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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Interview Myths That Keep You From Landing the Job

With so few jobs currently available and so many people currently hoping to fill those jobs, standing out in an interview is of utmost importance. While jobs themselves are scarce, job advice is overly abundant. And with an influx of information comes an influx of confusion. What career counsel do you take, and what do you ignore?

There are a number of common misconceptions related to interview best practices, experts say. Kera Greene of the Career Counselors Consortium and executive coach Barbara Frankel offer tips below that can help you stand out from other interview subjects, avoid frequent pitfalls, and secure the job.

Myth #1: Be prepared with a list of questions to ask at the close of the interview.
There is some truth in this common piece of advice: You should always be prepared, and that usually includes developing questions related to the job. The myth here is that you must wait until it is "your turn" to speak.
By waiting until the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, "it becomes an interrogation instead of a conversation," says Greene.
Greene recommends that you think of an interview as a sales call. You are the product and you are selling yourself to the employer. "You can't be passive in a sales call or you aren't going to sell your product."
Frankel mimics Greene's comments. "It's a two-way street," she says. "I recommend asking a follow-up question at the tail end of your responses."
For example, Frankel says, if the interviewer says, "Tell me about yourself," you first respond to that question and complete your response with a question like, "Can you tell me more about the position?" The interview should be a dialogue.

Myth #2: Do not show weakness in an interview.
The reality is that it is OK to have flaws. In fact, almost every interviewer will ask you to name one. Typically job seekers are told to either avoid this question by providing a "good flaw." One such "good flaw" which is often recommends is: "I am too committed to my work." But, these kinds of responses will only hurt you.
"Every recruiter can see through that," Greene says of faux flaws.
Recruiters conduct interviews all day, every day. They've seen it all and can see through candidates who dodge questions. "They prefer to hire someone who is honest than someone who is obviously lying," Greene says.
And for those of you who claim to be flaw-free, think again. "Everybody has weaknesses," Frankel states. But one is enough. According to Frankel, supply your interviewer with one genuine flaw, explain how you are working to correct it, and then move on to a new question.

Myth #3: Be sure to point out all of your strengths and skills to the employer.
Of course, you want the interviewer to know why you are a valuable candidate, but a laundry list of your skills isn't going to win you any points. Inevitably, in an interview, you will be asked about your skills. What can go wrong in this scenario?
"You don't want to list a litany of strengths," Frankel says.
"What is typical is that they will say: 'I'm a good communicator,' 'I have excellent interpersonal skills,' 'I am responsible,'" Greene explains. "You have to give accomplishments. I need to know what did you accomplish when using these skills."
Frankel recommends doing a little groundwork before your interview so that you are best equipped to answer this question. She tells her clients to find out what the prospective job role consists of. "What makes an interview powerful is to give an example related to their particular needs or challenges that you have demonstrated in the past."
Provide three strengths, with examples. You will get much further with a handful of real strengths than with an unconvincing list of traits.

Myth #4: Let the employer know your salary expectations.
One of the trickiest questions to answer in an interview relates to salary. Money talk can be uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be. The fact is you don't even have to answer when asked about desired salary.
According to the book "Acing the Interview: How to Ask and Answer the Questions That Will Get You The Job!" a perfect response would be: "I want to earn a salary that is commensurate with the contributions I can make. I am confident I can make a substantial contribution at your firm. What does your firm plan to pay for this position?"
Greene suggests a similar response: "I prefer to discuss the compensation package after you've decided that I'm the best candidate and we can sit down and negotiate the package."

Myth #5: The employer determines whether or not you get the job.
While yes, the employer must be the one to offer you the position, interviewees have more control than they often realize. According to both Greene and Frankel, candidates have a larger say in the final hiring decision than they think.
"They should call the interviewer or hiring manager and say: 'I'd really like to be part of the company,'" says Greene. "It can't hurt you. It can only help."
"Acing the Interview" encourages all candidates to conclude their interviews with one question: "'Based on our interview, do you have any concerns about my ability to do the job?' -- If the answer is yes, ask the interviewer to be explicit. Deal forthrightly with each concern."

105 Masters Scholarship for Africa, India and Commonwealth Countries

Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship for Africa, India and Commonwealth Countries
Do you want to make a difference to the development of your home country?
105 scholarships are available for Masters students from Africa, India and countries of the Commonwealth and for candidates who want to make a real difference to the development and prosperity of their home country.

30 Full Tuition Fee Scholarships
75 Tuition Fee Scholarships of 50%
You can apply for this scholarship if you
• are from Africa, India or one of the Commonwealth countries listed below* AND
• are classed as an overseas student for fee purposes AND
• already hold an offer to start a full-time Masters degree programme (including MRes) at Nottingham in 2010 – Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences and Faculty of Science, plus some courses in the School of Geography, Institute for Science & Society, Institute of Work, Health & Organisations, and courses allied to Operations Management in the Business School.
1 FULL Tuition Fee Scholarship is also available for a student from
Africa for the MSc in Crop Improvement School of Biosciences

How to apply
• Complete and submit an online application form by 30 April 2010
• Application forms are available at:
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/international/_online_forms/scholarships/application_page.php

We aim to notify applicants of the outcome within 6 weeks of the closing date.

Developing Solutions/Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
In partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID) under the British Aid programme and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), The University of Nottingham will also offer 6 FULL Scholarships (tuition fees, airfare, maintenance award and additional allowances) to new students registering on Masters programmes in the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences in September 2010.

A list of eligible countries for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme can be found at

http://www.cscuk.org.uk/docs/ListofdevelopingCommonwealthcountries.pdf

Please note that nominations for this scholarship will be chosen from the Developing Solutions Scholarship applications – you should apply only once on the Developing Solutions Scholarship application form

MSc Scholarships in African Studies, Oxford University

The African Studies Committee of the Oxford University invites applications for the ORISHA Studentship for MSc in African Studies from persons who will be registered as students for the MSc in African Studies from October 2010. The scholarship will cover full university and college fees and a maintenance allowance.

In order to be considered for the ORISHA scholarship, the following must be noted:

1. Indicate in the funding section of your admissions application that you intend to apply for ORISHA MSc Scholarship and
2. You must name St. Cross OR St. Antony’s college as your first college choice.
3. Your application for admission to the course must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions office by the closing date of the 2nd application deadline (22nd January 2010) if you wish to be considered for the ORISHA scholarship.

Incomplete applications received by this deadline will not be considered for ORISHA.

Further Scholarship Information and Application
http://www.africanstudies.ox.ac.uk/prospective_students

Full-Tuition African Health and Humanitarian Systems Scholarship

The MIT-Zaragoza Program and Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC) are awarding one African Health and Humanitarian Systems Scholarship for an outstanding candidate to undertake the Master of Engineering in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ZLOG) program.

Through this scholarship, the Foundation hopes to attract outstanding future leaders who can make a vital contribution to filling the capacity gap in Africa for well-trained supply chain and logistics professionals dedicated to the field of health and humanitarian logistics. Scholarship holders will work for well-established and reputed organizations in Africa in the area of health-care logistics, health-systems, health policy, drug procurement and distribution, humanitarian logistics, disaster relief logistics, etc. for a period of at least two years upon graduation of the ZLOG Program.

Eligibility
Open to all individuals, although preference will be given to applicants who are African nationals.

Furthermore, candidates must comply with the following criteria:
• Fluency in English, minimum TOEFL score of 105 points
• Professional excellence with a background or experience in developing countries, interaction with or working for public health or humanitarian and development aid agencies, or exceptional academic achievement.
• Experience in developing countries; or in interacting with or working for public health or humanitarian and development aid agencies will be highly appreciated.
Coverage
The scholarship holder will receive the full tuition cost that currently amounts to €21,500.
Application deadline April 15th 2010!

Job Homepage : ZLOG African Health and Humanitarian Systems Scholarship
Category : International Scholarship
Contact address : Zaragoza Logistics Center
Financial Aid Office
Calle Bari 55
Edificio Náyade, Bloque 5
PLAZA
50197 Zaragoza (SPAIN)
Tel:+34 976 077 603
Fax: +34 976 077 601
Skype: zlc_financial_aid_office
www.zlc.edu.es
Keywords : Scholarship, Master, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, MIT, Health and Humanitarian Systems

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Political Thought, South Africa

A National Research Foundation (NRF) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is on offer for one year (renewable for another) in the Department of Politics, University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa. It will be under the mentorship of Professor Lawrence Hamilton, who holds an NRF President’s Award, and will be located within the Department and within the Centre of Political Thought at UJ. The fellowship can be taken up from 1 February or 1 July 2010, and is set at the UJ’s rate for postdoctoral fellowships, currently R160 000 per annum, sufficient to cover living expenses.

The Centre of Political Thought at UJ is a unique environment in South Africa for research in political thought and theory. Existing members of the Centre research on a variety of topics within the history of political thought and political philosophy, including human needs and rights; political judgement; freedom, constitutionalism, poverty and public debt in South Africa; German Idealist political thought; language and politics; 10th century Islamic political thought; the intellectual history of freedom in America; African political thought; and the thought of Rousseau, Sieyès and Marx.

Applicants should not feel, however, that they have to restrict their research proposals to these or cognate areas. The proposed postdoctoral research can be on any topic within the fields of history of political thought, political philosophy or political theory – including research that makes use of empirical analysis and case studies to further the understanding or applicability of a question within political theory. The final choice of candidate will not be influenced by their choice of research topic.

Candidates are only eligible if they have been awarded a doctoral degree within the last five years; and, if they have yet to receive the degree, they must have it in hand by the time they take up the position, or preferably by the end of 2009.
Interested candidates should email their curriculum vitae, the names of three referees, an example of their written (preferably published) work of about 10 000 words, and a one-page summary of their proposed postdoctoral research to Professor Hamilton

Thursday, January 7, 2010

UMAR ABDULLMUTALAB FAROUK’ S ACT IS A STUMBLING BLOCK FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS ASPIRING TO STUDY ABROAD .

The U.S. law makers are already proposing a law that will make ethnic profiling of passengers whose destination is the U. S. legal, this is as a result of the review of the criminal justice system on terrorism of the US following the attempted bombing of a Detroit-bound plane on Christmas day by a misguided young nigerian.

This means that responsible and harmless travellers from some selected ethnic group might be considered high risk passengers and will be subjected to delay due to rigorous checks, screening and other inhuman treatment at the airport
Before this ugly incidence, the UK has introduced a points-based system for providing students with UK Visas.

The idea of introducing the points-based system was to prevent fake students and terrorists from entering UK. With this development, one can only imagine that genuine Nigerian students aspiring to study abroad will go through hell to secure admission and entry visa into the U.S. and U.K.
Also, U.S. Visa lottery and Scholarship opportunities for qualified Nigerian students will now have to be determined by more stringent rules as Nigerians are now considered high risk passengers.

As at the time of writing this article, Nigeria as been blacklisted as one of the countries to be on the terrorist watch list. The nigeria’s information minister has however refuted this decision by the US Security Agency on the grounds that the conduct of one out-of-control isolated individual cannot not be used to judge a nation of over 150 million citizens.

However, concerned authorities should remember that these students which includes nigerians are generating £8.5bn a year for the economy as well as contributing 8% of the universities total income in fees in Britain. All these will be cut off when visas are refused to genuine and bonafide students and their future be put in serious danger.

A study says that 2,777 aspirants including nigerian students were questioned by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). About two-fifths of them faced difficulties in clearing visas hence their applications were rejected and that is even before the attack .

One had been refused a visa for putting her nationality as "Nigeria" rather than "Nigerian". Moreover, at least 10% had been refused a visa the first time, but were successful at later attempts.
UK immigration minister Phil Woolas last month admitted that more than 23,000 overseas students including nigerians had been forced to reapply for their UK visas in the last six months and had been granted them on the second or third attempt.

In view of the foregoing, it will be imperative to adopt measures that will not jeapardise the chances of bright genuine students while not downplaying the need for effective security and protection of lives and national assets of the U.S. and the U.K.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER IF YOU WANT TO STUDY ABROAD.

While preparing for studying abroad there are several significant discussions, decisions, arrangements made out to suffice successful academic journey. Frequent apprehensions like where, when, which, how need to be answered properly in the early stage of planning and preparation. With all sorts of helps and information from career and legal advisors, college administrators, foreign embassy etc. things get much easier today. Here stuffs are arranged in such a simple way so as to keep you hassle free from external obligation. But what about your self strategies, emotional difficulties, judgment and response to frequent changes you were trying to discover ? How to cope up with completely different culture, conditions, environment, lifestyles, all these need to be addressed well before you start preparing your travel kits. Here depicted some of the observations and resolutions on it.
Since maximum number of students undergo "culture shock" after exploring the new country, they need to get quick acclimatized themselves to new socio-economic, educational, food & language culture and climatic conditions. Here comes the role of parents enacting their children with cross-cultural habits, trends and engaging themselves with positive and motivating discussions. Even students themselves should realize and concentrate on few essential factors like:
• Developing problem-solving abilities.
• Building flexible and energetic nature.
• Initiatives to learn more and prudent execution on demand.
• Getting used to complexities and competitiveness.
• Balancing harmony and decency while communicating with unknown person.
• Nurturing good confidence level and leading a disciplined, focused activity chart.
• Understanding health and safety issues.
• Proper orientation of mind, body and soul.
• Having urge to collect all the relevant information about the country to visit.
• Studying about laws, customs and cultural affairs about the foreign country.
• Enhancing communication skills and subject knowledge for the aspired courses to opt for.
• Understanding cause-effect proposition of any particular actions and behavioral prototype.
• Constructing enthusiastic nature with fresh attitude and outgoing personalities.
• Learning about available referral resources with names, phone number, locations so as to address in emergency.
• Communicating and consulting with family members, relatives on the pros and cons.
• Educating own selves the sense of balance between private and professional relationship.

Emerging trends in career education seems to get favor from most of the developed countries being mutually beneficial for both host and guest . As economic and custom regulations get relaxed for aspirants looking for flourishing career abroad, the number of International colleges, Legal and insurance authorities, job consultancy, trip organizers, forensic associations, , immigration authorities, scholarship organizers, career education portals have seen an unprecedented growth. The whole system gets much smoother just to attract more and more FDI with an eye to raise export their enriched services. Information on hand through internet services, students now can educate their career in their desired way.
Though there are guidelines for International educator program directors from different countries that look after the students out there during study period, enough space for the students personal grooming also being counted and eventually this become the most intricate attributes to take care of. Every stages and actions are deliberately significant to watch and get viewed by others. Firming up with self belief and consciousness really heals the whole procedure. You might need a friend also studying in abroad who can tell you all ins and outs in the simplest and convenient way. Get to know more books, journals, magazines, articles, international news, online helps that can be asset for you through out the life while staying abroad. After all we are Global now, not global.

MBA DEGREE IN DUBAI

When one speaks of the Middle East these days, conflict, political instability and human right infringements are associations that are often made. Which is why some find it quite surprising that many Western business students are getting their MBA's from universities in this region. What is the reason behind this trend?
Perhaps it's because the negative media coverage has marginalized all the stable and fascinating cities that are also a part of this region. Dubai, for example, is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the Middle East. Home to more than 150 nationalities, 94% of Dubai's population hails from outside of the United Arab Emirates, and has thus been deemed "The Gateway between the East and the West." As such, a diverse range of international companies and business schools has made Dubai their home.
MBA program in Dubai are being offered in the following institutions.

a. Hult International Business School In the recent past found that many expatriate employees and managers in the U.A.E were in a precarious situation. It seemed that while working abroad, many expats feared losing their competitiveness and career prospects back home. Subsequently, Hult launched an intensive One Year MBA and a Part-Time MBA to meet the increasing need to develop skills in management as well as competitiveness in the Western job market while in Dubai. Thus, the program accommodates the demanding work schedules of its students without compromising its academic rigor; and the well-respected, international faculty and US accredited program keep it in high esteem with headhunters and multinational corporations. As an added bonus, there are also opportunities to take elective courses (or finish the course) at one of Hult's other global campuses in Boston, London, or Shanghai.

b. University of Manchester in DubaiOther Western business schools have followed suit, such as whose Global MBA program aims to develop general management skills in a variety of disciplines, from public sector to marketing, to HR to retailing, to healthcare to law. The 30-36 month program is delivered through a combination of self-study, face-to-face residential workshops (in Dubai), online collaborations and e learning; which provides a learning experience that often mirrors the global business workplace that many students face upon graduation.

c. Cass Business School, part of City University, London,
offers an unusual Executive MBA program in Dubai designed around regional interests such as Islamic finance. Students take 12 core business modules, and then subsequent elective modules give students the opportunity to specialize in one of three chosen streams: Islamic Finance, Energy or General studies. Students can learn how Sharia law is brought to the marketplace (by having banks act as matchmakers between borrowers and lenders) and then apply such practical knowledge to their business contexts.

d. London Business School in Dubai Another Executive MBA program based in both Dubai and London is offered through the London Business School. The 17-20 month program provides students with a solid foundation in all areas of business and management and the flexibility to specialize in one of several areas. Core courses are taught in monthly four-day blocks at the Dubai International Financial Centre and students are then expected to finish their six to eight electives at the School's London campus.
Given all of these fascinating and challenging MBA programs, it's no wonder that Western business students have been getting their MBA's in the Middle East in droves. And if Dubai continues its growth in construction, energy and finance, the city will not only position itself as the financial and educational hub of the Gulf, but hopefully bring about change to how people think about the Middle East.

GRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN JAPAN

Both local and foreign students seek higher learning education in Japan's graduates schools and universities to not just acquire premier education but to earn a degree relevant to their undergraduate study, conduct long-term research, acquire proficiency in Japanese language, and earn specialized skill in various fields of studies.
The MBA and MA's in Japan are designed as cross-education degrees that offer education on global issues and aim to mold students to become responsible and internationally-functional professionals and learners. Schools and top universities in Japan accept and organize exchange programs that will allow students from other nations to participate in learning opportunities that cultivate one's individuality.
International students get more benefited as Japan's education system takes the role of introducing groundbreaking discoveries and extend its contribution in fast-paced advancement of technology. With this kind of learning environment, the country is undoubtedly an outstanding venue for a graduate study among professionals and students from other countries.
For the uninitiated, a graduate study in Japan is usually subsidized by Japanese government and other institutions that offer scholarships to students who have exemplary academic performance. Those who have been qualified to undergo scholarship programs financed by their own government or joint programs between the government of Japan and other governments are given trainings, seminars, and courses, not to mention an environment conducive to effective learning.
Finally, students who yearn to pursue a graduate study in Japan are obviously exposed to a plethora of opportunities but they should also know that the educational system of Japan strictly follows students' length of study. When it comes to length of study in Japan, it is important to take note that Master's programs last for two years while Doctor's programs last for five years. If a student desires to take medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, fours years would suffice. Though Japanese universities may differ in providing length of study to their students, the least that a student can do is to complete the study for two years or less and finish it not longer than five years.

MBA OPPORTUNITIES IN CHINA

Considering the effects of the global economic meltdown, many would have not believe that the Chinese economy will be a force to reckon with now and in the future. Consequently, a growing number of foreign business students are obtaining their MBA degree in China, not only to increase their knowledge of this dynamic economy, but to also expand the marketability of their skills, particularly amongst multi-national firms.
With so many programs to choose from, potential MBA students are challenged to find out which university is right for them. How long is each program? What city are they located in? And very importantly, what new knowledge will they gain?
MBA programs in China is offered by the following institutions:

a. Hult International Business School.
Hult's MBA in China is based in Shanghai, an important city in China's ascendancy as an economic superpower. The program is led by professors and native Chinese staff, and dives deep into issues such as the Asian marketplace, international business practices and management across cultures.
It takes students on company visits to local and multinational businesses based in Shanghai, and on excursions to the fascinating and booming cities of Hangzhou and Suzhou. Hult's MBA in China takes students on factory tours to learn about operations and production, and conducts seminars with senior executives who are actively running some of China's most successful businesses. This program however, does not last for the full duration of the MBA. It is part of Hult's Global Rotation Program, in which students can start their MBA at any of Hult's other global campuses, such as Boston, London, or Dubai. Such a rotation program not only allows students to earn their MBA in China, but also provides knowledge and experience in a wide variety of international business settings.

b. Beijing International MBA at Peking University
Located in Beijing, China where the last olympic games held. Length of program: 1.5 years for full time students, 2.5 years for part time students. Additional Information: "BIMBA is engaged in pursuing system innovation and high quality of education, and nurturing executive personnel with insights, cultivation and responsibility, who are familiar with both Chinese and international business practices and economic development." - from the BIMBA program introduction information. Fordham, an American University, is associated with the program. The program has been highly rated by Forbes magazine, and by Fortune magazine.

c. Fudan University School of Management Located in Shanghai, Hong Kong. Length of program: 2 years. Additional Information: "The objectives of the program are to provide advanced management education which has a multi-disciplinary approach and an international perspective with emphasis on the Asian region, to provide the opportunity for candidates to specialize in a number of fields in management and to develop essential managerial skills in dynamic international business settings." - from the program introduction. The various programs are associated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the BI Norwegian School of Management.

d. Marseille MBA at Jiao Tong University Located in Shanghai. Length of program: 18 months. Additional Information: "In the AEMBA class you will personally meet prominent faculty members from both China and abroad. They are not only excellent in their academic research but also professional in relevant management practices."- from the class description. Accredited by EQUIS, established by the European Foundation for Management Development. The program is associated with the Euromed Marseille Ecole de Management.

e. Renmin University of China Also Located in Beijing. Length of program: 2 years. Additional Information: Renmin is one of the first schools in China to offer an MBA program. The courses are designed for evening and weekend study. Associated with New York State University in Buffalo. "The MBA program is featured by paying equal attention to both advanced topics and systematic courses, distinguished professors coupled with entrepreneurs, advanced western theory integrated with domestic experience, simulated training with interactive case discussion." - from the Renmin features of MBA education.