Job search continues....

Its over 2 weeks since I graduated and my job search continues. I am still in campus and there is a concerted effort going on here for placements.

I would say the last 2 weeks have been a roller-coaster, one with steep ascents and prolonged downhills. Basically, there was a day when I had 3 phone interviews (none of which turned out positive), but most of the days I have nothing to do but see movies, play badminton and scan naukri.com meticulously.

There are some trends I observed during my job search. There is a lot of shifting of BDM roles to India, which used to be earlier done in US/UK. Companies are hiring people with some sales experience and having them do most of the sales process from India, by having them work during US timings.

BPOs have started hiring again. Most of the core sectors are hiring now, especially after the UPA Govt. came back to power.

But nothing great is happening in IT area. The big firms are still in freeze mode and the smaller one's are trying to survive the recession. These firms are looking at hiring only by end of the year, which right now appears an ice age away. We'll see.

Watch out for updates.

Done with GMP

This morning I was awarded my diploma by Fr.Director for successfully completing the GMP program. So, officially I am done with the program although I would be staying with some of my batch-mates to scout for jobs together. Pic above shows me receiving my degree. Hurray !

Irresponsible leadership in this country

The spate of cheap language used by the political leaders of our country amazes me, time and again.

"Dump Vajpayee, Advani in Arabian sea: Cong to BJP"
"discard Congress because it is an old party."

The kind of language these people use is hardly the type that represents a country that is trying to project itself as an upcoming economic power in the world.

It is understandable that this is what happens when 10th fail candidates take up the leadership, still !

Earth Hour

To anyone reading this post, a request to you to switch off your lights tonight March 28th (8:30PM to 9:30PM) to join people all around the world who are voting for
"Earth Hour 2009".

For more details, please visit www.earthhour.org

Could this provide the much needed stimulus ?

In perhaps the most actionable step till date, the US has come up with a plan to buy risky assets and clear the clogged US economy.

Details of the plan is available at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/business/economy/24bailout.html?pagewanted=1&hp

Wall Street seemed to buy this plan, shown by the Dow's trading up by 300 points by Noon.

I think these are bold steps by the US government and should have an effect on kick starting economies across the world.

Quiz Qn

Government intervention policy during recession, as is happening now, was first recommended by one of the greatest economists in the last century. Who ? As a bonus, in which book did this economist detail this approach. (See comment for answer).

Rare Rahman Interview

Every ardent Rahman fan would have seen this interview, this is for those who may have missed it:

Happy Holi Everyone

Wish you all a very happy and colourful Holi !

Opinions Galore

In times like these, when we MBA's are finding it tough to get jobs, there is always a steady stream of advice coming from friends, family, profs and anyone who is better off.

Following are actual advices given by distinguished people in society:

Advice 1: "If I were you, I would remove the MBA part in my resume and show my
Technical certifications instead."
Advice 2: "Why don't you apply to PhD na....my son did that 5 years back and is now a
Prof in some University there, happily married with 1 big house,
1 beautiful wife and 2 dogs."
Advice 3: "Entrepreneurship is fine, but who will give u money ?"
Advice 4: "I told you MBA is a big waste of time. Look at me...no MBA and am earning
more than what you can only dream of now."
Advice 5: "I think your resume needs some major improvement."
Advice 6: "Take any job, big or small."
Advice 7: "My cousin in US says it would take 3 years for things to recover. what do u plan till then...have u thought about it ?"
and so it continues..

I am not trying to ridicule any of the advice above, but its just amazing what all we MBA's have to put through at times like these.

Selling Vs. Marketing

That good old question that every interviewer loves to ask:

This is a good explanation of the difference:
http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/operating/marketing/salesmktdiff.html