Tips For Career Selection After Board Exam Results

It is vacation time for most of the school- going children, but for students of 10th and 12th standards, the time has arrived to take a vital decision. One of the most difficult questions every youngster has to face in life which career to opt for? The answer simply lies in what you want to pursue all your life. One can achieve success in work only if he enjoys it. In the past, a child never really had the freedom of choice and had to adhere to his parent’s preference. With the change in time, have the circumstances changed too? Earlier, there were limited career options but now there is an upsurge of alternatives in every field, be it science, commerce or arts. Of late, there has been a swell in the number of career counselling centres as well, who guide your child to the right path. In such a scenario, who should have the final say?
Some students consider parents’ views to be a key factor in decision making. Nerul resident Ananaya Dey, who is currently preparing for her CET exam said, “Parents will always think for the benefit of their child. They are much more experienced than us and know what is better for us.” But majority children are of the option that they must be given the right to select a profession of their interest. 

Supporting this view, Ayushi Raj, a standard 10 student said, “An individual knows where his interest lies and what his capabilities are. May parents wanted me to pursue engineering but I aspire to become a doctor. I want to do what I believe in and I have my parents’ full support.” 

There is said to be parental pressure on children to conform to career choices as they wish their child to fulfil their dreams. But in today’s scenario, parents have become more liberal and thoughtful of their child’s wish. Anita Hingnekar wanted her daughter to opt for science stream but her (daughter’s) desire was to pursue commerce and she stood by her decision. Anita said, “It’s not us but the children who have to study the subject. So we must be considerate and support them.”

In times of uncertainty, parents also let children consult career counsellors to get a professional take on which field to pot for. Salma Prabhu, a leading counsellor suggests, “Along with personal interests, it is important to get a scientifically proven result that helps high light the qualities of a child and assist in choosing a suitable career.” Shivangi Thakur, a 12th standard student from Nerul who has had counselling experience said, “Because of the innumerable options available, I was confused in the beginning as to which vocation should I go for. Consulting counsellors surely helped me get a clear idea but it didn’t influence my decision wholly.”

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British Council launches IELTS awards for 2015

The British Council announced the launch of the British Council IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Awards for 2015. To mark the milestone of the IELTS 25^th anniversary, this year's awards is being extended to offer ten awards to Indian students to help fund the cost of studies abroad.

 The British Council IELTS Awards will give a total of Rs 3.9 million in educational awards to students from across South Asia-including for the first time, students in Bhutan and Nepal.

"The British Council IELTS Awards aim to help Indian students pursue the opportunity of a higher education abroad, once they have taken the initial step of proving their English language ability with IELTS," said Sarah Deverall, Director Examinations India & Customer Service South Asia, British Council. "As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations for IELTS, we have increased the number of awards for Indian students from eight to ten, while for the wider SAARC region, we are now extending the awards to Nepal and Bhutan, where IELTS is also a key part of their journey to international study opportunities."

Over the past five years, 40 students from across India have received British Council IELTS Awards for a diverse range of courses around the world, including dramatic arts in the United Kingdom, law in the United States and engineering in Germany, among many others.

Deepika Pradyumna from Bangalore won the British Council IELTS Award in 2012 and went on to study for her MSc in Molecular Medicine at University College London in London, UK.

Cracking “MCQ” Based Competitive Exams

One of the pre-requisites for enrolling into any competitive program is taking
different exams depending on the course and country of application which includes GRE, GMAT, IELTS, SAT, TOEFL. And most of this entrance exam are either completely or partially are objective i.e Multiple Choice Questions also known as “MCQ“ therefore only knowing the subject topic won’t work out in your favor , your base concepts has to be strong and clear because the answer you tick will be either completely right or completely wrong.

Cracking Competitive Entrance Exams (MCQ based)

Multiple-choice questions (MCQ’s) are an efficient and effective way to assess learning. Multiple-choice questions consist of a problem, known as the stem, and a list of suggested solutions, the alternatives. Students are required to figure the correct answer amongst the alternatives, which also include incorrect answers, known as distractors.

Taking a MCQ based exams may seem easy as the student has been given options to choose the correct answer from. Do not be fooled into thinking that this type of an exam should be easier than others. Rather MCQ’s can actually be very difficult as they contain many questions forcing students to study a broader range of the subject. Bluffing on a MCQ based exam is out of the questions and students are required to memorize finer details such as dates and names.

Study guidelines and strategies

Preparing for the exam

• Start early. Spaced practice is better than massed practice. You cannot retain many details in the short-term memory.
• Pay attention to finer details. The best approach to preparing for a MCQ based exam is to acquire a complete knowledge of all the facts and an understanding of the concepts and ideas underlying them. Simply memorizing everything will not do the trick, as your examiner will rephrase the material in their own words as they formulate the questions for the exam. You cannot only memorize the definitions but also have to actually know what they mean.
• Watch your time as you solve sample papers. MCQ based competitive exams are notorious for being long, making it important to work at a fairly quick pace. Make sure you aren’t falling behind.

Tricks for solving MCQ’s

• Read each questions carefully and thoroughly, Make sure you understand the instruction clearly. Are you required to choose the best answer from the alternatives, or are you supposed to choose the one that is false?
• Anticipate the correct answer without looking at the available options. In this way you are not distracted by the given alternatives.
• If you know the answers select it from the list of alternatives. Verify whether of not there is an “all of the above” alternative before making a selection. Now reach each of the alternatives and make sure you have chosen the correct one.
• If you do not know the answer choose the process of elimination and cross the answers you know will not work for sure.
• Use “true-false test” to narrow your selection to the best answer. Change the question into a statement with each of the possible choices and select the one that is true.
• If more than one answer seems to be correct, make sure that the answer you are considering completely addresses the question. It is probably not the answer if it is true only under certain circumstances. Take the question at face value and do not read too much into it, imagining scenarios in which the answer could be true.
• Answer all questions. Do not leave any answers blank if you know you will not be penalized for guessing. There is always the slight chance of guessing the right answer. If wrong answers count against your test score, do not take wild guesses.
• Answer questions in accordance with your subject and class readings, not based on educational knowledge that you have. Do not try to apply definition from outside the course syllabus.
• Time management is of importance. If you cannot answer a question within a minute or less, move on from it and come back to it later.
• Make sure to transfer all your choices to the answer sheet once you have finished marking all questions on your exam. The probability of making errors increases if you try and do several things at the same time. So you might want to save this easy job of filling in bubbles for the end.
• Lastly, if time permits, review both the questionand answers. It is possible you might have misread the question the first time. You might even pick up cues from the questions you already know. Do not be afraid to change your first answer when you are sure of the correction

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 About Us

 Ramdhar Maheshwari Career Counseling Centre (RMCC) has introduced with Work S.M.A.R.T modules, a powerful student and family empowerment program to build confidence, inculcate self discipline and enhance performance This works on specific area enhancement such as

• Goal Setting
• Brain Yoga
• Effective study Habits
• Time Management
• Social Interaction
• Building Confidence
• Reading , Vocabulary and Comprehension (RVC) and many more

For further information on classes timings, please visit RMCC Centre can also be contacted on 022-66812375 / 9004444085 or email: info@rmcc.org.in 

10 TIPS TO SUCCEED IN YOUR ICSE EXAMINATIONS

With the ICSE Examinations less than two months away a whole lot of you could be stressed and under tremendous pressure to do well, which can sometimes leave you overwhelmed and unable to cope.
A little bit of stress can be a good thing as it motivates us and gets us going to achieve the desired results. Although sometimes the ICSE exams can cause stress levels to get out of control, which can refrain us from performing our very best, there are a whole bunch of things that you can do to help yourself get though these stressful times and study better.
1. Stop procrastinating and know yourself better
You may have been putting off studying till the last minute or thinking that you still have time to prepare. You need to STOP. You have just a few weeks left before your ICSE examinations. Cramming is a last resort for students who have left themselves with no other choice.

Also comparing your abilities to that of your friends/ peers will lead you nowhere. Remember that everyone approaches things differently. It does not matter how much of the syllabus your friend has finished, neither does it matter that they haven’t opened their books yet. Stop giving yourself unnecessary stress and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
2. Know when and where you work best and make an effective study plan
Everybody has different body clocks. Some people work better at night while others are morning people. Maybe you like to be tucked into your sheets with your books/ laptop or sit at a tidy desk or in a library. Wherever you feel in control is the best place for you to deal with exam stress.

Work out how much time you have and make a timetable. If it all seems overwhelming/ stressful break it down into manageable chunks. There are some subjects that come to you naturally while there are others you need to a lot more time to. Vary your timetable so you do not get bored. Keep updating it as you go along keeping pace with it.

You can also read though your class notes/ chapters and put them in your own words. Think of questions that you might be asked in your ICSE exams. Write them down and try answering them. Make sure you give yourself enough time for revision.
3. Find a healthy balance
Evaluate yourself physically and mentally. Get enough sleep, eat good food and move around. You are not a superhero and you need to give yourself enough time to recover from all the work you are putting in.

Try keeping aside some time to exercise everyday even if it is just going for a walk. Some relaxation techniques could also be helpful during these stressful times. Write your thoughts down. Try replacing the stressful ones with positive thoughts.
4. Visualize success
Imagine yourself to succeed. Think that you are writing your ICSE examinations are you know all your answers. Imagine that A+/ 90%. When you imagine being successful you are more likely to succeed. Just remember to imagine the studying bit. You have to put in enough work.


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Effective Study Habits – Work S.M.A.R.T

Work smart and not work hard is the mantra that students could follow to incorporate smart study habits in their routine. The students of 10th and 12th are now faced with prelims and as the days are coming closer the anxiety is rising among the parents as well as the students.

Many students have taken to burning the midnight lamp and feel that those extra hours at night allow them to absorb better. In some cases parents are experiencing a high level of stress and many working mothers have decided to take leave and be at home to monitor the students while studying and ensuring that they do not watch television. This may help many students, however, it also could boom range as the students are not used to having the mothers around and suddenly experience as if they are being watched. Parents need to be as a moral support and not as a watch. 

However, the above study habits generally come with strong side effects such as mental and physical fatigue, irritation, restlessness etc. This brings in further disturbance in eating habits, sleeping patterns and by the time the board exams arrive, some students suffer from the burn out syndrome.

Success is in our hand and the following study habits tips if followed regularly could bring about excellent results.


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 About Us

 Ramdhar Maheshwari Career Counseling Centre (RMCC) has introduced with Work S.M.A.R.T modules, a powerful student and family empowerment program to build confidence, inculcate self discipline and enhance performance This works on specific area enhancement such as

• Goal Setting
• Brain Yoga
• Effective study Habits
• Time Management
• Social Interaction
• Building Confidence
• Reading , Vocabulary and Comprehension (RVC) and many more

For further information on classes timings, please visit RMCC Centre can also be contacted on 022-66812375 / 9004444085 or email: info@rmcc.org.in 

EFFECTIVE EXAM TIPS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Mrs. Salma Prabhu a Clinical Psychologist and Executive Director of Academy for Counseling and Education Pvt Ltd advices on the rising exam fear among students as well as parents:
The word exam creates a kind of anxiety not only for students but more so for parents. Examinations are almost always stressful. Students rarely know exactly what to expect on the test and those who suffer from exam fear or anxiety, here are some simple tips for both students as well as parents to sail through with ease.
Effective Exam Tips for the Students:

• Exams are important. However, a positive mind set and a confident approach would help to perform better than anxiety and stress.
• Discuss with the parents how you feel if you are nervous or facing certain issue with regards to exam or any other emotional health.
• Organise your time to maximize on the revision for your exam.
• Revise the subject with appropriate short breaks even during exams.
• Repeat the positive suggestion regularly.
• Listen to soft instrumental music while studying.
• Listen to the vocal music only in breaks.
• Maintain a time to talk to the friends.
• Use different colour shades while doing revision. Colours help to remember to better and they soothe the mind.
• Sleep and appropriate rest is very important to put into application all that you have learned and practiced over the past months before the exam.
• Burning the midnight lamps is not advised during exam as a fresh mind will not experience going blank.
• During the examination if you go blank close your eyes and concentrate on your breath for 30 seconds after which you repeat in your mind for another 30 seconds that you are completely confident of yourself. Then open your eyes and look at the questions. You shall be able to do well for sure.

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ABOUT RMCC

Ramdhar Maheshwari Career Counseling Centre (RMCC) has introduced with Work S.M.A.R.T modules, a powerful student and family empowerment program to build confidence, inculcate self discipline and enhance performance
This works on specific area enhancement such as

• Goal Setting
• Brain Yoga
• Effective study Habits
• Time Management
• Social Interaction
• Building Confidence
• Reading , Vocabulary and Comprehension (RVC) and many more

For further information on classes timings, please visit RMCC Centre can also be contacted on 022-66812375 / 9004444085 or email: info@rmcc.org.in 

What after 10th? - A Big Dilemma

Monali has always had a desire to do something different. Born at the end of the twentieth century, she has been witnessing the challenges and thrill of change and newness that defines his generation. She is intelligent, has a sharp mind, and a strong feeling of, "It is MY life!" She is fed up of elders telling him that engineering and medicine are the only options for a safe and lucrative future. Her mind refuses to believe it, for when she looks around she sees so much happening – tremendous advances in the retail and marketing sector, legal experts thriving, creative designers getting any fees that they demand, and even managers with no formal qualifications rising fast up the corporate ladder.
Such a scenario, while very encouraging and thrilling, raises the doubt in many youngsters about where their future lies. As someone said in a seminar recently, "there is a problem of plenty." Too many career choices, too many advisors, and too much at stake. Sharp youngsters like Monali also know that if they make a wrong move, they can be pushed off the fast track, and will wallow in the shallow waters of mediocrity and stagnation.
The Dilemma Begins too soon
Students touch the first crossroads when they have completed their 10th standard. A few who are not at all academically oriented, or cannot afford higher education, move on to diplomas, ITI courses or other job-oriented training. The vast majority move on to PUC/+2 and mark their time for two years preparing for the entry into degree courses that will define their career.
Here comes the first dilemma, to choose the stream for higher studies. Not only does a student have to select the stream of studies, but also the subjects.
The +2 courses in general can be divided into three major categories: Science, Commerce and Arts
  Science : The most common combination of optional subjects are PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Math and Biology, the most popular choice of those who wish to "keep all career options open"), PCM+Electronics, PCM+Computer Science. It is significant that Science is also a popular choice among bright students who are not interested in a career in Science or Technology, since it is possible to switch from Science to Commerce or Arts, but not vice-versa.
Commerce : is the popular choice of students who feel that they are not oriented to science (or find the subjects too difficult), or even those who wish to have some free time in their daily routine to pursue other courses or extra-curricular activities. While Business Studies and Accountancy are compulsory, the other two optional subjects can be selected from Math, Statistics, Economics, to History, Geography, Political Science, etc. Commerce subjects are found to be more interesting even by students who eventually wish to make a career in Humanities or Arts.
Arts : Traditionally this has been the "poor cousin" of the other two streams, pursued by those who found science and commerce too tough, or did not have good enough marks in 10th to get admission, or were financially constrained. The scene has changed remarkably in the past decade, and many bright students who are sure of making a career that is people, languages, or social science related, are opting for Arts at the +2 level. Here again there is a fairly wide choice of subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Economics, History, Geography, Political Science, Logic, etc., but most colleges offer only one or two of these combinations, hence one has to be careful in selecting the college.
Admissions in schools or colleges for +2 are highly competitive only among the few reputed institutions that have made a name for themselves over the decades. Cut-off percentages often go beyond 90% to qualify for admission. However, one should keep in mind that many new junior colleges have opened in the past few years, backed by good management and infrastructure, and since they have not yet gained wide exposure, admission is available much more freely. Many schools have also upgraded themselves in the past few years to either add on CBSE/ISC 12th standard. It is worth the while to check out the latest lists and then explore admission to the best possible institutions.


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Career Development Program in Mumbai

26 November 2014, Mumbai: As we know that knowledge plays a very important role in our life but in today’s time right set of skills and attitude pushes the individual ahead. In this Career Development Program RMCC has focused on very important and basic skills where we had included topics like Communication Skill building; Interpersonal Skill building; Self Confidence; Grooming; Team Building; Leadership Skills and “Career Talk”. 

Career Development Event

The three days extensive Career Development Program (CDP) was designed to provide the Durgadevi Saraf junior college students with the selfunderstanding and necessary tools to establish a meaningful career with various interesting activities to know one’s strength and weakness. RMCC expert counselors ensured that each student is equipped with the academic knowledge and career management skills to be successful at the end of their studies.
Each workshop consisted of activities where students understood the importance of communication with verbal and non verbal skills, they learnt the importance of giving instructions in a right way and points that we should avoid by Fruit Salad activity they even enjoyed Earth and Mars activity where they had to build interpersonal skills with other set of students only using Non Verbal means 

Career Talks

Self Confidence is very important for every individual in their career with the help of Balloon activity they could understand importance of self confidence and self worth required to any and every career they choose.
In Grooming which is a demanding aspect in today’s competitive careers, they exhibited their body posture, dressing sense, handshake etc and improvisation was done on the same. 

Cup and Straw activity helped students to understand importance of Team Building and Leadership Skills requires in many careers such as Event Management; Media Management; Marketing even other traditional career streams 

Videos were shown which helped students to realize the mistake which can be avoided and can make us more polished.

The highlight of the Career Development Program is “Career Talk” Where we talk about various career and how can one pursue them with their respective entrance exam, tenure of the program, Fees for the entire course, expected Salary.

Students came up with lot of queries about the careers which they plan to pursue and they were addressed effectively by the career counselors. It included preliminary information about various careers and technical offerings, relevant information about career opportunities available in today’s world in India and Abroad and assistance with the career planning process.

If you want your career related concerns to be addressed write to Ramdhar Maheshwari Career Counseling Centre (RMCC) at info@rmcc.org.in or get connected on 9004444085

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Cup Activity - Team Building

Straw Activity -  Leadership Skills

Straw Activity

Team Building Activity