12 Hot Career - by Forbes Magazine

The Forbes magazine recently listed 12 hot careers in years to come. According to them the advances in technology, changes in consumers habits, an aging population and increase in offshore jobs (outsourcing) are factors that contribute to dynamic job markets. Because of this, jobs that are popular one day can quickly become obsolete in the future. This list is done based on their research on the anticipated job openings from the American Department of Labour. So it might not be entirely relevant to us. 

Business and Finance

1. Accountants and auditors

2. Financial examiners - people who ensure companies comply with financial-related laws. 

3. Personal financial advisors - people who help clients do retirement planning and meet financial objectives. In Malaysia generally, our personal financial advisors start as insurance agents and then they move up by taking a Certified Financial Planner course. 

4. General and operations Manager - managers who run the day-to-day operations of a company.
 

5. Management analyst - also known as management consultants, these are people who advise businesses on how to increase their efficiency. Some well-know management consultants are  McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group and Binafikir (home grown).

Education

6. Elementary school teachers - teachers in primary school level. This might not apply to Malaysia but it is interesting to note the recent increase in private schools. We have university colleges like UCSI and UCTI going into the private school business. Also two British boarding schools are headed to Malaysia, Epsom in Enstek, Sepang and Marlborough in Iskandar, Johor.

7. Post-secondary school teachers - academics in colleges and universities. With the number of new universities coming up  in Malaysia, this is a new growth career. At our last count we have the following new universities coming to Malaysia within the next few years. 

- Newcastle University Medice Malaysia - Iskandar, Johor
- Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology - Iskandar, Johor
- Southampton University - Iskandar, Johor
- iCarnegie
- Premier International University Perak
- Manipal University

Health Care

8. Nurse - there is a large number of nurses locally but there are ample opportunities overseas.

9. Physician assistant - similar to hospital assistants in Malaysia, physician assistants provide similar health care service as physicians.

10. Medical scientist - the R&D guys in the medical field.

Technology

11. Network systems and data communications specialist - with businesses operating in different geographies, network specialist are important to manage a company's network. 

Transportation

12. Truck driver: heavy tractor trailer - the reason why trucking industry is big in USA is because of the size of the country. 

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Fellow Patriots, Prepare Your Resume !

10 Tips On How To Write The Perfect Resume

A resume represents you in words and is the one that creates the first impression. So, a resume must be well thought of and written perfectly. According to experts in the field of human resources there are five basic concepts:

1. A resume must market your skills. It must highlight your qualifications and experience.

2. The resume must avoid focusing on the past and project what you are and your capabilities. It must be about "you" and not on your past.

3. The highlight must be on your plans for the future and how you intend to go about achieving your aims.

4. Instead of chronologically listing your job profiles the resume must emphasize with clarity your accomplishments.

5. The resume must reflect your skills and visions not just mundane everyday actions at work.

When sitting down to write or rewrite a resume, put yourself in the shoes of the person who will read the resume and either shortlist you or junk your application. Never use a standard resume for every job application. Rework the resume to "fit" the job you are applying for.

[ There are 10 vital steps that will help you create a perfect resume: ]

1. First read through the job vacancy profile carefully. Then create a "job objective." This just means the position you are applying for.

2. Determine what skills, knowledge, and experience will suit the job best.

3. Create a short list of your qualifications and experience that will reflect that you are a suitable candidate for the post. That is you are capable of handling the proposed "job objective."

4. Draw from your past experience and find accomplishments that prove you can shoulder the job responsibilities.

5. In the resume elaborate in brief accomplishments that highlight your abilities to handle the job you are applying for. Emphasize how your work benefited your employer.

6. Include in the resume a table listing the jobs you have held in chronological order. Begin with the most recent. Include student experience, summer placements, and projects undertaken gratis. Explain any time gaps.

7. List your educational qualifications especially those relevant to the job you are applying for.

8. Ensure that the format of the resume is consistent follow either the chronological or functional format. A template for a functional resume is at http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/tempfun.php and chronological is at:http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/tempchr.php.

9. Include a concise and crisp career objective at the beginning of the resume.

10. At the beginning include a summary of key points.

When in doubt surf the World Wide Web and read through resume tips and formats given by experts on sites like monster.com and Yahoo jobs .com.

A perfect resume is one that grabs the attention of the employer. It should be distinct from the thousands that will reach the employer's desk. A winning resume is one that speaks volumes without shouting out loud of your abilities and strengths.

Write a resume. Then ask an impersonal outsider to vet it for you. If in doubt seek professional help.




PS: Make sure that u a resume in both languages, Malay and English. n_n"

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Foundation (ASASI)

Introduction

Asasi is a foundation course that is offered by the government. It is a specific foundation course because it's designed to fit the curriculum of that particular university’s degree course.


There are two types of Asasi programmes which are Program Satu Tahun (PST) and Program Dua Tahun (PDT).

The types of Asasi programmes available are undang-undang, sains, perakaunan, kejuruteraan, and TESL.

The courses are available at UM, UIAM, UiTM, UPM, USIM, UPNM, USM and UNIMAS.

The major difference between Asasi and Matrikulasi is that Asasi is only offered to Bumiputeras and Asasi is specific to the degree course offered by a particular college.

Eligibility

Asasi is catered only for Bumiputera students.

Students who intend to study Asasi should have completed their SPM with a minimum of 5 credits including a credit in Bahasa Malaysia.

Interested and eligible students can start their application for Asasi sometime in January. The advertisement for Asasi application is usually online and in the local Malay newspapers in December. This whole process can be done online by obtaining a special pin number from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).

Cost

The tuition fees is subsidised by the government. In addition, students will be given an allowance of RM1, 250 per semester. RM350 for tuition fees per semester and RM360 per semester for accommodation is also awarded. Students stay in hostels that are provided by the universities.

Recognition 

Students who perform very well in Asasi are more often than not confirmed a seat in IPTA. Students have to apply for IPTA through Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU). Usually students will get to complete their degree in the same universities that offered them Asasi.

Duration 

Asasi is stretched across one year (two semesters) with a total of 38 credit hours.

Governing Body

Asasi is governed and managed by specific universities. Only candidates who are doing Asasi at Universiti Malaya and UiTM would have to apply for local universities through BPKP or USM. Other than these, students will be admitted to a degree course in the universities they are currently doing foundation at.

Unit Pusat Universiti manages the applications for the Asasi programme. The respective universities that offer the Asasi programme come up with their syllabus and govern the examinations.

Hard Facts
 

• Asasi being a one year course specific foundation allows students to enter the working world between the ages of 21-22 years.
• Students will have to pay back the entire amount of financial assistance if they do not successfully complete the course.
• Only Asasi students from UM and certain courses in UiTM are allowed to switch universities. The rest of the universities do not permit them to switch.

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Matriculation

Introduction

There are two matriculation options: Program Satu Tahun PST and Program Dua Tahun (PDT). Matrikulasi is a fairly easy course. It is much easier compared to STPM. The only difference between PST and PDT is that in PDT, the subjects are stretched across 2 years whereas in PST, the subjects are taught within one year. This is to enable the slightly weaker students to be able to complete their course.

All Math, Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Informatics Science subjects are taught in the English language.


Eligibility

90% of Matrikulasi is allocated to bumiputera students, and 10% to non-bumiputera.
PDT is only offered to bumiputera students for the science field.

Students who intend to study Matrikulasi should have completed their SPM examinations with the following results:

• Science stream
  At least a credit in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Additional Mathematics and Chemistry, and one more from Physics, Biology or technical subjects.
   
• Accounting stream
  At least a credit in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mathematics and Accounting, and 1 more from Economics, Science, Commerce, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or any technical subjects.

In order to apply for Matrikulasi online, students have to obtain a pin number from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) for RM6 or an application through your school with a payment of RM10 to BSN for manual application. The full application process can be viewed here

Cost

The tuition fees for this course is subsidised by the government, thus it is free. However, students do have to pay a registration fee. Registration fees for the one-year programme is RM220 for the science stream and RM212 for the accounting stream. For the two year programme, registration for the first year is RM160. All Matrikulasi students will receive an allowance of RM1, 250 per semester. 

Recognition 

Students who undergo Matrikulasi are accepted into IPTAs. The selection process for Institute Pengajian Tinggi Awam(IPTA) acceptance is the same as students who undergo STPM. Matrikulasi is recognised by foreign universities although they are limited. The following foreign universities recognise Matrikulasi:

• University of Birmingham
• University of Nottingham
• University of Surrey
• King’s College London
• University of Manchester
• University of Southampton
• University of York

• University of Sydney
• University of New South Wales
• University of Auckland
• University of Wellington

• Universitas Sumatera Utara
• Universitas Andalas
• Universitas Airlanga
• Universitas Gadjah Mada

Duration 

There are 2 different intakes with different durations. The first intake is a 1 year programme that starts in April, whereas the second intake is a 2 year programme that begins in May. The matriculation department in the Ministry of Education will determine which intake you belong in.

Governing Body

Matrikulasi is governed by Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM).

These are a list of KPM and Mara Matriculation institutes that offer Matrikulasi:

• Kolej Matrikulasi Melaka
• Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
• Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan
• Kolej Matrikulasi Pulau Pinang
• Kolej Matrikulasi Perlis
• Kolej Matrikulasi Johor
• Kolej Matrikulasi Perak
• Kolej Matrikulasi Kedah
• Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang
• Kolej Mara Kuala Nerang
• Kolej Mara Kulim
• Kolej Matrikulasi Selangor

Students are allowed to state their top 8 preferences during their application but the end result will be determined by the ministry. 

Hard Facts

• Matrikulasi is the best option to enrol in IPTA because it is easier and costs nothing.
• Students must bear in mind that there is a high competition in order to enrol into critical courses.

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ADP/ADTP?

The American Degree Programme (ADP) or American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) means the same thing. It is a four year degree course where 2 years of it is completed in Malaysia and the credits are then transferred to complete a degree course of choice. This programme is a prepatory course for students who intend to study at universities in America or Canada.

The examination is marked based on the American system which results appear in CGPA (cumulative grade point average). Students are free to choose their subjects although it has to be pertaining to their course of choice, unlike the rigid syllabus of A-Levels.


Eligibility

Students who intend to study the American Degree Programme need to have undergone SPM and obtain at least 5 credits.
Students who hold the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) are eligible for ADP/ADTP with a minimum of 3Bs and 2Cs.

Those who have completed the initial stages of ADP/ADTP locally must apply for the degree of their choice directly to the university of their choice.

Cost

The tuition fees for ADP/ADTP varies from RM25, 000 right up to RM45, 000 depending on the institution and the amount of subjects taken. Students can take up to 6 subjects per semester.

Recognition

ADP/ADTP is widely recognized around the United States of America as well as in Canada.

Duration

ADP/ADTP that is done in Malaysia before transferring to an American university takes around 1-2 years which is around 3-5 semesters. There are a few intakes around the year (March, May, June, July, August, September), the main one being in January with exams held at the end of every semester.

The assessments include internal and external factors. Coursework and assignments provide a lot of marks besides the final examination.

Governing Body

Unlike most pre university courses, ADP/ADTP does not have a particular governing body. The respective universities govern ADP/ADTP.

Hard Facts:

• Certain universities in Australia, UK and New Zealand are slowly beginning to accept students who have undergone ADP/ADTP.
• Students who later intend to be transferred to universities in the States will need to complete their English evaluation papers IELTS or TOEFL which could be done during the duration of the programme itself.

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Guide to MARA Scholarship Interview

What previous MARA scholars say...

Some think that the interview is just for formality’s sake. But it doesn’t mean that you’re allowed to slack during the interview. You still have to do your best; after all, you aren’t guaranteed a scholarship, yet.

About the interview

Who: The interview will be conducted by 2 MARA officers.
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Language: The interview is conducted in English



How is the interview done?

You’ll be interviewed by a panel of 2-1. So yes, it’s only you, and 2 MARA officers. Questions posed will be about MARA as well, so make sure you do enough research on MARA – what is the organization about, their objectives, their activities etc.

Common questions asked

1. Introduce yourself
2. Tell us about your hometown, co-curricular achievements
3. Why choose MARA, not JPA?
4. Anything about being a Bumiputra (especially if you are of mixed parentage, like Chinese-Bidayuh, or Indian-Kadazan)
5. Which country do you want to pursue your studies, and why?
6. Why do you choose this field to study?
7. What do you know about *the field of study chosen*? (and other questions related to your chosen course, such as the development of the field, how can you contribute to it)
8. What do you want to specialize in? (Usually for those taking medicine – For your information they WILL ask you more about your choice, so RESEARCH. A LOT)
9. How can you contribute to MARA in the future?
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?


Other things you should know

- Be updated with current news/events locally and internationally. Read the newspaper daily. and understand some of the current issues.
- Organize your certificates properly
- Do plenty of research. Make sure you know MARA and your chosen course well. This is so that you come prepared!

There’s nothing wrong with practicing in front of a mirror, because it helps! You don’t want to come across as memorizing a script, do try to appear calm and relaxed (although the whole process can be nerve-wrecking!).


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The JPA Interview Experience 2010

You will be divided into groups, each group consisting of 5 people (it varies). They’ll mix it up, not everyone in the group will be taking the same course as you are.



Round 1

Self Introduction

- Name, previous school, parents’ occupation

Other questions

Why should you get the scholarship?

Talk about your achievements, your qualities – i.e. you are goal oriented, hard working. Elaborate your points and highlight your co-curricular activities

Why do you choose *programme of choice*?

Don’t answer: “because it pays high” or “because I was forced to”. Do plenty of research and know your chosen course well

Why do you choose to study abroad? Why that country?

Don’t simply say “Japan is better than Malaysia” or “They have better facilities in their Universities”. You can say this instead “Japan is very advanced in their engineering field therefore I would like to learn from them and hopefully bring back the knowledge to Malaysia”. Again, do your research! Find out about the country’s achievements in your chosen field or talk about broadening your knowledge, sharing Malaysian culture, etc.

Apakah kualiti terbaik anda?

Here's the opportunity to sell yourself! Talk about what you do best and how you do it.

Convince us why we should give you the scholarship.

Here comes the "I'm hardworking" "I want to achieve my goal" "I will do my very best to excel" "I never give up" etc etc. Don't give too many examples, and remember to elaborate on your points.

Are you willing to work in rural areas after you graduate? (especially for Medic Students)

Explain why, talk about how there are not enough help in rural areas .

What do you know about Klinik 1Malaysia?

Do some research on this. Easily found on the internet.

Scholarships are funded by the citizens of this country by paying tax. How do you think you can repay them?

Not about how you will raise money to pay them back. "How will you contribute to society?" is the real question here. Talk about how your chosen career will help better the society, and what you can do to help Malaysians.

What are your weaknesses?

Don't say "I don't have any", cause nobody's perfect! If you say "I am stubborn," as a weakness, up your market by saying, "I am stubborn, my friends and family say that I won't listen to anyone else but myself. But this just shows that I am determined, strong-willed and I will stand up for what I think is right,"



Round 2

Group Discussion

- You are given 3 minutes to discuss on the topic given by the panel

- According to those who have attended, some students are lucky enough (or not) that they didn’t have to go through the group discussion

Hot topics

1. Global Warming on the and the effect on Nation’s Health and the Social Economics
2. The attitude of the Younger Generation – whose fault is it?
3. Any current medical issues - A H1N1, Dengue, Hepatitis, AIDS
4. Malaysians do not prefer to use public transportation. What do you think about this?
5. Patriotism among Youth
6. Students studying abroad act as ambassadors of Malaysia. Give your opinion on this.
7. If you study abroad, what can you do to uphold the good name of Malaysia?
8. Mulai tahun ini, pihak kerajaan telah menurunkan had mengambil 10 subjek sahaja untuk SPM . Adakah anda setuju? Berikan pendapat anda.


Tips

1. Arrange all your documents and certificates in order, and in a clear folder (bring your own!)
2. Come early, mix around and be friends with other candidates – this will help you feel less nervous
3. Dress properly, girls especially should wear ‘kasut bertutup’
4. If asked in English, answer in English. If asked in Malay, answer in Malay.


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