Date:26/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/26/stories/2005012613230300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Right aptitude `is the key to success'

By Our Staff Reporter

TALKING SHOP: Some of the candidates selected by companies at the RECOF-05 interact with Rotaract volunteers on Sunday.

CHENNAI, JAN. 25. "Will I get it or won't I?" That was the question on the minds of more than 4,000 final year students from several city colleges who gathered at the Chettinad Vidyashram School to participate in the Rotary Educational and Career Opportunities Fair.

The adrenaline was running high as the volunteers came up with the final lists of candidates chosen by various companies.

M. Ramesh, G.M. Europe Operations, Ford Business Services Centre, gave them tips for career success. "We don't want smart engineers and Cas. We want people with the right aptitude," he said.

For those who were not short-listed, it was time to reflect and get on with life. "Ford and many other companies are thinking in terms of outsourcing throughout the Asia-Pacific," he said, asking participants to focus on improving their concentration and problem-solving skills, and personality development.

The students went through two days of aptitude and psychometric tests, group discussions and lectures for the interview. Out of the 40 companies that agreed to be part of the selection process, 25 took part. Of them, 18 recruited on the spot and seven wanted to conduct interviews in their premises, Praveen K. Mehra, District Chairman - Youth service, said.

Rajkumar Devarajan, Co-chairman - Youth Services, co-ordinated the exercise, supported by Sri Muthukumaran Institute of Technology, Sriram Engineering College, naukri.com, Sutherland Global Services Inc. and IDP Education Australia.

S. Bhuvanesh, District Rotaract Representative said a similar programme was being planned for September when recruitment begins in most companies. R. Shyamsundar, District Governor Elect, and the Rotary Governor, Benjamin Cherian, also participated.

The details of the winners are available on the net at www.rotaract3230.org.