Q: I am a 29-year-old science graduate working in a private engineering college as a technical support. Though I have been appointed in the non-teaching category, I teach BTech students. I have over eight years of experience in teaching and developing multimedia applications, mainly in academic institutions. Besides, I have done some freelance multimedia jobs. I am also on the verge of completing my DOEACC ?B? level in computer science. I also have diplomas in multimedia and visual basic and Oracle. I wish to pursue my career as a graphic designer/ multimedia developer. Please advise.

Name withheld.

A: I think you have a very good academic qualification and are very well suited for the type of career you have chosen for yourself. You have a varied knowledge in the multimedia sector and have also done some work in the interim, so you will not be considered as a fresher in the field. I think if this is where your interest lies, you should make a portfolio of your previous work and send it to prospective employers. Multimedia is like photography, your work will speak for you.

Q: I am 30 years old and have completed ICWA. I have five years?experience. I was employed as an accountant for two years. For the last three years I have been self-employed, selling financial products. Now I wish to switch over to SAP-FICO. Instead of spending money towards training if I opt for any recruitment-cum-training offer by any company will that be valuable? For that if I want certification how should I go about it? How much is the cost of SAP examination?

Name withheld

A: There are two ways of gaining experience in SAP ? one is by undergoing training and thereafter acquiring the certification, or getting a job in an organisation which is on the verge of implementing SAP and being part of the FICO module. The second option will be better for you since you would not like to spend money at this juncture to acquire certification, but you will gain valuable on-the-job experience and also certification (on behalf of the company). I think this approach will suit you best.

Q: I am 29 years old and employed as a technical assistant in a government organisation. I have also completed BE (mechanical engineering) from AMIE (India). Now, I wish to pursue some higher courses for better job prospects. Should I opt for an MBA (marketing or materials management) or a quality management course. I can only go for a part-time or a distant learning course. Please advise.

Name withheld

A: Your job prospects after doing the courses you mentioned will be higher but you need to keep in mind that they will not guarantee you top notch jobs since your engineering and also MBA (planned) would be part-time degrees which will be of lesser value in the job market. I do not know about your behavioural competencies, since distinct characteristics are required to excel in the marketing field.

If you think you are suited for those type of jobs, then you can study MBA in marketing, otherwise opt for quality management ? which will give you good future job prospects, more so since quality professionals are always in demand in the manufacturing sector. With your technical qualifications, I am not sure if you should venture into the materials management field.

Q: I am 46 years old. I am a BCom graduate and have also done a PG diploma in L&SW, LLB. I have 12 years? experience of working as a trainer in the area of environment, health and safety. I also have an audit experience of ISO 9000, ISO 14001, SA (social accountability) 8000 in a large private sector. I am thinking of shifting to some other job. Where should I apply for middle management jobs?

Name Withheld, Jamshedpur

A: Age is not on your side but your experience and qualification will stand you in good stead. With your current qualification and experience I think you can apply to big and small consultancy houses which specialise in these fields. Your experience in audit and training would be in demand there. Added to this, your social welfare and law degrees, coupled with other qualifications, can also give you jobs in big NGO?s or government funding agencies.