A spectrum of career options

ARE YOU young? Less than 29, and raring to learn about work culture in different countries, across a spectrum of career options in various fields?

Of course, which bright youngster would not like the idea? But then one may not be aware how to go about this task.

AIESEC, which says it is the world's largest student organisation,has programmes to help young people through global exchange. Its World Abroad programme offers practical experience in a diverse cultural environment to recent graduates and professionals in different disciplines.

``We are not a job agency,'' AIESEC-ites insist. It has a database of individual preferences and skills in jobs and careers in different disciplines. AIESEC then searches its international database to find potential and suitable internships. The individual is then matched to an internship of one's choice.

The idea, says Rathi Rajkumar, Vice-President, Chennai AIESEC, is to provide international experience to youngsters. It gives them a chance to understand different cultures and business practices and work alongside professionals. The organisation does not cater for job seekers in one particular country.

The long and short of it is that if youngsters are interested in AIESEC internship, follow a simple procedure. Complete the application available at its Chennai office at Mylapore (4671911 - priced at Rs. 150). The organisation will invite you for an interview, if you meet the requirements. If one clears the face to face, one has to complete a student wish, outlining one's region, dates and duration preferences as well as skills and qualifications.

Incidentally, Chennai too is playing host to exchange internees from abroad.

The application will be entered onto the AIESEC online matching database. The cost of preparing for the Work Abroad programme ranges between Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 12,000 depending on the internship. The duration of a traineeship can range from three months to one and a half years, during which one gets stipend to cover basic living expenses in the host country. Visa fee, insurance premiums are not included in the salary. Work permit and other administrative work will be done by AIESEC. AIESEC is holding an information seminar at Alliance Francise, Chennai on September 9, Sunday (10-30 a.m). Resumes to chennai@aiesec.net or aiesecchennai@vsnl.com.

By K. Ramachandran

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