is playing.
By following this method, one would not have any feeling of oppression or injustice.
By awakening the great power of dignity within them, women can go out fearlessly to face the world and change their image that is in the minds of others.
Lastly, those who are working for the rights of women, must realise that they cannot achieve their targets without the power of divine, but if they all come together with an enlightened self awareness and take help from divine, then the golden dream of creating a better world would be fulfilled with much ease.
So, let’s empower women, but following the will or direction of Divine.
Editor’s note: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji is a writer at www.brahmakumaris.com and can be reached at nikunjji@brahmakumaris.in.
Since time immemorial women in different parts of the world have been fighting for their economic, political and social rights. But the fact still remains that they are considered to be a second lead after men, despite making a breakthrough in the corridors of power across world’s most developed nations.
Women are termed by society as the ‘better half’ of men, but in reality, they are the ‘battered half’ by treatment.
Simply fighting for the rights of women would not serve any purpose, because constant combating and competing with men has resulted in a very negative masculine mindset rather than a powerful and effective feminine respect or partnership, which is not useful or beneficial either to men or to the society as a whole.
Hence, there has to be a proactive drive from within by which a woman’s consciousness could go beyond that of just being a woman, as a rightful and equivalent or complementary partner in life’s travails. The first step in this direction is to come back to the awareness of one’s eternal identity, which is that of a point of light (soul) and which is eternally ours and then gradually step into the awareness of the role of a woman that one is playing.
By following this method, one would not have any feeling of oppression or injustice.
By awakening the great power of dignity within them, women can go out fearlessly to face the world and change their image that is in the minds of others.
Lastly, those who are working for the rights of women, must realise that they cannot achieve their targets without the power of divine, but if they all come together with an enlightened self awareness and take help from divine, then the golden dream of creating a better world would be fulfilled with much ease.
So, let’s empower women, but following the will or direction of Divine.
Editor’s note: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji is a writer at www.brahmakumaris.com and can be reached at nikunjji@brahmakumaris.in.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Google Reader RSS feed to be retired
CALIFORNIA: Google is killing off Google Reader, its less-than-main-stream RSS aggregation tool, citing declining popularity. The service will be taken down on July 1. In a Google blog post on the company’s ‘spring clean’, the firm’s senior vice-president of technical infrastructure, Urs Holzle, said Reader launched in 2005 to help people track updates on their favourite sites, and it will be retired despite a loyal following. “Users and developers interested in RSS alternatives can export their data, including their subscriptions, with Google takeout over the course of four months,” he wrote. RSS, which stands for either rich site summary or dimple syndication, became a familiar fixture on news sites, encourageing users to subscribe to ipdates in their RSS reader via its distinctive orange button. Despite a near-obsessive following among journalists — updates through Twitter, Flip-board and other networks have largely replaced it. Since the annuncement, a petition on Change.org has already amassed more than 15,000 signatures. — The Guardian
A real friend
Anyone can stand by you when you are right,
But a real friend will stand by you even when you are wrong.
A simple friend identifies himself when he calls.
A real friend doesn’t have to.
A simple friend opens a conversation
With a full news bulletin on his life.
A real friend says, “What’s new with you?”
A simple friend thinks the problems you whine about are recent.
A real friend says, “You’ve been whining about the same thing for 14 years.
Get off your duff and do something about it.”
A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.
A simple friend doesn’t know your parents’ first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.
A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook
And stays late to help you clean.
A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
A simple friend seeks to talk with your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.
A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.
A simple friend thinks the friendship is over
When you have an argument.
A real friend knows that it’s not a friendship until after
You’ve had a fight.
A simple friend expects to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!
But a real friend will stand by you even when you are wrong.
A simple friend identifies himself when he calls.
A real friend doesn’t have to.
A simple friend opens a conversation
With a full news bulletin on his life.
A real friend says, “What’s new with you?”
A simple friend thinks the problems you whine about are recent.
A real friend says, “You’ve been whining about the same thing for 14 years.
Get off your duff and do something about it.”
A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.
A simple friend doesn’t know your parents’ first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.
A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook
And stays late to help you clean.
A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
A simple friend seeks to talk with your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.
A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.
A simple friend thinks the friendship is over
When you have an argument.
A real friend knows that it’s not a friendship until after
You’ve had a fight.
A simple friend expects to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Green myths
Many of us have adopted small, easy habits to help make our lives a little more environmentally friendly. Each decision is a good way to help combat global warming. But how do you choose which green living changes are right for you and for the planet because your understanding of going green might be just a myth? Read on to know what about truths behind five common green myths
When appliances are off, they don’t use power
Turning off your computer when it’s not in use is a great way to save energy. But did you know that some devices and appliances, including your computer, continue to use power even when they’re off?
It’s a phenomenon called vampire power, sometimes called standby power or energy leaks. Vampire power is the energy a piece of equipment continues to use even after it’s been switched off. In a study done at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, researchers found that vampire power may consume as much as 15 to 30 watts per appliance. Totalled up, it’s estimated that more than five percent of your power bill can be attributed to appliances in standby mode, which equals about $4 billion consumer dollars spent to feed vampires each year. Contributors include any device that relies on standby power, such as televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, computers, cell-phone chargers and any appliance that maintains (and displays) a clock.
Tips: Off is not enough. The shake in the heart of vampire power is to unplug devices.
Energy conservation and energy efficiency are not the same
Conserving energy and choosing energy-efficient products are both key to energy sustainability. They may sound similar but, in fact, they’re two different things.
Energy conservation is any activity where the outcome is the consumption of less energy, such as choosing to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Energy efficiency is any technology that requires less energy to carry out the same task. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) provide the same illumination as standard incandescent bulbs but use just one-quarter of the energy and last eight to 12 times longer. They’re an example of energy efficiency. The results of choosing energy-efficient products may be energy conservation — but not always.
Tips: Think about it like your favourite cookie: just because they started making a low-fat variety doesn’t mean you should consume whole box.
Organic is always better
Organic foods are only good for the planet when they’re not trucked, shipped or flown around the world before landing at their final destination. Food miles are the distance your food has travelled from farm to store. The idea is the higher number of food miles travelled, the greater amount of energy consumed and pollution released — both of which contribute to the problem of global warming. Think about it: How did fresh strawberries get to your local store in the middle of winter? In 2005, the total amount of fruits and vegetables that were flown into California alone released more than 70,000 tonnes of CO2, the same amount of pollution produced by 12,000 cars on the road.
Tips: Choose locally grown foods — and, even better: locally grown organic foods.
Hybrid vehicles are better than standard cars
It’s estimated that hybrids cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than one-third compared to many non-hybrids. But first, consider the amount of energy needed to make a new car. To make a new Toyota Prius, or a new gas-only vehicle for that matter, roughly 113 million BTUs of energy are used — that’s equal to 3,785 litres of gasoline. Also consider gas consumption. Small hybrids are some of the roads, and not all hybrids are equal. Some gas-only used cars may actually have smaller carbon footprints. Take, for example, large hybrid SUVs and trucks. Sure, they’re made with hybrid technologies but their gas mileage doesn’t measure up against some of the conventional fuel-efficient compact cars on the market. A gas-only Honda fit gets an estimated 33 mpg compared to the estimated 27 mpg of a hybrid Toyota Highlander.
Tips: The smart choice depends on what type of car you need, as well as your driving habits. For people who really do need to own a truck or large car, swapping a gas-only model for a hybrid is potentially a better option. But if you’re hauling nothing more than you and your family around, consider your options. Or you could always trade your car in for a bike and save nearly 725 kilograms of CO2 in year.
Planting trees will fix global warming
Forests have a three-pronged effect on our climate: They cool the air through the process of evapotranspiration; they reduce air pollutants (including CO2, a known greenhouse gas) through photosynthesis; and their dark, dense leaves absorb sunlight that warm the planet.
Most people are familiar with the idea that trees and vegetation help to defend our planet against global warming. However, recent scientific studies show those benefits depend on where those trees are planted. Plant in the wrong part of the world and you may be wasting time and money.
Forest in the tropical belt around the equator benefit the planet. They absorb CO2, in a process called carbon sequestering, which help lower temperatures. It’s the forests outside of the tropics that may have little or no impact on climate change.
The farther away from the equator forests are, the more likely they are to trap heat in their dense canopies, raising temperatures. This is known as albedo effect. In a study conducted by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Carnegie Institution and Université Montpellier II, scientists found that forests in mid-to-high latitudes could increase temperatures by up to 10 degree F (5.5 degrees C) in the next 100 years than if those forests were not there.
Tips: While supporting forestry projects remains a popular carbon offsetting option, it is also important to be smart about which programmes you back: Helping to mitigate the effects of tropical deforestation is a sound choice. And you can’t go wrong when you keep your community green and beautiful by planting saplings around your neighbourhood.
The writer can be contacted through howstuffworks.com.
When appliances are off, they don’t use power
Turning off your computer when it’s not in use is a great way to save energy. But did you know that some devices and appliances, including your computer, continue to use power even when they’re off?
It’s a phenomenon called vampire power, sometimes called standby power or energy leaks. Vampire power is the energy a piece of equipment continues to use even after it’s been switched off. In a study done at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, researchers found that vampire power may consume as much as 15 to 30 watts per appliance. Totalled up, it’s estimated that more than five percent of your power bill can be attributed to appliances in standby mode, which equals about $4 billion consumer dollars spent to feed vampires each year. Contributors include any device that relies on standby power, such as televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, computers, cell-phone chargers and any appliance that maintains (and displays) a clock.
Tips: Off is not enough. The shake in the heart of vampire power is to unplug devices.
Energy conservation and energy efficiency are not the same
Conserving energy and choosing energy-efficient products are both key to energy sustainability. They may sound similar but, in fact, they’re two different things.
Energy conservation is any activity where the outcome is the consumption of less energy, such as choosing to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Energy efficiency is any technology that requires less energy to carry out the same task. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) provide the same illumination as standard incandescent bulbs but use just one-quarter of the energy and last eight to 12 times longer. They’re an example of energy efficiency. The results of choosing energy-efficient products may be energy conservation — but not always.
Tips: Think about it like your favourite cookie: just because they started making a low-fat variety doesn’t mean you should consume whole box.
Organic is always better
Organic foods are only good for the planet when they’re not trucked, shipped or flown around the world before landing at their final destination. Food miles are the distance your food has travelled from farm to store. The idea is the higher number of food miles travelled, the greater amount of energy consumed and pollution released — both of which contribute to the problem of global warming. Think about it: How did fresh strawberries get to your local store in the middle of winter? In 2005, the total amount of fruits and vegetables that were flown into California alone released more than 70,000 tonnes of CO2, the same amount of pollution produced by 12,000 cars on the road.
Tips: Choose locally grown foods — and, even better: locally grown organic foods.
Hybrid vehicles are better than standard cars
It’s estimated that hybrids cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than one-third compared to many non-hybrids. But first, consider the amount of energy needed to make a new car. To make a new Toyota Prius, or a new gas-only vehicle for that matter, roughly 113 million BTUs of energy are used — that’s equal to 3,785 litres of gasoline. Also consider gas consumption. Small hybrids are some of the roads, and not all hybrids are equal. Some gas-only used cars may actually have smaller carbon footprints. Take, for example, large hybrid SUVs and trucks. Sure, they’re made with hybrid technologies but their gas mileage doesn’t measure up against some of the conventional fuel-efficient compact cars on the market. A gas-only Honda fit gets an estimated 33 mpg compared to the estimated 27 mpg of a hybrid Toyota Highlander.
Tips: The smart choice depends on what type of car you need, as well as your driving habits. For people who really do need to own a truck or large car, swapping a gas-only model for a hybrid is potentially a better option. But if you’re hauling nothing more than you and your family around, consider your options. Or you could always trade your car in for a bike and save nearly 725 kilograms of CO2 in year.
Planting trees will fix global warming
Forests have a three-pronged effect on our climate: They cool the air through the process of evapotranspiration; they reduce air pollutants (including CO2, a known greenhouse gas) through photosynthesis; and their dark, dense leaves absorb sunlight that warm the planet.
Most people are familiar with the idea that trees and vegetation help to defend our planet against global warming. However, recent scientific studies show those benefits depend on where those trees are planted. Plant in the wrong part of the world and you may be wasting time and money.
Forest in the tropical belt around the equator benefit the planet. They absorb CO2, in a process called carbon sequestering, which help lower temperatures. It’s the forests outside of the tropics that may have little or no impact on climate change.
The farther away from the equator forests are, the more likely they are to trap heat in their dense canopies, raising temperatures. This is known as albedo effect. In a study conducted by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Carnegie Institution and Université Montpellier II, scientists found that forests in mid-to-high latitudes could increase temperatures by up to 10 degree F (5.5 degrees C) in the next 100 years than if those forests were not there.
Tips: While supporting forestry projects remains a popular carbon offsetting option, it is also important to be smart about which programmes you back: Helping to mitigate the effects of tropical deforestation is a sound choice. And you can’t go wrong when you keep your community green and beautiful by planting saplings around your neighbourhood.
The writer can be contacted through howstuffworks.com.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Being a market analyst
Strong written and oral communication skills are essential
Chances are, when scrolling through job adverts, you skip right past market analyst roles to something which sounds more familiar or fun. But a career as an analyst can be one of the more dynamic positions in the marketing mix. As a market analyst your job is to study information to help your employer or client make informed decisions about their market. This could range from what markets to launch a product in, to the price you might charge for something.
The information you analyse could be presented as numbers or words. For the former, you need to be highly numerical and able to make sense of large sets of numbers. Statistical skills are useful — maths and analytics qualifications are also keys. To analyse text, it is about digesting large quantities of information to understand what is relevant and what is not. For both, you will present your opinion, based on the analysis, in written reports and presentations. Attention to detail and the ability to detail and the ability to interpret and communicate information effectively are keys for this aspect of the role.
Like in so many roles, the internet, social media and Twitter have begun to revolutionise some aspects of research analysis. There is a more immediate response to requests for information and greater access to a wider pool of information. This means you can identify trends and patterns of behaviour more quickly and efficiently. As you progress through your career, you are likely to specialise by sector. You will see experts on the news and in specialist publications commenting on trends and behaviours on almost any topic. Companies such as Datamonitor, Mintel and Euromonitor are often quoted — these are consultancy firms who sell reports to client companies. In such a company, your day will involve dealing with client queries, pulling together results from analysis and preparing reports.
To get into market analysis, you need to be able to show a particular set of skills on your CV. This may include knowledge of software such as Excel or SPSS, as well as border statistical skills. Typical degree subjects are maths, social sciences, history and English, as these demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret information. At interview, you will be asked to illustrate your analytical skills. Think about your dissertation or major projects you have worked on — you will most likely have used analysis skills in your work for them.
Strong written and oral communication skills are also essential, as presenting your findings is an important part of the job. In the role, your will need to follow the thread of a story through to the key information, piecing together bits of information as you go. This makes curiosity a vital personal characteristic, and one which you should be able to demonstrate in your job application. — The Guardian
Chances are, when scrolling through job adverts, you skip right past market analyst roles to something which sounds more familiar or fun. But a career as an analyst can be one of the more dynamic positions in the marketing mix. As a market analyst your job is to study information to help your employer or client make informed decisions about their market. This could range from what markets to launch a product in, to the price you might charge for something.
The information you analyse could be presented as numbers or words. For the former, you need to be highly numerical and able to make sense of large sets of numbers. Statistical skills are useful — maths and analytics qualifications are also keys. To analyse text, it is about digesting large quantities of information to understand what is relevant and what is not. For both, you will present your opinion, based on the analysis, in written reports and presentations. Attention to detail and the ability to detail and the ability to interpret and communicate information effectively are keys for this aspect of the role.
Like in so many roles, the internet, social media and Twitter have begun to revolutionise some aspects of research analysis. There is a more immediate response to requests for information and greater access to a wider pool of information. This means you can identify trends and patterns of behaviour more quickly and efficiently. As you progress through your career, you are likely to specialise by sector. You will see experts on the news and in specialist publications commenting on trends and behaviours on almost any topic. Companies such as Datamonitor, Mintel and Euromonitor are often quoted — these are consultancy firms who sell reports to client companies. In such a company, your day will involve dealing with client queries, pulling together results from analysis and preparing reports.
To get into market analysis, you need to be able to show a particular set of skills on your CV. This may include knowledge of software such as Excel or SPSS, as well as border statistical skills. Typical degree subjects are maths, social sciences, history and English, as these demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret information. At interview, you will be asked to illustrate your analytical skills. Think about your dissertation or major projects you have worked on — you will most likely have used analysis skills in your work for them.
Strong written and oral communication skills are also essential, as presenting your findings is an important part of the job. In the role, your will need to follow the thread of a story through to the key information, piecing together bits of information as you go. This makes curiosity a vital personal characteristic, and one which you should be able to demonstrate in your job application. — The Guardian
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Spoilt for choice
In the rush to say yes, make sure you do not lose sight of your objectives
The good news is you have a job offer. The bad news is you are not sure if you should accept. What should you do? Take the bird in the hand? Wait to see what else comes your way? Or something else entirely?
Managing job offers can be a minefield. Some potential employers will understand the difficulties involved. They appreciate that job-hunters are looking job-hunters are looking around and need time to make up their mind. But others are less flexible. The moment they give you a job offer, they can expect you to leap up, shake their hand and take it there and then. If you do not, they may threaten to withdraw the offer and leave you with nothing.
If you find yourself in this situation, what is the best way to proceed? If you are being pushed into making a decision, trust your gut reaction. But this advice comes with a caveat. Remember what it is you want to do with your career. In the rust to say yes or no, and perhaps in the urgency just to get started, it is easy to lose sight of your objective. Fortunately, you do not have to immediately accept or reject most job offers. Most large companies are prepared to wait several weeks for an answer. This is because large companies are often slow moving, so there is usually no need for a rapid-fire response.
In this case, you should simply send a letter acknowledging receipt of the job offer and informing them that you will be in touch in the near future. In the meantime you can haul in any other offers before finally making a decision.
Smaller or medium sized companies may not be able to give you this luxury. By their very nature, they can be more dynamic. Their business must keep going, with or without you. So, out of fairness to them, you should make your decision within a couple of days. Sought-after candidates may be able to gain extra thinking time.
None of this alters the fact that choosing between one job offer and another is difficult. You are dealing with nothing less than that all-important first break.
Whatever you do, make sure you get the basic right:
Finally, always be courteous when rejecting a job offer. You do not want to burn your bridges. You never know when you may come across a particular person or their company in the future. — The Guardian
The good news is you have a job offer. The bad news is you are not sure if you should accept. What should you do? Take the bird in the hand? Wait to see what else comes your way? Or something else entirely?
Managing job offers can be a minefield. Some potential employers will understand the difficulties involved. They appreciate that job-hunters are looking job-hunters are looking around and need time to make up their mind. But others are less flexible. The moment they give you a job offer, they can expect you to leap up, shake their hand and take it there and then. If you do not, they may threaten to withdraw the offer and leave you with nothing.
If you find yourself in this situation, what is the best way to proceed? If you are being pushed into making a decision, trust your gut reaction. But this advice comes with a caveat. Remember what it is you want to do with your career. In the rust to say yes or no, and perhaps in the urgency just to get started, it is easy to lose sight of your objective. Fortunately, you do not have to immediately accept or reject most job offers. Most large companies are prepared to wait several weeks for an answer. This is because large companies are often slow moving, so there is usually no need for a rapid-fire response.
In this case, you should simply send a letter acknowledging receipt of the job offer and informing them that you will be in touch in the near future. In the meantime you can haul in any other offers before finally making a decision.
Smaller or medium sized companies may not be able to give you this luxury. By their very nature, they can be more dynamic. Their business must keep going, with or without you. So, out of fairness to them, you should make your decision within a couple of days. Sought-after candidates may be able to gain extra thinking time.
None of this alters the fact that choosing between one job offer and another is difficult. You are dealing with nothing less than that all-important first break.
Whatever you do, make sure you get the basic right:
- Find out exactly how long you have to make your mind up.
- Gather as much information as possible about the job or jobs on offer.
- If you have another interview approaching, ask if it can be brought forward.
Finally, always be courteous when rejecting a job offer. You do not want to burn your bridges. You never know when you may come across a particular person or their company in the future. — The Guardian
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Invisible Eye
We are all used to see people with two eyes, nose, one mouth, two ears. It seldom happens that anybody thinks about the ‘Third Eye’, which is also described as the ‘Eye Of Wisdom’ or ‘The Eye Of Soul’ or ‘The Invisible Eye’.
Our two physical eyes look out at the world and at others. They do not see ‘me’ or the ‘true reality’ of others. It is the ‘Third Eye’ which looks inward to seek these truths.
What we see from our eyes is closely knit with how we think — as we think, so we perceive. When the third eye ‘opens up’, our thinking changes, light comes into our life and we see ‘the real self’ and ‘others’ with a new vision.
Mercy truth and love fill our thoughts, and so our vision. There is a true feeling that everyone is good and of closeness, not duality.
This light also lets us clearly see what is going on around us, what is important and what we need to do. It is as if an inner spark has been lit; before there was darkness with the feelings of not knowing and of blindness. Our life becomes one of inspiring, of quality, of value and filled with mercy, love and truth.
In order to open the ‘Third Eye’, one needs to be a regular practitioner of meditation as it helps us to restore ourselves and understand the self more deeply. The experience of calmness and peace in meditation enables us to get back in touch with our original nature, which in turn enlightens ourself as well as others around us.
Editor’s note: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji is a writer at www.brahmakumaris.com and can be reached at nikunjji@brahmakumaris.in.
Our two physical eyes look out at the world and at others. They do not see ‘me’ or the ‘true reality’ of others. It is the ‘Third Eye’ which looks inward to seek these truths.
What we see from our eyes is closely knit with how we think — as we think, so we perceive. When the third eye ‘opens up’, our thinking changes, light comes into our life and we see ‘the real self’ and ‘others’ with a new vision.
Mercy truth and love fill our thoughts, and so our vision. There is a true feeling that everyone is good and of closeness, not duality.
This light also lets us clearly see what is going on around us, what is important and what we need to do. It is as if an inner spark has been lit; before there was darkness with the feelings of not knowing and of blindness. Our life becomes one of inspiring, of quality, of value and filled with mercy, love and truth.
In order to open the ‘Third Eye’, one needs to be a regular practitioner of meditation as it helps us to restore ourselves and understand the self more deeply. The experience of calmness and peace in meditation enables us to get back in touch with our original nature, which in turn enlightens ourself as well as others around us.
Editor’s note: Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji is a writer at www.brahmakumaris.com and can be reached at nikunjji@brahmakumaris.in.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
E-mail signature etiquette
While most e-mail applications allow you to embellish your signature with pictures, hyperlinks and font variations, there is etiquette that should be considered, especially if you are using your e-mail signature for professional purposes.
- All of the lines in the e-mail signature should be aligned to the left of the signature box.
- The e-mail signature should include sufficient contact information, which will vary depending on the contact information you want e-mail recipients to have.
- A business motto is also appropriate.
- Keep the e-mail signature simple and easy to read. Four to six lines of text is a good rule of thumb.
- Have at least two e-mail signatures from which to choose.
- You do not need to include your e-mail address in the e-mail signature.
- Stick with basic, legible fonts.
- If you use an image or a graphic, remember that less is more.
- Do not use a jumble of different fonts, size or colours.
- Add a few blank lines at the top of your e-mail signature to keep it from being too close to the body of the message. After you have created an e-mail signature, proof it carefully for spelling and punctuation errors before putting it to use.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Take apprenticeships seriously
Over recent years, apprenticeships have gained a great deal of support from businesses, learning providers and governments, enabling a rapid increase in numbers. Hence, the stories of short courses, a lack of work experience and no jobs at the end of all the training are out-numbered by examples of apprenticeship successes.
The truth is that high-quality apprenticeships are vitally important for developing the high-level skills, experience and knowledge required in today’s workplace. They are also helping to bridge skill gaps to train workers for a wide range of sectors, from engineering, manufacturing and construction to health, business, law and IT, as well as emerging areas such as green technology.
There has been increasing criticism of students leaving university under prepared to contribute in the workplace, necessitating time to adjust after they start a new job, which can be frustrating and expensive for employers. On the other hand, one advantage businesses are finding with apprenticeships is that they can tailor programmes to provide learners with exactly the right skills required to do the job.
So, do not blindly assume a degree is the only gateway to a better career. If you are looking for a job after you leave school, want to retrain following redundancy, or are simply wishing to move into a new sector, it is worth taking the time to consider all your options. Ask yourself the question: what is the best pathway into the career I want? Increasingly often, an apprenticeship could be the answer for you. — The Guardian
The truth is that high-quality apprenticeships are vitally important for developing the high-level skills, experience and knowledge required in today’s workplace. They are also helping to bridge skill gaps to train workers for a wide range of sectors, from engineering, manufacturing and construction to health, business, law and IT, as well as emerging areas such as green technology.
There has been increasing criticism of students leaving university under prepared to contribute in the workplace, necessitating time to adjust after they start a new job, which can be frustrating and expensive for employers. On the other hand, one advantage businesses are finding with apprenticeships is that they can tailor programmes to provide learners with exactly the right skills required to do the job.
So, do not blindly assume a degree is the only gateway to a better career. If you are looking for a job after you leave school, want to retrain following redundancy, or are simply wishing to move into a new sector, it is worth taking the time to consider all your options. Ask yourself the question: what is the best pathway into the career I want? Increasingly often, an apprenticeship could be the answer for you. — The Guardian
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Changing careers
Changing jobs is challenging enough, but changing to a whole new career can be overwhelming. One of the biggest hurdles faced by those interested in a career change is how to make it a smooth and successful transition. Here is a step-be-step guide to make the transition to your new career an easier one.
Research
A vital first step in changing careers is to research your new career. Speak to people in the industry to gain a realistic insight into the culture, conditions, opportunities and challenges. You should identify any skills gaps, transferable skills and qualifications or certifications required. Find out what others in your chosen new career have done. For example, what are their backgrounds, what was their progression route, what qualifications do they have?
Develop a plan
A good career transition plan provides a blueprint for a successful change. Start by setting your sights on your end career goal and map out the steps you will need to take to get there. Allocate realistic timeframes to achieve your goals; accept that these may need to be adjusted as you work through your plan due to potentially unforeseen changes, such as the labour market or personal problems.
Grow your network
It is a good idea to join relevant professional associations, attend networking events, and develop connections with people and organisations in your new career area. This is a great way to learn about potential employment and training opportunities. Your network will also play a critical role in your research activities as they can provide insight into your new career.
Obtain skills and qualifications
You may need to gain new skills or certain qualifications to prepare for your new career. If you are still working in your old job, and you hope to make a seamless transition to a new one, it will be necessary for you to gain the required skills and qualifications before you leave.
Once you have identified the qualifications you need, investigate your options, including online and part-time courses. Although study combined with fulltime employment can be challenging, it is possible. With careful planning, a commitment to your end goal and support of family and friends, you can gain the skills and qualifications you need.
Gain experience
A combination of qualifications and experience is more highly regarded than either options alone. One of the biggest challenges career changers face, however, is how to gain experience in their chosen new career. If you are studying, it is likely there will be a work experience component in your course. Once completed, make sure you add your placement to your CV including your duties, projects and any achievements. Choose your host employer wisely; many employers recruit new staff through work programmes.
Your current employer may also be able to offer you opportunities. This can be filling in for someone on leave or taking on extra duties that help you towards your new career direction. Another way to gain experience is through volunteering or taking on short-term work contacts outside of your normal working hours or during holidays.
Make the leap
The time will come when you will come when you will need to make the final leap into your chosen new career. Initially, you may need to accept a lower income till you become established. But in some cases, you might be lucky enough to move into a higher paying role straight away.
Get help
If you need assistance in making the transition to a new career, seek help from a qualified and experienced career practitioner. — The Guardian
Research
A vital first step in changing careers is to research your new career. Speak to people in the industry to gain a realistic insight into the culture, conditions, opportunities and challenges. You should identify any skills gaps, transferable skills and qualifications or certifications required. Find out what others in your chosen new career have done. For example, what are their backgrounds, what was their progression route, what qualifications do they have?
Develop a plan
A good career transition plan provides a blueprint for a successful change. Start by setting your sights on your end career goal and map out the steps you will need to take to get there. Allocate realistic timeframes to achieve your goals; accept that these may need to be adjusted as you work through your plan due to potentially unforeseen changes, such as the labour market or personal problems.
Grow your network
It is a good idea to join relevant professional associations, attend networking events, and develop connections with people and organisations in your new career area. This is a great way to learn about potential employment and training opportunities. Your network will also play a critical role in your research activities as they can provide insight into your new career.
Obtain skills and qualifications
You may need to gain new skills or certain qualifications to prepare for your new career. If you are still working in your old job, and you hope to make a seamless transition to a new one, it will be necessary for you to gain the required skills and qualifications before you leave.
Once you have identified the qualifications you need, investigate your options, including online and part-time courses. Although study combined with fulltime employment can be challenging, it is possible. With careful planning, a commitment to your end goal and support of family and friends, you can gain the skills and qualifications you need.
Gain experience
A combination of qualifications and experience is more highly regarded than either options alone. One of the biggest challenges career changers face, however, is how to gain experience in their chosen new career. If you are studying, it is likely there will be a work experience component in your course. Once completed, make sure you add your placement to your CV including your duties, projects and any achievements. Choose your host employer wisely; many employers recruit new staff through work programmes.
Your current employer may also be able to offer you opportunities. This can be filling in for someone on leave or taking on extra duties that help you towards your new career direction. Another way to gain experience is through volunteering or taking on short-term work contacts outside of your normal working hours or during holidays.
Make the leap
The time will come when you will come when you will need to make the final leap into your chosen new career. Initially, you may need to accept a lower income till you become established. But in some cases, you might be lucky enough to move into a higher paying role straight away.
Get help
If you need assistance in making the transition to a new career, seek help from a qualified and experienced career practitioner. — The Guardian
Sunday, March 3, 2013
How to find the right job for you
Do you want to do something different but do not know what it is?
For many professionals, work can be frustrating because it fails to be a good match in terms of the skills, the people, and the results they achieve. If you are going to put energy into finding a new job, you need to find something that motivates you and makes an impact with an employer. It is not about finding a job, but the right job — or at least a stepping stone role that eventually gets you where you want to be.
What to consider when deciding what type of work would suit you:
1. Analyse your skills: Look hard at your skills, particularly those acquired outside work. What do you do well? What skills do you look forward to using in the workplace? Ensure you have plenty of up-to-date evidence of skills development, learning, and voluntary activities.
2. Work out your top 10 jobs criteria: Develop a personal wish list of the ingredients in your ideal job — think about key elements such as the kind of people you enjoy working with, the results you like to achieve and the organisation’s working style. Then throw your values into the mix — what products or services matter to you? Look for jobs which match at least six out of the nine criteria.
3. Look before you leap: Research before you job search. Do not rely on second-hand information about sectors; find out for yourself. Pick a couple of job ideas and ask around until you get a chance to talk to people who actually do the role. That way you really know what the job is like and you learn to talk the language that will get you an offer. Find people who love what they do and who can tell you what a career feels like from the inside. This also increases your visibility in the hidden job market.
4. Avoid yes or no thinking: When you last heard about an interesting job, how quickly did you find a reason to say ‘no’ to the idea? Explore the options thoroughly and do not let setbacks put you off. Ask a good friend to challenge you when you are tempted to trash your goals.
5. Get your message right: When you get closer to deciding what your ideal job is, learn how to present what you are and what you do in short, focused statements. Be ready to summarise your skills and know-how quickly, and say how you can help an organisation. Decide in advance what are the most important half dozen things on an employer shopping list, and prepare engaging stories to match. — The Guardian
For many professionals, work can be frustrating because it fails to be a good match in terms of the skills, the people, and the results they achieve. If you are going to put energy into finding a new job, you need to find something that motivates you and makes an impact with an employer. It is not about finding a job, but the right job — or at least a stepping stone role that eventually gets you where you want to be.
What to consider when deciding what type of work would suit you:
- If you disliked your last job, was it the role, your team, the organisation, or the sector?
- What have you enjoyed studying most — academic courses, training events, or learning for fun?
- What jobs done by friends fascinate you?
- What advertised jobs have attracted you?
- Of all the jobs you have ever held, which was the most enjoyable and why?
- What topics do you enjoy talking about with friends?
- Think about a time when you had a great day at work — sort of the day where everything went well and got a real buzz. Write down what you enjoyed and what you achieved on that day.
- If all jobs paid the same, what work would you do?
- If you could try someone else’s job for a day, what would it be?
1. Analyse your skills: Look hard at your skills, particularly those acquired outside work. What do you do well? What skills do you look forward to using in the workplace? Ensure you have plenty of up-to-date evidence of skills development, learning, and voluntary activities.
2. Work out your top 10 jobs criteria: Develop a personal wish list of the ingredients in your ideal job — think about key elements such as the kind of people you enjoy working with, the results you like to achieve and the organisation’s working style. Then throw your values into the mix — what products or services matter to you? Look for jobs which match at least six out of the nine criteria.
3. Look before you leap: Research before you job search. Do not rely on second-hand information about sectors; find out for yourself. Pick a couple of job ideas and ask around until you get a chance to talk to people who actually do the role. That way you really know what the job is like and you learn to talk the language that will get you an offer. Find people who love what they do and who can tell you what a career feels like from the inside. This also increases your visibility in the hidden job market.
4. Avoid yes or no thinking: When you last heard about an interesting job, how quickly did you find a reason to say ‘no’ to the idea? Explore the options thoroughly and do not let setbacks put you off. Ask a good friend to challenge you when you are tempted to trash your goals.
5. Get your message right: When you get closer to deciding what your ideal job is, learn how to present what you are and what you do in short, focused statements. Be ready to summarise your skills and know-how quickly, and say how you can help an organisation. Decide in advance what are the most important half dozen things on an employer shopping list, and prepare engaging stories to match. — The Guardian
Friday, March 1, 2013
Interview preparations
Prepare for the type of questions you are likely to get
There may not be a place where you can find a list of questions specifically for one position or another. But you can definitely prepare for the type of questions you are likely to get.
You will probably be asked questions to find out whether or not you have the skills or experience to do the job, so make sure you can answer question relating to the job specifics. The ad itself is a good place to work out what they are likely to ask your regarding your professional abilities.
You will probably also get some general questions, so they can find out more about you, your futures plans and so on. Expect questions like, “Tell me about yourself” (an opportunity to present your particular strengths and fit for the job). “What are you weaknesses?” (an opportunity to show how you have learned useful ‘lessons’) or “Where do you want to be in the next X years?” (allows you to show ambition and company loyalty).
Depending on the role you are applying for, you might also get questions designed to elicit your personal qualities. For example, “Describe when you had to deal with a difficult situation or person” or “What did you find most challenging in your last position?” You will need specific examples to answer these questions. Again, a good way to prepare for these is to look at the job ad to discover what sort of person they are looking for.
If you were in their position, what questions would you ask to find out if the applicant had the necessary skills and qualities? For example, if you are applying for a role where problem-solving is important, expect the sort of “What if…?” scenario question which is designed to see how you approach and solve problems. — The Guardian
There may not be a place where you can find a list of questions specifically for one position or another. But you can definitely prepare for the type of questions you are likely to get.
You will probably be asked questions to find out whether or not you have the skills or experience to do the job, so make sure you can answer question relating to the job specifics. The ad itself is a good place to work out what they are likely to ask your regarding your professional abilities.
You will probably also get some general questions, so they can find out more about you, your futures plans and so on. Expect questions like, “Tell me about yourself” (an opportunity to present your particular strengths and fit for the job). “What are you weaknesses?” (an opportunity to show how you have learned useful ‘lessons’) or “Where do you want to be in the next X years?” (allows you to show ambition and company loyalty).
Depending on the role you are applying for, you might also get questions designed to elicit your personal qualities. For example, “Describe when you had to deal with a difficult situation or person” or “What did you find most challenging in your last position?” You will need specific examples to answer these questions. Again, a good way to prepare for these is to look at the job ad to discover what sort of person they are looking for.
If you were in their position, what questions would you ask to find out if the applicant had the necessary skills and qualities? For example, if you are applying for a role where problem-solving is important, expect the sort of “What if…?” scenario question which is designed to see how you approach and solve problems. — The Guardian
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