Tag: TOEFL

Master the First & Last Paragraph of Essay

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While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.

Introduction: Many people believe that headhunters ought to evaluate personal qualities other than their academics, attainments, and job experience. I personally believe that it has some merits for this process, but they are not absolute, described below. (36 words)

Conclusion: In conclusion, personal qualities play a vital role in evaluating the suitability of employees, but they do not supersede requisite professional traits. (22 words)

Many people believe that learning a foreign language is a very difficult task. What are the most difficult things about learning a foreign language? What is the best way to overcome them? Explain and include your personal experience or knowledge of these problems.

Introduction: It is indeed true that learning another language, especially a foreign one, is a Herculean task. In some cases, it seems a far-fetched dream, but it may not be the same for all. This essay describes my personal experience and know-how of these difficulties while mastering a non-native language. (49 words)

Conclusion: In conclusion, it is a challenging job for people to overcome learning hardships while adopting and adapting to an alien language. Nevertheless, it is a doable job as long as solemn efforts are put in. (35 words)

Many parents encourage young people to leave home when they become older, while others think they should stay at home with the family. Discuss both views, and give your own opinion.

Introduction: More and more parents, these days, motivate the youth to stand on their own two feet when they get older. However, there is a school of thought which thinks against it. I personally believe that it is an excellent idea to inspire the youth to explore the world after a certain age. (54 words)

Conclusion: In conclusion, it makes sense for the youth to experience the world at the right stage of their life. Inspiring them to stay with the family may not reap positive fruition. (31 words)

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factors contribute to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Introduction: Job satisfaction plays an essential factor in employees’ workplace as they give their considerable part of adult life working there. Several elements decide job satisfaction since it a practical ask of all the working people. This essay discusses all the determinants of job satisfaction. (46 words)

Conclusion: In conclusion, job satisfaction plays a pivotal role in employees. The absence of intrinsic value at the workplace may not produce the desired outcome. (24 words)

Simple Present Tense – 10 Minute English Grammar

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There are three chief Tenses: The Present, the Past, the Future.

Broadly, verbs may refer to the time of an action/state or event.

The sentence formation follows:

  Singular Number Plural Number
1st Person I do We do
2nd Person You do You do
3rd Person He does  
  She does They do
  It does  

Note: When we use 3rd person singular, it must follow s/es after the verb.

For example:

Rohit does a lot many new things in his business.

She feels terribly sorry for her acts.

Uses of The Present Tense:

  1. To express habitual action: Rachel smokes.     Cats meow.     Cows eat grass.    I wake up at 4 in the morning.
  2. It can be used, mainly with the verb say, when we ask about or quote from notices, books or recently received letters: What does that announcement say? ~ It says, ‘No more delays will be tolerated’.

What does that book say? ~ It says, ‘Trust but verify.’

“There are three gates to the self-destructive hell: lust, anger, and greed”, says Lord Krishna

  • To express general truths: Barking dogs seldom bite.     Earthquakes occur often.     Rain gives water to life.
  • It can be used in newspaper headlines: India win(s) by 6 wickets.    Militants surrender.
  • In exclamatory sentences beginning with here and there to denote what is actually happening in the present. In other words, we can call it a ‘Dramatic Narrative’. Such sentences can also be possible without using ‘here’ and ‘there’, particularly when describing the action of an opera, play, etc. and is generally used by radio commentators at ceremonies, public functions, sports events, etc.:

There you go!

Here comes your bus!

Here comes the great Achilles!

At play and also while telling stories: Samantha is asleep in her bed and she wakes up groggily. Suddenly the window opens and a masked man with a dagger enters to kill her.

  • It is also used to introduce quotations: Chanakya says, “Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror to a blind person.”
  • It is used in the conditional sentences: If you do not work hard, you will not succeed. If I happen to meet Roger, I will ask this question.
  • It is used in time clauses: (a) when there is a routine idea:

As soon as he enters the room, his dog jumps on him for a hug.

She drops her child to school before she goes to work.

(b) when the main verb is in a future form:

It will get darker soon. Then we will go out for supper.

When it gets darker, we will go out for supper.

  • It is used for a planned future action or series of actions, such as referring to a journey.

Alright, folks! We leave tomorrow morning at 6 and arrive in London 9. We have a layover of 2 hours at Heathrow Airport before we fly to Los Angeles.

The same sentence construction is used for the planned activities:

The exam commences next week

  1. We have many several involuntary actions/senses for which we do not use the verb form of the present progressive tense. The list of such verbs is the following:

Verbs of the senses: feel, hear, see, smell, notice, observe (= notice), taste, recognize

I am watching this place carefully, but don’t see anything unusual.’

Rita is listening to the IELTS tape, but she has put on the headphones so nobody else hears it

Verbs expressing emotions and feelings: admire (= respect), adore, appreciate (= value), care for (= like), desire, detest, dislike fear, hate, like loath, love, mind (= care) respect, value, want, wish, hope, refuse, prefer

I hate touristy places, but I am enjoying this place for some unexplained reasons.

I love eating burgers, but I don’t know why I am not loving it today.

Verbs of appearing: seem, look, appear

It seems acceptable so you are good to go.

She looks beautiful, but today she is looking stunningly a knockout girl.

Verbs of thinking: agree, appreciate (= understand), assume, believe, expect (= think), feel (= think), feel sure/certain, forget, know, mean, perceive, realize, recall, recognize, recollect, remember, see (= understand) see through someone (= penetrated his attempt to deceive) suppose, think (= have an opinion), trust (= believe/have confidence in), understand.

I don’t agree with you on this point. And I assume you have a long way to go yet.

I see through his devious plan and also feel certain that he won’t be successful in it.

Verbs of possession: own, possess, belong to, contain, consist of

  1. It is used for giving directions: First of all, you go straight and take the right turn when you reach the intersection.
  2. It is also used in ceremonial or formal conversation: The jury pronounces you innocent.

Note: There are some verbs that can also be used in the continuous forms with a different meaning, e.g. I smell diesel. But when you sniff or try to sniff at something/someone, you can use the continuous form as well.

Why are you smelling the cup? Is it stinking?

Pleonasm

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A pleonasm refers to the use of more words than they are necessary to express an idea i.e., redundancy. It is derived from a Greek word that means ‘excess’. Some people complicate the language for no reason. They have a habit of using redundant in sentences or with the combination of unwanted words.

In other words, a pleonasm is a redundant and tautological phrase or clause.

For example,

Judy is the cousin of Joshua.

Not: Judy is the cousin sister of Joshua.

  • Tuna fish burger: We ordered a fish burger last night.
  • My own eyes: I saw him with my eyes and confirm that he was behind this crime.
  • Free gift: Every child loves to have a gift.
  • Foreign imports: Most reading glasses are imports from Germany.
  • ATM machines: you will have many ATMs in the vicinity, but a couple of them are out of operation today.
  • Actual facts: It is always unwise to judge anyone until all facts are in.
  • Busy in: James was busy gathering the required papers the other day.
  • Circle around: When you circle the building, you will see a puppy near the bench.
  • Could possibly: You could either accept or reject the validity of this paper.
  • Current incumbent: The higher voting percentage suggests that the incumbent government will be defeated in this election.
  • Crisis situation: during the financial crisis in the USA, there was a ripple effect on the banks worldwide.
  • Confused state: I am confused about whether to accept this proposal or not.
  • Cope up with something: he was not able to cope with the stress and the strains of the job, and hence he quit.
  • Discuss on/about: We discussed this matter at length.
  • Drop down: the topline revenues dropped to $13 million last year.
  • Down south/ up north: As you move towards the north, the temperature will get cooler.
  • Empty out: ‘Empty his pocket’ was a scream from the back.
  • False pretense: Politicians are masters in engineering falsehoods and pretenses.
  • Frozen tundra: North Asia is an arctic tundra in the winter time and therefore it is not a recommended neighborhood to live in.
  • Hear with my own ears: I heard him clearly owning up to his few mistakes.
  • Gather together: We gathered to discuss this matter last evening.
  • It’s déjà vu all over again: A shiver crept down my spine as I experienced a sense of déjà vu.  
  • Join together: Why don’t you join us tonight?
  • Lift up: The US fed lifted the interest rate this month and cleared the uncertainties in the stock market.
  • Meet together: Let’s all meet this weekend and have fun.
  • New innovation: This innovation will disrupt the Information Technology world.
  • Open up: Open the door. (open up means begin shooting).
  • PIN number: Don’t ever share your PIN with anyone.
  • Pursue after: I pursued this plan wholeheartedly so I don’t think that I can disown it.
  • Raise up: It is time that the company has to raise the salary package of seniors.
  • Revert back: Once you receive the email, please revert immediately.
  • Safe haven: Some countries are a tax haven for tax evaders.
  • Total destruction: The earthquake wreaked havoc and the city witnessed destruction at every corner of it.
  • True fact: The fact remains unchallenged forever.
  • Ultimate goal: my goal is to train students for a good score in the IELTS exam.
  • Visible to the eyes: It is visible; one does not need to put efforts for the same.

Canada streamlines the student visa process for India, China, Vietnam and the Philippines

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduces the new study permit guidelines for students from India, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Since April 2009, the ambitious plan called the Student Partners Program (SPP) had been operational in India until three days back. The success of this proactive plan to invite international students, especially from India and China was evident and was all set to invite a great number of students year on year basis. Because of the consistency of this visa policy program, IRCC witnessed a multifold rise in the student number from India and other countries.

With the grand success of SPP, IRCC is making great strides in promoting Canada as a study destination for international students by implementing efficient ways to process study permits. Now, the government has decided to replace the SPP with the Student Direct Stream (SDS). The SDS visa framework is effective from 9th June 2018 in four countries: India, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. More importantly, the Government of Canada is working on expanding this SDS program to Africa and contemplating adding Kenya and Senegal. Senegal seems to be getting priority because it has a rich French colonial heritage. Recently, we have seen the government is keen on inviting international students and intended immigrants who are proficient in French language to meet the acute needs of the French speaking manpower in certain industries and in various pockets of the country. Senegal fits into this story!

All these four countries and probably along with the new entrants i.e. Africa, Kenya and Senegal would be aligned together into one program to ensure the operational smoothness and consistency.

What all new changes have been introduced in the SDS program? Let’s study the existing policies versus the previous ones:

SDS

SPP
Tuition payment for the first year of study at a designated community college in Canada Tuition payment for the first semester of study at a designated community college in Canada
No CHANGE Purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000
A qualifying score of at least 6 in IELTS, with no less than 6.0 band in any module* A qualifying score of at least 6 band overall in IELTS, with no less than 5.5 band in any module

* The Government website doesn’t clarify the score of individual module, but the country-specific-checklist does.

All these new changes have now become a reality. What ramifications could we expect from these new changes in the context of Indian students wishing to study in Canada?

  • The upfront tuition payment for the first year: To date, parents/sponsors have been paying the one semester tuition fees before the final application for a study permit was lodged. For example, if we take the average of annual tuition fee of any community college on the upper side it comes to around CAD$ 14,000 (₹ 756,000). The Indian students paid around CAD$ 7,000 (₹ 378,000) for being the first semester tuition fees plus CAD$ 10,000 for purchase of a GIC. This totaled to CAD$17,000 (₹ 918,000). With this new SDS program, the upfront tuition payment doubles to CAD$ 14,000. It means students would be making the payment of CAD$ 24,000 (CAD$14,000 + CAD$ 10,000). So, the total expense comes to around ₹ 1,296,000 against INR 918,000, an increase by ₹ 378,000.

Students whose parents are struggling with finances take a hit with this new change. Unequivocally, this new policy is better for the Government of Canada but may not bring happiness for some Indian students. Further, looking at the hawkish stance of the RBI in India it seems that the interest rate would go up whereby the educational bank loan would also become expensive in the months to come. In a nutshell, with this SDS program parents would have a double whammy of loan interest increases and the burden of additional payment of one semester tuition fee.

  • A qualifying score of IELTS: As I do not have the official statistics about the median individual score of IELTS of the Indian students, I am presenting my assumptions.

If we were to believe that students wishing to study in Canada needed minimum 6.0 band in each module of the IELTS test, there would certainly be a massive amount of frustration among students. Over the decades, we have seen students slide by 0.5 band score at least in one of the individual modules, especially either in Writing section or Reading section.  Some students may manage to keep their nerve and win over this difficulty, but NOT all for sure. Consequently, students really need to prepare well for the IELTS test or they may face desperation and loss of the hard-earned money after paying for the test repeatedly.

Any new change either brings the luck or puts someone down: One man’s nightmare is another man’s dream. Ergo, some students will be caught in the crossfire of a silent scream.

Who will be reaping the harvest of SDS?

It goes without saying that British Council and IDP would be the greatest beneficiaries of this new change of the test score revision. Their numbers are already on the rise, and they could witness another 20% to 25% growth for Academic IELTS in the Indian market.

CELPIP test arrives in India

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Paragon Testing Enterprises which is a subsidiary of University of British Columbia has finally decided to open a testing center in India by the end of Summer 2018. The first test center will be opened in the capital, New Delhi.

The CELPIP test center stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). The CELPIP is a 100% Canadian English test designed for permanent residence status. There are two designated tests accepted as evidence of English language proficiency by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration purpose – one is CELPIP and the other is IELTS General module.

The CELPIP test is developed by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of University of British Columbia. It is the first-ever Canadian English test which is designated by IRCC and mirrors the best in Canadian research. The test is designed to give prominence to Canadian English and accents as used in Canada.

The best part of CELPIP is it measures your functional language proficiency which is more relevant for day-to-day life. It focuses on test taker’s English abilities in a variety of different situations and contexts, such as how you communicate with your colleagues and others at workplace, interact with your friends, comprehend and respond to the written materials and understand news items. It is a complete measurement of your English abilities which include four modules of your language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

The CELPIP comes in two versions: the CELPIP – General test and the CELPIP – General LS test. Those who intend to immigrate to Canada can take the CELPIP General test to fulfill the requirement of English language proficiency for IRCC.

UK – Top 10 jobs with a handsome pay

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The 10 most in-demand jobs in the UK

 Current unemployment rate is 4.3% and inflation rate is 3%

The UK is known as a business hub of Europe. The country is also known for producing best scientists, innovators and business tycoons.  There are many high-paying jobs in various sectors. We have rounded up the list of high-paying jobs for you. Here are top ten unmissable jobs with the most potential:

  1. Quant developers

Job outlook: One of the sought-after jobs in the tech industry is a quant developer. Typically, they work with the team of researchers to create and deliver custom software solutions for businesses.

Average salary: £92,910

 

  1. Java architects

Job outlook: Java architects are considered the backbones in the tech world and their role is a key to the IT infrastructure. By analyzing information requirements, they define infrastructures for design and further integration of internet computing systems. They are responsible for determining platform architecture, and involved in many other technical indispensable jobs.

Average salary: £82,016

 

  1. Financial services lawyers

Job outlook: By the first look, it gives an impression that such professionals would be fighting in the court. But, it is not in real terms. Financial services lawyers advise clients about funds and asset management and pension. Their job also encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including getting their clients acquainted with the existing financial services regulation and insurance.

Average salary: £80,520

 

  1. Corporate lawyers

Job outlook: Amid corporate scandals and tax evasions, regulatory bodies have adopted stringent laws to protect the interest of shareholders and others in general. Because of severity in nature of corporate deals, some corporations have in-house legal counsel or retain the expert lawyers to defend their cases or fight such types of cases against others. These corporate lawyers help their clients to interpret laws and deal with the legal issues.

Average salary: £77,596

 

  1. Pediatric intensive care nurse

Job outlook: I guess this prestigious job does not need any introduction. Pediatric nurses have a huge responsibility on their shoulders to get young children back on their feet. Nurses work under high pressure situations. They care for critically ill children in intensive unit and share their up-to-date observations to the concerned doctors.

Average salary: £68,808

 

  1. General practitioners

Job outlook: GPs are the saviors on this earth and again one of the most sought-after jobs. Their demand would never die down ever. National Health Service (NHS) always has openings for medical practitioners in the UK.

Average salary: £68,369

 

  1. Lead business analysts

Job outlook: Business dynamics never remain constant and bring challenges all the time, especially when every company is out there to go to any length in competition. All the businesses need to make use of technology at the optimum level so as they can stay ahead of challenges. From gathering details about consumer behavior to any other business analytics they bring in new software and technologies. However, it is a daunting task for mangers to make employees use these new features top-down. Business analysts make sure that how everyone uses such a new fancy piece of software. So, somebody who has a knack of doing business analysis with the IT background puts this job in order.

Average salary: £66,475

 

  1. Sonographers

Job outlook: “According to Adzuna, sonographers – medical professionals who perform diagnostic ultrasounds on patients – were among the best-paid workers in the UK this year.”

Average salary: £66,374

 

  1. Senior iOS developers

Job outlook: iOS developers are responsible for designing, recoding and creating new mobiles apps powered by Apple’s iOS operating systems. The world is getting digital with the stronger penetration of iPhones worldwide; these developers seem to remain in demand for the years to come.

Average salary: £65,187

 

  1. Biostatisticians

Job outlook: The chief responsibilities of biostatisticians are to apply their skills of mathematics and statistics to a varied range of topics in biology. The UK is known for its researching on various ailments of humankind and discovering of breakthrough technologies for making life beautiful.

Average salary: £64,444

Reference: The Telegraph

New Zealand – Top 10 jobs with a handsome pay

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The 10 most in-demand jobs in New Zealand

Current unemployment rate is 4.6% and inflation rate is 1.60%

The twin-island country, New Zealand is known for its natural beauty and landscape.  New Zealanders make around 45,000 annually. Apart from medicos, there are also other high-paying jobs in New Zealand. We have rounded up the list of those jobs for you.

  1. Information Architects

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering. A master’s degree is preferred with several years of work experience.

Job outlook: Information architects are chiefly responsible for directing, planning, organizing, evaluating and controlling the operations of information systems and electronic data processing (EDP). They meet with clients to discuss the timelines, system requirements, costs and specifications. New Zealand hosts medium- and large-sized IT companies which cater their services to businesses within New Zealand and also export to Australian businesses and elsewhere.

Median salary: $135,000

   

    2. Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering. A master’s degree is preferred with several years of work experience.

Job outlook: Data mining and business analytics are useful tools to aide business services in this modern era. A better understanding of data and business analytics plays a vital role in the growth of large corporations. Companies are always on the lookout of IT specialists that possess the skills of data modeling and database design.

Median salary: $115,000

 

    3. Cybersecurity Specialists

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems, information technology, engineering or a related discipline

Job outlook: According to the Investing News Network (INN), “together, the expanding number of cyber-attacks, the increasing severity of these assaults and the amount of money companies are spending on cyber security illustrate why it is such an important market.” Computer geeks with the concentration of cyber security and ethical hacking courses are generally suitable for these jobs. Their job is to protect the company’s data and other vital information from being breached. Looking at the recent WannaCry attacks in May 2017 which affected more than 300,000 computers worldwide, the significance of this role has increased dramatically.

Median salary: $105,000

 

    4. Construction Project and Contract Management   

Training needed: Minimum bachelors or diploma degree in civil engineering. A master’s degree in project management is usually required

Job outlook: For any construction projects to succeed, the budget and timeline are key points.  Some companies have multiple projects working concurrently, and it is hard for them to keep track on these underlying factors. Project managers are responsible for delivering their entire projects on time and on budget. It is relatively a new concept wherein the skills of technical and managing the project are given priority. In a country like New Zealand, we expect more development in infrastructure and private construction activities. This business impetus derived from both the government and the private sector could increase the demand of such professionals in the years to come.

Median salary: $105,000

 

    5. IT sales

Training needed: Minimum diploma or bachelor’s degree in business administration or in a related field. Candidates with the IT background academically or practically are preferred.

Job outlook: if you think you are good at convincing clients to buy the product that you sell, IT sales could also be a right avenue for you to get on the board. IT sales professionals mainly sell hardware or software products to their clients. Be it a small or large business, owners believe in having the automated operations and try to use the maximum technology.

Median salary: $105,000

 

   6. Mine/quarrying managers

Training needed: Generally speaking, extensive quarrying or mining experience is a must. You also need to obtain an Extractives Certificate of Competence from WorkSafe New Zealand

Job outlook: Mine and quarry managers are responsible for all activities on a work site. This includes coordinating production, monitoring site systems and managing staff.

Salary range: $100,000 – $ 155,000

Source: Leitch Chris, “Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand.” Career addict

 

  7. Finance managers and controllers

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, commerce or a related field is required. Some positions may require a master’s degree with finance concentration.

 Job outlook: There are openings for this role in all sized corporations. If you are passionate about numbers and overseeing the company’s financial health, get on the board and take your company ahead of others.

 Median salary: $100,000

 

  8. Database experts

Training needed: Minimum bachelor or diploma degree in computer science or in mathematics.

Job outlook: Currently data is equated with the traditional commodities such as crude oil or gold. Some might think that it is an utter disconnect to this comparison. But, no; it is true. Companies have multiple departments filled with a variety of information stored in a database bank. In some cases, data is an asset and at the same it is the duty of a company to protect the confidentiality of clients’ data. Here comes the important role of data administrator or any designation suffix you name after data/base. There are IT companies to which the data storing job is also outsourced. Looking at the current labor market of New Zealand, we believe the demand for this occupation will remain stable for the years to come.

Median salary: $95,000

 

  9. In-house legal counsel

Training needed: A bachelor’s degree in law along with the registration and experience of years.

Job outlook: Whether there is a reasonable or frivolous lawsuit looming over the company, the legal department swings into action to counter the allegations or fight the right on behalf of his client. However, some issues/legal matters merit the reconciliation by means of the out-of-court settlement as no company is interested in investing its resources in a long-winded process of cases. To streamline various legal matters for interior or exterior issues, in-house legal counsel makes more sense. With the inevitable business growth of some companies, in-house legal counsel costs lesser than retaining a full-fledged senior counsel from the market.

Median salary: $95,000

 

  10. Quantity surveying

Training needed: Minimum bachelor or diploma degree in engineering or a related field. Usually it is one of the branches of project management also.

Job outlook: Another respectable and sought-after techno job! This occupation saves a lot of money and time for construction companies. The job duties include preparing the complete feasibility studies to estimate labor costs, time and materials. Furthermore, quantity surveyors are also responsible for analyzing, negotiating and preparing contracts and bidding.

Median salary: $95,000

Australia – Top 10 jobs with a handsome pay

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The 10 most in-demand jobs in Australia

 Current unemployment rate is 5.6% and inflation rate is 1.90%

Australia is transforming its overall industrial outlook in a big way. The key policy makers support many other industries which have not been very popular over the years. Therefore, we expect the occupation list such as this one will be revised intermittently. If we look at the occupations in demand, beyond doubt medical professionals top the list in terms of pay scale and range between $200,000 and $400,000 annually. This fact is known to all and hence we have cherry-picked those occupations which are not in the medical fields.   This article may help you find the right answer in the context of the Australian labor market. Here are top ten jobs which displays a strong demand:

  1.  Financial Investment Managers

Training needed: Minimum diploma or bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, commerce or other related field along with several years of work experience. A master’s degree with finance concentration is generally preferred.

Job outlook: The job duties of financial investment manager includes controlling, planning, evaluating and directing the operation of brokerage firms or other financial institutions that buy and sell bonds, stocks, and other forms of investments on behalf of institutional clients or individuals. They also manage the investment portfolios of their clients.

Median salary: $288,790

 

    2. Investment brokers

Training needed: Minimum diploma or bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, commerce or other related field along with several years of work experience.

Job outlook: This job role requires a very sophisticated set of skills of convincing clients to use the brokerage firm as a means of buying investments. For that, investment brokers must possess a detailed knowledge about the financial statements of companies that they recommend to their clients. They may need to explain clients why the particular financial product is a broker pick. Once the client agrees to buy an investment, the broker typically sends the buy order to the exchange floor (ASX = Australian Stock Exchange).

Median salary: $286,530

 

     3. Company secretaries– corporate governance

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in business administration is usually required. Some companies prefer candidates with law background with several years of practise. The membership of ICSA (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators), the global body for corporate secretaries, lawyers and accountants is usually required.

Job outlook: According to David Jackson, Corporate Secretary at BP PLC, “in today’s world, the role of the Company Secretary has no one meaning and covers a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. That said, the role lies at the heart of the governance systems of companies and is receiving ever great focus.” Increased attention on corporate governance and tightening and stringent regulations by the government authorities to make companies behave and act in good faith, the demand of prudent and efficient company secretary has surged noticeably. It is a role that entails a lot of competency and high ethical standards of a company secretary to curb the corporate scandals. However, the duties of a company secretary vary from organization to organization, depending upon the size of company, the sector in which it operates, the type of the organization and policies and procedures it adopts.

Median salary: $218,432

 

     4. Actuaries

Training needed: According to VETASSES requirements, “this occupation requires a major Actuarial Studies or Actuarial Science. Actuarial Studies is the application of mathematical and statistical analysis in order to solve financial planning problems in areas such as insurance, superannuation and investment (ASCED).”

Job outlook: This is a super-duper exciting job and a very few know about it. Actuarial professionals apply mathematical models to forecast and calculate the probable future costs of insurance or pension. Insurance business is expected to grow everywhere amid different types of uncertainty. In the past, some people either saw it as an investment or the others believed having no value in this product.  With increasing awareness about the insurance products with a strong purchasing power of expanding middle class, the insurance business will continue to scale new heights. This occupation has a wide range of products for offer. Specialists in this industry design health, life and property insurance policies. They calculate premiums, pensions and superannuation and make a product which could benefit both parties: individuals (person/tangible asset insured) and product offering companies/governmental departments.

Median salary: $196,144

 

    5. Petroleum engineers

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or in a related engineering concentration. Licensing is also required to work as Professional Engineer.

Job outlook: Australia is known for the deposit of natural resources. The Australian land is rich with the deposit of ore, mineral, coal, uranium, bauxite, and other fossil fuels. Natural resources are prime contributors to the Australian GDP. This job does offer a promising career with the field hardships as usual. Primary duties of a petroleum engineer includes directing and monitoring oil and gas drilling operations, conducting feasibility assessment studies for the same and among others.

Median salary: $185,808

   

    6. Mining production managers

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or in a related engineering concentration. Licensing is also required to work as Professional Engineer.

Job outlook: As discussed, business of natural resources is one of the prime employing sectors in Australia. Mining production specialists/managers are in a great demand, especially in Western Australia and Queensland. This industry yields billions of dollars each year.

Median salary: $179,439

 

    7. Paving plant operators

Training needed: Trade certification from TAFE is required.

Job outlook: Australia is the biggest island which governs the entire continent in the world. Size matters! Both the federal and state governments aim at developing the world-class infrastructure and over the years this operation has consistently been gaining the speed of changing the landscape suitable to industries and for Australians. It is a usual sight to witness activities of cranes, railway maintenance, construction, drilling and paving. Considering the size of the country, paving plant operators will remain busy for the years to come.

Median salary: $123,281

 

    8. Geophysicists

Training needed: A bachelor’s degree in earth science or a related field is usually required with 4 years of work experience working in the same field.

Job outlook: Western Australia and Queensland where the earth excavation for fossil fuels and minerals are in full swings. Professional geoscientists/geophysicists make more than the median salary in some cases. It all depends upon the previous track record of the candidate and his contribution to discovery and business activities. The pay scale could go as much as $300,000 in some cases. The primary job of geoscientist/geophysicist is to help society meet its needs for natural resources.

Median salary: $117,575

 

    9. Engineering managers

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree or higher qualification is usually required. In some cases, experience of years may be considered.

Job outlook: Another field job paradise it is! Those are driven to do something challenging in engineering fields and not depending on the fate for employment. This occupation offers a stable and job satisfying equation. Engineering managers direct, plan, organize, coordinate and control the technical and engineering operations of large- or mid-sized corporations.

Median salary: $116,732

 

   10. Metallurgists

Training needed: Minimum bachelor’s degree in metallurgy, physics, chemistry, or a related science discipline is required

Job outlook: Metallurgists design uses for new materials in traditional and related industries. These days, industries are also focused on scientific and new medical products. It is expected that material engineers will remain in demand in a near and long-term period.

Median salary: $110,359