Mastering Japanese

Q: I am very eager to learn the Japanese language. Where can I learn Japanese and what are the prospects'
Maitri Chatterjee

A: Under this scheme, the government will reimburse 50 per cent of the actual tuition fees (up to Rs 10,000 to be paid to selected training institutes) as financial assistance to the IT student after they obtain the certificate for having successfully passed the JLPT or the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (score 200 to 319 and level J4 or above score and higher level).

Some of the places you can check out are:

• Nihongo Kaiwa Kyokai, 28, Shivangan, 53/1/2, Hazra Road, Calcutta 700019.

• Indo-Japan Language Studies Society 18/4, Pramathesh Barua Sarani, Calcutta.

• The Bhawanipur Education Society College, 5 Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani, Calcutta.

• Netaji Institute for Asian Studies, Sarat Bose Bhawan, 1 Woodburn Park, Calcutta.

• The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Gol Park, Calcutta 700029

• Jadavpur University, Calcutta.

• Japanese Language Academy, G-11/7, Karunamoyee, Bidhan Nagar (Salt Lake) Calcutta.

• Mansfield Kenkyu Centre, CJ-27, Sector II, Salt Lake, Calcutta.

• The Language Training Centre, TCS, Sector 5, Salt Lake, Calcutta.

• Visva Bharati University, Department of Japanese Studies, Shanti Niketan 731235.

Get ready to fly

Q: I am going to complete my BTech in 2008. After that I am very keen on joining the Indian Air Force. However, I am confused as to the application procedure. Can I apply now as a pre-final year student' If not, then when will I be eligible to take the exam'
Dipak Singh

A: Don’t worry for your wish will definitely come true. You are eligible to get the much-coveted wings, thanks to a new scheme. Under the recently announced, UES Bonanza Scheme 2008, candidates will be granted provisional SSC for the Permanent Commission exam.

On the completion of their training period, the cadets will receive a stipend equivalent to the basic pay of a Flying Officer.

So what are you waiting for' Log on to www.careerairforce.nic.in to get more details and additional information

A career as an MT can pay rich dividends

Q: I am a graduate and am interested in pursuing a course in medical transcription. Do let me know where it is offered, the expenses involved and the prospects.
Sumona Das

A: The work involves meticulously transcribing computerised audio-data dictated by the doctor into formatted computerised text. MT calls for excellent listening skills, familiarity with medical terminology, a high degree of concentration and accuracy.

The $250 million MT market in India is growing at the rate of 50 per cent annually, so the prospects are booming in this sector. No surprises then that a veritable industry has sprung up to cash in on the demand by offering courses for a handsome fee. Make sure they promise you placement at the end of the course. Preferably choose one that runs an MT operation of its own.

There are very few recognised courses in MT. The Indian Medical Transcription Industry Association (IMTIA) is trying to set up training facilities. However, most MT companies offer in-house training to the candidates they select.

The income is directly proportional to the effort you put in. MTs are paid on a production basis — by the line, word or page. Starting packages are modest, in the range of Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000 plus incentives. You can start off as an MT and move on to become a senior MT, executive MT, quality analyst, proof reader, content editor, project leader, etc. Those who handle teams of 500 people can command a hefty package of Rs 15 lakh pa.

MTs can also have flexible work schedules, including working from home. Moreover, there is no age limit as emphasis is on experience and knowledge.

Infovision Software, 46/31/1, Gariahat Road, Calcutta, hires MTs and quality analysts and offers a six-month course for freshers. They are trained before being hired as permanent employees. Do confirm the credentials of the institutes before admission.