Q: I have been working in a reputed pharmaceutical company as a medical representative for the last seven years. Though I have the opportunity of being promoted to the post of area manager, I am not interested in it. As you are aware, there are many opportunities in the field of biotechnology and patent law.

Will it be fruitful for me to join a correspondence course in one of these fields at the age of 32? Which has better prospects ? biotechnology or patent law? What kind of jobs can I opt for after the completion of the course and what are my chances of finding employment? Would I be able to set up my own business after completing a course like this? Please advise.

Name Withheld, Krishnagar

A: If you are thinking of setting up your own venture, then age is not an issue, but if you want to look for a job, then it might become a problem for you. You have mentioned that you have seven years? work experience as a medical representative, which, I suppose, gives you an interest in the field. I also suppose that you are a science graduate.

There are indeed many opportunities in biotechnology, but you might have to do regular courses and not a correspondence one, to be able to come into the field. The area of patent law would be very restrictive for you, given your interest in bio-sciences. I would say that you are going to benefit by joining the field of biotechnology.

Q: I am a 42-year-old BCom graduate trained in a financial management course (Government of India). I have 24 years? work experience and worked as a commercial manager, accountant, senior administrative officer and the chief manager of central excise.

I have also audited an ISO 9000 company. I am thinking of shifting to some other job. Where should I apply for middle-management jobs? Please advise.

Prosun Kumar Addy, Calcutta

A: With your rich experience in the accounting area and the exposure in audit, you can look for career opportunities in the accounting firms of this country. Your experience will be very useful for them. Besides, your contacts can be exploited for business opportunities.

Since you have 24 years of work experience, you might think of pegging yourself at senior-management levels, rather than thinking of being stuck at the middle-management level.

Q: I am a 28-year-old science graduate from Calcutta University (1999). After graduation, I joined a company dealing with medical transcription. After working for two-and-a-half years, I joined a call centre in Delhi. At present, I am working in Calcutta and have nearly three years? experience of working in call centres.

During my stay in Delhi I had undergone training in automated software testing and my skill sets include: Win Runner, Load Runner, Test Director, etc. I intend to switch over to software testing as a profession. I want to know if it would be possible for me to make this transition and how I should approach it.

Sourav Chatterjee, Calcutta

A: Yes, it is possible for you to make this transition. You have done a course on the subject and I guess you also have some experience in the field, so there should not be any problem in approaching organisations in the same sector. Since this is your interest too, I would say it would be a wise career move on your part. Age is on your side too. So what are you waiting for? Go right ahead and all the best.

Q: I am a 32-year-old working lady employed in a state government department. I am a BA graduate. I had appeared for the West Bengal Civil Services exam and got a group ?D? service. I would like to try out some other fields that has scope for value addition. Am I taking a wise decision in wanting to shift from my current job? Do I need to pursue any course? What are the options open before me? Please advise.

Sona Lama, Darjeeling

A: You have given very little information about yourself, but I will try and answer your query. I would say that with your existing qualification and given your current age, it would be advisable for you to continue in your current job. If you are looking at a career shift, I would say that you would have to do some vocational course based on your interest level.