Q: I hold a BTech degree and have completed my MBA from a reputed college in New Delhi. I have been working in an IT company in a sales/business development role for the past two years. I am based in Noida. At present, I am looking for suitable opportunities in Calcutta. Kindly suggest the relevant industry verticals that I can look for.

Argha Sen, Noida

A: The IT and ITeS sector is opening up in a big way in Calcutta and if your company is looking at opening an office or a development centre in Calcutta you can definitely ask for a transfer. Else, there are many good companies in Calcutta in the IT and BPO space that you can explore for suitable opportunities.

Q: I am a 40-year-old civil servant and have served the state government for the last 12 years in various administrative posts. I am a postgraduate in physics. I am very interested in insurance and in the stock market and I regularly invest in the stock market. I want to widen my professional opportunities by getting trained in stock market/insurance sectors. I am thinking of leaving my job after finding suitable opportunities in these sectors. Which courses should I pursue to realise my dream? Please advise.

Sudeshna Boxi

A: Given your background, you could opt for a certified financial planner course on offer in India. This will enable you to indulge in your passion and at the same time, open up a career avenue for you in the fast-paced retail financial sector.

Q: I am 30 years old and have a diploma in mechanical engineering. I have been working as a senior sales engineer in a reputed engineering company for the last seven years. Now I want to grow professionally and want to pursue higher studies for the purpose. I am keen on pursuing management programmes like bachelors in business administration (BBA)/ masters in business administration (MBA). What should I do to enhance my academic profile and to grow in my present profession? If possible, please let me know what should be my take-home salary per month based on my qualifications, experience and the present market position.

CA, Barrackpore

A: It is difficult to comment on your ideal take-home salary in the absence of further details about your role and the industry you are working in. However, the engineering sector is witnessing a rapid growth phase and you can definitely look forward to a more open job market for your skills.

With just a diploma, it will be difficult to enrol into a masters degree. Hence, the emphasis should be on trying to augment your skills through short-term professional courses.

Q: I am a postgraduate in arts. I have knowledge of MS Office. I am a housewife at present. I am planning to join a computer-related job that will allow me to function from home and not to go on tours or outdoor operations. Please tell me about jobs that can be done from home and the courses that I need to take up for the same.

Jayati Chaki

A: Do check with ITeS/ BPO companies. Some of them are not averse to employees working from home. However, it will mean that you devote a good six to seven hours every day without any distraction. I am sure that you have thought about this and are prepared for it.

Q: I am an MSc in ecology and environment from Sikkim Manipal University and I have secured 62.8 per cent marks. At present, I am working in an English medium school. If I wish to join an MNC, am I eligible to do so? What will be the right way to proceed? Could you suggest some institutions from where I can pursue my masters in business administration (MBA) via correspondence?

Name Withheld

A: You can do an MBA through correspondence from IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). You could also do a part-time three-year course from any B-school. You have to decide which area interests you and then proceed accordingly. I wish you all the best in your endeavour.