More and more workers are commuting to work everyday with even more set to choose to commute to work on the train rather than driving thanks to rising petrol costs. So how can you make the most of this commute as well as surviving the journey? We’ve compiled some tips to help you to use your commute to your advantage.
Let me entertain you!
Got a smart phone? Then you’re pretty much set for your commute – a smart phone will provide hours of endless entertainment in the form of apps, games, music and videos. Train your brain with Sudoku and puzzle games to wake yourself up in the morning. If you fancy something a little easier, why not download your favourite TV programmmes onto your phone to watch during your commute, or a film for longer journeys.
Set your work emails up on your phone to check correspondence before you even get to the office, then you won’t have to waste your first hour at work with the menial task of reading all of your emails.
Tablet devices will allow you to do all of this, on a larger screen.
Book club for one!
A book or a tablet reading device is a must for most commuters, check up on best selling books and delve into a world of literature during your commute – you’ll find that your journey will seem much quicker when you’ve got a good book to read!
All work and no play!
How busy are you at work? Don’t look at your commute as an inconvenience; view it as a little extra work time, away from the office. Check out great laptop deals and purchase a laptop to use on the train. Most rail operators offer Wi-Fi that will allow you access to the Internet, but even if you can’t access the Internet you can type up notes from meetings, edit your spreadsheets and complete reports.
If you have access to the Internet during your journey, why not check out a selection of blogs, whether they of a professional interest or a personal interest
The best piece of advice we can give you to survive a train commute is to book your seat in advance! No one wants to stand or fight for a seat, so get your seat sorted before your journey.
Key Tips for a Successful Telephone Interview
A common misconception with the job application and recruitment process is that the procedure is (1) advert, (2) application and CV, (3) interview, (4) when can you start. While in the majority of cases this is in fact the process down to a tee, some employers may look to have a telephone conversation or even an interview with the applicant before inviting them in for an interview.
The reason for this is that sometimes there simply isn’t the time to interview every single person who applies, or even is put onto the interview pile, so the employer will narrow down the options by speaking to some, if not all, over the phone to begin with. The jobs market is a busy one, with far more people applying for one individual position than ever before.
For many, the sound of the phone ringing is not a good thing, particularly when you hear “I’m calling about your application” as this usually means a rejection. However, there are a number of ways that you can get through your phone interview stage and land yourself a meeting with the company and maybe even a full-time position.
Of course, following these ideas will only put you into a good position in terms of preparation and theoretical performance. The actual interview is all down to you and how you answer the questions, but if you follow these points as a guide, you should be well on your way to success.
One thing you could try, and this is something many people I know did before their telephone interviews, is to get people to ask them questions that were likely to come up over the phone, (i.e. from landlines to mobile phones), so that they could get into the habit of listening in to the full question and speaking down the phone to the interviewer.
The more you can develop your skills before the interview – whether it is by phone or face-to-face – the more prepared you will be when it comes to actually talking with the interviewer. It’s a bit like training for the Olympics and attending all of the warm up events to hone your skills and make sure you’re in the best possible shape ahead of the main event!
Arguably one of the most vital points that I can give you ahead of any interview, is to remain calm at all times. An interviewer might deliberately attempt to fluster you to see how you cope in a pressure situation which you may experience every day in the position, so if you can show them down the phone or in the sit down interview that you can handle the pressure, you’re already on the right tracks. Good luck!
This article was written by Chris White on behalf of Jobs Today – specialists in providing potential employees with job information from their area.
The reason for this is that sometimes there simply isn’t the time to interview every single person who applies, or even is put onto the interview pile, so the employer will narrow down the options by speaking to some, if not all, over the phone to begin with. The jobs market is a busy one, with far more people applying for one individual position than ever before.
For many, the sound of the phone ringing is not a good thing, particularly when you hear “I’m calling about your application” as this usually means a rejection. However, there are a number of ways that you can get through your phone interview stage and land yourself a meeting with the company and maybe even a full-time position.
- Be happy and confident. While talking on the phone might not come naturally to you, you can take some comfort by having an interview without the pressures of sitting in front of three or four members of the company all staring at you. If you relax and smile as much as possible while speaking, it will allow you to give positive answers and sound confident which is much more likely to impress your employer as it emphasizes your enthusiasm.
- Be professional. While you may feel comfortable at home or outside having your interview, avoid doing what you may normally do on the phone such as eating or sipping a drink or watching television. Turn the TV off, leave the food in the cupboard and focus on what is being said to you and your response, it’s a case of respect – something all senior employers look for.
- Stand up and take note! Believe it or not, standing up and walking around can help your voice to come across more effectively. A clear voice is key down the phone as it allows your potential employer to hear you easily and shows that you have good communication skills. If at all possible, attempt to avoid words like “erm” and “umm” as it can imply that nerves affect you.
- Have your application to hand. In the majority of interviews, you will be questioned on your application. If you have this to hand, you can answer any questions you may receive on it and avoids the potentially disastrous situation of leaving the employer on the line while you run off to try and find it. First impressions count and this can imply a lack of organizational qualities.
- Listen! Whenever your interviewer is speaking, do not interrupt them. Wait for them to ask the whole of the question before jumping in with an answer to show that you have good listening skills, and it also allows you to think of the most suitable answer, something you cannot get away with so easily in a face-to-face interview. Saying words such as “ok” or “right” at intervals will let the interviewer know that you are listening to them.
Of course, following these ideas will only put you into a good position in terms of preparation and theoretical performance. The actual interview is all down to you and how you answer the questions, but if you follow these points as a guide, you should be well on your way to success.
One thing you could try, and this is something many people I know did before their telephone interviews, is to get people to ask them questions that were likely to come up over the phone, (i.e. from landlines to mobile phones), so that they could get into the habit of listening in to the full question and speaking down the phone to the interviewer.
The more you can develop your skills before the interview – whether it is by phone or face-to-face – the more prepared you will be when it comes to actually talking with the interviewer. It’s a bit like training for the Olympics and attending all of the warm up events to hone your skills and make sure you’re in the best possible shape ahead of the main event!
Arguably one of the most vital points that I can give you ahead of any interview, is to remain calm at all times. An interviewer might deliberately attempt to fluster you to see how you cope in a pressure situation which you may experience every day in the position, so if you can show them down the phone or in the sit down interview that you can handle the pressure, you’re already on the right tracks. Good luck!
This article was written by Chris White on behalf of Jobs Today – specialists in providing potential employees with job information from their area.
Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Malaysia
THE Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) programme to enhance English instruction in secondary schools is expected to expand when 75 participants arrive in the country, early next year.
United States ambassador to Malaysia Datuk Paul W. Jones said currently the US government is in the selection process after having received hundreds of applications from among university graduates to join the voluntary programme.
“We have the ETA in Terengganu, Johor and Pahang, and we will be working with the Malaysian government to see if it would like to extend it to additional states or have more in those states,” he told reporters after visiting the Malaysian Peacekeeping Training Centre in Port Dickson on Tuesday.
Under the programme, young American graduates from various universities in the US, majoring in diverse fields, are placed in schools in different districts to assist English teachers.
Early this year, a group of 50 Fulbright ETAs arrived and began a 10-month assignment to enrich and enhance English instruction in secondary schools in Johor, Pahang and Terengganu, by providing native speakers as models who can also provide interesting information and insight into American society and culture.
Jones said the ETA, which rewards young Americans and students in secondary schools, is one of the largest government-to-government programmes the US has ever undertaken.
The programme was a shared commitment between US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, to expand bilateral people-to-people exchange programmes.
The programme is jointly administered by the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange and the Education Ministry. – Bernama
United States ambassador to Malaysia Datuk Paul W. Jones said currently the US government is in the selection process after having received hundreds of applications from among university graduates to join the voluntary programme.
“We have the ETA in Terengganu, Johor and Pahang, and we will be working with the Malaysian government to see if it would like to extend it to additional states or have more in those states,” he told reporters after visiting the Malaysian Peacekeeping Training Centre in Port Dickson on Tuesday.
Under the programme, young American graduates from various universities in the US, majoring in diverse fields, are placed in schools in different districts to assist English teachers.
Early this year, a group of 50 Fulbright ETAs arrived and began a 10-month assignment to enrich and enhance English instruction in secondary schools in Johor, Pahang and Terengganu, by providing native speakers as models who can also provide interesting information and insight into American society and culture.
Jones said the ETA, which rewards young Americans and students in secondary schools, is one of the largest government-to-government programmes the US has ever undertaken.
The programme was a shared commitment between US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, to expand bilateral people-to-people exchange programmes.
The programme is jointly administered by the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange and the Education Ministry. – Bernama
Foreign students 'should learn German'
International students at German universities should be made to learn at least some German - even if their courses are largely taught in English - the new representative of higher education leaders has said.
In an interview to mark the start of his role as head of the German Rector’s Conference (HRK) – the body representing hundreds of higher education institutions – Hippler spoke to Die Welt daily newspaper about the importance of maintaining the German language in education.
Hippler, who is president of Karlsruhe Institute for Technology, said universities should be dissuaded from teaching courses entirely in English, and that the risk of this contributing to the decline of German was something institutions “should be aware of.”
He admitted that there were many international students who come to Germany and want to stay, but many take courses taught entirely in English, thus learning little German......
Elsewhere in the interview, Hippler touched on his intention to reopen the debate on university fees in Germany. He believes that without reassessing how higher education is funded, the system “could collapse.”
With the student population expanding rapidly, a squeeze in funding is to be expected, he said, and students should expect to carry some of the burden. “We are not talking about horrendously high fees, but about students contributing,” he said.
Last month new figures showed that although 80 percent of foreign students who complete courses in Germany would like to stay, only about a quarter do, with lack of bureaucratic help in English cited as one of the problems they face.
In an interview to mark the start of his role as head of the German Rector’s Conference (HRK) – the body representing hundreds of higher education institutions – Hippler spoke to Die Welt daily newspaper about the importance of maintaining the German language in education.
Hippler, who is president of Karlsruhe Institute for Technology, said universities should be dissuaded from teaching courses entirely in English, and that the risk of this contributing to the decline of German was something institutions “should be aware of.”
He admitted that there were many international students who come to Germany and want to stay, but many take courses taught entirely in English, thus learning little German......
Elsewhere in the interview, Hippler touched on his intention to reopen the debate on university fees in Germany. He believes that without reassessing how higher education is funded, the system “could collapse.”
With the student population expanding rapidly, a squeeze in funding is to be expected, he said, and students should expect to carry some of the burden. “We are not talking about horrendously high fees, but about students contributing,” he said.
Last month new figures showed that although 80 percent of foreign students who complete courses in Germany would like to stay, only about a quarter do, with lack of bureaucratic help in English cited as one of the problems they face.
Careers in Biology You May Not Know About
Biology is the study of living things, which includes plants as well as animals. If you are currently enrolled in a biology degree program or thinking of pursuing a degree in this area of study, you will need to have some idea of what kind of work you want to do after graduation.
The jobs listed here are just a few of the jobs in the field of biology. Not all who are interested in studying biology attend classes on campus and online learning has become an increasingly attractive choice for students. This type of program allows students to continue their education without having to take time away from work or caring for young children to do so. For more information about this type of degree program, visit Online Biology Degree.com.
There are a number of careers in biology which you may not know about, and all of them are worth considering.
The jobs listed here are just a few of the jobs in the field of biology. Not all who are interested in studying biology attend classes on campus and online learning has become an increasingly attractive choice for students. This type of program allows students to continue their education without having to take time away from work or caring for young children to do so. For more information about this type of degree program, visit Online Biology Degree.com.
There are a number of careers in biology which you may not know about, and all of them are worth considering.
- Medical Illustrator – Medical illustrators are specialized artists who work on images which may be used in advertising or in trade journals. These images may also be prepared for use on websites, in patient education materials, or in museums.
All people working in this field must have an in-depth knowledge of biology and anatomy. An eye for detail and a good level of artistic ability are required for success in this field. If you are interested in becoming a medical illustrator, you can learn more about the education required by visiting The Association of Medical Illustrators website. - Winemaker – Expert winemakers have specialized knowledge in enology (the study of winemaking) and viticulture (the study of grape growing). Degree programs are offered by some universities to prepare students for work in this field. Students are enrolled in courses focusing on wine evaluation techniques, wine microbiology, and winery equipment.
- Fish and Game Warden – Fish and game wardens are peace officers who enforce the law as it pertains to hunting and fishing regulations. They also enforce federal laws governing the operation of watercraft. If necessary, fish and game wardens seize game or fish illegally taken by hunters and anglers.
A four-year degree in biology can help you qualify for this type of career. You will still need to meet the other qualifications for this job, such as being older than 21 years of age, a licensed driver, and having a clean criminal record. - Ethnobotanist – Ethnobotanists look at how people in different cultures use plants. They are experts in the ways a particular population uses plants for nourishment, medicinal purposes, and for making clothing. An ethnobotanist will also examine plants under a microscope and provide assistance to physicians by preparing reports about different types of plants.
- Zookeeper – If your goal is to look after animals housed in zoos, aquariums, and animal parks, an undergraduate degree in Biology can help you qualify for this type of job. Some zookeepers are assigned to care for groups of animals, such as reptiles, mammals, or birds, while others specialize in a particular subgroup, like primates or snakes.
The Career Advantages of Earning a BSN Degree
Nursing was formally established in 1633 by the Sisters of Charity. During those days, nurses were trained in the classroom and did their clinical training in a hospital setting. The students graduated with a diploma in nursing. In 1952, the first Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program was started by Fairleigh Dickinson University. By 1990, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) became the coveted degree by most registered nurses.
Although a nurse holding a diploma, or an Associate Degree in Nursing, may be just as knowledgeable as a nurse who possesses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the latter degree holds more prominence in the medical field. It takes from two to three years to obtain a diploma or an ADN, but it takes four or more years to obtain a BSN. When applying for a management position, a BSN degree can make a nurse appear to be more qualified to administrators of medical facilities, due to the extra years of training.
When employed by a small medical facility, such as a doctor’s office, a diploma or associate’s degree may suffice to move up in management. However, the bigger the institution, such as a hospital, the nurses with diplomas and associate degrees work primarily as staff nurses, while the BSN nurse is more likely to hold a management position.
To obtain a BSN degree would be the most desirable choice; however, many people cannot afford the time and cost of obtaining such a degree. Obtaining a lesser degree can be a stepping stone to eventually earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Later, they can enroll in an RN-to-BSN degree program, either in a conventional institution or online through an accredited nursing program.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a glowing future for registered nurses. However, when applying for a job in nursing, the odds will probably work in the favor of the nurse who holds a BSN degree. The reality of life is that education matters.
A nurse, regardless of what degree they hold, should stay informed. Staying involved in the College Network of nurses will not only keep them informed about the latest advances in the nursing profession, but will inspire and motivate them to further their education. With the rapid advances in technology in the medical field, a nurse needs to be able to keep up with the latest innovations in the profession.
Although a nurse holding a diploma, or an Associate Degree in Nursing, may be just as knowledgeable as a nurse who possesses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the latter degree holds more prominence in the medical field. It takes from two to three years to obtain a diploma or an ADN, but it takes four or more years to obtain a BSN. When applying for a management position, a BSN degree can make a nurse appear to be more qualified to administrators of medical facilities, due to the extra years of training.
When employed by a small medical facility, such as a doctor’s office, a diploma or associate’s degree may suffice to move up in management. However, the bigger the institution, such as a hospital, the nurses with diplomas and associate degrees work primarily as staff nurses, while the BSN nurse is more likely to hold a management position.
To obtain a BSN degree would be the most desirable choice; however, many people cannot afford the time and cost of obtaining such a degree. Obtaining a lesser degree can be a stepping stone to eventually earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Later, they can enroll in an RN-to-BSN degree program, either in a conventional institution or online through an accredited nursing program.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a glowing future for registered nurses. However, when applying for a job in nursing, the odds will probably work in the favor of the nurse who holds a BSN degree. The reality of life is that education matters.
A nurse, regardless of what degree they hold, should stay informed. Staying involved in the College Network of nurses will not only keep them informed about the latest advances in the nursing profession, but will inspire and motivate them to further their education. With the rapid advances in technology in the medical field, a nurse needs to be able to keep up with the latest innovations in the profession.
Starting a New Job After Retirement - 3Gs
There is a job waiting for you - Get ready, Go and Get it!
Get ready
Similar to a fresher's job search, it is very important to prepare yourself for a job after your retirement. You need to recast your resume and get ready for your next job that should really the one that you like very much, that requires your skills and expertise.... Think on it, certainly you will find out your favorite job.
Go
A kind inertia may be there with anyone or any matter. This would increase with age as well. Hence after getting ready, you must go and find your job - physically move or virtually through internet to search for your next position.
Get it
If you are in the right track with enough preparation, certainly you will get your new job that will be a time pass, fun, source of income and more...
For example, Jack Hansen works as an interpretive guide and law enforcement worker for the National Park Service. The National Park Service has a partnership with Western Dakota Technical Institute training plus 50 adults to become interpretive guides and park rangers. Hansen began giving tours for the National Park Service after he retired as a state trooper. "When I first started, I was not sure I could even do it," says Hansen, who admits giving tours for park visitors did not come easily to him. He's now been giving tours for 4 years. He finds his work rewarding and enjoys interacting with park visitors.....
See this video..
Get ready
Similar to a fresher's job search, it is very important to prepare yourself for a job after your retirement. You need to recast your resume and get ready for your next job that should really the one that you like very much, that requires your skills and expertise.... Think on it, certainly you will find out your favorite job.
Go
A kind inertia may be there with anyone or any matter. This would increase with age as well. Hence after getting ready, you must go and find your job - physically move or virtually through internet to search for your next position.
Get it
If you are in the right track with enough preparation, certainly you will get your new job that will be a time pass, fun, source of income and more...
For example, Jack Hansen works as an interpretive guide and law enforcement worker for the National Park Service. The National Park Service has a partnership with Western Dakota Technical Institute training plus 50 adults to become interpretive guides and park rangers. Hansen began giving tours for the National Park Service after he retired as a state trooper. "When I first started, I was not sure I could even do it," says Hansen, who admits giving tours for park visitors did not come easily to him. He's now been giving tours for 4 years. He finds his work rewarding and enjoys interacting with park visitors.....
See this video..
Whats to follow up after a career fair
A job fair is also referred commonly as a career fair or career expo. It is a fair or exposition for employers, recruiters and schools to meet with prospective job seekers. Expos usually include company or organization tables or booths where resumes can be collected and business cards can be exchanged. In the college setting, job fairs are commonly used for entry level job recruiting.
But, it's important to follow up after a career fair if you're particularly interested in a company. Watch this how-to video from About.com to see tips for following up to show your interest.
See this video...
But, it's important to follow up after a career fair if you're particularly interested in a company. Watch this how-to video from About.com to see tips for following up to show your interest.
See this video...
Facebook, career prospects and consequences
There is no doubt that Facebook offers excellent social networking opportunities. But if you are searching for a career and the tricky employers might 'Google' your name, then you may be in trouble. Your open statements, opinions, casual sayings, etc might block you from a possible career opportunity for which you are otherwise the most qualified.
Many companies--including Cisco ( CSCO - news - people ), IBM ( IBM - news - people ), GM, Wal-Mart ( WMT - news - people ) and Intel ( INTC - news - people )--have formal social-networking policies. Of U.S. companies with at least 1,000 employees, 10% have disciplined their ranks for running afoul of the rules during the last 12 months, according to Proofpoint, an e-mail security and data-loss-prevention firm in Sunnyvale, Calif. Eight percent of those firms fired at least one employee for egregious violations.
Here are some possible mistakes that you may want to avoid:
Employee fired over Facebook comments, be ware of Employers monitoring your Internet Usage
Many companies--including Cisco ( CSCO - news - people ), IBM ( IBM - news - people ), GM, Wal-Mart ( WMT - news - people ) and Intel ( INTC - news - people )--have formal social-networking policies. Of U.S. companies with at least 1,000 employees, 10% have disciplined their ranks for running afoul of the rules during the last 12 months, according to Proofpoint, an e-mail security and data-loss-prevention firm in Sunnyvale, Calif. Eight percent of those firms fired at least one employee for egregious violations.
Here are some possible mistakes that you may want to avoid:
- Do not post inappropriate pictures to your profile
- If you are already employed, do not neither complain about your current job nor your boss
- Do not post anything that conflict with information given in your resume
- Always watch what others post to your Wall
See Facebook and Career related videos
How Facebook Mistakes Cause Job Interviews To Go Terribly Wrong - Huizenga Business SchoolEmployee fired over Facebook comments, be ware of Employers monitoring your Internet Usage
Top High-Demand Careers in Business
Today, it’s hard to determine which business to get into or what college degree program to take so that you will have a good chance at a good career.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor show that the following business fields provide high paying jobs, the perfect choice for someone looking to get a business administration degree in one of them:
Chief Executive Officers
If you are looking for one of the highest paying business jobs, then Chief Executive Officer fits that bill. It’s estimated that the average earnings for a CEO are more than $160,000, depending on the type of business they are in charge of.
A CEO’s duties include handling many of the decisions in a company after getting recommendations from their board of directors. They are also responsible for managing many of the operations of a business such as marketing, hiring of employees, public relations, dealings with the internal and external company contacts, etc.
Personal Financial Adviser
A personal financial adviser is something that many people hire to help them organize their money dealings. They have a great potential for getting a job since every organization needs someone to handle their financial dealings. It is estimated that they could earn more than $100,000 a year, depending on where they work and what kind of business they are hired by.
Management Analyst
Depending on the type of business they work for, a management analyst works to do research for companies. They also are the ones who help the companies decide on the best course of action for business dealings, company improvements, etc. The Labor Dept. estimates that a management analyst could earn more than $82,000 a year depending on where they work.
Human Resources Officer
A human resources officer is responsible for the hiring and training of a company’s workers. This makes them very influential and valuable to any company. These workers are also involved with topics such as employee morale, and handle employee programs, disputes, etc. It is estimated that a human resources officer could earn more than $60,000 a year on average.
Logistician
A logistician has a very interesting job in the business world. They oversee a business’ resources, finances, products, services, and even the people in the organization. They are skilled in analyzing and coordinating the whole life cycle of a company’s products and services. It is estimated that they could earn on average about $70,000 a year, depending on the type of business and place they live.
Business, whether it be the large corporations or the small entrepreneurs, will be the cornerstone of our economic recovery. Because of this, several positions within business are incredibly desirable and can expect to see growth well into the future. So if you are looking for a career that is right for you, consider obtaining the skills that will make you an asset to any business.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor show that the following business fields provide high paying jobs, the perfect choice for someone looking to get a business administration degree in one of them:
Chief Executive Officers
If you are looking for one of the highest paying business jobs, then Chief Executive Officer fits that bill. It’s estimated that the average earnings for a CEO are more than $160,000, depending on the type of business they are in charge of.
A CEO’s duties include handling many of the decisions in a company after getting recommendations from their board of directors. They are also responsible for managing many of the operations of a business such as marketing, hiring of employees, public relations, dealings with the internal and external company contacts, etc.
Personal Financial Adviser
A personal financial adviser is something that many people hire to help them organize their money dealings. They have a great potential for getting a job since every organization needs someone to handle their financial dealings. It is estimated that they could earn more than $100,000 a year, depending on where they work and what kind of business they are hired by.
Management Analyst
Depending on the type of business they work for, a management analyst works to do research for companies. They also are the ones who help the companies decide on the best course of action for business dealings, company improvements, etc. The Labor Dept. estimates that a management analyst could earn more than $82,000 a year depending on where they work.
Human Resources Officer
A human resources officer is responsible for the hiring and training of a company’s workers. This makes them very influential and valuable to any company. These workers are also involved with topics such as employee morale, and handle employee programs, disputes, etc. It is estimated that a human resources officer could earn more than $60,000 a year on average.
Logistician
A logistician has a very interesting job in the business world. They oversee a business’ resources, finances, products, services, and even the people in the organization. They are skilled in analyzing and coordinating the whole life cycle of a company’s products and services. It is estimated that they could earn on average about $70,000 a year, depending on the type of business and place they live.
Business, whether it be the large corporations or the small entrepreneurs, will be the cornerstone of our economic recovery. Because of this, several positions within business are incredibly desirable and can expect to see growth well into the future. So if you are looking for a career that is right for you, consider obtaining the skills that will make you an asset to any business.
New human rights condition for UK visa
Britain today introduced a new clause in its immigration rules which says that non-European Union citizens accused of serious human rights violations may be banned from entering the country.
As per existing rules, such foreign nationals can only be prevented from entering the UK if they are viewed as a threat to national security.
Visitors can not be excluded from entering the country on the basis of human rights abuses, but the new proviso will change the conditions.
The change was included in a report on human rights released by Foreign Secretary William Hague today.
It said: "Britain welcomes visitors from around the world – this year even more than ever. But not those who have perpetrated human rights abuses. Foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area may only come to the United Kingdom if they satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Rules".
The report added: "Where there is independent, reliable and credible evidence that an individual has committed human rights abuses, the individual will not normally be permitted to enter the United Kingdom".
Welcoming the new condition for immigration, Shami Chakrabarti, director of civil liberties group Liberty, said: "The devil is in the detail. However given the understandable outrage when it becomes difficult to deport undesirables, it is common sense to apply greater scrutiny before allowing people accused of grave crimes from entering the UK in the first place".
As per existing rules, such foreign nationals can only be prevented from entering the UK if they are viewed as a threat to national security.
Visitors can not be excluded from entering the country on the basis of human rights abuses, but the new proviso will change the conditions.
The change was included in a report on human rights released by Foreign Secretary William Hague today.
It said: "Britain welcomes visitors from around the world – this year even more than ever. But not those who have perpetrated human rights abuses. Foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area may only come to the United Kingdom if they satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Rules".
The report added: "Where there is independent, reliable and credible evidence that an individual has committed human rights abuses, the individual will not normally be permitted to enter the United Kingdom".
Welcoming the new condition for immigration, Shami Chakrabarti, director of civil liberties group Liberty, said: "The devil is in the detail. However given the understandable outrage when it becomes difficult to deport undesirables, it is common sense to apply greater scrutiny before allowing people accused of grave crimes from entering the UK in the first place".
US announces changes to troubled visa programme
The US State Department announced major changes to its premier student-exchange programme following an investigation that found widespread abuses.
The agency issued new rules for the J-1 Summer Work and Travel Programme, which brings more than 100,000 foreign college students to the United States each year.
It was meant to foster cultural understanding, but it has become a multimillion-dollar international business.
The changes are the latest in a series of steps the State Department has taken to fix the programme since an AP investigation in 2010 revealed widespread abuses.
The investigation found some participants working in strip clubs, and not always willingly, while others were put in living and working conditions they compared to indentured servitude.
In one of the worst cases of abuse, a woman told the AP she was beaten, raped and forced to work as a stripper in Detroit after being promised a job as a waitress in Virginia.
More common than sex trade problems were shabby housing, hefty work hours and paltry pay. In August of 2011, dozens of workers protested conditions at a candy factory that packs Hershey chocolates in Pennsylvania, complaining of hard physical labor and pay deductions for rent that often left them with little money.
The agency issued new rules for the J-1 Summer Work and Travel Programme, which brings more than 100,000 foreign college students to the United States each year.
It was meant to foster cultural understanding, but it has become a multimillion-dollar international business.
The changes are the latest in a series of steps the State Department has taken to fix the programme since an AP investigation in 2010 revealed widespread abuses.
The investigation found some participants working in strip clubs, and not always willingly, while others were put in living and working conditions they compared to indentured servitude.
In one of the worst cases of abuse, a woman told the AP she was beaten, raped and forced to work as a stripper in Detroit after being promised a job as a waitress in Virginia.
More common than sex trade problems were shabby housing, hefty work hours and paltry pay. In August of 2011, dozens of workers protested conditions at a candy factory that packs Hershey chocolates in Pennsylvania, complaining of hard physical labor and pay deductions for rent that often left them with little money.
Biotechnology career advancement for women scientists
How should the government advance the cause of women scientists when programs that target a particular group are out of favor?
There are many initiatives all over the world. For example, in an attempt to enhance the participation of Women Scientists in Biotechnology Research, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India announces the Call for Proposals under the Bio-CARe scheme for women scientists. The programme is targeted towards Career Development of employed/unemployed women scientists. The scheme is open for all areas of Life Science / biology (including agriculture, veterinary science and medicine). Age limit for application has been kept as 55 to ensure maximum impact.
An article appears in the 21 July issue of Science magazine says, the National Science Foundation (NSF), armed with a mandate to ensure the health of academic science, is grappling with that prickly problem, but its latest moves have divided agency ranks and raised concern among activists.
The agency has long believed that the best way to assist women scientists is to give them research or training support at key points in their careers. Over the past 2 decades, it has run a series of such programs that are open only to women. But with a rising political and legal tide against programs restricted to one group, NSF scrapped that approach last year. It is planning to replace it with a new effort, called ADVANCE, that is still on the drawing board. Although the guidelines won't be completed before fall, the initiative is expected to provide grants to academic institutions, rather than individuals, and support comprehensive projects designed to lower gender barriers. Read full article here.
See more: An innovative program supports the career development of women scientists in academia and industry [Nature Biotechnology 29, 287–288 (2011) doi:10.1038/nbt.1799 - pay US$32 or log in if you have personal or institutional subscription to read this item].
There are many initiatives all over the world. For example, in an attempt to enhance the participation of Women Scientists in Biotechnology Research, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India announces the Call for Proposals under the Bio-CARe scheme for women scientists. The programme is targeted towards Career Development of employed/unemployed women scientists. The scheme is open for all areas of Life Science / biology (including agriculture, veterinary science and medicine). Age limit for application has been kept as 55 to ensure maximum impact.
An article appears in the 21 July issue of Science magazine says, the National Science Foundation (NSF), armed with a mandate to ensure the health of academic science, is grappling with that prickly problem, but its latest moves have divided agency ranks and raised concern among activists.
The agency has long believed that the best way to assist women scientists is to give them research or training support at key points in their careers. Over the past 2 decades, it has run a series of such programs that are open only to women. But with a rising political and legal tide against programs restricted to one group, NSF scrapped that approach last year. It is planning to replace it with a new effort, called ADVANCE, that is still on the drawing board. Although the guidelines won't be completed before fall, the initiative is expected to provide grants to academic institutions, rather than individuals, and support comprehensive projects designed to lower gender barriers. Read full article here.
See more: An innovative program supports the career development of women scientists in academia and industry [Nature Biotechnology 29, 287–288 (2011) doi:10.1038/nbt.1799 - pay US$32 or log in if you have personal or institutional subscription to read this item].
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