CHENNAI: Self-reliance, cognitive skills, language skills, leadership qualities and personal efficiency were key to success in one's career, said experts at the second day of ` The Hindu Education Plus Career Fair 2006' here on Sunday.

Addressing students at the `Employability Seminar', Latha Rajan, HR director, Ma Foi Management Consultancy Limited, said a global perspective was vital for students.

She said more opportunities were in store for them as Asia and India had a very promising future.

On migration trends, she said the contribution of Non Resident Indians to the country was notable. "The nation is still not comfortable with the idea of people going abroad. This is unfounded, as a global perspective will make them more competent," she said, adding that migration for job opportunities was a common phenomenon in several parts of the world.

Ms. Rajan urged parents and students not to overlook extra curricular activities in school even in the higher grades, as they helped students gain confidence.

Behavioural Scientist N. Raj Mohan said though several candidates had an impressive academic record, they failed to make an impression during the interview, as they lacked good communication skills and the right attitude.

Mr. Mohan said despite mushrooming colleges, the poor teacher-student ratio in some institutions was a problem that needed to be addressed.

Panellists felt that though there were many opportunities available, not many candidates met specific skill sets that the industry demanded. According to a study conducted by Ma Foi, for every hundred persons interviewed, only three to five were eligible for jobs in the IT industry. This is when seven to eight candidates converted interview calls for jobs in the manufacturing industry.

Easy movement

Enabling easy movement of personnel from developing countries, migration of different kinds of services and greater understanding of global architecture were some of the solutions suggested to fill the gap between the resource pool and employable pool.

However, it was observed that emphasis on skill-based learning, constant upgradation of curriculum, effective networking, building communication skills at school, developing an eye for detail, active feedback mechanism, etiquette and general awareness and sensitivity were vital for professional growth.

An interactive session followed the presentations in which topics such as challenges in the knowledge process outsourcing industry, foreign languages, interviews, future of fashion industry and biotechnology were covered.

The afternoon sessions for the day were on opportunities in Aviation, Animation, BPOs and Foreign Languages.

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