Q: I have done my BTech in information technology from the Government College of Engineering and Leather Technology in 2007. I have no industrial experience. I am planning to do a course in SAP / ERP technical on ABAP from the FutureSoft ManManagement institute. I want to know the job prospects in this technical module. Will getting a job with TCS or IBM be a problem as I am a fresher?

Name withheld

A: Since the SAP market is growing in India, switching to a SAP job profile would obviously be a good idea. However, it would be advisable to consider the cost implications too as getting trained from a reputed organisation can be quite expensive. Also, beware of fly-by-night operators who provide training at cheaper rates but do not provide proper certification. You should remember that without proper certification it will be an uphill task to find a SAP / ERP job opening in a reasonably decent company.

Q:I am 24 years old and completed BBA in marketing in 2005. I have been assisting my father in our family business of goods distribution (not a registered firm) for the last three years. If I want to show it on my résumé as work experience, what type of designation should I use? Also, will this experience help me get admission into an MBA course and at the time of campus recruitment?

A:Pre-MBA work experience always helps broaden a person’s perspective. Your experience will also help you in getting lateral placement. I would advise you to choose a course only after doing some research on the placements obtained by the alumni of the institute where you intend to pursue the course.

Q:I passed my Plus Two (science) in 2003. After that, I learnt web-hosting management, web designing, graphic designing and Internet marketing on my own. I started a site and began working with Google online. I used to earn around Rs 20,000 a month but recently my site was hacked and business has hit rock bottom. I am 22 years old and extremely frustrated. I want to take up a job but do not think I’ll be very comfortable working under a boss and following his orders blindly. I’d like to continue my business, but I’d now like to start studying. What should I study and what is an appropriate career for me? Please advise.

A: I sympathise with your situation. Unfortunately for you, it might be quite difficult to land a job in your present predicament. If you can supplement your educational skills with specialised courses from NIIT or other such institutes, it would definitely help you in the long run.

Q: I am 27 years old and completed MSc in economics in 2006. Due to some personal problem, I did not score well in either graduation or postgraduation and because of financial problems, I could not join an MBA institute.

A: The financial sector is now booming. The experience that you have gained over these years in the insurance domain is extremely valuable because that sector is now recruiting in a big way. The challenge for you is to leverage the skill-sets you have and snag a job in insurance.

With a management degree, you will be able to look at fresh avenues. It will also give you a good theoretical grounding in general managerial aspects, which you will need for your next role.

I would advise you to post your résumé on job portals and look for a placement consultant experienced in this domain. Finding a job of your liking with the help of experienced professionals should not be a problem.