Q: I am a graphics artist with Data Quest Entertainment Limited, Hyderabad. I have worked as an asset creation artist on projects like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (a Disney project), Donkey Olli, a famous TV animation series in the USA, as well as gaming projects like FIFA 2006 and Burn Out Revenge. Are there any companies that deal with gaming or animation outsourcing projects in West Bengal?

Soven Chatterjee

A: As of now, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai are emerging as the animation hubs of India.

West Bengal is yet to catch up on that front.

However, seeing the progress that the state is making in attracting ITES companies, the day is not far when one of the biggies in gaming/animation will set up shop in Calcutta.

At present, small firms like Dawsen Infotech, Metaphor Studios, etc, are there in Calcutta.

Q: I am 26 years old and am working as a team leader in Wipro Limited (BPO Division) Calcutta. I have five years’ experience in the BPO industry. I have an MS in bioinformatics. Will it be worthwhile for me to go in for an MBA? I can’t do a full-time MBA programme since I can’t quit my job. Can a long distance MBA boost my job prospects?

Soumava Das Gupta

A: With an MS in bioinformatics, you should be working for a CRO (clinical research organisation) or one of the many KPOs (knowledge process outsourcing companies) focussed on the sector. I suggest you look at other cities like Hyderabad, Pune and Bangalore, which are emerging centres in bioinformatics research for better job options. It is always better to do a full-time MBA. I suggest that you wait till you have the means to do so and then re-evaluate your options.

Q: I have been working in the field of HR for the last 17 years. I have a postgraduate diploma in personnel management from the National Institute of Personnel Management, Calcutta, as well as an LLB and BA from Calcutta University. I have served in different industries. Though I am strong in the industrial relations field, I would like to strengthen my skills in the latest HR practices. I hold a senior position in a reputed private company. What courses can I undertake for career advancement?

Parthasarathi Chatterjee

A: You can go in for a masters in computer applications (MCA). This will certainly add to your credentials and improve your prospects in the IT industry.

Q: I am a 27-year-old science graduate and am working as a chemist in a mineral oil-based company. I have an experience of more than three years as a chemist in two different companies. I am doing a postgraduate diploma in electronics and instrumentation from Annamalai University and want to join the instrumentation field. Will it be the right step to take?

Mukesh Dubey

A: If instrumentation is your area of interest, then the course will definitely be a step in the right direction.

Q: I am a mechanical engineer with 25 years’ experience in an auto-ancillary company with domain knowledge in manufacturing, design, tool room, marketing, etc.

Should I go in for an MBA-finance (evening or distance learning course) or a SAP-ERP (three months) course? Will that be a wise decision at this age? Will it help me in getting a job in the IT sector?

B.K. Chatterjee

A: Sure, the IT industry is always on the lookout for domain experts. Try approaching IT companies that have a clear focus on the sector. I am sure they will welcome your experience with or without an MBA/SAP. Once you join them you can use the company’s training programme to augment your skills.

Q: I am a commerce graduate and have done the Oracle9i course. I am working as a financial analyst in a reputed firm. What module of SAP would boost my career?

Name withheld

A: You have not mentioned your area of interest. Assuming that the role of a financial analyst excites you, a course in SAP-FICO or Oracle financials would be ideal.