Become a GD champion

Q:I have been called for a group discussion (GD) and personal interview for an MBA programme in Calcutta. How should I prepare for the group discussion?

Subhajit Gupta

A: Besides the personal interview, the group discussion (GD) is the most widely accepted tool for personality assessment. GD is a discussion by a group of candidates (normally 8 to 10), usually on a prescribed topic that a student from any academic background can tackle without difficulty. A good grasp of current national and international issues is a great asset.

The topic is given to the group five minutes before the discussion. GD is used to filter out those candidates who may possess good skills for written exams but lack effective communication ability.

The key to success is “effective listening” — listening to what others are saying and then contributing valid views and facts. You must be able to make an intelligent contribution to the discussion without appearing to dominate it. You can choose any of the following strategies for GD:

Strategy 1: Be the first to speak, to clarify the issue, and to set the scope for discussion. Be an opening batsman but take care you are not bowled out for a duck! Also, don’t go on batting for too long.

Strategy 2: Be the moderator who allows others to make a point by saying “Let us hear the views of XYZ”, or moderate the discussion itself if it strays too far afield or otherwise appears to be flagging.

Strategy 3: Be the last to speak and conclude the discussion by giving an intelligent summation of the proceedings.

The GD is monitored by two or more judges who evaluate initiative, leadership, team spirit, the relevance of your contribution, etc. Both saying a lot and saying nothing can be equally damaging. The trick is to contribute, participate well, and feel and look interested in what others are saying. Best of luck!

Choices galore in chemistry

Q:I am keen on a career in chemistry. What are the job options in chemistry?

Aakash Verma

A: Chemistry is a pure science that deals with the composition of matter and its changes, reactions and transformations. Those specialising in chemistry work in research and development, management, marketing and production in a large number of industries, ranging from pharmaceuticals to plastics, polymers, petrochemicals, food processing and forestry, to name a few.

After getting a bachelors degree in chemistry, you can study for a masters in analytical, applied, organic, inorganic, industrial, environmental, medicinal, pesticide, agrochemical, pharmacological, physical, polymer, sugar, dairy or textile chemistry, followed by MPhil and PhD degrees in pure or applied chemistry and biotechnology.

Happy days ahead with a pilot’s licence

Q: I am a Class XII science student under the ISCE board. I want to become a pilot. What are the requirements?

Karan Singh

A :The booming aviation industry has seen a tremendous spurt in demand for trained pilots. In fact, it is estimated that there will be a shortage of 7,500 pilots in India by 2010. The current shortfall stands at about 900.

Since you are in Class XII, you can directly enrol for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL). This involves taking an exam conducted by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), that consists of theory papers on air navigation, aviation meteorology, air regulation and technical aspects.

For getting a PPL, you need 40 hours of flying experience, of which 20 should be solo flying and five cross-country. You must also clear the Armed Forces Central Medical Establishment exam. However, the PPL is not mandatory. You can even obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) if you are 18 and after you have passed Class XII (PCM).

To obtain a CPL, you have to clear theory papers on the same five topics but at a more advanced level. You should have clocked 250 hours of flying experience including solo and cross-country, and day and night landing.

The training periods for PPL and CPL are six months and 15 months respectively.
A word of caution: training to be a pilot is an expensive proposition. Although you will earn handsomely, you must be prepared for the steep initial cost of training that can push you into a financial air pocket.

Moreover, a pilot must be 100 per cent fit throughout his career. Not only will you have to clear an exacting medical examination at the time of entry but also every 6 to 12 months. Even a minor health blip can halt your career mid-flight. Just be sure that the flying school is recognised by DGCA.

For details, log on to: www.dgca.nic.in

The number of aspirants seeking CPL has tripled within a year. While 300 candidates sat for the CPL exam conducted by DGCA in April 2005, the number shot up to 1,045 in 2006. However, the pass percentage was abysmally low. Barely 10 per cent managed to pass in two of the five subjects. In 2005, 30 to 40 per cent candidates had passed the exam with flying colours.