Career Guidance

Director, CARING Career Information & Guidance, New Delhi e-mail: pervin-et@careerguidanceindia.com or write to -Editor, Education Times, TOI, (3rd floor), 7 Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002
MEDICO-LEGAL STUDY
I am a practising dentist based in Faridabad. Of late, I have developed a keen interest in the legal aspects of medicine.However, much as I would like, I cannot enrol in a regular LLB programme at this stage.Is there any reputable institute where I could sign up for such a course in India. I would like to go into medico-legal practice at some point in the future?
K Pandit
The National Law School of India University (http:www.nls.ac.in), Bangalore, offers a course that fits the bill.It conducts a two-year MBL (Master in Business Law) in medical law and ethics via distance-learning.What's more, the programme does not require a prior law degree (LLB). Graduates from any discipline are eligible to enrol for it. And if that isn't enough, you can take the exams in Delhi.
Although the application deadline (without a late fee) for the 2015-16 year has passed, you still have a comfortable window to file your application online with a late fee of Rs 500 until September 30, 2015.
In addition, NLS offers a shorter (one-year) postgraduate diploma course in the subject in distance mode. For more details, visit http:ded.nls.ac.in CHANGED PROFILE
I am an MTech in structural engineering working for a construction firm. I have delivered measurable results. However, due to a slowdown in this sector, my role has been recently changed to that of a “sales co-ordinator“. I am worried what this change will mean to my career. What should I do?
AN
As far as possible, try to keep within the mainstream of the organisation.For example, if you are working in a bank, focus your effort on acquiring knowledge and excelling in banking. This is essential for your career growth. Similarly, with construction being the company's mainstay, it will always work towards retaining its engineers, architects and project managers in the long run.
Compensation is also related to scarcity or abundance of skill-sets.Hence, employees who possess specialised skills are always at a premium compared to those with a generalist profile. The sales support function may be good for exposure -particularly if it is for a short while. However, a stint longer than six months to a year may not be for the best unless you start enjoying it and would like to continue in that role.
MEDICAL HISTORY
I was diagnosed with cancer last year. I had to quit my job to go for surgery and chemotherapy. The condition is now in remission. Should I mention my illness at my next job interview? Revathi
Unless you are specifically asked, there is no need to discuss your health or medical condition during an initial job interview. Instead of bringing up the topic yourself, focus the conversation on your talent, track record, experience and how you can add value to the job -the deliverables. Once hired, you and your new boss can work out a schedule to accommodate any further treatment, should it be called for. Above all, illness can strike anyone at any time -studies say that one in four employees will be diagnosed with some form of cancer or cardiac ailment at some point in their careers. So, you have nothing to apologise for. Instead, focus your mind and energy on your health, rather than worrying about what an employer will think.