Tuesday, September 21, 2010

What field has he best-rated job, and 5 of the top 10 highest paid, highest growth jobs? …

What field has…


…the best-rated job, and 5 of the top 10 highest paid, highest growth
jobs?

…shown strong job growth in the face of outsourcing?

…a looming severe shortage in college graduates?
Computer Science!

Computer Science (CS) jobs are among the highest paid, highest satisfaction jobs of the
projected highest growth jobs through 2014. Growth rates for CS jobs have solidly
exceeded the outsourcing rate and employment has exceeded the dot-com boom, yet
students listing CS as a probable major have dropped by 70% because outsourcing is
perceived as a threat. A severe shortage of CS graduates looms, and promises excellent
opportunities for savvy students.

Noteworthy Facts:


Software engineers top list of best jobs according to a Money magazine and
Salary.com survey based on “strong growth prospects, average pay of $80,500
and potential for creativity”. [1]

5 computing jobs are in the top 10 salary jobs from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics’ list of the 30 fastest growing jobs through 2014. [2]
1.
Computer systems software engineer: $81,140
2.
Computer applications software engineer: $76,310
6.
Computer systems analyst: $67,520
7.
Database administrator: $61,950
9.
Network systems and data communication analyst: $61,250

In April 2006, more Americans were employed in IT than at any time in the
nation’s history. [3]

In May 2004, “U.S. IT employment was 17% higher than in 1999 – 5% higher
than the bubble in 2000 and showing an 8% growth in the [following] year …
the compound annual growth rate of IT wages has been about 4% since 1999
while inflation has been just 2% per year… Such growth rates swamp predictions
of the outsourcing job loss in the U.S., which most studies estimate to be 2% to
3% per year for the next decade.” [4]

“According to the National Science Foundation, the need for science and
engineering graduates will grow 26%, or 1.25 million, between now and
2012. The number of jobs requiring technical training is growing at five times the
rate of other occupations. And U.S. schools are nowhere near meeting the
demand, according to multiple studies.” [5]

The percentage of college freshmen listing computer science as their
probable major fell 70% between 2000 and 2004. [6]
Considering decreasing supply and increasing demand, there is much promise for today’s
CS majors!


[1] Wulfhorst, Ellen. Reuters.com, Apr. 12, 2006.

http://www.salary.com/careers/layoutscripts/crel_display.asp?tab=cre&cat=nocat&ser=S
er387&part=Par615

[2] Morsch, Laura. CareerBuilders.com, Jan. 27, 2006.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/Careers/01/26/cb.top.jobs.pay/index.html

[3] Chabrow, Eric. InformationWeek.com, Apr. 18, 2006.

http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=185303797

[4] Patterson, David. President’s Letter: Restoring the Popularity of Computer Science,
Communications of the ACM, Sept. 2005, Vol. 48, No. 9

[5] Deagon, Brian. Investor’s Business Daily, May 12, 2006.

http://www.investors.com/editorial/IBDArticles.asp?artsec=24&issue=20060512&view=
1

[6] Robb, Drew. ComputerWorld.com, July 17, 2006.

http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=printArticleBasic&articleId=1123
64

Gettysburg College Department of Computer Science
August 17, 2010

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Career opportunities on Hotel management

Career opportunities on Hotel management

India has been ranked the second fastest growing travel and tourism economy in the world. As per a recent estimate, over the next ten years, the annualized real growth in demand for travel and tourism is expected to grow by 8.8 per cent for India. Travel and tourism within the country is also increasing. This has resulted in increased occupancy levels at hotels and holiday resorts as well as increased interest in the course of hotel management. Needless to say, growth in travel and tourism industry has translated into growth in hospitality industry, with increase in job opportunities for those who want to make a career in this booming industry.


Educational Qualifications
National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology, a registered Society functioning as the apex body for education and training in Hotel Management and Catering Technology is the premier institute imparting education and training in the field. It was set up by the Central Ministry of Tourism in the year 1982 for development of human resources for the Hotel and Catering Industry. The Council performs a key role in creating a modern and model training system to meet the varied and changing manpower needs for different segments of the Hotel and Catering Industry. The council has various affiliated colleges which conduct a number of courses in different aspects of the hospitality sector, catering to the needs of various sections of the industry. Courses such as B.Sc. Hospitality and Hotel Administration, M.Sc. Hospitality Administration, P. G. Diploma in Accommodation Operation & Management, P. G. Diploma in Dietetics and Hospital Food Service, Craftsmanship course in Food Production, Craftsmanship course in Food and Beverage Service, Diploma in Food Production, Diploma in Food & Beverage Service, Diploma in Front Office Operation, Diploma in House Keeping Operation, Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery are some of the courses conducted by the institutes which may be pursued to carve a career in the hotel management industry.


Admission to courses
There are different admission criteria for gaining admission to these courses. For example, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Hospitality and Hotel Administration is a 3 year Programme and minimum eligibility is 10 + 2 of Indian education system or equivalent with 50 % marks. For Master of Science (M.Sc) in Hospitality Administration, which is a 2 year Programme eligibility is 50% marks in B.Sc (H.M) or 3 year Diploma in H.M. with Graduation. The Craftsmanship course in Food Production involves 1 Year + 6 months Internship and minimum eligibility is 10th Class Pass (of 10+2 system) and so on. The competition to gain admission is stiff as demand is very much.

Skills Required
Hospitality industry thrives on the concept of service. Hence attitude and aptitude for service is the key element for success in the field. Patience and perseverance and ability to maintain cool and composure even in adverse conditions is the key to success in the field. More often, candidates are required to put long hours and hence ability to work hard is also very important for success.

Compensation
This is a rewarding career and compensation packages are very good. Starting salary in most start hotels is around 35000/- to 50000/- per month which also shoots up with right experience and talent. Perks of offices such as subsidized accommodation and free food are other added attractions of the profession.

JOB-OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGINEERS

JOB-OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGINEERS

1.1 Nearly 34% of the total Job-opportunities offered during 2009-2010 were meant for
engineering personnel. In all, 11536 vacancies for engineers were notified in 2009-2010 as
against 9756 during 2008-2009, reflecting an increase of 18%. Out of these 11536 vacancies,
7081 were meant for persons holding diploma-level qualifications and 4455 for degree
holders in either of the engineering disciplines.
Classification of Vacancies:
1.2 Engineering vacancies notified during 2009-2010 have been classified under 34 heads
(Table 1A-1B). It may, however, be pointed out that such of the vacancy notifications,
where the employing establishments failed to mention specific qualification required, and
left them in non-classifiable category, have been shown and classified under the head
"Engineers- Unspecified". Vacancies meant for combination of two or more allied subjects
have been suitably grouped as 'Architecture-Civil, Electrical-Mechanical' & Mechanical-
Metallurgical' etc.
Job-opportunities by Branches of Engineering:
1.3 The study of the vacancies notified during 2009-2010 according to various branches
of engineering indicates that out of 11536 vacancies, 19% were meant for those who had
specialised in Mechanical Engineering branch, 17% for Civil Engineering, 15% for
unspecified branches of Engineering and Electronics & Electrical
Microwave/Communication (including Radio), 12% for Electrical Engineering, 9% for
Electrical/Mechanical Engineering and 2% for Agricultural Engineering.
Engineering Vacancies by Sectors:
1.4 An analysis of Engineering vacancies notified during 2009-2010 according to the
sector of employing establishments has revealed that 43% of the total vacancies belong
each to the Central Govt. and to the Quasi-Govt., 9% to the State Govt., 3% to the Private
establishments and the remaining 2% to Local Bodies.




Engineering Job-offers by Pay-Ranges:

1.5 Analysis of the Job-offers made to engineers during 2009-2010 according to
pay-ranges reveals that majority of the vacancies (46%) were carrying Job-offers in the
lowest pay-range upto Rs. 5000 per month, 29% of the jobs offered in the middle pay-range
of Rs. 5001-8000 per month and the rest 25% in the highest pay-range of Rs. 8001 and
above per month.
Job-opportunities for Fresh-Engineers:
1.6 It is interesting to note that out of all the vacancies meant for engineers during
2009-2010, 66% vacancies were offered to freshers having no work-experience. Most of these
fresher’s job-openings belonged to Aeronautical, Agricultural, Automobile, Civil,
Electrical, Electronics & Electrical Microwave/Communication (including Radio),
Electrical/Mechanical, Instrument, Mechanical, Metallurgical, Public Health, Tool, Town
& Country Planning disciplines. The table-1 indicates the distribution of percentage of
vacancies for engineering degree and diploma holders with or without work-experience

Distribution of vacancies for Engineers
Qualification levels Work experience
required
Number of vacancies notified
during the year
2008-2009;;2009-2010
With experience 1763
(18.1)
2406
(20.8)
Without experience 2717
(27.8)
2049
(17.8)
(A) Degree
All 4480
(45.9)
4455
(38.6)
With experience 796
(8.2)
1511
(13.1)
Without experience 4480
(45.9)
5570
(48.3)
(B) Diploma
All 5276
(54.1)
7081
(61.4)
Total no of vacancies 9756
(100.0)
11536
(100.0)
Note : Figures in brackets represent percentages.
State-wise Dispersion of Job-opportunities:

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

420 W. 118th Street, Room 420
New York, NY 10027
P: 212-854-4613 • F: 212-854-6190 www.sipa.columbia.edu/ocs
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Description of the Field
The world has become a global marketplace, and all types of businesses are seeking to expand their operations across national borders and into the world. Multinational corporations, joint ventures, financial institutions, law firms, consulting firms and manufacturers of both goods and services cater to an international clientele.
Most internationally-oriented jobs in the business world involve marketing, sales, finance, operations and strategic planning and are found in the United States; although some positions might involve working abroad. Typically, businesses with overseas operations will hire foreign nationals rather than expatriate Americans.
Likewise, few corporations have "international departments." Instead, their international work is shared among various departments such as marketing, sales, legal, or finance. International positions are available within subsidiaries of foreign companies operating in the United States. International professionals also play an important intermediary role between Federal agencies in matters of trade regulation.
Career Paths and Entry Salaries
Entry-level jobs in the field of international business are as varied as the field itself. Most positions in marketing, finance, and consulting work begin with in-house training programs of a managerial, development and/or technical nature. Companies with international markets usually prefer that employees become fully trained in the domestic operations of the business before being given an opportunity to represent the firm abroad. Salaries often start in the mid-$30,000 range, with entry-level compensation increasing proportionally to the size of the firm, geographic location, and employee qualifications. Salary rates rise rapidly in business as training and experience accrue.
Having completed specialized training programs and/or on-the-job training, individuals hired by firms functioning internationally are often assigned to the U.S. headquarters of the company, working within the marketing, sales, planning, or accounting/finance department. Foreign travel for negotiation or consultation is possible. Those working for multinational corporations, joint ventures, financial institutions, or consulting firms will generally be given the opportunity for foreign assignments such as managing a foreign subsidiary or directing the firm's overseas operations after years of domestic service.
Demand
Due to the "communication revolution," the increased interdependency of national economies, the expansion of developing nations, and the internationalization of formerly domestic issues such as population and pollution, the world has become a global marketplace where the transfer of goods and services is not hampered by national borders. These factors have created a demand for employees in business, trade, government and development with technical skills, foreign language facility, cultural sensitivity, experience, and/or education and training. Although more opportunities have become available, internationally oriented jobs are usually reserved for those with specialized abilities and experience.
That said, however, the world economic slowdown starting in 2000, along with corporate scandals, suspect accounting practices, the collapse of organizations such as Enron and Arthur Andersen and international terrorism have led to dramatic cut backs in financial services, consulting, energy, telecommunications, airlines and tourism. Consequently, new graduates, whether with MIA or MPA, are competing not only with each other, but also with those who have lost their jobs, most of whom have significantly more experience. This fact makes it more difficult for people who are changing careers and wish to enter the field with no prior experience.
International Careers: Summaries of the Field International Business
Updated 8/7/07
Qualifications Necessary to Enter the Field
Breaking into international business requires experience within particular industries - more than the knowledge of a foreign language, area studies, or international experience. Well established firms normally hire local staff, so the best opportunities in international business tend to be with small companies just starting to enter the international business arena or expanding to new locations. Small companies look for candidates with management and marketing skills. International business-related courses are recommended, as well as accounting, business finance, money and financial markets, statistics, micro- and macroeconomics and marketing. A framework of public policy, international trade, language and cultural fluency combined with business skills is an invaluable combination for those looking to work in international business.
While firms are still willing to train qualified candidates who have no specific experience in their business, they are more interested in people who can be productive from their first day on the job, as training programs are being curtailed because they expensive both in terms of cost and time. If you can show experience in the company's business or sector, you will be in a stronger position.
If you develop a relationship with people who make the hiring decisions in these companies, it will facilitate your chance of getting your foot in the door. "The Complete Guide to International Jobs and Careers" recommends that those interested in international business:
�� Attend a semester abroad program in Europe, Asia or Latin America which involves studying and interacting with the local international business community.
�� Acquire an internship with an international business that puts you at the heart of the international business community where you develop numerous contacts with individuals in many different businesses. Several companies, such as JPMorgan Chase, Salomon Brothers, IBM, Monsanto, United Technologies, General Electric, and Allied-Signal, have established internship programs. It is also possible to create your own "ad hoc" internship by contacting companies directly and selling them on the idea of letting you work for them as an unpaid or low-paid intern.
�� Have a thorough understanding of new communications technologies. The convergence of Internet-based and telephone technologies, notably wireless, has deep implications for all businesses. Issues such as confidentiality and privacy, cross-border intellectual property rights, and a host of efficiency improvements (e.g. voice-over IP telephony, or VoIP) are at the top of many CEO's lists.
�� Be able to understand and work across cultures: this area is one where students with international degrees are highly qualified. This is even more valuable to firms that have to do more and more business in new supra-national frameworks like the EU or WTO. Stress these elements in your background, and think of taking internships in areas which will increase your exposure to and awareness of other cultures, even if they are not directly related to the sector you eventually wish to work in.
Sample Group of Employers
�� American Express http://www.americanexpress.com
�� American International Group http://www.aig.com
�� Cargill http:// www.cargill.com
�� Chubb & Sons http:// www.chubb.com
�� CIGNA Corporation http://www.cigna.com
�� Diageo http://www.diageo.com
�� Dole Fruit Company http://www.dole.com
�� Eli Lilly International Corporation http://www.lilly.com
�� The Gillette Company http://www.gillette.com
�� Hitachi, Ltd. http://www.hitachi.com
International Careers: Summaries of the Field International Business
Updated 8/7/07
�� Honeywell, Inc. http://www.honeywell.com
�� Johnson & Johnson http://www.jnj.com/home.htm
�� Mattel, Inc. http://www.mattel.com
�� Otis Elevator Company http://www.otis.com
�� Pepsi-Cola International http://www.pepsico.com
�� Philip Morris Companies Inc. http://www.philipmorrisusa.com/home.asp.com
�� Procter & Gamble http://www.pg.com
�� Reebok International http://www.reebok.com
�� Thomas & Betts http://www.tnb.com
�� Unisys Corporation http://www.unisys.com
�� US Chamber of Commerce http://www.uschamber.com
Future Challenges of the Profession
As the world becomes more of a global village and trade barriers are eased, there will be an increased need for personnel who can service an international clientele in terms of understanding international business and marketing, international law, and international trade and finance. As goods cross national borders with greater ease, negotiation and government regulation will increase the need for personnel with specialized expertise in international business ventures, financing techniques, and language skills. Although opportunities will multiply, competition will be high as Americans vie for international positions around the world with foreign nationals.
Resources for Additional Information
Internet Resources
�� Careers in Business http://www.careers-in-business.com/
�� MBA Jungle http://mbajungle.com
�� Hoover’s http://www.hoovers.com
�� Vault http://www.vault.com
�� WetFeet http://www.wetfeet.com
Publications
�� Directory of Executive Recruiters, Kennedy Publications, 2002
�� Directory of Foreign Firms Operating in the United States, Uniworld Business Publishers; 9th edition, 1998. Or contact the US and International Chambers of Commerce.
�� Discovering Your Career in Business, Timothy Butler and James Waldroop, Addison-Wesley Publishing Inc., 1997.
�� International Business & Trade Directories, Grey House Publishing, 2003
�� Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: How to Do Business in Sixty Countries, T. Morrison, W. Conaway & G. Borden, 1994
�� Management Consulting: A Complete Guide to the Industry, Sugata Biswas and Daryl Twitchell, John Wiley & Sons Inc., Second Edition, 2002.
�� Plunkett’s Energy Industry Almanac, Jack W. Plunkett, Plunkett Research, Ltd., 2002-2003.
�� The Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries, World Trade Academy, 17th edition, 2003.
�� The Directory of Business Information Resources, Grey House Publishing, 2003/2004 Edition.
�� The Harvard Business School Guide to Careers in Management Consulting, HBS Publishing, 2001.
Vault Career Guide to Venture Capital, O. Kaganovich & J. Currier, 2005
International Careers: Summaries of the Field International Business
Updated 8/7/07