Portal launch

Students seeking to study abroad often face problems in the application and visa process as there is no single window from checking the eligibility of a student till his visa approval, depicting all checkpoints on study abroad programmes. To address these concerns, promoters of ESS Global have launched a new portal named MakeMeStudyAbroad.com, which is technology-driven, one-stop solution to greatly increase the convenience for students and make the process transparent. Officially launched in August 2017, it has familiarised over six million people across the country, and generated 2,00,000 visitors to its portal through the digital medium. Conceptualised in December 2016, the portal requires users to register and provide their information that becomes their profile. It is then processed by an algorithm to map user’s eligibility, finding the best courses and colleges for them. The platform also enables students to upload their admission documents, and facilitates their visa processing efforts by creating an online repository of all the admission materials.

Employability report

Future Skills from yet to be published India Skills Report 2018 shows that college students need to be doing a lot more to set themselves up for a job. According to the report, 63 per cent of students have done at least one internship in the past twelve months, but 73 per cent of those internships were unpaid and 86 per cent did not result in a job offer. Report goes behind the reasons and finds out that only 44 per cent of students apply to between one and five jobs at a time wherein students should apply for as many jobs that matches their profile without fail for the first three months. 87 per cent of students say that they wish their schools offered more networking opportunities where alumni can handhold them about the day-to-day realities of a job, crafting of résumés and preparing for interviews. 78 per cent students did not attend conferences, industry events and business/start-up meet ups in their areas of interest while in colleges. India Skills Report 2018 will be published in January in New Delhi.

Understanding electronics

The University of Sheffield, UK is inviting applications for MSc in electronic and electrical engineering course starting in September 2018. It allows students to develop their understanding of electronic devices and systems and is ideal preparation for a career in industry or research. The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council. Interested candidates must have first class degree from a reputable university in electronic and electrical engineering, or any discipline involving significant mathematical competence, including physics, maths and other branches of engineering. Students holding a lower second class or an equivalent degree, and those with industrial experience will be considered on an individual basis. Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent is required. The annual fee for overseas students starting in 2018 is £21,450. For details, visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/engineering/electronic/electronic-electrical-engineering-msc