madurai educational portal
 
 
 
 
 
 
Career Guidance
 

 GRE
 • GMAT
 • TOEFL
 • Interview Techniques
 • Interview Preparations
 • One Day interview preparation
 • Importance of Cover Letter
 • Reduce your stress and Panic
 • Study Abroad

» Study Abroad
     One of the most critical aspects of study abroad plans is selecting a University / College and proper research is required while making a choice, there are some steps that will make this a bit simpler.
  Shorlist:
     Research on the 'Web' is a good starting point websites providing excellent resources. Shortlist at least eight colleges that match your requirements and goals out of these, two should be your dream colleges - one which you have always wanted to be a part of. Select four colleges where you have 50-50 chances of getting admission. The last two choices will include sure best colleges where you have 100 percent choice of getting in. This selection can be made on the basis of your SAT scores for undergraduate programmers and GMAT / GRE scores in case of the graduate and postgraduate programmers.
  Academic Programme:
     Look at each institutions web site for information on programmer's selection criteria, eligibility, faculty, financial aid etc. Identify their academic programs and recognize the advantage and limitations of each. Focus on curriculum, teaching approaches, placement and financial aid.
  Authorization: (Accreditation)
     Check out the school's accreditation. In the USA and certain other areas, the main accreditation body is the AACSB where as in the UK and parts of Europe AMBA performs the same role. Most accreditation is of programs, some schools may have some programs, which are accredited, and some, which are not accredited colleges after high academic quality and excellence. It is easier to transfer from accredited institutions and to get better job opportunities. So if a school has an accredited program it's a major plus point.
  Ranking:
     Though the various ranking of schools are widely disputed, they are largely used by many applicants for learning about schools. Remember ranking are not examine all program options available. Some schools by virtue of small size or age may not be ranked. Remember to keep ranking in perspective.
  Money:
     Studying abroad is a costly affair, consider both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are those associated with your enrolment in a program and fees that you normally pay directly to the school ie housing, utilities, food and personal expenses. Also consider the availability of loan, scholarships, etc.
  Size:
     A small college would have an average of about 2,500 students where you could expect 100 percent participation, a personal environment, higher student - faculty inteaction but fever academic preferences and lesser diversity.Medium sized colleges have an average strength of 7,000 students and offer bigger classes with more academic options and social opportunities and a fair amount of individualized attention. Large colleges average around 12,000 students and have a wider range of courses, strong international presence. Move possibilities of teaching assistantship and other jobs. But then you should not expect individualized attention from the faculty
  Other Factors:
     Consider the factors like the climate geographical features and relatives residing in the state where the school is located. The extracurricular activities like sports and cultural activities that may be on offer. Also make sure to check on the library and campus job opportunities to gain work experiences and pocket money. Students and recent alumni are valuable sources of information about the culture and learning environment of a particular school. Among the important questions that you must ask one how is faculty at the college. Did the program meet your expectations?
  Checklist
  » Accreditation status
  » Academic courses
  » Financial assistance
  » Admission requirements
  » Ranking of colleges
  » Selectivity
  » Size of college (classes and faculty qualifications)
  » Geographical locations
  » Student services
  » Social atmosphere
  » Library, Research and Computer facilities
 

» GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
  Description of the Subject Tests
  The GRE Subject Tests are designed to help graduate school admission committees and fellowship sponsors evaluate the qualifications of applicants in specific fields of study. The tests also provide students with an appraisal of their own qualifications. Subject Tests are currently available in 8 disciplines. Testing time for each Subject Test is 2 hours 50 minutes.
  The Subject Tests available are
 
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Literature in English
Biology Mathematics
Computer Science Psychology
 

Graduate Record Examinations is shortly entitled as GRE. The GRE is a general examination which valuates the quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skill set which has been captured over a prospicient time duration which is not connected to any particular subject area. GRE is an examination which is often needed for the entrance into a post graduate degree program.

 

In general, there are a couple of editions for the GRE Exam. The first step is the

  » GRE Exam – General
  » GRE Exam – Subject

The GRE Exam – General comprises three split up and they are:

  » GRE Verbal
  » GRE Math
  » GRE Essay

There are a couple of versions in GRE Exam. They are:

  » Paper Based GRE Exam
  » Computer Based GRE Exam

Know some simple strategies to make your examination successful

  Agnize your testAs you will not find any excess time to go through the inclinations at the time of examination, better confirm whether you are familiar with the points prior you give your answers.
 

Stay Cool before the testNever swot up. Preparing at the neck end will never help you to make your examination successful. So better set your mind free without any stress and strain

  Cognize the directions for every questionUnderstanding the directions for the queries before, will help you to save your treasured time. Better read the stated instructions promptly and start giving your answers.
 

Never buzz off any questionRemember that the GRE Test will never avenge or retaliate for your incorrect answers. So answer all the questions when if you are not sure with your answers.

 

Never PanicStay cool and relax yourself even if you are not alert and aware with the answers. If you panic you might loose the ability to answer the questions which you know well. Never fumble and scare to give your answers.

 

» TOEFL
  The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is used in college and university settings. Scores on the test are required by more than 4,300 two- and four-year colleges and universities, professional schools, and sponsoring institutions.
  The test is offered on computer throughout most regions of the world. In areas where access to computer-based testing is limited, a supplemental paper-and-pencil version of the test is administered.
 

TOEFL evaluates your strong command over communicative English through different methodologies like listening, reading, speaking and essay writing. To give a good support for your TOEFL preparation, just go through and eye shot the following details:

 

Reading Under this incision, the test taker will read a passage and will be then asked to answer multiple choice questions on the read composition.

 

ListeningUnder this incision, you will give your ears to a conversation between two persons and also to an instructor. Then the test taker will give the answers to the multiple choice question about individual section.

 

SpeakingUnder this verbal skill segment, the test taker will give ears to precise lectures or passages and will be asked to answer three questions. In these three questions, one will be questioned on your personal experiences and the other two questions will be questioned on the lecture you listened.

 

WritingUnder this segment the test taker will write about the affiliation between a lecture that has been given and then a passage read by the test taker. Answers might be given with a word count of 150-225.

 

Here are some tips and techniques to overcome your TOEFL examination into a successful one

»  Go through the questions and read it carefully before you answer to it. Analyze what has been exactly asked and give your answers to the point.
»  Understand the answer which you are going to give, so that you will never miss the important information in your answers.
»  Give attention to every question and schedule your time to every question so that you can be cautious and give your answers in a right way.
»  Never stick on to a single question or never mess up if you dint get the right answer for that question. Just step over to the next question and start giving your answers to the other one.
»  Answer all the question in every segment and this will help you a lot to get your best score in your examination.
»  Never panic or struggle with the questions. Be cool and start giving your answers. No matter whether you get it or not, but your effort towards the examination is important
   
   
 

» GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test)
  Description of the GMAT
  GMAT is an examination to prove the general skills and abilities which are gained by an individual. GMAT is a regularized examination practiced by business schools to measure how good students are capable and potential to do in the MBA program. The Graduate Management Admission Test mainly evaluates the mathematical, verbal reasoning and analytical writing skill stuff of a candidate.
 

Beware and keep in mind that GMAT is an interesting game similar to chess, tennis or any other game. The person who knows pretty well to play the game will win the race. Likewise, a person who knows the tricks to solve the queries will easily win the exam.

 

As a test taker, you must empathize and be aware of the following points:

  » Understand the types of questions and their general misconceptions.
  » Understand the computer-adaptive structural formation of GMAT.
  » Be very cautious on time and understand how to handle your time advisably.
  Quantitative:
  Measures basic mathematical skills and understanding of elementary concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively, solve problems, and interpret graphic data.
  Verbal:
  Measures the ability to understand and evaluate what is read and to recognize basic conventions of standard written English.
  Analytical:
  Measures the ability to think critically and communicate complex ideas through writing.
  Never spend a long time for one questionDo not stick on to a single question for a long time. This will surely make you to cliff and drop off your valuable time and to leave away the other question which you could easily solve it.
  Never buzz off any questionRemember that the GRE Test will never avenge or retaliate for your incorrect answers. So answer all the questions when if you are not sure with your answers.
 

Never hurry and festinateDedicate the right amount of time for every question and give the perfect answers. Your goal is to achieve the utmost mark at the given time duration. So never rush and hurry to finish it very earlier. Make use of the time to give the valuable answers.

  Make sure of your answersIn this competitive examination you cannot devolve to a question which you have answered it. So be very canny and careful when you give your answers.
  Make use of the scratch sheet providedMake impelling use of the scratch sheets to make prompt and fast notes for your sake or for solving the mathematical questions.
 

Take enough rest before the examTake enough sleep before the examination. Never strain for the whole night before the examination as it will make you drowsy and sleepy. Better take rest and be fresh to the examination.

 

At the day of the exam - Never dump your stomach with heavy food stuff, have a light breakfast so that it will not trouble you in anyway. Warm up your mind and start working on the mathematical problems or read something.

  Arrive earlierStart earlier and reach the examination centre before sometime. So that you will be free from tension and anxiety.
 
» Interview Techniques
  This links acts very informative by giving you umpteen numbers of general hints and guidelines that you must follow at the time of your Interview. Take a minute to eyeshot the tips and make your interview a successful one.
 

Sense yourself

  It is very important to agnize about yourself and the reason for you to attend the interview. Think twice on what you are going to offer the organization and be prepared to give an active participation on discussing about your career goals and objectives.
 

Reason for stepping out

  Be prepared to tell out the reason for leaving the previous concern. Give a genuine reason for leaving the previous company and present yourself in the most positive aspect. Make a point that your answers are honest and trustworthy.
 

Are you a fresher?

  Never express yourself being tensed with nerved activities. Being a fresher, it is really good for you to tell them about yourself in a brief and precise way. Be confident with your speech so that could find your confidence and hopefulness towards your work. Never panic, be strong with your points and behave friendly and gentle towards the employer. Behave cultured so that they could envision your attitudes and behaviors.
  Some of the important key points that must be taken care are:
 

Step in like a winner - Step inside the room with confidence and present yourself in a victorious way so that your enthusiasm will make everything perfect

  Give firm Handshake – This is the most important corporate ethnicity. Give your hand with confidence to make a firm handshake with a pleasing smile and introduce yourself.
 

Never fiddle – Never behave with worse actions like playing with the pen caps, covers, your hairs or tapping your feet. This will terribly irritate the interviewer and make him to have a negative notion on you.

 

Give ears with perfect attention – Look at the interviewer with perfect eye contact and give your ears closer. Be attentive thereby making yourself get alarmed with the answers for the queries or information given to you by the interviewer.

 

Give a friendly tone – Never just say “yes” or “no” to the question. Give a friendly tone with perfect grammar. Give a brief and clear answer so that the interviewer will get a positive notion on your answers.

» Interview preparation
  Interview preparation is really important because nothing could be achieved without prior preparation and hard work. Here are some view points that are shared to make your preparation more effective and successful.
 

Here are some of the questions which are normally asked at time of the interviews. The questions have been grouped under specific category in the following areas. Eye shot these questions and make yourself prepared to it. This will greatly help you to make your interview a successful one.

 

Questions in General:

 

Introduce about yourself?

 

What made you to apply for this post?

 

How did you come through this position?

 

Would you know anything about our corporate?

 

Questions more to be expected are:

 

What is your strength?

 

What is your weakness?

 

Your interest towards this position?

 

Why do I need to hire you?

 

Would you like to work with a team or by yourself?

 

Questions to check your goals could be:

 

Could you tell me about your career goals and objectives?

 

What is your best and greatest achievement that you have done so far?

 

Where could you see yourself in the next 10 years?

 

Do you have plans to go ahead with further studies?

 

Portray your ideal employer?

 

Any questions from your side?  

  These are the questions which will be generally asked at the time of Interview. Make yourself get prepared to these questions and it is damp sure that you will make your interview a successful one.
 
» One Day Interview preparation
  Are you with great hopes to work in a cutting edge technology and also to lead a successful career? Fine! Your interview could be successful if you spend long and strong time for getting yourself prepared for the interview, but what could you do if you just get a day to give your presence for the interview? Don’t worry and fret yourself. It is not a tedious task to make your interview successful by a one day preparation. Just vision out the point and make yourself set right for the interview.
  Dress code – Everyone knows that how important your dress code is. So get ready with the perfect formal wears which are going to wear the next day for the interview. Never hurry up and make yourself get tensed on searching for good wears. So it is better to choose the wear in the early night.
 

Agnize about the concern – Be fully aware of the corporate which you are going to report for the interview. Better surf in the net to get huge information like, when the company has given its start up, their services, their products, their achievement till date and also about their future plans. This will really give you a great support to grab the attention of the interviewer.

  Get prepared to some generic questions – It is very important atleast to get aware of some normal interview questions that could be asked to you. Make yourself get prepared for the interview with simple questions like.
  Could you introduce about yourself?
 

What made you interested to come here?

 

What are your career goals?

  These are some of the generic questions which could be asked at the time of your interview, so practice to present yourself in a perfect way towards the interviewer. Make use of correct grammar and right pronunciation. Never get confused with your answers. Give a clear cut explanation to the questions without getting nerved.
 

Written Test – Have a clear view while preparing for the written test. Know well on what type of questions and procedures the corporate follows. Surf the net to get umpteen information about their questioning and interview procedures. Never panic, stay cool and don’t work with a new set of questioner and get confused with that. Better refresh the questions which you have already worked on.

 

Never fumble – Never expose your nervous actions before the interviewer. Chill out first and start giving your answers for the queries. Make yourself get prepared for participating in group discussions. Never stand opposite with loud voice, instead give a soft drive back and reply in a positive aspect which should be worthy and acceptable.

 

You’re Presentation – Behave gentle and your presentation and timelines is very much important. So make yourself punctual and perfect.  Finally, thank the interviewer for spending his time with you.

 
» Importance of Cover Letter - Article by M/S.Mythili Thirumalai HR Manager
 

There are rules regarding style, arrangement, formatting, punctuation, etc., that distinguish a bad-written letter from the perfect one. Many word processors offer help in formatting and arranging the letter, but it does not hurt if you know how to do it because if you don’t, you will not choose wisely when the word processor suggest you options.

 

There is a relatively strict format for cover letters that should always remain the same. This format is boring and standard, but important. Here are some quick formatting pointers:

 

Basic format

  To be effective, your cover letter should follow the basic format of a typical business letter and should address three general issues:
  » First paragraph: Why you are writing.
  » Middle paragraphs: What you have to offer. .
  » Concluding paragraph: How you will follow-up.
 

Email cover letters

 

If the job posting asks you to send an attachment, send your resume as an MS Word document. However, many employers do not accept attachments. In these cases, paste your resume into your email message. Use a simple font and remove the fancy formatting. Don’t use HTML because the employer may not see a formatted message the same way you do.

 

After formatting email cover letter, send it to yourself first to test that the formatting works. If everything looks good, send it to the employer.

 

Make sure you spell check and check your grammar and upper and lower cases. They are just as important in an email cover letter as in paper cover letters.

 

Fonts, etc

 

These rules apply for all kinds of cover letters

  » Always use a word processor to type out a cover letter.
  » Do not use bright, shiny colors and fancy fonts that are difficult to read. Keep your colorful side for family and friends.
  » Do not use many different font types and font sizes in your letters.
  » Bold and italic make a piece of text stand out from the rest. This is true when you have in bold or italic a couple of words, which you want to emphasize, not when half of your letter is bold and/or italic. Such a heavy overuse of bold and/or italic is unacceptable in formal letters.
  » Do not allow your format to distract attention from the good things you say about yourself in your cover letter.
 
» Reduce your Stress and Panic - Article by M/S.Mythili Thirumalai HR Manager
  Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn' t happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.
  » Pray
  » Go to bed on time.
  » Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
  » Say No to projects that won' t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health
  » Delegate tasks to capable others.
  » Simplify and unclutter your life.
  » Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
  » Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump   the hard things all together.
  » Take one day at a time.
  » Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
  » K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
  » Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
  » Get enough rest.
  » Eat right.
  » Get organized so everything has its place.
  » Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
  » Write down thoughts and inspirations.
  » Every day, find time to be alone.
  » Make friends with Godly people.
  » Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
  » Laugh. 
  » Laugh some more!
  » Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
  » Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
  » Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
  » Sit on your ego.
  » Talk less; listen more.
  » Slow down.
  » Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
  » Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?"