Studying hard towards a PHD

Studying hard towards a PHD

One can choose from a variety of PhD courses in different subjects.

A PhD is arguably the highest in the hierarchy of qualifications one can attain. People who commonly study for a PhD include those working in academics like teachers or professors. A PhD can add value to corporate who are mid-career and aim towards a better or different job profile.

Whatever your subject of choice is, your dissertation has to add value into the existing knowledge pool that is available on the topic. It has to be innovative and ably supported by primary data (collected via questionnaires, surveys,colds calls) and secondary data (information available in journals/the Internet/other sources). Your research must present some radical views and reflect your own understanding of the subject.

It is recommended that you choose a subject close to your heart. It helps if the subject is part of the industry you work in or what you teach as your PhD will involve a lot of exploring and probing into. It is useful to have a platform to base your studies on so that it will be easier to do your research.

Getting a PhD involves having a postgraduate degree and years of work experience. Different universities have different requirements. You need to submit an application which includes a detailed explanation about your subject, why you have chosen it and how you intend to go about your research.

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) launched its PhD program in 2009. A Doctorate in Business Administration is offered by Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and the University of Wollongong.

The Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi also offers a PhD in Engineering.

Education Tips

Choose a subject that is close to your heart.

A number of UAE schools offer PhD coyrses.

Your research must show radical views on topic.

Entrepreneurs thrive and succeed

Entrepreneurs thrive and succeed.

In today’s competitive job market it’s survival of the fittest.

When did you last learn something new, or take a risk at work? Doing your job well today may not be enough to secure your long-term employability, however hard you may work. According to Paul Brown, writing for forbes magazine, everyone will have to become an ‘’entrepreneur’’ of sorts. Even if you don’t ever start  a business, even if you don’t know what P&L and ROI stand for , if you want to work well into the future, you need to start seeing yourself differently.

For most of us, the future will involve a number of jobs and even career changes as a matter of survival. And just like Darwin’s theory of evolution, it’s survival of the fittest. In a world where contract work and part-time work have become prevalent, those with an entrepreneurial attitude will thrive. Anyone following the outdated set of rules that say,’’   Qualifications will get you a good job,’’ will struggle. What does ‘’being entrepreneurial mean?

Developing a greater awareness of your skills and strengths knowing what makes you unique and how you stand out

Being willing to take risks – experimenting with career possibilities and capitalizing on interests that could earn money.

Looking outside your everyday experience to identify opportunities that could be relevant to your future or to your friends, family or others in your network.

After self-assessment, you may realize you already have this attitude, or may need to transition into it to future-proof yourself.

Career Tips

Develop a greater awareness of your skills and strengths

Identify opportunities that could be relevant to your future

Experiment with career possibilities& capitalize on interests

Career Tips- Be in the information loop at work

Information and knowledge contribute significantly to career growth

In today's corporate world, it is information and knowledge that helps one to not only perform well but also contribute in a highly effective manner to the growth of ones company .

Most of us try to remain focused on the overall scenario and update ourselves regarding market issues. Without the right info, we end up working in a vacuum.There may be times when we are not fully aware of market needs and opportunities.

It is a well-known fact that we cannot really succeed if we are out of the information loop at the workplace. Few indications that we might be out of the loop  include the fact that most of the time, we hear about things just as they happen. We do not get any advance information . There may be even be times when we hear about organizational matters from external sources.

It is essential that we take the required steps to be and stay in the loop before it gets to late .

Here are few tips to consider

Have an internal network; build and maintain it through regular interaction

Try to maintain good relationship with your superiors and try to spend time with them often

Keep your eyes and ears open this is all the more important when you notice new visitors and activities in the organization

Share what you know as doing so will motivate others to share what they know with you

Stay in touch with people in the same industry ; there may be times when they know more about your company than you do

Read all information about your company that is being published

Differentiate genuine information from rumor. Make sure you reconfirm things and not spread rumors.

Career Tips

Try to maintain good relationship with your superiors
Share what you know so others are motivated to share to
Keep yourself updated with information about your company

In this day and age, where’s the time?

In this day and age, where’s the time?- Career Tips

Effective time management ensures productivity and reduces stress levels

How many of us constantly find ourselves envying our friends who seem to be having a good time despite their busy schedules? We may be doing lesser work compared to them, yet we never seem to finish on time and relax.

Simple and practical time management skills can help us manage our time well, be exceptionally productive and reduce stress levels at work.

Listed below are some tips on effective time management:

Follow the four D’s

Do it – the sooner, the better

Delegate it – if someone else can do it for you

Dump it – if it is not important, forget about it.

Defer it – if it is not urgent, come back to it later

Set personal goals – decide where you want to be six months from now.

Manage distractions – try to cut down on phone calls,emails, etc. They delay the process of reaching our goals.

Avoid procrastination – find an immediate action plan. If needed, divide you work into small manageable tasks.

Learn to say ‘no’ – don’t take on too much.

Avoid micromanaging – train your people and trust their capabilities.

Take a break – a short walk, a cup of coffee or a chat with a friend refreshes you.

Minimize errors   – it’s okay to make mistakes, just don’t repeat them.

Career Tips

Delegate so you can focus on other important matters

  

Minimize distractions and learn to manage interruptions

Set goals – decide where you want to be six months from now.

Social media and your prospective job- Career Tips

Social media and your prospective job

Use the power of social media to keep your career moving on and up

Post – recession, the working world has become an unpredictable place of constant change and shift. One of the most significant trends is the increasing role that social media now plays in hiring. If used wisely, social media can be a powerful tool that can lead you to your next job.

Ninety percent of employers use social media platforms to check on prospective candidates and to scout for potential hires. Linked in is the most popular social channel for hiring. But a whopping 70 percent of candidates get rejected based on negative content in their social media profiles. It pays to remember that when you post your online status. Likewise, exercise judgement before posting photos.

It works both ways too. What’s wonderfully democratic about social media is that you can also use it to research the next company you’re thinking of moving to. Check out their pages on Face book. How informative, open and positive is the chatter on those pages? How engaged do their employees seem to be? Their page can provide vital clues on what it’s like to work there.

Use Twitter and Face book to reach out and connect with people in your profession. Updates about industry networking events are regularly posted online and attending them not only connects you to other professionals, but can also be a valuable source of information on opportunities and movements within you field.

Build and manage your online reputation using social media. Share updates on your career-related activities. If you attended a major conference, met industry experts, won a pitch, delivered a speech or received an award, talk about it online. But use moderation and common sense – no one wants to be bombarded with constant updates from a show – off!

Career Tips

Social media can be a positive tool in your job search

Use it to stay connected with others in your industry

Manage your online reputation through status updates