Vol : 1 Edtion : 7June 2009

Take up a job or create one!!

In times of recession and economic instability, it is obvious for young graduates to explore allthe avenues available in the job market to acquire that dream status of employment. It is perhapsof great relevance to also examine if, as an individual one has an entrepreneurial edge toconceptualize diverse options in building a career.The concept of entrepreneurship sprang from a conversation that I had with two young graduatesof NIT Trichy who own a start-up gaming company and had come to recruit MSIT students. Itmade me mull over the substantive qualities that one should possess to turn into an entrepreneur.I have also experienced students’ enthusiastic queries to the speakers who visit the campus onunderstanding the concept and have heard professionals responding that not all of them are cutout for it, though they possess a wealth of experience. I have also had an experience of introducingthis concept in the syllabus of a university and students not being able to relate to it.A few aspiring entrepreneurs kick start their career by working for some one in the initial stages,acquire capital, contacts and knowledge before they are on their own while a few follow a differentschool of thought which talks about learning from peers over the years by starting out as anentrepreneur. Approaches could be different but the destination they are aiming at remains thesame. So, what is it that makes you at least think like an entrepreneur? Lets explore…..A challenging aspiration coupled with a burning desire to succeed despite the obstacles thatmight come their way definitely stands out as a propelling factor. This stems from a strong senseof self confidence. From the personality dimension, it demands highly competitive nature withelevated levels of energy and motivation. We get to see a lot of creativity, innovation,resourcefulness and openness to change demonstrated by enterprisers. A different thinking inlines of job security, risk tolerance, ability to be able to use all their skill sets, freedom to controltheir workplace makes a difference and kindles that spark of entrepreneurship.The start-up phase in setting up a business venture is considered to be the most demanding andcrucial period in the whole process. It does consume every bit of energy to get the businessrunning. In the words of young entrepreneurs this is what you typically get to hear ‘It all startswith an idea, it requires enormous amount of passion to put those grueling long hours into theproject….it demands a lot of hard work to try out our novel ideas…it is always better to have acompanion just to resist yourself from quitting when the going gets tough….even if you try andfail in starting your new business, there isn’t much of a social disgrace that you need to face thesedays in India…Thank God!!’ The spectrum of entrepreneurial skills is not complete with out peoplemanagement which is considered to be very crucial to establish those much needed relations tosecure funds, to market products, to procure clients, to negotiate with clients, to recruit personnel,to establish culture, to motivate the staff and more importantly to keep it going.Indian entrepreneurs like Ratan Tata, Narayan Murthy, Dirubhai Ambani, Nandan Nilekani,AzimPremji, Rahul Bajaj, et al. have stood out as examples and role models for many spreadingtheir tentacles into various corners of the world. Indian companies are now turning global byacquisition (Tata Steel acquiring Corus and Hindalco buying Novelis) and the country is experiencinga consumption driven boom with some sectors showing staggering growth (Telephone andPassenger cars). A stronger profile on the international political stage, and getting recognized asone of the fastest growing economies in the world, helps creating a palpable sense that India is onthe move. Though we still fight hurdles like burgeoning population, red tape and infrastructure,

ours can be a promising economy to invest our talent and industriousness. The youngentrepreneurs can leverage on our vast labor pool (largest pool of technocrats and professionals),well established educational system, English proficiency, quality and cost advantage.This is what the world thinks of India: ‘India has among the highest returns on foreigninvestment’—US Department of Commerce, ‘We came to India for the costs, stayed for the quality,and are now investing for innovation’ Dan Scheinman, Cisco System Inc, Business Week, August2005, ‘India is a developed country as far as intellectual capital is concerned’ Jack Welch, GeneralElectric. And so, that precious novel idea that our entrepreneurs can think of and implement canmake a difference to a growing economy like ours…... keep working on your ideas and explore if they can be turned into a venture.Padmaja. NPrincipal Mentor Soft Skills

Age of Gamers

There are many things that I fondly remember of my days as an MSITian. Most of them relatedto the gaming frenzy that my batch was engaged in. I am sure this would be so, across allbatches. Remember the days when we’d shout across the lab to tell someone that a sniper hashim in his crosshairs? Or to tell someone that the Celts have started building Watchtowers?Clans would pause

AOE

and form separate huddles, to discuss strategies. The intensity on theirfaces would make one wonder if they were conspiring a murder. We would curse ‘

Vasily

’ fortaking out half of the opponents’ team from a vantage point with his sniper. Some would curse‘

Yogi’

for rushing into the enemy camp with his Sub-machine blazing and not felling even oneguy. No one would forget the

gyaan

given by

Duhh

to his fello CSers. Nor will any of us forgethow much

loved sneaking up behind someone. Games did more than just provideentertainment – they bound us together. The

Age of Empires

clans still form huddles, albeit inthe virtual world, each in a different corner of the country. We still call each other by ourhandle names, than by our real names.Like it or not, games were an integral part of MSIT. And they should be, for all the benefits thatgaming has on the player. A great deal has been written and said about games leading toviolent behavior and addiction. However, all is not negative about gaming, studies by leadingresearchers have shown that video and computer games have many benefits:1.Computer games are known to improve hand-eye co-ordination and help players gainmany skills.2.Games induce decision making and tech players to think on their feet.3.Games create team players and hone social skills too.4.Games are known to enhance creativity and inculcate a taste for graphics, design andtechnology.5.Many games improve language and math skills as players have to move at a great speedalong with the heroes of the game.6.Games teach players problem solving, motivation, and cognitive skills. Most games inspireplayers to strive and reach more difficult levels presenting challenges at each stage.