Internet from waste??? Check out Google's new product!!

I came across this Google's product recently. They offer wireless internet connection apparently for free of cost. I did not believe it at first. So, I "googled" :) for more information. And, it was actually true. They are offering a wireless internet connection for free for certain bandwidth. For really high connections, they charge a small fee. But, the internet connection is given in the bathroom. It uses the existing sewage system for laying cables. So, you will have to keep your router in the bathroom. Well, may be this is what is called a hi-tech bathroom.. :).. Anyways, I was still puzzled and read through their various pages for knowing as to why they had come up with such an idea. Internet connection in the bathroom and that too by a company involved in search engines.. It did not make sense. Then, finally, I found the answer. Apparently, they are working on improving the search engine based on the DNA (personalization of search results or so) and for that they would use the waste matter in return for the internet connection. Net for waste!!! Seems like a good deal??? Hmmm..And to top it all they guarantee absolute privacy of whatever information they collect from the waste.. :)... You should definitely take a look at the product... :)
Here is the link to the faq pages..

Grad school - Intern search

You might be wondering why I chose this topic for writing, when there are several websites that deal with this. Well, one reason is I have recently gone through all this and thought I might share some valuable lessons I learned. And, first hand experience is one of the best teachers and since, I have had that, I thought I will share this with others as well.One of the most important things that comes up as you are into your spring semester is the intern search. And, it is not easy. It is always better to start the search very very early. And, the mantra is to keep "apping". Post your resumes in various job sites, search various companies in your field and post your resumes for jobs in your field. One of the main rules is : Be flexible. Do not have a particular field and app only for jobs in that field. Have one or two options. And, app for all the field. Once, you get the first offer, you can always search for one in your field and go for it. And, you will be a lot more relieved and in a better position to face the interview and place your demands. The very important thing is to get an interview call. And, to get that resume is your key. So, prepare your resume very carefully and highlight all the important points you want to convey. there are several websites out there to help you with the resume writing and you can seek help from your career counselor as well. This is phase one of the whole process and you still have a long way to go to get that offer letter from your employer.

Finally, never give up. Keep apping till you get a call and never leave a firm or a company thinking that the job might not suit. You never know. The employer might have a different perspective on this.

Other career options

In addition to the few career options that I have been talking about in the post, you have some other options you can pursue, depending on your interest. You can give pursue the management line, which you can do by writing, CAT,XAT, GMAT and other such exams. There is another option of writing GATE and doing your higher studies in India.
Both of them involve a lot of work, just like GRE preparation would. People who are particular about staying in India and studying can consider this option.

My musings over this blog!!

It seems like about 6 months since I wrote my last blog entry. I aoplogize for that. I have been busy with my preparations and adjustments and what not!!Whew!! Well, now that I am kind of settled atleast for the time being, I plan to write more in this blog. I will cover some more topics under MS in US and after that, I planning to change tracks once again. I am not sure what it is going to be. I will let you guys know as soon as I know!! :)

Essay writing- placement

Well, you might be wondering what essay writing has got to do with placement. Most of the companies do not ask for essays. But, if you are trying off campus, then be prepared for this as well. A few companies do have essay question as part of your initial tests. So, what is a good essay? And what are companies looking for in an essay? First, your communication skills. Last, communication skills. :) You must be able to communicate your ideas effectively.
A basic essay can contain three to five paragraphs. GRE essays are usually written this way. You may use this style itself. The first paragraph is the introduction. Here, you will be stating the topic and, in case you are taking sides mention that as well. You may also add an additional point that is very very relevant to the topic.Paragraphs 2-4 should discuss your points elaborately. The last paragraph should summarize your whole work.
Two important things to be kept in mind. Do not make grammatical or spelling errors. Secondly, if a word limit is mentioned, stick to it. A few words above or below the limit is okay, but not too much. Also, simple sentences will do the trick. In your eagerness to impress the examiner, do not use words that you are not sure of and land up in trouble. I hope you find these tips useful :)

Interview Part 1-Placement special

In the previous post of Placement special, I had dealt exclusively about aptitude tests. That is the first hurdle to be crossed when you sit for placements. Now, let us consider that you crossed it successfully and have been shortlisted for interview. This is a very important phase. Here is where the the employer will decide whether you are suit the company's needs or not. Well, most of us would like to be thought that we are apt for whatever the position we are applying for. The only thing that remains now between you and the job is convincing the employer.
So, rule number 1, communication skills. I know you would have read and heard people saying that, without this, you are doomed. Sadly this is true. So, start improving these skills. If you are the shy type, you can start by slowly expressing your views boldly to your friends. Then you can improve yourself by expressing views in front of the class. This will not only help improve your confidence, you will also improve your communication skills as well. Plus, it will also be helpful in clearing the GD round, in case there is one.
Next thing, you have to worry is your resume. This is a one to two page description of what you are and what are the skill you possess and your accomplishments as of date. In short, it reflects who you are(mirror image..:)..).So, prepare it carefully. I will be posting resume tips and sample resume some of the following posts.
These two are the main things that wll need preparation before hand. In the next post, I will be dealing with things that you need to do before the day of interview and during the interview. Following that will be the post on resume and sample interview questions. So, be on the look out for more posts here and all the best till then.... :)