Gayatri College of BioMedical Science, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. conducts entrance examination(ASEE 2010) for Admission and Scholarship on 18th April, 2010 for Professional courses.

Eligibility Criteria

Courses of study &           Eligibility Criteria

M.Sc. Biotechnology

B.Sc. Biotech/CBZ or equivalent with   >=55% marks



M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Chemistry

B.Sc. CBZ/ PCM or equivalent with   >=50% marks



M.Sc. Microbiology

B.Sc. Microbiology/CBZ or equivalent   with >=50% marks



B.Sc. Biotechnology (with   CBZ)

10+2 with PCB with >=45% marks in   aggregate



*M.Sc. Chemistry
 *(Under Approval)

B.Sc. CBZ/ PCM or equivalent with   >=50% marks

Modes of getting Application form.

• By hand:
  Rs. 500/ General Candidate, Rs. 400/ forOBC/SC/ST candidates)
  At the college premises
  GAYATRI COLLEGE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
  GMS ROAD, BALLUPUR CHOWK,
  DEHRADUN-248001, UK, INDIA

• By post
  Candidates may also obtain the information bulletin & application form by sending a DD (inclusive of fee payable i.e. Rs. 550/ For General, Rs. 450/ for OBC/SC/ST candidates) of any nationalized bank in favor of “Director, Gayatri College of Biomedical Science, Dehradun” payable at Dehradun on or before Feb, 10, 2010. The information bulletin, prospectus and application form would be send to candidate by speed post from GCBMS office on Feb, 11, 2010. The application form should be filled carefully by the candidate and should send it to GCBMS office on or before Feb, 27,2010 through registered/ speed post.

• Download from website:
  Candidates may download the information bulletin & application form free of cost from their website http://www.gcbms.co.in.

Dates to remember:
Date of announcement = 05/01/2010, Friday.
Last Date of Form submission=27/02/2010, Saturday.
Date of Written Examination (ASEE-2010) = 18/04/2010, Sunday.
Result Declaration = 26/04/2010, Monday.
Counseling/ Registration starts from = 03/05/2010, Monday

Download the Information Bulletin

For more details visit www.gcbms.co.in

]]> http://www.getsetgrow.org/2010/02/admission-cum-scholarship-entrance-exam-asee-2010/feed/ 0 http://www.getsetgrow.org/2010/02/build-a-good-network/ http://www.getsetgrow.org/2010/02/build-a-good-network/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:52:11 +0000 Admin http://www.getsetgrow.org/?p=893

Here Networking is defined as find people, join together, communicate with and within a group.

Network building will help you for getting a job/business / fund raising / Entrepreneurship / product marketing etc

How to start networking?

Building a network of people forms a vital role! It should start along with your academic activities. When you go to other educational institutions for tech festival or sports etc. get good friends, get their contact details and be in touch always. Don’t expect people to come and talk to you. You go and talk with them. Be a beginner, take ownership and that brings leadership. I personally know lot of good friends in this way who helped me in many ways and still helping. This is the time where campus interviews in colleges conducted and somewhat coming to end. If you do not get a job then you have to search for it once you completed your graduation. At that point of time this network of friends will be really helpful. You can forward your resume and ask them to refer you and forward to their friends. It will spread like retweets.  When you go to other institutions for interview, try to get make contact with lot of people.

How to get connected to new friends and stay in touch?

Create your personal blog and write some stuffs that you are interested. Visit other blogs and make friends, form a healthy network. Who knows? someday blogging could bring a job for you!! It happens!  Social networking sites like Linkedin, Orkut, Facebook, Twitter etc. will help you to find new friends and communicate with people who have similar thoughts and views. For eg: In facebook when an exam results are out people create a community and starts discussing about their career/higher education. They get suggestions/answers from new people.These social networking sites may distract you in someway. It is all depends on how you use it. Barack Obama’s Tweets played an important role in his election campaign which is a good example of how wisely one can use Twitter.

Transformation is going on. All the communication is being transformed slowly to cloud and people are getting ready for web 3.0 so you go ahead and start networking.

Questions/suggestions are welcome!

Happy Networking!

-Balaji

]]> http://www.getsetgrow.org/2010/02/build-a-good-network/feed/ 0 http://www.getsetgrow.org/2010/02/nasscom-innovation-awards-2009/ http://www.getsetgrow.org/2010/02/nasscom-innovation-awards-2009/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:42:27 +0000 Admin http://www.getsetgrow.org/?p=887

NASSCOM Innovation Awards are back. This year 24 companies are shortlisted and finally 9 companies are announced as Winners. They will be felicitated for their outstanding contribution to the Indian IT sector at the forthcoming NASSCOM India Leadership Forum 2010 in Mumbai on the 10th February 2010.

And the winners are

1. AirTight Networks
2. Comviva
3. Eka Software Solutions
4. IBM Daksh Business Process Services
5. RuralShores Business Services
6. Tejas Networks
7. TringMe
8. Wipro Technologies
9. Zoho Corporation

Market Facing – Business Process and Business Model
Winner:
Eka Software Solutions

Runner up:
Comviva
Process (Internal) Innovation

Winner:
Wipro Technologies
Joint Runners up
Zoho Corporation
IBM Daksh Business Process Services Pvt Ltd

New Technology Advancement

Winner:
Tejas Networks Innovation

Joint Winner:
AirTight Networks

Start up

Winner
TringMe  – Innovation:
Runner up
RuralShores Business Services

The Centre for International Affairs (CIA) of Anna University Announces  four full one year master scholarships to students from the University of Madras and ANNA University by Maastricht University.

Eligibility:

According to the admission criteria set for each programme and may be no older than 35 years at the start of the academic year, starting September 2010. Applicants have to meet all requirements for obtaining a Dutch visa (‘MVV’ residence permit). Applicants also need to be a registered student at ANNA University, Chennai at the time of application.

Application procedure

• Candidates must submit for the Maastricht University master programme according to the application instructions on the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl
• Candidates also have to fill in and submit the ANNA University Scholarship application form; candidates will also provide an up-to-date c.v., 2 reference letters and a letter of motivation; candidates will be handed the general terms and conditions of the UM India Scholarship

Deadlines

• Application forms and letters should be submitted to the Director International Affairs at Anna University, Dr K. Baskar, before the 1st of February 2010
• ANNA University will make a selection among the candidates
  and presents the completed application files of the 10 most eligible candidates to Maastricht University before the 12th of February 2010.
• ANNA University and the selected candidates will be informed soon after the Maastricht University Scholarship Committee meeting which will be around mid April 2010.
• An official award ceremony will be planned in Chennai to congratulate the students on their achievement before the summer of 2010 in the presence of representatives of Maastricht University.

For more details check the official site

Contact persons ANNA University
Dr.K.Baskar
Director, International Affairs
Anna University-Chennai
Tel:+91-44-222033422
Fax:+91-44-22201169
Mobile: +91-9600013126
E-mail: baskar@annauniv.edu, crystalbaskar@yahoo.com

“We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter’s evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.”   -  Woodrow Wilson

Everyone of us have a dream, but did you know that only about three out of every 100 people ever actually decide on their goal? Some of us have some form of Goals to start with. But very soon our goals get diluted and we lose focus. It is equally important to check if we are focussed on our goals and seriously trying to achieve our goals. At the same time our objective should be to review and refine our goals so that they become more effective. This article provides you the basic guidelines on how to set focus on your life and your goals.

These can be done in three simple phases.

Phase 1: Goal Setting Phase

Goal setting usually covers 4 dimensions for every individual:

a)      Academic Goals: This defines the academic level knowledge you aspire to achieve in your life time. Your aspiration could be to complete MBBS, BE, MBA, Phd etc.

b)      Professional Goals: This defines the goal you may have when you join in your professional life by starting to work in a company. Your aspiration could be to build relationship and be acceptable among all team members, to master certain technologies and business , to get promotion and an award etc.

c)       Personal Goals: While we focus on our Academic and professional goals its important we do not forget our friends and family as they are the building blocks in our ecosystem without whom we cant survive . Our goals here primarily will be to build friendship, establish trust and love others and seek guidance and constant motivation.

d)      Social Goals : No goals are complete until we think of the society , It is our duty to contribute to the society in whatever small way we can, it could start of with helping our immediate neighbours and friends who are in great need of help and can extend to protecting environment, safe drinking water etc.

Phase 2: Goal monitoring phase keeping momentum and staying on track

It is important that we consistently check our goals and make sure we are on track with them. We also need to assess them every now and again and check to see if anything has changed in our long term goals. If so, no big deal, just rearrange a little.

To keep on track, you will need to follow these tips to ensure success:

1. Be specific: Make goals with numbers. This helps to know when you have achieved these goals, which will motivate you more.

2. Be positive: Stay positive when determining your goals. Stay clear of words such as stupid, dumb, etc. What you focus on expands.

3. Make them attainable. “Chunk” down larger goals into more manageable pieces. It will make you feel like you are getting somewhere with it.

4. Prioritize: Figure out which goals are more heavily weighted and time sensitive.

5. Write them down! Keep track of your goals by writing them down constantly! This will serve as a constant reminder and allow you to see and measure progress.

Once set , the goals need to be monitored once every fortnightly just to make sure that we have made some progress in our goals. If we have not achieved some of the goals we need to find out why we have missed some of them, what needs to be done to achieve them , was the define goals was too complex? Was it beyond our control?  Etc.

Phase 3: Sharpening our goals and focussing on them

Sharpening of the goals is the next more important thing. Sharpening starts from looking at yourself and having a clear understanding of the goals. Sharpening your goals and focussing can be done in 3 steps:

1. Try to gain a full understanding and know in detail about the Goal e.g. what are the sub parts of the goal, what tasks you need to do, how to measure your goal: ask yourself the questions, what are the tasks I need to do daily in order to achieve my goal, if you are not sure of the answer, ask your friends or seniors.
2. Once you have done a detailed study of the goal, the next step is refining your goal into simple easy to understand and easy to measure and setting a committed timeline to achieve it in % e.g. if your Goal is to become a financial market expert , the sub goal can be to read at least 4 financial magazines per week.
3. Know your energy levels and reserve specific amount of energy to achieve your goals. Change you energy patterns by beginning to allow yourself extra time to get to activities linked to your goal, finding activities to renew your energy, building these energy-renewing activities into your schedule,  strengthening your personal foundation, finding ways to build time and energy into your life and creating  reserves for yourself and reduce energy drains. Overall you need to make a critical analysis of your lifestyle and make change wherever suitable.

To conclude let me quote Sir George Bernard Shaw

“You see things; and you say, “Why?” But I dream things that never were; and I say, “Why not?””

Indeed when you set your goals and focus all your energy in making it happen it is bound to make miracles happen in your life.

Written by Rajat Pal, project manager in a IT company.

Why so much hype?  Security professional?

Computer security is one of the most fascinating & interesting technology fields currently in existence. Now that computers are used in every area in our life and will presumably become a necessity in almost all things, formidable protection of private data requires educated experts. Information Security Professionals and related career specialties are considered one of the fastest growing and highest paid technology occupations according to a number of sources.

The salary ranges herein are the United States national averages for May 2008 courtesy of Salary.com. These figures are climbing rapidly as the demand for Infosec professionals rise. Also note that the sector of industry has a major impact on IT salaries.

Below is some of the certification that you have to look out for if you would like to pursue your career in this field.

• CISSP
• CISM
• CISA
• Other Certifications

CISSP^® – Certified Information Systems Security Professional – The Certification That Inspires Utmost Confidence

If you plan to build a career in information security – one of today’s most visible professions – and if you have at least five full years of experience in information security, then the CISSP^® credential should be your next career goal.The CISSP was the first credential in the field of information security, accredited by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 17024:2003. CISSP certification is not only an objective measure of excellence, but a globally recognized standard of achievement.

For your CISSP credential, your professional experience has to be in two or more of these 10 (ISC)² CISSP domains:

• Access Control
• Application Development Security
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
• Cryptography
• Information Security Governance and Risk Management
• Legal, Regulations, Investigations and Compliance
• Operations Security
• Physical (Environmental) Security
• Security Architecture and Design
• Telecommunications and Network Security

Whatever you want to know about CISSP – Follow this link – http://www.cccure.org/flash/intro/player.html

What the papers say?

“The CISSP certification long ago made the gold standard, but infosec execs are now wisely adding the new CISM certification. Why the push? The advanced-level CISM better addresses the interdependency between business needs and IT security by focusing on risk management and security organizational issues.”
 – David Foote, Foote Partners, LLC, SC Magazine, July 2005

CISM:

Source: www.isaca.org

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a certification for information security managers awarded by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). To gain the certifications, individuals must pass a written examination and have at least five years of information security experience with a minimum three years of information security management work experience in particular fields.

The intent of the certification is to provide a common body of knowledge for information security management. The CISM focuses on information risk management as the basis of information security. It also includes material on broader issues such as how to govern information security as well as on practical issues such as developing and managing an information security program and managing incidents.

The point of view in the certification is that of widely accepted cross-industry best practices, where information security gets its justification from business needs. The implementation includes information security as an autonomous function inside wider corporate governance.

The CISM certification tends to be sought after by both CISA and CISSP certification communities. ISACA created the CISM to help foster a better fusion between IT auditing and information security perspectives.

In principle, the CISM certification is related in nature to the Information Systems Security Management Professional certification from the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium.

Links to explore:

• http://www.isc2.org/cissp/default.aspx
• http://www.isaca.org/template.cfm?section=home
• http://www.isaca.org/Template.cfm?Section=CISM_Certification&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=16&ContentID=7513

CISA:

The CISA designation is awarded to those individuals with an interest in Information Systems auditing, control, and security who have met and continue to meet the following requirements regarding:

• Successful completion of the CISA examination
• Information systems auditing, control or security experience
• Adherence to the Code of Professional Ethics
• Adherence to the continuing professional education program
• Compliance with the Information Systems Auditing Standards

Prologue by the providers –

“The mark of excellence for a professional certification program is the value and recognition it bestows on the individual who achieves it. Since 1978, the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) program, sponsored by ISACA® has been the globally accepted standard of achievement among information systems (IS) audit, control and security professionals.”

External Link:
 http://www.isaca.org/Template.cfm?Section=CISA_Certification&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=16&ContentID=4526

How to become a CISA

ISACA has stipulated the following guidelines for getting the CISA designation. Remember, passing the examination is just the first step.

1. Successful completion of the CISA examination.

The CISA exam is offered annually during the months of June and December.. So the next examination is scheduled for 12 December 2009.The examination consists of 200 multiple choice questions to be answered within four hours. The passing score is 75 percent, which means that if you pass the exam, you have scored marks, which put you in the top 25%.

2. Information systems auditing, control or security experience.

You need to have five years of IS audit experience, with waivers of up to two years given, based on auditing experience, graduate degree or teaching experience in a related field. This experience could even be gained after passing the examination.

3. Adherence to the Code of Professional Ethics.
ISACA has formulated the Code of Professional Ethics. You must read and abide by the same.

4. Adherence to the continuing professional education program.

You have to ensure that you are keeping your knowledge up-to-date by clocking 120 hours in three years in acquiring the knowledge by means of attending lectures, giving lectures or doing work for the ISACA local chapter.

5. Compliance with the Information Systems Auditing Standards.

You have to adhere to the IS Audit Standards as promulgated by ISACA.

Apart from these, you have also to pay various fees like membership fees, certification fees, local chapter fees and the examination fees. All these details are available on the website, www.isaca.org.

Other certifications involve like CISCO CCSP which is also an advanced level certification.

CCSP – The Golden Egg of CISCO

SYNOPSIS

Cisco’s CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional) is an advanced-level certification for IT professionals who are actively involved in developing business solutions and designing and delivering multiple levels of security departments. These individuals typically are responsible for designing and implementing Cisco secure networks. Either the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Specialist) is a prerequisite for the CCSP.

The CCSP was established in 2002 and has been most recently changed in the spring of 2003 when its underlying required exams were updated. A candidate must pass five exams in order to achieve the CCSP designation. The CCSP is valid for three years. To recertify, take and pass the current version of appropriate security exams.

Why, the Golden egg?

Until recently I found that the CCSP is the golden egg when it comes to all CISCO certifications. Now days the need for security professional are many fold the actual need a year before. A Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) is required by an organisation, which is in the process of expanding its computer network and thus, require adding enhanced security parameters to the network. This will help the organisation to tackle different types of security threats. And as I mentioned before with most of the businesses adopting high-end technology the demand for CCSP professionals has increased many folds. Also since the supply is lesser than the demand, a CCSP pro is getting an average salary around 50,000$ per month.

The Institutes

With increasing demand of these professionals, the institutes providing CCSP training courses have also increased in number. The growing numbers has no doubt provided a freedom of choice but has also led to confusion among aspirants. Here are important points you must learn about these courses.

The CCSP training curriculum emphasizes:

• Cisco Router IOS (ISR) and Catalyst Switch security features
• Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA)
• secure VPN connectivity
• Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
• Cisco Security Agent (CSA)
• Security Enterprise and Device Management
• Network Admission Control (NAC)

Techniques to optimize these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution are also included. In addition, CCSP leverages the new CCNA Security certification as a prerequisite.

Advantages of CCSP Training Courses

There are many advantages of getting enrolled with CCSP training courses, rather than buying self-study materials. The lab activities, query solving, assessments, hand-on knowledge gaining and many other benefits are associated with these courses. One can get familiar with techniques of maintaining network security by joining these Cisco security training courses.

What do you learn

By participating in CCSP training courses, you can learn various aspects of network security and at the same time learn the tips and tracks of passing the exam with good grades. You can get familiar with various security aspects like control of intrusions, installation of secure virtual private networks and similar components, required for making the organization functioning smoother than before. These courses teach the individuals to detect security threats and handle them with perfection, without letting them harm the network integrity in any way.
CCSP training courses are helpful in many ways, provided you join the best destination for these courses. You can easily assess an institute on the basis of lab equipments, proficiency of instructors, prices offered and its reputation.

CISCO’s definition of CCSP: CCSP Certification

Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP®) validates advanced knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. With a CCSP certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to secure and manage network infrastructures to protect productivity, mitigate threats, and reduce costs. The CCSP curriculum emphasizes Cisco Router IOS (ISR) and Catalyst Switch security features, Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), secure VPN connectivity, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Cisco Security Agent (CSA), Security Enterprise and Device Management, Network Admission Control (NAC) as well as techniques to optimize these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution. In addition, CCSP leverages the new CCNA Security certification as a prerequisite.

CCSP VS CISSP –

Somewhere I found people confusing with these both certifications. Firstly CCSP is Cisco Certified Security Professional conducted by Cisco and CISSP is Certified Internet Security Specialist conducted by IC2.  Both CCSP and CISSP are not for beginner level. You need to have industry experience in Networking Security to write those exams. CCSP (consists of 5 papers) need 2 years experience and CISSP (1 paper) needs 4 years of exp.

One common thing they are both Advanced Level Examinations.

Conclusion:   These certifications are an indicative list only; apart from this for getting a good job you need good perseverance, hard work, smart personality and several other factors.  Remember that a certification is not a substitute for Higher education, you can always do your masters in information Security from Indian and foreign university.

Wish you all the best in your career in information security!!

External Sources:  www.cisco.com

www.isaca.org

Compiled by ,
Gobind.V
Business Development Manager

]]> http://www.getsetgrow.org/2009/12/certification-choices-for-a-career-in-information-security/feed/ 0 http://www.getsetgrow.org/2009/10/careers-in-textile-designing-and-fashion-designing/ http://www.getsetgrow.org/2009/10/careers-in-textile-designing-and-fashion-designing/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:10 +0000 Admin http://www.getsetgrow.org/?p=830

  Careers in Textile Designing and Fashion Designing

 Fashion design is the most well known and most sought after career in the fashion and textiles business. The common notions about fashion designers are that they are rich, famous and constantly rubbing shoulders with celebrities. While this is true in many cases but out of the thousands of people in this Industry who work behind the scene and only few get the recognition and wealth.  Without this crucial support role this industry would not exist. In this article our editorial team have tried to investigate the opportunities for students in the fashion and textile design world.

 The Supply Chain of Fashion and textile:

 a) The Yarn suppliers: They supply the yarn from the farmers and cooperative agencies to the fabric manufactures.

 b) Fabric manufacturers: They are the manufacturers of the fabric and specialize in fabric production to the garment suppliers.

 c) Garment Suppliers: They produce the garments with the fabric received from fabric manufacturers based on the design by the fashion designers.

 d) Retailers: They sell the garments, apparels in retail outlets. Jobs in Fashion retailing: Retail Managers, Sales Advisor

Fabric and Garment suppliers employ:

1. Textile designers
2. Fashion designers
3. Pattern cutters
4. Sales representative
5. Fabric technologists

 Textile Design

 Job Types  

1. Woven Fabric Designer
2. Knitted Textile Designer
3. Printed Textile Designer
4. Embroidery Designer 

Job Role :  

• Selecting yarns for fabric
• Designing the construction and colour of fabric
• Liasing with customers such as garment suppliers or retailers
• Developing designs requested by customers
• Visiting trade fairs 

Career Starting Point : You can start your career as an assistant designer with a Graduation or Diploma in a textile designing / Textile Engineering and move into senior Textile Designers.

 Clothing/Textile technologist 

A clothing/textile technologist carries out a range of technical, investigative and quality control work on clothing and textiles, ensuring that products perform to specifications. Technologists work on the development of products, improve production efficiency and quality, and liaise with those involved in the production process.

The textile and clothing industries are inextricably linked, starting with the production of fibres, yarns and fabrics, and ending with the sale of finished products, which are mainly clothing but also include household and industrial textiles.

Typical Job Role :

Technologists in smaller organisations are usually responsible for both clothing or garments and textiles, but in some large companies, these functions are split.

Clothing/garment technologists are involved in all aspects of garment construction and are expected to keep up to date with technical innovations. They work with a wide range of materials, including natural and synthetic textiles, leather, fur, metals and plastics. Their main responsibilities are to minimise risk, assure quality, support product development and develop supplier relationships. Tasks typically include:

• liaising with designers, and adapting designs to suit production methods;
• making and sizing pre-production garments;
• sourcing fabrics and accessories;
• undertaking quality evaluations of materials and checking the quality of the final product;
• responding to product queries, including complaints, from wholesalers and customers.

Textile technologists are responsible for:

• developing manmade fibres and the quality assessment of natural fibres;
• spinning fibres into yarn, and knitting or weaving yarn into fabrics;
• producing nonwoven materials;
• identifying the latest fabric trends, developments and innovations;
• overseeing the dyeing, printing and finishing processes;
• ensuring quality in areas such as strength, durability, colourfastness, and water and chemical resistance;
• advising commercial colleagues on technical aspects of the business;
• working closely with suppliers and customers.

Some technologists specialise in research and product development, and may:

• undertake research to find new ways of using yarns;
• develop chemicals that may be added to fabrics to make them more waterproof, flame-resistant or shrink-resistant;
• experiment with textiles to improve their look, feel, texture and durability.                                                         

What Do Fashion Designers Do? 

Fashion designers understand that clothes are much more than protection from the elements. Clothes can make people feel confident or powerful. Or they can be comforting. Clothing can be an artistic expression—a projection of the image people want the world to see.

While good fashion design will probably never be equated with a cure for disease or a solution for world hunger, fashion can make a person feel better. Though some may say fashion is purely superficial, appearance can have profound effects personally and to the world at large. Whether you think of royalty or rock stars, you visualize their appearance and presentation. What people wear projects who they are.

The elegant and often eccentric styles found on the runways of Paris and New York do not represent the full scope of fashion designers’ work. In reality, there are a multitude of opportunities in fashion design, from sportswear, to children’s clothes, to haute couture. If you can wear it, someone has designed it.

Fashion Design Tasks 

A fashion design job has many aspects. Designers may be responsible for a number of tasks, including researching fashion trends and staying current on contemporary styles; creating sketches and prototypes; choosing materials; going to fashion shows; performing business administration tasks; marketing products; and supervising or working with design team members.

Skills Need 

Creativity and Style – No fashion designer can get by without creativity and style. The fashion industry is in a constant state of metamorphosis. Fashion designers need to be on their toes. They need to be able to look at old styles and see a new direction to take with their designs. They need to be able to innovate and put a fresh spin on things. From sketching to execution, fashion designers need artistic ability and originality to succeed in the industry.

Knowledge of Fashion History – Setting trends isn’t a simple business. Fashion designers have to stay a step ahead. To do that, they need knowledge about previous styles and movements in fashion history. They also need to be aware of current fashion events and developments.

Business Know-How – Knowing the ins and outs of business is also beneficial for fashion designers. In this highly competitive industry, aspiring designers can’t rely on their artistic vision alone to bring success. For fashion designers, understanding basic principles of marketing and business can help them reach their goals.

Abililty to Perform Under Pressure – A fashion design career isn’t for the faint of heart. Fashion designers should be able to work well under pressure. Working with an assortment of people and personalities to meet tight deadlines can be stressful. Those entering this occupation should be willing to work in a team, and they should thrive under the demands of deadlines. They should also be able to handle criticism. Critics in this field can be brutal. Successful fashion designers know how to learn from a critique while maintaining their individual style.

Careers in Fashion Merchandising  

Every great boutique or department store needs a Wizard of Oz—someone behind the curtain making everything appear as impressive as possible—someone deciding to stock ruby slippers because they’re the next big thing. Fashion merchandising experts accomplish tasks like these on a regular basis.

Fashion merchandising requires a blend of fashion sense and business expertise. Style alone won’t yield a successful career in this field. Staying ahead of the fashion curve is a feat involving both art and science. Strategy and marketing know-how are an integral part of fashion merchandising.

As a fashion merchandiser, your job is to connect fashion with consumers. To reach that goal, you may do a variety of tasks, including the following:

• Attending fashion shows
• Buying fashions
• Negotiating with suppliers and manufacturers
• Managing retail outlets
• Setting up store displays
• Advertising and marketing

Skills Needed

Forecasting Ability – While more methodical than fortune telling, fashion merchandising does require forecasting ability. A thorough knowledge of past fashion trends and an awareness of current industry developments will serve you well in a fashion merchandising career.

Analytical Ability – Problem solving and analytical ability also come in handy in this field. A good sense of style obviously helps you; however, you must also determine how things fit into a budget and whether they meet the functional needs of consumers. Other criteria may also influence your fashion merchandising decisions, so you will need to be able to analyze a complex set of issues and stand behind your choices.

Communication Skills – Fashion merchandising also requires good communication skills. From negotiating with manufacturers to getting your marketing message out to customers, there is ample opportunity to exercise your powers of communication in the fashion merchandising field.

Career in Fashion Marketing and Buying  

What’s the difference between fashion merchandisers, fashion marketers and fashion buyers? If you find yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. It seems like these titles are often used almost interchangeably or, perhaps, to describe different functions of the same job. It all seems unclear.

Merchandising, marketing and buying are closely related. Depending on the job you get, you may focus on one of these things, or you may do all three. Some companies may not have the resources or the need to separate these job functions. In other companies, however, it may make sense to divide the work load according to these different tasks. Each job is different.

Defining the Roles  

Fashion Merchandising – The goal of good fashion merchandising is to craft a positive consumer experience. Fashion buying can be a part of this. From choosing what to sell, to designing how it’s displayed in stores, fashion merchandisers have customers in mind. They know that presentation counts. A sweater on its own may not dazzle, but pair it with the right belt, jeans and some fabulous shoes, and it becomes a hot item. Fashion merchandising experts subtly inspire consumers to see the possibilities in their products.

Fashion Marketing – Fashion marketers are not so subtle. It’s their job to promote fashion. They want to generate interest in new styles and products. Fashion marketing involves advertising, but it’s more than that. Fashion marketers have to be on the cutting edge—endorsing the right thing at the right time. They connect the public with the world of fashion, and they help set trends.

Fashion Buying – While many people think that they could make a career out of shopping, fashion buying is more complex than that. Fashion buyers have to be aware of the nuances of trends. They have to anticipate where styles are going and what will catch on with consumers. Not every new style will make it to the marketplace. Fashion buyers make decisions about what to sell and how much based on their knowledge of fashion history, market trends and customer psychology.

Career in Fashion Photography

Does the thought of a desk job conjure up frightening visions of drab cubicles and bad fluorescent lighting? Can you think of a thousand places you’d rather be? Traveling to exotic locations is one of many perks you might enjoy as a fashion photographer. While you may also have to fight off your share of mosquitoes along the way, fashion photography is a creative job that won’t keep you behind a desk all day.

Working in fashion photography, you will represent fashion designers’ work to the public. You’ll create the visual story that sparks interest in new styles and trends.

As a fashion photographer, you may be self-employed or do freelance work. You may also find employment opportunities with magazines or clothing retailers.

Skills Needed  

Artistic Sensibility – Although it may go without saying, a good eye and artistic sensibility are essential in fashion photography. More than taking pictures of models and clothing, fashion photography requires the ability to set and capture a mood. It takes creativity and innovation. Attention to artistic detail is key for any aspiring fashion photographer.

Technical Skill – Fashion photographers also need to be comfortable using technology. From traditional development methods to digital editing, technology plays an increasingly important role in this field. Fashion photographers who have the necessary computer skills can use digital technology to edit their work and create special effects.

Organizational Ability – Since many fashion photographers free-lance, those who are self-starters should do well in this field. The ability to stay organized and focused will help when establishing a credible reputation in the industry.

Teamwork – The ability to work well with others is beneficial in fashion photography, as in any field. You will need to be able to communicate with your customers and deliver the product they want. You will also need to be able to work with a variety of people—from models to stylists—to complete your work. Fashion photography is not a job that can be done in a vacuum. You will need to cooperate with a several individuals to accomplish your work.

Careers in Fashion Stylist   

There is an art to putting together the right outfit for the right occasion. The best clothes do more than cover. They express the wearer’s personality and style. They make good first impressions and boost self-confidence. Good fashion stylists know how to bring out the best in the people they dress and the clothes they choose.

From working with celebrity clients to styling models for photo shoots, there are many different arenas in which fashion stylists can use their talents. Stylists’ work is evident in music videos, advertisements, TV shows and movies. They may also work with designers or public relations experts. A fashion stylist career can provide exciting opportunities to bring style to a variety of interesting people.

Skills Needed 

Fashion Knowledge and Adventurous Style – Fashion stylists need more than great taste. When putting together a look, they must also consider a number of factors, such as color and fit. Knowing what clothes will flatter a variety of body types is important. They must also be able to see the possibilities in clothing. Successful fashion stylists can take conventional pieces and use them in unconventional ways. They are clothing innovators.

Ability to Communicate – The ability to communicate with clients is also essential. Fashion stylists need to be able to find the compromise between their own style and opinions and their clients’ wants and needs. They need to be able to influence without overpowering.

Business Sense – Most fashion stylists are self-employed, so they need to be able to run their own businesses. They must maintain client relationships and handle administrative tasks or hire others to do them.

Apart from the above roles one can also choose a career in Fashion Media. The main roles in fashion media are:

• Fashion journalists
• Fashions PRs
• Fashion stylists
• Fashion forecasters
• Fashion illustrators

There are various good colleges where you can start studying on Fashion Technology. Few colleges to Study Fashion Technology in India are :

•  DART Fashion School , Bangalore
• FX School, Mumbai
• D New Age School of Design, Delhi
• Fortune Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore
• Army Institute of Fashion & Design, Bangalore
• Integrated Management College , Delhi
• Hamstech Institute of Fashion & Interior Design, Hyderabad
• IIFT Paschim Vihar, Delhi
• International Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
• Varia D Design, Ahmedabad
• NIDD (National Institute of Design & Development), Delhi
• J.D. Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
• Indian Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore
• Inifd – Noida, Delhi
• WLC College of India, Hyderabad
• National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi
• Aastha Institute of Gemmology, Pune
• I.P.D. College, Delhi

 Do post your comments and questions you may have.

Compiled by Balaji R (Editor GSG)

The Sustainability Mantra : The future of now

There has been a lot of hullabaloo of late on the topic of Sustainability. What is it anyway? The Worldwatch Institute defines this in one simple sentence – The ability to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
The growing population versus depleting natural resources had always been a cause for concern in the past and is now a glaring reality. The alarm sounded by various research groups and governments on the sustainability issue is a wake-up call for everybody to take stock of the situation before it causes irreparable damage.

Incidentally, sustainability is almost always associated with the impact of our actions on the environment. While that is true to a large extent, sustainability goes way beyond environmental issues alone. Environment, social and economic

Sustainability

factors constitute the three main pillars of sustainability. These pillars are referred to as the “triple bottom line” (TBL) and form the crux of sustainability. Stability of organizations can be measured using the TBL approach in addition to financial performance.

Business activities over the past several years have created many unfavorable and potentially damaging effects such as climate change, exploitation of human rights and unequal distribution of wealth to name a few. Numerous attempts have been made to study interdependence of human economies and the natural ecosystems. Studies have been conducted to incorporate sustainability in our daily lives through ecological footprint analysis and life cycle analysis. Efforts are being made by government, research bodies and organizations to increase public awareness on issues like recycling, renewable energy, energy efficient activities, waste reduction, conservation of natural resources and elimination or control of toxic substances all of which are sustainable practices. Various environmental laws have been passed in countries to curb carbon emissions (Euro 5, U.S. EPA Tier 3 and 4 emission standards), control waste disposal (WEEE Directive– Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and eliminate or control toxic chemicals (REACH – Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals, RoHS Directive – Restriction of Hazardous Substances and GHS – Globally Harmonized System). Similarly, labor laws exist to protect the rights of workers, antitrust laws to prohibit unfair business practices and many related laws.

Based on the discussion above, it is apparent that there is a deliberate effort to integrate ethics into business and in every aspect of our daily life. After all life is about giving back to the society! This ideology has compelled many companies to incorporate “Corporate Social Responsibility” as an integral part of their business. Successful corporations are those that have looked beyond profits and adopted sustainable strategies in their business activities. During a World Economic Forum meeting in 2002, Bill Gates had commented that it was a healthy sign to have demonstrators on streets, as this was an indication of whether the rich was giving back enough to the world. With forecasts that highlight a population of 9 billion by 2050 and the earth’s resources just being able to support 1.8 billion people at the current levels of consumption it is imperative that we rethink the way we live.

Written by our GSG Sustainability Knowledge Manager : Shobhitha Unikkat
Shobhitha is a Research Analyst with Solaron Ventures in the Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) space. She analyses companies and industry sectors based on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles to determine risks, opportunities and trends.