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Tip #1: Identify The Reason For Pursuing Higher Education

One of the most important factors to consider is identifying why you are looking to complete a PGDM course in the first place. Do you want to advance in your career by enhancing your current skill set? If yes, then you should choose a course that is a natural progression of your skillset and previous qualifications. For example, if you’re proficient in the finance field, you should consider opting for a PGDM course in finance. You could also do more research by discussing the right move with your peers, colleagues, or even your employer.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to diversify your knowledge or enter a more prominent field, you can opt for a course in that field. For example, if you’re working in the finance industry but are interested in moving to the marketing industry, you could opt for a PGDM course in marketing.

Tip #2. Ensure The College Is Accredited

While choosing a course, you also need to consider how many B-school are offering high-quality education in this course. The first thing you need to check is its accreditation. This is important as it will help you evaluate the level of education you will receive, as well as if the amenities offered will help you in your education. Moreover, by completing a course from an accredited college, the chances of you getting better opportunities in your career and better packages increases.

Tip #3. Analyze Placement Opportunities

An advanced course like PGDM can be expensive. To recoup the cost, most students look for a great placement as soon as their course is completed. However, the market is extremely competitive. Hence, you want to choose a course where the demand is high, but the competition is relatively low. For this, you’d need to carry out some market research or can even consider talking to your peers and seniors in your current workplace. They can give you an overview of what the market looks like and whether you should invest your time and money in completing the course.

Tip #4. Consider The Location

When you choose an advanced course like PGDM, you want to ensure that you get the best education possible. If you have the freedom to travel, it is recommended to identify the ideal location to specialize in the subject area you’re interested in. For example, if you’re looking to complete a course in finance, getting the education in the finance capital of India, Mumbai, would give you a chance to learn right at the source.

If, however, you don’t have the freedom to move or travel to places, you can still get the best education from distant lands by choosing distance learning. Many institutions and colleges offer distance learning programs that are equally effective and enable the students to fulfill their commitments while pursuing higher education.

Tip #5. Take A Reality Check

After you’ve finalized your course and the college keeping the previous factors in mind, there is one last step to undertake before going through with the admission process. Stop and minute and ensure what you’re doing makes sense. Can you afford the cost of education? Do you have specific qualifications required to pursue this advanced course? If you’re going to keep your employment, is your employer going to be on-board with you pursuing an education while working?

It is important to get definitive answers to all these hard-hitting facts, or else they can prove to obstructions while you’re already too deep to reconsider.

By following the factors mentioned above, you will be able to effectively narrow down your options, and make the right choice. That being said, while considering these factors, don’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right college as well. Also, it would be best if you carried out proper and extensive research before zeroing on a course as well as college. Just remember to choose something you’re passionate about. Don’t spend the next couple of years staring at textbooks that you have interest in whatsoever. Remember, it’s all about what keeps your excited and only then will you succeed!

Career Opportunities After MBA in Human Resource Management

January 29, 2020
| adminblog
| Jobs
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The human resource team is one of the most critical sectors in any company, as it aims to optimize employee performance, which ultimately drives high profit for the company. Hence, completing an MBA course in Human Resource Management is currently trending, due to the various opportunities present in the field. In this article, we will go over the different career opportunities present if you’re considering to pursue an MBA in Human Resource Management:

1. HR Consultant

If you want to pursue the HR field to earn money, then this is the route you should take. Nowadays, most companies are proliferating and keeping up with this demand; human resource departments have become vital. This resulted in the invention of human resource consultants. These consultants generally charge companies on an hour-basis, wherein they assess the company’s current situation and offer systematic recommendations to help the company reach its desired goal. However, to be a successful HR consultant, you need to be proficient in various fields, like employee management & motivation, incentive programs, building a company culture, retirement plans, etc. Another added benefit of being an HR consultant is that you get to choose who you want to work with and what you want to charge them for your services. The perfect concoction of freedom and money!

2. International Human Resources Professional

If you like traveling around the world while meeting new people and learning about new cultures, then becoming an international human resources professional is the path to be on. As an international HR professional, your job role will entail recruiting candidates into global positions, conducting training and creating standards across an international company, implementing benefits programs and plans depending on the national laws, maintaining labor relations across different cultures, among others. You will have to undertake the same amount and type of work as a national human resources professional. However, the key difference is you will be dealing with employees from different cultures and laws from a host of countries. A must-have skill for this role is the ability to engage successfully with different types of people who adhere to different customers. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, that’s considered to be a plus too.

3. Human Resources Executive

Similar to a Chief HR Officer or Vice President of Human Resources, a Human Resources Executive is ideal for those people who want to make enough money to build a lavish vacation house. At this position in the company, you are expected to create effective HR strategies for the company, including policies, systems, and goals. You will be responsible for overlooking all the activities related to the HR departments, including recruitment, contract signings, training and development, benefits, and others. Considering this is a high-ranking position, you will have to work your way up gradually, as most companies hire those individuals with at least 10-20 years of experience. However, if you eventually succeed in bagging this position, you will surely have a satisfying and well-paying career.

4. Training & Development Manager

HR professionals who want to be part of the environment and love teaching are inclined towards building a career as a training and development manager, as they help employees improve their skills and careers. This form of education is carried out in a professional setting, mostly in specially-held classes, workshops, conferences, and different types of events and gatherings. Some companies also hire training and development managers to create effective coursework for employees, to ensure that the training session itself is entertaining and informative.

5. Employee Education Consultant

The job role of an employee education consultant is similar to a training and development manager, as they, too, are responsible for educating employees through workshops, classes, and conferences. The significant difference between the two positions is that employee education consultants don’t work full-time at one organization. Companies hire these consultants either on a contract basis or on a retainer to improve their employees’ skills. This gives them the freedom to work on their hours and choose their clients.

6. HR Entrepreneur

There are multiple types of startups that an HR professional can drive to success, including a headhunting firm, employee placement company, HR consulting firm, or over a professional employer organization. An HR professional can display their entrepreneurial skills, and set up such a firm, find a set of reliable clients and work hard to build their startup into a successful organization. A great benefit of launching such firms is that one they are successful; you can step back from day-to-day tasks and let the firm run itself while taking a passive income from it. With many companies preferring to outsource their HR functions, an HR firm built by an experienced HR professional is undoubtedly a promising path to ensuring an early retirement!

7. Executive Recruiter

As the name suggests, to become a successful executive recruiter, you need to be great at managing and communicating with people, while building relations. This is necessary as every recruiter needs to find and fill job openings, but as an executive recruiter, you are expected to fill the most critical positions of a company. This includes C-level executives like CEOs and other people in vice president positions. While you can charge a high-fee for filing these positions owing to the complexity and importance of this position, you will only be paid in full after you have filled the position. To be successful in this position, it is recommended to build strong relations with companies to ensure that whenever an opening occurs, you are the first to get the job to fill it.

8. Human Resources IT Specialist

Most HR job roles haven’t changed much in the past year, however, the world of HR, in general, is expanding and new niche positions are being introduced due to the complexity of the work involved. One such position is the Human Resources IT Specialist. If you have a passion for software or hardware as well as an interest in human resources, you can combine your skills and pursue a career as an HR IT specialist. Moreover, as this is a relatively new job role, it is highly sought after and well-paid.

Of course, the list of opportunities available to an MBA in HR graduate is limitless, and these positions are just the tip of the iceberg. The industry is booming, and it’s definitely wise to climb on board now!

MMS, PGDM, MBA: Differences and Similarities

January 6, 2020
| adminblog
| MBA, PGDM
| No Comments

Business aspirants have a lot of work to do, considering the demand for skillset and high levels of competition. However, one thing that works in their favor is the number of education options they can choose from. The students are bombarded with so many options of business degrees that it’s quite easy for them to get confused and question, “What should I do next?”

If you, too, are facing a similar dilemma, we’re here to help. In this article, we will discuss three of the most popular business education options – MMS, PGDM, and MBA.

Master in Management Studies (MMS)

If you’re considering pursuing an MMS degree, you can expect to get a detailed understanding of various business specializations, like marketing and finance. MMS is a two-year management degree offered by the Mumbai University. While the eligibility to get a seat in this program differs based on the State’s required assessments, you will most likely have to pass a standard entrance test, which consists of aptitude, group discussions, writing ability, and interviews rounds.

Most students opt for MMS degrees as no work experience is required, and students can complete this course directly after college. Moreover, MMS is also less competitive and cost-effective as compared to MBA and other courses.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MBA is the most popular degree you can achieve to get entry into the business field. This degree lays the foundation for primary business education and provides intellectual growth through practical training. It’s a two-year degree course, and the curriculum focuses on technical and theoretical business practices.

In India, MBA degrees are exclusive to universities due to education regulations in the country. However, institutes who have an affiliation with universities can grant the degree as well. An MBA degree is more expensive than an MMS degree. However, it costs lesser than PGDM.

To pursue an MBA, you need to complete your undergraduate studies from a recognized university from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Most universities require a score of at least 50% in their undergraduate degree. Moreover, a standard aptitude test and entrance test is mandatory. Reputed universities also consider your scores of CAT, CMAT, GMAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA, etc.before giving you a seat. Finally, you will be tested in group exercises, interviews, wiring ability, and previous academic performance, before securing a seat.

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)

A PGDM is an advanced course, compared to MMS and MBA. As the name suggests, PGDM is not a degree and a diploma. That being said, pursuing a PGDM can be extremely useful due to the concepts taught in their courses. In some companies, individuals with a PGDM qualification are preferred.

As mentioned previously, degrees need to come from universities or from institutions affiliated to universities. However, as PGDM is a diploma, a lot of autonomous institutes voluntarily choose to stay away from university affiliations while granting a PGDM. The main reason for this is that under the university system, the curriculum is somewhat rigid, and constant updates and keeping up with the industry trends is not possible. Hence, institutes get recognition from the All Indian Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to grant PGDM qualifications. Moreover, by getting accreditation from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the PGDM qualification becomes equivalent to an MBA. Hence, PGDM holders are still eligible to pursue a Ph.D. degree in India.

The PGDM program usually lasts for two years, as one year PGDM programs are not equivalent to MBA degrees. During the span of these two years, students receive information about necessary business foundations and practical training to keep up with the ever-changing industry demands. Similar to MBA degrees, most institutes will accept students who have an undergraduate degree with a minimum score. Candidates will also have to pass a primary entrance and aptitude test along with group exercise, personal interviews, and written ability tests. It is also important to note that a PGDM qualification is very well recognized within the Indian and international job markets.

In the end, what degree you want to pursue next entirely depends on what you want to accomplish in your career. The industry you want to work in plays a crucial role in making this decision as well. Regardless of the qualification, you decide to pursue it’s essential to conduct proper research on your chosen programs and the subjects various B-schools offer. If you’re still on the fence, feel free to contact us at N.L. Dalmia, wherein we can help you take the next step to advance in your career!

How Can a Non-Tech Professional Move to Analytics?

January 3, 2020
| adminblog
| Big Data
| No Comments

Currently, there is a paradigm shift in the marketplace as many professionals are looking for job roles in analytics, primarily related to fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and other subjects. However, there is a misconception that only individuals with an IT or engineering background can build a successful career in analytics. However, as the field evolves, many domains in analytics require more than just technical knowledge, for example, business analytics.

In this article, we will highlight how non-tech professionals can contribute to the field of analytics efficiently. However, before we delve deeper into the ‘how,’ let’s answer the ‘why’ and ‘what.’

Why You Should Consider Making A Career Shift To Analytics

1. Huge Job Opportunities

Data Analytics is considered to be one of the most ‘hot’ jobs in the current market as the demand for analytics skills has increased exceptionally. However, there is a significant deficit on the supply side globally and is not restricted to any one location. Hence, there is a large number of unfilled jobs across the globe due to a shortage of skills.

2. Multi-Industry Opportunities

With the help of analytics, businesses can implement cost-effective solutions and improve decision-making power in multiple development areas, like healthcare, manufacturing, education, real estate. Hence, depending on your interest, you will have the opportunity to select your desired field from a variety of industries.

3. Key Decision-Making Power

In today’s generation, companies understand the importance of making data-driven decisions. Hence, as a data specialist, you will get the opportunity to work with a critical person in the organization. You will also be part of the decision-making team and streamline the layers from top to bottom and coordinate with subordinates to ensure appropriate action is taken on the insights.

4. Work With Reputed Brands

Data analytics started small, being restricted to start-ups and small companies looking for business opportunities. However, with the evolution of the industry, giants like IBM, SAP, Microsoft, HP, and Oracle are exploring analytical research. That being said, these companies will look for professionals who are experts and have experience in the field. So, you can’t expect to secure a job at these firms in the beginning. However, it does create a growth opportunity for you.

5. Become an Excellent Communicator

As a data analyst, your career prospects don’t only depend on how good your programming skills are, rather the combination of your technical skills and your ability to influence companies to take action on your insights to play the primary driving force. Hence, as you keep progressing in the field, your communication skills are sure to improve tenfold.

What Are Analysts Expected To Do

Typically, analysts working in the field of analytics are expected to be proficient with concepts like data mining, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and multivariate testing. They are also expected to work closely with the management of the company and provide logical and data-driven insights to make business decisions, right from product development to marketing. To break it down in pointers, analysts are expected to:

Gather data from multiple sources
Evaluate problems and opportunities in the business and identify various areas for improvement
Evaluate the feasibility of a solution and possible outcomes using modeling and analysis
Create activity diagrams, use cases, business scenarios, document analysis, and workflow analysis
Study data accumulated from surveys and workshops
Communicate and coordinate with external and internal customers and vendors
Understand the business needs of a customer and create applications and operational processes to fulfill the requirement with analytics and product management skills

To fulfill the requirements above, the analyst is expected to have an in-depth understanding of various engineering concepts and modeling techniques and methods. They are also likely to be able to develop a case and communicate among team members and customers. Lastly, they need to be able to conduct cost and benefit analysis to guide the company towards a high return on investment.

How Can A Non-Tech Graduate Fit Into This Role

The job description can be threatening for a non-tech graduate, like a commerce student, as analytics is a relatively new field of them. However, a commerce student, for instance, can make use of their strong foundation in finance and management to understanding insights from the data and make better decisions. Moreover, their experience of dealing with numbers can play a crucial role in deriving useful information from numerical data. Non-tech professionals looking to move to the analytical industry, need to work on the following skills:

Document creation and training
Understand workflow management process improvement
Gain a thorough understanding of research, analysis and data management
Get familiar with software applications and even technical experience such as coding
Upgrading excel skills

Regardless of how advanced technology and analytics get, businesses will always need human insights to analyze the data and derive insights to make decisions. Hence, more and more companies are looking for experts to understand data and offer data-driven decisions to help their business reach new heights of success. So, it doesn’t matter which field you come from, if you have an interest in data analytics, the time jump the bandwagon is now! All you need to do is register for an analytics course at reputable institutes like N.L. Dalmia and kick-start your career in big data analytics.

Reasons Why You Should Study MBA in India

January 3, 2020
| adminblog
| MBA, MBA Advice
| No Comments

The one thing that legends like Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, Michael Bloomberg, and former Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Meg Whiteman all have in common is an MBA degree. In today’s day and age, everyone wants to get an MBA, right from fresh graduates to professionals working in the industry for a couple of years.

An MBA might come as a single piece of diploma; however, the degree itself packs a lot of punch. Getting an MBA means no matter where you plan to build your career, and regardless of the location or industry, you’ll increase your credibility.

If you’re still on the fence about taking the leap and committing your time and finances to an MBA program, here are five truly compelling reasons to give it serious consideration.

Why You Should Pursue an MBA Degree

1. Improve Leadership Skills

MBA programs are considered to be the training grounds for the world’s future business leaders. While pursuing your MBA, you will get the opportunity to harness your hard and soft skills to become the ultimate team player and their potential leader. Through the program, you will not only get exposure to subjects like economics and marketing but also team-building skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and demonstrating integrity, bringing out the best in you.

2. Get Access to a Large Business Network

Through an MBA course, you will get the chance to meet multiple like-minded people. You will be able to be part of a network, including the alumni who have experience in the field. Hence, by being surrounded by ambitious professionals means you will not only be motivated to do your best, but you could also meet your potential business partner.

3. Secure Your Dream Job

Employers are always on the lookout for top talent and generally turn to MBA colleges to find young, energetic individuals who are motivated and driven. So, by enrolling for an MBA course, you might be able to secure your dream job while pursuing your higher education!

Now that you know why the next question you need to answer is ‘where’? Many Indians are confused about whether they should pursue their MBA in India or abroad. However, it’s important to note; many foreigners are opting to come to India to pursue their higher education. India has a high number of top-class institutions and many examples of individuals who have gained success after achieving an MBA degree from an Indian institute. Here are a few reasons why India has the best MBA courses to offer.

Reasons To Pursue an MBA Degree in India

1. Top-Class Institutes

Considering the popularity and demand for MBA in India, the institutes here are designed to provide the best experience to students. The colleges offer only excellent infrastructure for the overall development and world-class faculty who have professional experience and an understanding of how the industry works.

2. Cost-Effective

As compared to pursuing the degree is other countries, India is considerably more cost-effective. Not only the course fees, but peripheral costs like accommodation, food, and transportation is also low. Moreover, if you’re a deserving student, you can apply for a scholarship that can reduce the entire cost by half!

3. Better Industry Exposure

India is a vast and diverse country, which makes the country a great market and provides an excellent scope for learning. Moreover, Indian universities strive to incorporate the Indian market scenario with other global prospects. For example, these colleges will invite renowned personalities from India and other countries to give lectures and conduct workshops.

4. Quality Education

Education is one of the most critical sectors in India. Hence, the quality of education in the country is exceptionally high, striving to create experts in every field. The professors that teach in Indian universities have top credentials, good exposure, and are considered to be industry experts. Hence, if you’re looking for quality education while pursuing your MBA, you should consider a reputable institute in India.

5. Security & Rapid Growth

India is developing quickly as its market is proliferating and creating many opportunities for individuals in terms of learning and working. You can also opt to undergo an internship while pursuing your MBA here as more and more companies are on the lookout for young talent. By doing this, you can say updated with the latest trends, while gaining practical knowledge in the industry. Due to the tremendous growth in the Indian market, no job scarcity giving you a sense of job security.

In conclusion, by pursuing an MBA in India, you can go easy on your pocket and not miss out on world-class education. That being said, before choosing a university, research about the various colleges in Indian and go through the ranking. You can even talk to the alumni and know about their experience. You can consider factors like education, cost, and job opportunities while choosing the best MBA college in India.

Big Data Course: All You Need to Know Before Enrolling to One

December 10, 2019
| adminblog
| Big Data
| No Comments

Currently, the world that we live in is ruled by data. Hence, most individuals are opting to undergo some data analytics training to enter this billion-dollar industry. You can choose to be a Data Scientist, Engineer, or Analyst; you need to have proper training and certification that will help you fast-track your career and apply for top-paying jobs.

As mentioned above, it’s not surprising that analyzing data plays a crucial role as we’re living in a data-driven world where 90% of all data created in the last two years alone. That being said, while most enthusiasts are ready to jump the wagon and join this billion-dollar industry, there are certain things you should know before enrolling for the Big Data Course:

What Is Big Data?

Big Data is essentially data but in a large amount. The term Big Data is used to describe a huge collection of data, which is expected to keep growing with time. Due to a large amount of data, none of the commonly used data management tools are able to analyze or store and process the data effectively.

That being said, to get an in-depth understanding of what exactly is Big Data, some historic definitions can be used. For example, in 2001, Gartner released a definition of Big Data, which is still being used to date. The definition states, “Big data is data that contains greater Variety arriving in increasing volumes and with ever-higher velocity. This is known as the six Vs.”

The Six Vs of Big Data

1. Volume

The first to consider when you receive data is to analyze how much of it is there? When it comes to Big Data, high volumes of low-density, and unstructured data needs to be processed and analyzed. As it is unstructured, this data can be unknown, for example, Twitter data feeds, clickstreams on a web page, and others. For certain organizations, depending on the niche they operate in, storing such kind of data amount to more than tens of terabytes of data or even hundreds of petabytes.

2. Velocity

The next V stands for velocity that indicates the rate at which the data is received on an average. Generally, this highest velocity of data streams directly into memory, instead of being written on the disk. On the other hand, when it comes to smart products that are enabled by the internet, the data will be processed in real-time or near real-time, and hence, this type of data required real-time evaluation and action.

3. Variety

The third V stands for Variety, which is basically the different types of data. The most common types of data are structured and unstructured. Structured data is more traditional and preferred as it fits neatly in a relational database. However, as the applications of big data keep increasing, data started becoming unstructured. When it comes to unstructured data, examples like text or audio could require additional preprocessing, which will help decode the meaning of the data and support metadata.

4. Value

To put it simply, data has no intrinsic value. Data only proves to be valuable if a company is able to extract relevant insights to solve a particular problem or meet a specific need. Hence, data acquired value through the impact it leaves on a business and the consumer value insights the data delivers. In order to harness the full value of data, organizations can follow the steps given below:

Ensure you spend enough time analyzing the data by digging deep to derive clear insights, based on which you can develop a strategy
Closely monitor any changes in regulations, especially when it comes to security requirements
Analyze how you can be more transparent with your customers regarding the usage of their data

5. Veracity

The term veracity, when it comes to big data, refers to ensuring the reliability and validity of the insights derived from the data analyzed. This is particularly important as if the data is inaccurate, it is not only useless, but can also result in major repercussions if applied. However, maintaining a balance is crucial as in the quest to obtain veracity you might be over-cautious and wait for perfect, clean data before making any decision – which is extremely impractical.

6. Variability

The last V is for variability, which is the most debated upon concept as it can refer to multiple things. Mostly, variability stands for the inconsistencies in the data that need to be found by anomaly and outlier detection methods. Variability could also refer to the inconsistent speed at which big data is loaded into your database.

The Scope of Big Data in 2020

According to a report published by IDC, the Worldwide Big Data & Business Analytics Market is estimated to grow from $130.1 billion this year to over $203 billion in 2020. The report went on to quote IDC’s Dan Vesset, where he stated that due to the easy access to data, the introduction of the latest technology and colossal culture shift towards making data-driven decisions, the drive for big data and analytics technology and services.

Based on the current growth rate of this big data industry, given below, are a few predictions of the scope of big data in 2020:

1. Ever-Increasing Demand for Data Analytics

Fairly recently, Peter Sondergaard, who was employed at Gartner Research, where he released a statement about Big Data and the importance of data analytics in the modern world. He said that information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics of that information is the combustion engine.

That being said, the combustion engine is an integral part. Hence, regardless of the tons of the data we are collecting every minute, it is essential that we can understand the data with some data analytics skills. The main question of the hour essentially is, who is responsible for analyzing vast quantities of data and transforming them into valuable business?

2. Applications of Big Data Is Across Different Parallels

Big Data is often considered to be omnipresent, and hence big data has multiple applications across different sectors of industry. According to a study by Wanted Analytics (2015), the biggest significant demand for Big Data professionals is by Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (25%), Information Technology (17%), Manufacturing (15%), Finance and Insurance (9%), and Retail Trade (8%).

3. Career Opportunity & Salary Growth

Due to the different requirements involved, Big Data provides the most versatile career options for those who are looking to join the industry.

Moreover, as most companies, even tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Google, and Pentaho, are making use of the data derived from analyzing Big Data. This ultimately results in increased job opportunities for skilled professionals.

Moreover, as the demand for Big Data grows, the salary package offered to the professionals of this industry grows as well. When it comes to Big Data jobs in India, a fresher with a Master’s degree in Data Science or Analytics can land a job with a package between INR 4 – 10 LPA, depending on their skill set and the company they decide to join. On the other hand, candidates who have 3-6 years of experience can bag a package of up to INR 10 – 20 LPA. Moving to the more senior professionals of the field, employees with over 6-10 years of experience earn about INR 15 – 30 LPA.

Job Opportunities in Big Data

With almost every company looking to benefit from Big Data, professionals who have experience and knowledge in this field are in high demand. The top job opportunities in Big Data include:

1. Data Scientist

There are plenty of opportunities for professionals who are capable of mining and interpreting complex data in large volumes. Essentially, Data Scientists partners with cross-functional IT teams to compile and analyze data and derive insights that are ultimately presented in the form of recommendations and action plans.

2. Data Engineer

A Data Engineer combines concepts from computer science and engineering to analyze and manipulate large volumes of data. Everyday tasks of a Data Engineer include creating and translating computer algorithms into prototype code, developing technical processes to improve data accessibility, and designing reports, dashboards, and tools for end-users.

3. Data Analyst

The job description of a Data Analyst is to gather insights about various topics by creating large-scale surveys. Their job entails recruiting participants, compiling and analyzing the data received and converting the actionable points into traditional charts and reports.

4. Security Engineer

One of the core jobs of a Security Engineer is to plan, avert, and mitigate IT disasters. With the help of computer firewalls, detecting and responding to intrusions, and pinpointing security issues in the system, a Security Engineer is responsible for lessening corporate risk. They are also in charge of creating and implementing test plans for new software and hardware to implement adequate security measures from the beginning.

5. Database Manager

A Database Manager is responsible for managing, performing diagnostics, and repairing databases, whenever required. They are also responsible for reviewing business requests for data, tracking the use of data, and verifying data sources to improve the quality of the data feed.

Skills Required To Get A Big Data Job

As the market is extremely competitive, you need certain skills to ensure you can land a job in this niche. Mentioned below are a couple of skills that can help:

1. Apache Hadoop

Hadoop has entered its second decade, but there has been a steep rise in its popularity in the last 3-4 years. Many software companies commonly use Hadoop clusters. Standard Hadoop components include Hive, Pig, HDFS, HBase, MapReduce, etc. are extremely popular too. Hence, professionals looking to enter the Big Data niche should be proficient with this technology.

2. NoSQL

Traditional SQL database like DB2, Oracle, and others have been replaced by NoSQL databases like Couchbase and MongoDB. These databases are handy when it comes to meeting the needs of big data storage and easy access. NoSQL complements that expertise of Hadoop, and professionals who are well-versed with this technology are sure to find multiple opportunities.

3. Data Visualisation

Tools like QlikView and Tableau that are part of the data visualization are popularly used to decode valuable insights from the data provided from analytics tools. However, using these tools is complex and tough to grasp. Hence, professionals who know how to use them effectively are in high demand, especially in big organizations.

4. Machine Learning

The hottest fields in Big Data currently are Machine Learning and Data Mining. Even though Big Data comprises of multiple components, these two play an essential role when it comes to the success of this field. Professionals who are knowledgeable about machine learning can use their skills to carry out a predictive and prescriptive analysis. As this skill set is rare, professionals with the knowledge of machine learning and data mining are paid exceptionally well.

5. Apache Spark

Replacing complex technologies like MapReduce, Spark is a preferred alternative as it is easy to use and quicker. With its latest developments, Apache Spart has become very popular, with or without Hadoop. With many companies embracing this Apache technology, professionals are proficient with these skills can find multiple high-paying opportunities.

Advantages of Big Data Certifications

If you don’t have the skills mentioned above, don’t fret. Certifications are a great way to make a career shift, and the Big Data niche is no different. Especially in this fast-changing world of technology, with new concepts and technologies being invented almost daily, certifications have become a reliable way to prove competency to companies. Basically, certifications act like a speedy and practical crash course, that allows you to enhance your skill set. Mentioned below are a few certifications you could consider opting for:

1. HortonWorks Certification on Hadoop Developer and Administrator

A new player in the Hadoop distribution market, Hortonworks was founded as a spun-off from Yahoo in 2011 and maintains the Hadoop infrastructure in-house. Currently, HortonWorks is the only vendor that distributes an open-source Hadoop without any cost for any other software.

2. IBM Certified Data Architect- Big data

If you’re looking to pursue your career as a Big Data Architect, you need to have extensive knowledge about technologies and tools and how they can be integrated to solve Big Data business problems. IBM’s website provides detailed information about the skills and knowledge required before giving the exam. The website also provides a list of courses you can choose from.

3. SAS Certified Big Data Professional

To get into the SAS Certified Big Data Professional Program, the candidate must have had at least six months of programming experience, either in SAS or another programming language. It is also essential for you to have knowledge about SQL, Macro, and Advanced Programming.

The academy’s big data certification program focuses on these areas:

Improving data quality for reporting and analytics
Fundamentals of statistics and analytics
Working with Hadoop, Hive, Pig, and SAS
Exploring and visualizing data

You can read more or apply for this certification from the N.L.Dalmia website.

Conclusion

Regardless of how advanced technology gets, the need for human insights cannot be removed from the equation. There is a serious need for skills professionals who can understand data and derive useful insights from a business point of view. A professional with Analytical skills can master the ocean of Big Data and become a vital asset to an organization, boosting the business and their career.

Everything to Know About PGDM HR

December 10, 2019
| adminblog
| PGDM
| No Comments

With the latest advancements in technology and the demanding requirements of companies, it has become crucial for the HR team of a company to be capable of hiring the best of resources. To keep up with the industry needs, HR resources should opt to get a Post Graduate Diploma Management in Human Resources. At N.L. Dalmia, we provide a two-year course that provides our students with a vast array of subjects like Managerial Economics, Labour Laws, Industrial Relations & Employee Welfare, Strategic HRM and Human Resource Planning & Audit. In addition to these subjects, we also focus on enhancing the student’s skills through auxiliary activities like team building, leadership, personality development, interpersonal skills, and self-defense. This helps our students enhance their skills set and move one step closer to becoming successful business leaders and entrepreneurs.

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5 Tips To Clear The Cat Exam Without Coaching in 2019

November 4, 2019
| adminblog
| MBA Preparation
| No Comments

The CAT examination is arguably one of the most difficult, yet most reputed exams in India. This entrance exam focuses on delivering results using conventional methods that cannot be adopted via rote learning and requires out-of-the-box thinking. Considering the CAT exam is the first and most crucial step to getting into 20 IIMs and around 100 B-schools, it’s not surprising that the competition is immense. According to Careers 360, more than two lakh candidates have applied for this examination in 2019.

One of the most reputed entrance exams, CAT is challenging to crack; however, with a little perseverance and hard work, passing with a high score in this exam is not impossible. It is crucial to use smart tricks while preparing for this exam, instead of relying on conventional studying methods and beaten-down methods learnt from textbooks. Keeping this in mind, all aspiring CAT takers have their strategy when it comes to preparing for this exam, and there is no right or wrong way to crack this test while some may choose to learn through books and prepare for the exam themselves or opt for online CAT coaching classes.

If you’re one of those who have decided to skip the infamous CAT coaching route and have taken upon the responsibility of preparing yourself, here are the top 5 tips that could help you succeed in this exam:

1. Know What You Should Study For

The first thing you need to do after you have decided to take the CAT exam is to get an in-depth understanding of the pattern of the paper and the syllabus. Generally, this MBA entrance exam is in a multi-choice format, which tests your knowledge in four primary areas; Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Sometimes, the exam would also include a section for General Knowledge. Multiple sites provide information on what type of questions you could expect by analyzing the previous years’ papers. You could refer to such sites.

2. Know When You Should Study What

Once you know what you’re studying for, you need to create a time-table that dictates what you should study when. Before this, it is recommended to take a mock-test for you to gauge your existing knowledge and which subjects you’re well-versed with and in which you need more improvement. After this, distribute your time among each section, depending on which area you need the most work in versus the one in which you need the least. You must stick to this schedule as procrastination doesn’t work well when it comes to the CAT exam.

3. Know What You’re Prepared For

Once you have reached mid-way in your preparation, it is recommended to start taking mock tests. These are tests that help to condition your mind to work under pressure, and it also enables you to understand if you’re able to grasp the topics that you’ve studied for adequately and how much more effort you need to invest in to be prepared. It is recommended to take at least 30 mock tests before the final CAT exam. After you take a mock test, you should also analyze your results and make changes to your time-table accordingly if required, depending on how you perform in your mock test.

4. Know Your Speed

Time management is an essential aspect when it comes to CAT; however, most candidates often forget to prepare for it! As students are not prepared to deal with the pressure of taking the exam and are stressed about completing on time, they often select the wrong answer even though they know the right one. Hence, you should try to increase your speed of thinking and accuracy by attempting different questions in a time limit that is lesser than the limit in the actual exam.

5. Know Successful CAT Takers & Aspirants

Another great strategy that has worked well in the past is to build connections with people who have scored well in the CAT exam previously. They can give you personal advice that could prove extremely useful while giving the exam. Moreover, you could also seek their guidance for topics where you have doubts. You can easily connect with these people on social media; for example, there are multiple groups on Facebook with aspiring CAT takers and a few successful CAT takers, who share information and relevant material.

In conclusion, all you need to do is be disciplined while preparing and work on building and increasing your knowledge. Understand your weaknesses and work on overcoming them.
Lastly, regardless of how you decide to prepare for your exam, there is a straightforward strategy everyone should follow is to stay positive! At that point of the exam, everything is practically out of your control, but you can still control and attitude towards your test, which can work wonders for you. After all, if you believe in yourself, anything is possible!

A Guide to MBA Admission Interview Preparation

September 27, 2019
| adminblog
| Admission Consultation, MBA Preparation
| No Comments

Personal Interview can be a deciding factor as part of your admission process.

You have done everything right. Your CAT score (or any other entrance test score) is here yet there’s one last hurdle in the way of you getting into your dream institute. Personal Interviews can be tricky and it is even trickier to prepare for the same. It is essential, however, that you be vocal about yourself, your ideas and what you want to do.

Personal interviews have to be taken seriously for sure but at the same time, try to enjoy the process of conversation. Maintain a level of seriousness with excitement to avoid being monotonous. This balance will definitely work in your favor as an interviewee.

Primary Questions:

Tell me/us about yourself.
Why did you choose to do an MBA?
What would you say are your weaknesses?
What are your strengths?
Give us an instance where you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.

The idea is to be confident and assertive while answering during the interview. There need not be any rigidity to the answers as that can kill the spontaneity element in your responses. Practice is the key to succeeding and you can employ different tactics and approaches to your interview preparation. One of them is recording your answers and listening to your voice. You can look for enthusiasm, eye contact, smile and ease of answering in your interview while evaluating.

About your decision to pursue an MBA, mention the rationale behind your choice of stream and go about detailing your background with respect to the scope in the industry for management professionals. It is an almost certain question in an MBA admission personal interview.

Secondary Questions:

The set of questions here may become specific in terms of your application form and you may as well be facing situational questions, for example,

1. How would you deal with an employee who walks in late to work daily?

2. A potential client and one of your vendors walk into the office at the same time? Who would you address first and why?

Such questions need a little bit of thought behind it and you must think on your toes in the interview. Note that there are no right or wrong answers to this one! So be upfront and answer logically without analysing too much. Here, the interviewers are only trying to gauge your approach and thought process which means there is no “correct” response.

Comparative questions from your profile are also quite probable to pop up during this phase. For example, you have mentioned your work experience or city, such questions are likely:

1. Tell us 3 things you would do differently in your previous company.

2. 2 things your previous company did to distinguish itself from market competitors.

It is important to critically analyse all possible questions that can arise from the information provided on your application. This would truly prepare you for certain question types which may have been unimagined otherwise.

Besides the above mentioned interview preparation guideline, you must research the institution thoroughly and do your homework by gathering as much information possible to increase your chances. Remember to add how you would be of value to the institution’s systems, events and course as a student in case there is a window for the same. Prepare to ask relevant questions just in case the interviewers ask if you have any questions at the end. This is a simple measure that you can take to swing the perception slightly in your favor.

Why and How to take a CAT Mock Test?

September 27, 2019
| adminblog
| MBA Preparation
| No Comments

Timeliness is one of the most important takeaways from your MOCK CAT Tests.

CAT has to be one of the most defining exams of your life and how you fare in those three hours determine your future admission prospects. Needless to say, enough hard work is put into preparation by way of lectures, study hours and mentor sessions. However, if these steps are not sealed with exam practice, the candidate will have left out a crucial part of preparing for CAT in itself. With a complex and highly competitive exam like CAT, the more exam practice one puts him/herself through, the better are the results. Familiarizing yourself with the actual test is a vital step in your preparation and the mock tests give you just what you need.

Reasons for Taking the Mock Test:

Helps you identify your strong and weak points in quick succession. This is one of the primary steps in exam practice.

Gives you exam practice as maintaining speed and accuracy is one of the key components of cracking the test. Striking this balance will take you to the next level in your preparation.
Develops a skill in you to pick the right questions to be solved first. The ones that consume time will be put off for later.

There are a few websites that will allow you the opportunity to take two to three (sometimes, up to five) free Mock CAT tests. You can sign up for a package of tests with one of these websites to regularly practice before the big day. These tests will help you evaluate your strengths and weak points better. Taking as many Mock Tests as possible is recommended as practicing this will give you real time exam experience which becomes an unparalleled preparatory step for cracking your CAT. Choose the dates from the available slots for a Mock test and you are all set with your candidature.

You can either, answer, skip or mark a question for review while taking the test and when it comes to non-MCQs, you will be required to put in numbers as answers. Reviewing the entire paper is an option for candidates once they finish their test.

Let’s look at how one should go about taking Mock CAT Test:

Like CAT, the mock tests also do not allow any intervals or pauses during the three hour exam period. Gear up for your Mock test!

Have a basic idea of your strengths and weaknesses with respect to the 3 sections and have a strategy in place accordingly. The allotted time limit for each section is 60 minutes. Hence, it is advisable for candidates to finish one section before time

Attempt the easier questions first so as to utilize time. As you gain confidence in this phase, start moving over to the questions that take relatively more time.

CAT toppers have suggested two to three mock tests a week in the last month or two to prepare better.

The most important part of the mock test is to conduct a thorough analysis of your performance after the exam. This will help you re-strategize your exam plan or make crucial amends in the nick of time to get you ahead.

Often, due to our conditioning in exams, we tend to neglect mock tests as part of the preparation. It is prudent to spend your time preparing with Mock tests rather than studying concepts and other such theoretical parts in the final weeks leading to the exam.

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