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Reach for the moon

Photo: V. Raju

Optimism the key Equip yourself for a better job

What is that in your hand? Hope it isn’t a pink slip. Are you being called to HR? Hope it isn’t bad news. Mmm… Company margins are in red, the downsizing whisper is now a loud buzz. Wedding plans are off, whopping EMIs loom big, and holidays have flown out of the window!

Don’t despair. The tried and tested way to meet job loss is to make it an opportunity. This is the time to do what you’ve always wanted to. Want ideas? The Indian Air Force recruited over 8,000 airmen and officers in the current year, up from 3,000 last year. Guess who’s applying? Over 100 IIT-ans. The IAF offers enormous opportunities to work on the latest technology in sensors, computers, radars and basic science, among other streams. The Army and Navy offer similar chances. Or, aim for the moon. Software engineers are applying for posts in ISRO after the success of Chandrayaan-1, a top official in the Department Of Science and Technology (DoST) has said.

During interviews, candidates have reportedly said that IT jobs weren’t professionally satisfying and that they wanted to be part of India’s great mission. After a gap of 10 years, BHEL has picked up 400 engineers from different IITs through campus placement, says B. Shankar, GM (Human Resource). The meltdown seems to have brought to the PSUs a part of their lost glamour.

Romy LeClaire Loran of FindtheRightSchool.com has a catalogue of recession-proof jobs. “Some employers may even woo you with incentives, good salaries and benefit packages. So, why not find a career where prospective employers practically come knocking at your door?” asks the website. So, on whose doors will jobs knock? Accountants, certainly. With an array of new businesses and ever-changing laws, accountants will be needed for record-keeping and tax needs. Skilled software engineers, as “software plays an increasing role in our lives.”

Dental care assistants, because dentists need them for cleaning, X-rays, and post-surgery care. Teachers, of course. Environmental science specialists are needed too. Companies, businesses, and governments are busy going green. The number of people who can monitor pollutants and wastes will increase dramatically. Beauticians and skin care specialists don’t go out of fashion. Vets in pet clinics and zoos are always looking for veterinary technologists and technicians.

Here are more options. Do a course in counselling. People need coping skills in times like these, right? Helplines are getting jammed. Why don’t you be the one consoling? All you need is the ability to listen and a soft expression.

Try for used-car salesmanship if you’re a convincing speaker. With cars repossessed from payment defaulters, dealers are looking for ways to dispose them. Getting the job is your first successful sales pitch! “Think of a career in a cuppa,” says a placement agent. Become a tea taster.

Or, join an NGO. Use your organisational skills/managerial expertise for fund-raising as well as completing projects successfully. Run management workshops for the staff. You’ll get rich in goodwill and will make valuable contacts. Most of all, register for higher studies; opt for distance education. Join a soft-skills programme. Here is your big chance to qualify yourself before the job scramble begins all over again. The jobs are still there. Just find your niche.

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