Education and career information for those pursuing a career in k-8th administration and principalship. Article includes a list of colleges offering elementary and middle school administration/principalship programs.
Those interested in administration may want to consider the field of k-8th administration and principalship. Administrators are responsible for the entire school district, which can include several elementary schools and middle schools, while principals manage a single elementary or middle school. Professionals in either field are involved with integrating new curriculum standards and managing educational budgets.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the job outlook for education administrators should be good, growing faster than the average. The experts have made this prediction because current administrators are expected to retire in the next 10 years.
There are specific education requirements for those pursuing a career either in administration or principalship. Many students obtain a bachelor's degree in k-8th administration and principalship or some related field. Few students enter this field with degrees in liberal arts, education, or business. Those who wish to advance in this field should consider obtaining a master's degree in education administration. This type of education is available a colleges and schools.
Top Schools for Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship
(Source: U.S. News, www.usnews.com):
*1. University of Alabama-This university has an average freshmen retention rate of 83% as reported by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 16,568; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:19; Tuition Costs: In-State: $5,664, Out-of-State: $14,316; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.4; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.ua.edu.
*2. Union College- This college has a rich tradition, founded in 1891. -Undergraduate Student Body: 912; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12; Tuition Costs: $14,410; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.4; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: Not Listed. For more information, try www.ucollege.edu.
*3. Grace University- This university offers certificate, diploma, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree programs. -Undergraduate Student Body: 440; Faculty to Student Ratio: Not Listed; Tuition Costs: $11,980; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: Not Listed; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 30% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.graceuniversity.edu.
Education and career information for those pursuing a career in k-8th administration and principalship. Article includes a list of colleges offering elementary and middle school administration/principalship programs.
Those interested in administration may want to consider the field of k-8th administration and principalship. Administrators are responsible for the entire school district, which can include several elementary schools and middle schools, while principals manage a single elementary or middle school. Professionals in either field are involved with integrating new curriculum standards and managing educational budgets.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the job outlook for education administrators should be good, growing faster than the average. The experts have made this prediction because current administrators are expected to retire in the next 10 years.
There are specific education requirements for those pursuing a career either in administration or principalship. Many students obtain a bachelor's degree in k-8th administration and principalship or some related field. Few students enter this field with degrees in liberal arts, education, or business. Those who wish to advance in this field should consider obtaining a master's degree in education administration. This type of education is available a colleges and schools.
Top Schools for Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship
(Source: U.S. News, www.usnews.com):
*1. University of Alabama-This university has an average freshmen retention rate of 83% as reported by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 16,568; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:19; Tuition Costs: In-State: $5,664, Out-of-State: $14,316; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.4; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.ua.edu.
*2. Union College- This college has a rich tradition, founded in 1891. -Undergraduate Student Body: 912; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12; Tuition Costs: $14,410; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.4; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: Not Listed. For more information, try www.ucollege.edu.
*3. Grace University- This university offers certificate, diploma, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree programs. -Undergraduate Student Body: 440; Faculty to Student Ratio: Not Listed; Tuition Costs: $11,980; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: Not Listed; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 30% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.graceuniversity.edu.
http://education-portal.com/articles/Top_Schools_for_K-8th_Administration_and_Principalship.html
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Top Schools for Math
Education and occupation information for those pursuing the field of math. Article includes a list of selective universities offering mathematics programs.
Those interested in logic may want to consider the field of mathematics. Since mathematics is a broad field, students often choose to study theoretical or practical mathematics. With either background, students can choose to become researchers, educators, or consultants. For example, students who focus on theoretical math often become researchers or educators, especially at universities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the job outlook for mathematicians is expected to be poor since it will be declining. The experts at the Bureau of Labor Statistics also report that those looking for a job with the title mathematician will have to face steep competition because there are fewer mathematician positions available.
There are specific education requirements for those pursuing a career as a mathematician. Many students obtain a doctorate degree in math or some related field. In order to receive their doctorate degree, students must have a bachelor's degree as well as master's degree. This education is available at colleges and universities.
Top Schools for Mathematics
(Source: U.S. News, www.usnews.com):
*1. University of Colorado, Boulder-This university has an average freshmen retention rate of 83% as reported by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 26,182; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:18; Tuition Costs: In-State: $5,372, Out-of-State: $22,826; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.5; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 50% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.colorado.edu.
*2. University of Illinois, Chicago- This institution is much younger than many other institutions, founded in 1965. -Undergraduate Student Body: 15,457; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:15; Tuition Costs: In-State: $7,796, Out-of-State: $19,044; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: Not Listed; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: Not Listed. For more information, try www.uic.edu.
*3. University of California, San Diego- This university is ranked 32nd in the category national universities by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 20,339; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:19; Tuition Costs: In-State: $6,681, Out-of-State: $24,501; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.9; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 50% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1200-1299. For more information, try www.ucsd.edu.
http://education-portal.com/articles/Top_Schools_for_Math.html
Those interested in logic may want to consider the field of mathematics. Since mathematics is a broad field, students often choose to study theoretical or practical mathematics. With either background, students can choose to become researchers, educators, or consultants. For example, students who focus on theoretical math often become researchers or educators, especially at universities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the job outlook for mathematicians is expected to be poor since it will be declining. The experts at the Bureau of Labor Statistics also report that those looking for a job with the title mathematician will have to face steep competition because there are fewer mathematician positions available.
There are specific education requirements for those pursuing a career as a mathematician. Many students obtain a doctorate degree in math or some related field. In order to receive their doctorate degree, students must have a bachelor's degree as well as master's degree. This education is available at colleges and universities.
Top Schools for Mathematics
(Source: U.S. News, www.usnews.com):
*1. University of Colorado, Boulder-This university has an average freshmen retention rate of 83% as reported by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 26,182; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:18; Tuition Costs: In-State: $5,372, Out-of-State: $22,826; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.5; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 50% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.colorado.edu.
*2. University of Illinois, Chicago- This institution is much younger than many other institutions, founded in 1965. -Undergraduate Student Body: 15,457; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:15; Tuition Costs: In-State: $7,796, Out-of-State: $19,044; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: Not Listed; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: Not Listed. For more information, try www.uic.edu.
*3. University of California, San Diego- This university is ranked 32nd in the category national universities by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 20,339; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:19; Tuition Costs: In-State: $6,681, Out-of-State: $24,501; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.9; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 50% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1200-1299. For more information, try www.ucsd.edu.
http://education-portal.com/articles/Top_Schools_for_Math.html
Top Schools for Physical Education
Education and career information for those pursuing a career in physical. Article includes a list of colleges offering physical education teaching and coaching programs.
Those interested in sports and exercise may want to consider the field of physical education. Professionals in this field work with others to increase their physical well-being or improve their sports performance. With this background, students can choose from the following careers physical education teacher, coach, umpire and referee.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the job outlook for coaches is expected to be good, growing faster than the average. Experts have made this prediction because more people are predicted to join organized sports for recreation or exercise, thus, more coaches will be needed.
The education requirements vary depending upon the employer. Many employers prefer to hire those who have formal training or previous experience. Some students enter this field with a bachelor's degree in physical education or a related subject. This education is available at schools, colleges, and universities.
Top Schools for Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
(Source: U.S. News, www.usnews.com):
*1. Austin College-This college has an average freshmen retention rate of 85% as reported by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 1,288; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12; Tuition Costs: $20,495; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.5; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 50% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1200-1299. For more information, try www.austincollege.edu.
*2. Bryan College- This institution is ranked 14th in the category comprehensive colleges-bachelor's, south by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 647; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:13; Tuition Costs: $14,700; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.6; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: More than 30% had scores 1200-1299. For more information, try www.bryan.edu.
*3. Coe College- This college has a rich history, founded in 1851. -Undergraduate Student Body: 1,321; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:13; Tuition Costs: $23,930; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.6; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.coe.edu.
http://education-portal.com/articles/Top_Schools_for_Physical_Education.html
Those interested in sports and exercise may want to consider the field of physical education. Professionals in this field work with others to increase their physical well-being or improve their sports performance. With this background, students can choose from the following careers physical education teacher, coach, umpire and referee.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the job outlook for coaches is expected to be good, growing faster than the average. Experts have made this prediction because more people are predicted to join organized sports for recreation or exercise, thus, more coaches will be needed.
The education requirements vary depending upon the employer. Many employers prefer to hire those who have formal training or previous experience. Some students enter this field with a bachelor's degree in physical education or a related subject. This education is available at schools, colleges, and universities.
Top Schools for Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
(Source: U.S. News, www.usnews.com):
*1. Austin College-This college has an average freshmen retention rate of 85% as reported by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 1,288; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12; Tuition Costs: $20,495; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.5; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 50% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1200-1299. For more information, try www.austincollege.edu.
*2. Bryan College- This institution is ranked 14th in the category comprehensive colleges-bachelor's, south by U.S. News. -Undergraduate Student Body: 647; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:13; Tuition Costs: $14,700; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.6; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: More than 30% had scores 1200-1299. For more information, try www.bryan.edu.
*3. Coe College- This college has a rich history, founded in 1851. -Undergraduate Student Body: 1,321; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:13; Tuition Costs: $23,930; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.6; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.coe.edu.
http://education-portal.com/articles/Top_Schools_for_Physical_Education.html
Top Schools for Special Education Teaching
Career and training information for high school students who hope to teach special education courses. This article includes some names of colleges that offer teaching credentials in special education.
Those interested in the field of teaching may wish to consider the field of special education. Special education teachers work with and instruct children suffering from mental, emotional, learning disabilities, or behavioral disorders. These professionals know that having a disability doesn't mean that students cannot be productive members of society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, a bachelor's degree is required of all prospective special education teachers, as is the completion of an approved teacher preparation program and a teaching license.
Students currently enrolled in high school may find it difficult to find courses related to this field to take. They could try asking their counselor if there's a course in peer counseling. Peer counseling could help them develop skills that can help them become sensitive to other's needs. They may also consider taking a psychology course because they may need to take it later in college.
If such courses aren't available, they may try joining a club that works with special needs students on their campus or ask the special education teachers if they could volunteer to work with them. Interacting and developing bonds with other students at their school can help them begin to understand how to respond to their types of needs.
List of Teaching Special Education Colleges and Schools
(Source: U.S. News, www.usnews.com):
*1. Santa Clara University-
This prestigious university is ranked 2nd in the category for Universities-Master's (West) by U.S. News.
-Undergraduate Student Body: 4,434; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12; Tuition Costs: $28,899; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.6; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 60% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1200-1299. For more information, try www.scu.edu.
*2. University of San Francisco-
This private institution is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
-Undergraduate Student Body: 4,967; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:14; Tuition Costs: $26,840; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.4; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.usfca.edu.
*3. Palm Beach Atlantic University-
This highest degree that this university offers is a master's degree.
-Undergraduate Student Body: 2,406; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12; Tuition Costs: $17,342; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: Not Listed; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 50% had scores 18-23, SAT: More than 50% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.pbu.edu
http://education-portal.com/articles/Top_Schools_for_Special_Education_Teaching.html
Those interested in the field of teaching may wish to consider the field of special education. Special education teachers work with and instruct children suffering from mental, emotional, learning disabilities, or behavioral disorders. These professionals know that having a disability doesn't mean that students cannot be productive members of society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, a bachelor's degree is required of all prospective special education teachers, as is the completion of an approved teacher preparation program and a teaching license.
Students currently enrolled in high school may find it difficult to find courses related to this field to take. They could try asking their counselor if there's a course in peer counseling. Peer counseling could help them develop skills that can help them become sensitive to other's needs. They may also consider taking a psychology course because they may need to take it later in college.
If such courses aren't available, they may try joining a club that works with special needs students on their campus or ask the special education teachers if they could volunteer to work with them. Interacting and developing bonds with other students at their school can help them begin to understand how to respond to their types of needs.
List of Teaching Special Education Colleges and Schools
(Source: U.S. News, www.usnews.com):
*1. Santa Clara University-
This prestigious university is ranked 2nd in the category for Universities-Master's (West) by U.S. News.
-Undergraduate Student Body: 4,434; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12; Tuition Costs: $28,899; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.6; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 60% had scores 24-29, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1200-1299. For more information, try www.scu.edu.
*2. University of San Francisco-
This private institution is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
-Undergraduate Student Body: 4,967; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:14; Tuition Costs: $26,840; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.4; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40% had scores 18-23, SAT: More than 40% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.usfca.edu.
*3. Palm Beach Atlantic University-
This highest degree that this university offers is a master's degree.
-Undergraduate Student Body: 2,406; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:12; Tuition Costs: $17,342; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: Not Listed; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 50% had scores 18-23, SAT: More than 50% had scores 1000-1099. For more information, try www.pbu.edu
http://education-portal.com/articles/Top_Schools_for_Special_Education_Teaching.html
How to beat mid-career crisis
Kamal Hingorani started his career some 20 years ago as a reservation-ticketing agent at a foreign airline. A science graduate, he had got admission at Cornell University, but couldn't afford the fees. So, he made the best of his job, was promoted to senior reservation-ticketing agent then to a supervisor and then to a sales representative at the same office.
He also realised that management education would take his career ahead, but knew that he could not afford to take time off to enroll in a full-time course. Instead, he signed up for a one-year diploma course in management offered by the local YMCA. "Classes were held in the evening and it was also close to my office. I could do my course and my job, simultaneously," says Hingorani. He paid the Rs 10,000 course fee out of his savings.
From then on, there was no looking back. Hingorani began a rapid ascent up the corporate ladder, first as senior sales representative and then as sales manager. When he decided to move to another airline, he moved as sales manager controlling a bigger territory, and was soon made country manager. From there, he moved to Kuoni Travel as vice-president. But Hingorani was still not satisfied.
He knew that the management course from YMCA was now obsolete. "Most of the concepts that I had learnt at that time had changed," he says. So he decided to join the first batch of the Executive General Management Programme floated by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. He finished his course and stuck it out at Kuoni for another year before moving to ITC Travel House as an executive vice-president.
It's not difficult to see how Hingorani grew - hard work, dedication and constant re-skilling to stay abreast of latest developments. The last is possibly the most important, as hard work and dedication is pretty much taken for granted. Outlook Money takes a look at the efficacy of mid-career programmes and at what you should look for before you decide on a programme.
Need for re-skilling. "These days, most skills have a very short shelf life," says Ambarish Raghuvanshi, CFO and director, Infoedge India, which owns the job portal naukri.com. That's why you need to keep abreast of the rapid changes in space where you operate. How soon do skills become redundant? It's hard to put a number to this, as it depends on the industry you work in. If you work in the IT field or in taxation, for instance, rapid changes cannot be ruled out.
New rules and changes in technology will render your current skills obsolete before you even realise it. "The need for re-skilling in the present day is critical. At different stages, you need to evaluate yourself if you need to acquire new skills to remain competitive at the job," says Deepak Chandra, assistant dean, Executive Education, Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad. There are two ways professionals learn. One is on the job and the other is when you make a conscious effort to pursue a programme to upgrade skills.
Bakul H. Dholakia, director, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A), offers another point of view, saying that only a few make it to the good management schools every year. Those who don't, either join relatively unknown management schools, or join a profession. When these people move up the corporate ladder, the need for quality education rises. "As a result, demand for quality mid-career programmes is immense in India," says Dholakia. This is one reason why IIM-A plans to commence its executive education programme in the latter half of this year.
When to re-skill. "Waiting for the mid-career wake-up call is not the best way. One should proactively take an inventory of the present skill sets, identify the needs for the next levels of management and try to do a programme to bridge this gap. If you wait for signals, you may not be able to move with external changes like technology, business models and mergers and acquisitions," says E Balaji, CEO, Ma Foi Management Consultants.
Having said that, it also depends on the organisational need and evolution of an industry. "Industries like IT, retail, telecom have fast-changing paradigms in the market dynamics," says Achal Khanna, country general manager, Kelly Services India.
However, there are signals you can look out for, which would suggest that you are in need of re-skilling. "One indication is if you are paid less than your peers within the organisation and within the same industry," says Raghuvanshi. The other indication is how you are perceived within your own organisation. If you are not given due importance and are not involved in decision-making and your peers are, then you should seriously consider evaluating your profile and identifying the areas where you fall short.
How to re-skill. Once you have identified the areas you need to beef up, how do you choose a programme that adds value to your profile? "It is better to choose programmes that complement one's career aspirations by leveraging past experience," says Balaji.
Take the case of Vivek Varshney, 37, head, Project Implementation, Siemens Information Systems, Gurgaon. A maths graduate from Agra University, Varshney also has a PG Diploma in Computer Science, as well as a masters degree in Computer Science and Application. After his post-graduation, he worked for numerous organisations in the IT field, including a Noida-based company called Network Programs. "Although it was a small company, it gave me many opportunities to grow and learn on the job," says Varshney.
From there, he moved to Perot Systems, where he learnt of IIM-B's management course for working professionals. "I had around 13 years of work experience and felt the need for a structured management education as I was moving to positions that required more management than technical skills," says Varshney. The course was for less than a year and the classes were held on weekends. His big break came after he completed his course. "I got the job at Siemens more because of my experience but the IIM-B course did give me an edge," says Varshney.
Choose right. Varshney did not have to do too much homework regarding the quality of the course and the institute, since IIM-B is well recognised. But if you aren't sure, spend some time in finding out the quality of the course and the brand value of the institute conducting the course. Also, make sure that the course timings suit your work schedule.
Your best bet could be online learning, a concept that's rapidly gaining importance. Most premier institutes conduct executive development courses using broadband technology. These days most such programmes focus on management education. However, there are mid-career programmes for professionals working in other spheres as well, generally offered by skill specific institutions. For instance, ICFAI conducts a CFA programme, and QAI conducts programmes on quality and project management.
However, if you plan to take any of these courses, check if you are eligible for the same. Most courses require a minimum amount of work experience. For instance, to be eligible to apply for the programmes to be launched by IIM-A, you need to have at least five years of work experience.
The cost. Mid-career programmes typically cost between Rs 40,000 and Rs 2 lakh. Shorter duration courses cost less. However, short-duration courses conducted by premier institutes may set you back by more than Rs 1 lakh. For instance, the six-month programme conducted by IIMA costs Rs 1.8 lakh. Banks usually finance these courses through education loans. Or, like Varshney, you can fund your own studies.
No matter how much you pay, remember that there is usually a commensurate benefit. "These programmes are really effective in terms of bringing fresh ideas and creative thinking to old issues," says Khanna. "I came back with a different mindset after completing my course. It changed my perspective towards management," adds Hingorani.
Varshney adds these courses also give you a chance to network. "In our class we had 108 students from diverse fields. The opportunity to gain from their experience was immense," he says. In the case of both Hingorani and Varshney, the knowledge gained through these programmes propelled their careers, which also translated into heftier pay packets. And, of course, there's the brand value of doing a course from a reputed institute.
"These programmes should be viewed as an investment in self development that would help during future career opportunities," says Dholakia. However, make sure that the course that you select adds value to your profile. If you choose with care, you can rest assured that rewards will follow.
http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2006/sep/08career.htm
He also realised that management education would take his career ahead, but knew that he could not afford to take time off to enroll in a full-time course. Instead, he signed up for a one-year diploma course in management offered by the local YMCA. "Classes were held in the evening and it was also close to my office. I could do my course and my job, simultaneously," says Hingorani. He paid the Rs 10,000 course fee out of his savings.
From then on, there was no looking back. Hingorani began a rapid ascent up the corporate ladder, first as senior sales representative and then as sales manager. When he decided to move to another airline, he moved as sales manager controlling a bigger territory, and was soon made country manager. From there, he moved to Kuoni Travel as vice-president. But Hingorani was still not satisfied.
He knew that the management course from YMCA was now obsolete. "Most of the concepts that I had learnt at that time had changed," he says. So he decided to join the first batch of the Executive General Management Programme floated by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. He finished his course and stuck it out at Kuoni for another year before moving to ITC Travel House as an executive vice-president.
It's not difficult to see how Hingorani grew - hard work, dedication and constant re-skilling to stay abreast of latest developments. The last is possibly the most important, as hard work and dedication is pretty much taken for granted. Outlook Money takes a look at the efficacy of mid-career programmes and at what you should look for before you decide on a programme.
Need for re-skilling. "These days, most skills have a very short shelf life," says Ambarish Raghuvanshi, CFO and director, Infoedge India, which owns the job portal naukri.com. That's why you need to keep abreast of the rapid changes in space where you operate. How soon do skills become redundant? It's hard to put a number to this, as it depends on the industry you work in. If you work in the IT field or in taxation, for instance, rapid changes cannot be ruled out.
New rules and changes in technology will render your current skills obsolete before you even realise it. "The need for re-skilling in the present day is critical. At different stages, you need to evaluate yourself if you need to acquire new skills to remain competitive at the job," says Deepak Chandra, assistant dean, Executive Education, Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad. There are two ways professionals learn. One is on the job and the other is when you make a conscious effort to pursue a programme to upgrade skills.
Bakul H. Dholakia, director, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A), offers another point of view, saying that only a few make it to the good management schools every year. Those who don't, either join relatively unknown management schools, or join a profession. When these people move up the corporate ladder, the need for quality education rises. "As a result, demand for quality mid-career programmes is immense in India," says Dholakia. This is one reason why IIM-A plans to commence its executive education programme in the latter half of this year.
When to re-skill. "Waiting for the mid-career wake-up call is not the best way. One should proactively take an inventory of the present skill sets, identify the needs for the next levels of management and try to do a programme to bridge this gap. If you wait for signals, you may not be able to move with external changes like technology, business models and mergers and acquisitions," says E Balaji, CEO, Ma Foi Management Consultants.
Having said that, it also depends on the organisational need and evolution of an industry. "Industries like IT, retail, telecom have fast-changing paradigms in the market dynamics," says Achal Khanna, country general manager, Kelly Services India.
However, there are signals you can look out for, which would suggest that you are in need of re-skilling. "One indication is if you are paid less than your peers within the organisation and within the same industry," says Raghuvanshi. The other indication is how you are perceived within your own organisation. If you are not given due importance and are not involved in decision-making and your peers are, then you should seriously consider evaluating your profile and identifying the areas where you fall short.
How to re-skill. Once you have identified the areas you need to beef up, how do you choose a programme that adds value to your profile? "It is better to choose programmes that complement one's career aspirations by leveraging past experience," says Balaji.
Take the case of Vivek Varshney, 37, head, Project Implementation, Siemens Information Systems, Gurgaon. A maths graduate from Agra University, Varshney also has a PG Diploma in Computer Science, as well as a masters degree in Computer Science and Application. After his post-graduation, he worked for numerous organisations in the IT field, including a Noida-based company called Network Programs. "Although it was a small company, it gave me many opportunities to grow and learn on the job," says Varshney.
From there, he moved to Perot Systems, where he learnt of IIM-B's management course for working professionals. "I had around 13 years of work experience and felt the need for a structured management education as I was moving to positions that required more management than technical skills," says Varshney. The course was for less than a year and the classes were held on weekends. His big break came after he completed his course. "I got the job at Siemens more because of my experience but the IIM-B course did give me an edge," says Varshney.
Choose right. Varshney did not have to do too much homework regarding the quality of the course and the institute, since IIM-B is well recognised. But if you aren't sure, spend some time in finding out the quality of the course and the brand value of the institute conducting the course. Also, make sure that the course timings suit your work schedule.
Your best bet could be online learning, a concept that's rapidly gaining importance. Most premier institutes conduct executive development courses using broadband technology. These days most such programmes focus on management education. However, there are mid-career programmes for professionals working in other spheres as well, generally offered by skill specific institutions. For instance, ICFAI conducts a CFA programme, and QAI conducts programmes on quality and project management.
However, if you plan to take any of these courses, check if you are eligible for the same. Most courses require a minimum amount of work experience. For instance, to be eligible to apply for the programmes to be launched by IIM-A, you need to have at least five years of work experience.
The cost. Mid-career programmes typically cost between Rs 40,000 and Rs 2 lakh. Shorter duration courses cost less. However, short-duration courses conducted by premier institutes may set you back by more than Rs 1 lakh. For instance, the six-month programme conducted by IIMA costs Rs 1.8 lakh. Banks usually finance these courses through education loans. Or, like Varshney, you can fund your own studies.
No matter how much you pay, remember that there is usually a commensurate benefit. "These programmes are really effective in terms of bringing fresh ideas and creative thinking to old issues," says Khanna. "I came back with a different mindset after completing my course. It changed my perspective towards management," adds Hingorani.
Varshney adds these courses also give you a chance to network. "In our class we had 108 students from diverse fields. The opportunity to gain from their experience was immense," he says. In the case of both Hingorani and Varshney, the knowledge gained through these programmes propelled their careers, which also translated into heftier pay packets. And, of course, there's the brand value of doing a course from a reputed institute.
"These programmes should be viewed as an investment in self development that would help during future career opportunities," says Dholakia. However, make sure that the course that you select adds value to your profile. If you choose with care, you can rest assured that rewards will follow.
http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2006/sep/08career.htm
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